Peach Fishing & Adventures has been my agent for fly fishing the Xeriuini River for peacock bass in January of 2024 and 2026, with another trip scheduled for January 2027. Eduardo Crespo has been the U.S. contact and the host in Brazil on all the trips. Eduardo is the ultimate host, knowledgeable, proactive in dissemination of info, and responsive to queries. Accommodations in Manaus are arranged by Eduardo and are more than adequate, hotel rooms being quite comfortable and the breakfast buffet excellent. The bus from Manaus to Novo Airao has comfortable seating with plenty of room. In January 2024, the water levels of the Xeriuini were extremely low, requiring the use of a ‘fast boat’ to travel from Novo Airao to the mothership, Tumbira. This was a departure from the usual, which is to board the Tumbira AT Novo Airao and enjoy its accommodations while motoring to the fishing area(s.) While the fast boat experience was not the highlight of the trip, we did arrive at the Tumbira in plenty of time to unload, set up our rooms, rig up, and get some sleep. Beds are bunks with each room having its own bathroom (sink/shower/toilet) and window AC unit. Food is always excellent and plentiful. Snacks/hors d’oeuvres are served during the afternoon/evening and cold drinks (water/sodas/Caipirinhas/beer) are always available. 18’ skiffs with padded seats for both fishermen maneuver the tight, shallow, deadfall-ridden lagoons with ease. Because of the 2024 water levels, the mothership could not motor upstream each day, so we took a bit further excursion in the skiffs each day to find ‘new water;’ however, this never seemed to me to be an issue, what with the beauty of the sky, river, jungle, and the inhabitants of each providing an ever-changing canvas to be appreciated. Each skiff has a guide who is intimately knowledgeable of the river and its lagoons and lakes. My fishing buddy and I were able to boat around 90 fish for the trip, mostly peacocks, but a smattering of jacunda, wolf fish, piranha, arowana, bicuda, and more. By January 2026, river levels had normalized, and the Tumbira was at Novo Airao to pick us up around midday. There was plenty of time to get to know the others, ready our cabins, rig up, eat/drink all we wanted, and get plenty of sleep as we motored up the Rio Negro, Rio Branco, and ultimately the Xeriuini. Accommodations this year were actually a bit better even than in 2024, and better skiffs were provided as well. Fishing produced the same species, but this year’s peacocks for me were, on average, larger than in ‘24. My largest Asu in ‘24 and this year were just over 13#, but this year I had two 11#, five 8#, lots of 5/6/7#, and a number of nice butterflies. Plus, I caught a very nice arowana of 30”. I was blessed to catch 55 fish total, this year; my buddy caught 30 plus. While catching lots of fish on a fly rod is truly a blast, the experiences and the people you meet on this trip are what make it unforgettable…and, I would not be booking another trip with them if I did not have full faith in Eduardo Crespo and Peach Fishing & Adventures. I hope to see you in 2027!