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Information Central (c) Larry Larsen
The Amazon's Fishing Season
 The very best locations providing the top action often change from one year to the next, or even one month to the next, depending on weather (rains). That's why it
is important to keep in touch with the fishing tour operators that offer trips to South America.
The movement and behavior of the fish varies in different habitats and water types. Much of the knowledge of such is based on actual
experience fishing for the peacock in a vast assortment of locations and habitat. Very few biological studies on the species have been
conducted, and it is fair to say that the fishery database is years behind all North American game fish. Sport fishing in South America is a
relatively new concept, one that is however, taking giant leaps forward each year.
Temperatures vary little in the tropics, so seasons are generally based on rainfall. There are two so-called "seasons" in Brazil's Amazonia Region: the wet season and the dry season (or fishing season). The
two seasons affect all fisheries in the rainforest, but the timing of those seasons vary depending on where the
watershed is precisely located. Some areas may be in the midst of their rainy season while others are enjoying dry times.
 The nature of the runoff, the length of its tributaries, the distance from the Equator and the surrounding land masses all influence the
cycling of the seasons and add to the complexity of determining the best time for fishing. The wet season usually starts with occasional afternoon showers for a
few weeks and then heavy downpours occur most days for at least a
couple of months before they subside. The rivers and lakes rise and overflow from the torrential rains into the
surrounding floodplain. Inundated areas attract feeding baitfish.
High water is bad news for peacock bass fishermen, so knowing the water levels prior to the trip can make a big
difference in enjoying a productive adventure or wisely canceling an undoubtedly unsuccessful trip. During high water,
peacock bass move into the flooded forest or "iguapos" to feed on the forage fish and to live.
Most waters fluctuate substantially over the year. Larger tributaries may rise 50 feet and spread out 50 miles or
more during the maximum rainfall. In the wet seasons, water levels can rise 10 or 12 feet in a week on some
tributaries blowing away any fishing opportunity. An increase of 3 or 4 feet in a day or two during the dry season might do the same.
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