Dorado and Peacock Bass!

On The Same Trip
in Brazil

The Bucketlist Predators   - Mato Grosso, Brazil

Description:

On this brand new program, anglers will have the unique opportunity to target two prized warmwater fishes in the same trip:  Golden Dorado and Peacock Bass. This program replaces our former 5-day Golden Dorado program, which is only available for groups of family and friends (description here)

We start our program on a Sunday, out of Cuiabá (Capital of Mato Grosso State - Brazil). After a 2-hour ride we will find ourselves in a simple, yet cozy, lodge by the River; where we will stay for the next couple of days to target Golden Dorados (aka "The King of the River" or just "Dourados",  in Brazil) and Piraputangas.  On Tuesday night we will move to a more sophisticated lodge by the lake, and spend the rest of the days fishing for three different species of Peacock Bass (Piquiti, Kelberi and Pinima). Return tansportation will be arranged for Saturday morning, so each angler can reach their next destinations or homes.

This package includes 5-day of fishing, transportation to/from the lodge, accommodation, meals, all beverages, guides and boats, and an extra night in Cuiabá depending on your arrival/departure schedule.

During the first part of the trip, we will fish the tailwaters of a fast-running, navigable and, mostly shallow, river. Unlike some other Golden Dorado destinations, our fishing day is done almost exclusively out of a Jon boat (not wading).  Flyfishing for Golden Dorados in these big waters require determination and skills, which are sometimes rewarded with a fish in the end of the line and a great acrobatic show for you.  Golden Dorados  between 6 to 20 lbs. have been caught in these waters.

On these waters there is also a fish called "Piraputanga", which can make fishing in that region a bit more relaxing. You fish them like you would for a trout. You take a 5wt to 7wt rod and a terrestrial fly, cast along the banks,  let the fly dead drift and then wait for the attack. Piraputangas enjoy a delicate fly presentation, but they have sharp teeth that will break your leader if you do not set the hook fast enough.  I recommend Golden Dorados for their brute force, beauty and acrobatics, and "Piraputangas" for a good fight and a relaxing experience.  Add to that, the beauty of Brazil, and you have the perfect combination.

For the second part of this program, we will move to the reservoir upstream of the river; there you will have the chance to complete the Peacock Bass slam by catching all the three species in the lake.  Although these species are not as famous or as large as the Temensis of the Amazon, they can reach over 60 cm (24") and make a 8wt rod bend like a rainbow. We will move on the lake with Sport Bass Boats equipped with 100HP engines and a trolling motor, which are ideal to cover lots of area, find fish faster and then quietly sneak on them.  For most part of the year the water is very clear on the lake and sight-fishing around the sand bars may be possible. Other species on the lake that are considered "by-catches" are: Piranhas, Tambaquis and Dourados.  In addition to all that, the lodge by the lake is brand-new and very charming, so bringing a non-fishing family along is not out of question.

​All meals are served at the lodge and they are a delicious sample of the local regional cuisine. We have breakfast as soon as 6am, then we break for lunch at noon (at this time, several guest like to take a little nap or enjoy the pool) and we return at dusk; dinner is served at 8pm.

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The fishing season goes from February to September. Considering a mix of weather, water levels, water clarity and other aspects; May and September are best for flyfishing. May is cooler, schools of Dorados start moving upriver to feed and Pacu is more active. September is much warmer and dryer,water is gin clear and fish feeds well.

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NOTE: A 2-day trip to Pantanal before or after the fishing, can be arranged at a cost.

Itinerary:

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• Sunday - Departure from Cuibá to the Lodge. 

• Monday and Tuesday -  Fish River Manso.

• Wednesday to Friday - Fish Reservoir

• Saturday - Return to Cuiabá