Pirarara
(Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)

The Redtail Catfish, known in Brazil as Pirarara, is one of the most powerful freshwater species you can target on the fly in the Amazon. At Kendjam Lodge, these giants inhabit the deeper pools and rocky channels of the Iriri River, where they ambush prey with brute strength and raw instinct.

Pirarara can grow to over 60 pounds, making them a true test for any angler. Their fights are deep, slow, and heavy — demanding strong setups and patience. While less acrobatic than species like payara or wolf fish, they more than make up for it in power and size.

Fly fishing for pirarara requires sinking lines, large streamers, and 9wt+ rods. Landing one of these jungle tanks is a badge of honor, and one of the most humbling experiences in Amazon predator fishing.

The fish

The Pirarara, or Amazonian catfish, is notable for its large size and brute strength, living in deep areas of rivers.

How to Fish

Catching Pirarara requires patience and large baits that are capable of attracting their attention in deeper waters.

Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass Cichla melaniae This endemic species of peacock bass is only found in Iriri River Basin, and they are the only ones that prefer moving water over stagnant water. Their average size is around 5-9 lbs with some big fish up to 12 lbs. Most of the time we sight fish for them using poppers or streamers. These bass are beautiful to sight fish for and watch an aggressive strike.

Wolf Fish

Wolf Fish Hoplias lacerdae They act like hungry wolves chasing a piece of meat when you cast a popper or a big fly. We recommend an 8wt rod and floating line for them. In Kendjam we only sight fish for them, so if you like fishing for aggressive predators, it doesn't get much more exciting than watching a wolf fish attack a popper. They can reach up to 20lbs in Kendjam.

Pacu

Pacu We fly fish for 3 different species of pacu: Silver Pacu, Pacu Seringa and Pacu Curupete. The mighty pacu eat insects and anglers can fish for them with dry flies, wets, nymphs and even algae flies using trout sight fishing techniques in runs, flats and pools. They are a jungle delight with a 5-6wt rod. Their average size is 3 to 8 lbs.

Matrinxã

Matrinxã Brycon falcatus The Matrinxã is pound for pound one of the strongest fish in the jungle. Their average size (3-8 lbs) makes them a perfect gamefish for dry flies like hoppers, beetles and topwater attractors. We recommend 5-6wt fly rods for this pursuit. They are an omnivorous species and lay in shallow flats and runs. They run like crazy, so be prepared to see your backing!

Bicuda

Bicuda Boulengerella cuvieri Their bodies and turbo boosted tails resemble a barracuda, making them the real runners of the Iriri River. A really aggressive topwater predator, they are most exciting when caught using poppers and divers. The bicudas average from 4-10 lbs. and guarantee a strike of pure adrenaline in your day of fishing. A 7wt rod is the perfect outfit for them.

Payara

Payara Hydrolycus armatus The payara is a real challenge at Kendjam, found commonly rolling in the morning or in pools chasing baitfish. These fish fight really hard! It's normal to lose these fish when they jump, due to a particularly hard mouth. We use streamers with intermediate and sink tip fly lines for payara, their average size ranges from 5-20 pounds.

If you want to read more about the travel, logistics, gear of this incredible experience, check out our travel planner.

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