Agua Boa, Brazil

Agua Boa, Brazil.

To Book please call, (434)760-3474

AGUA BOA AMAZON LODGE.

The river boasts some of the world’s best fly fishing for peacock bass, a ferocious fish adorned with festive yellows, oranges, greens, and black. Anglers sight cast to shallow white sandbars for prowling peacocks. Twenty pounders are not uncommon. Caiman and jaguars will check out your casts. Guests stay in air-conditioned bungalows overlooking both a pool and the magnificent river.”—Forbes Life staff.

“The large number of peacock bass make this trip mind-boggling.” - Larry Schoenborn.

Agua Boa Amazon Lodge, a fly-fishing-only lodge, sits on a high bank overlooking the Agua Boa River. The Lodge is 200 miles northwest of Manaus, Brazil, and is only accessible by plane.

The Agua Boa River is approximately 150 miles long and is one of a thousand-plus tributaries feeding the mighty Amazon Most of the river is only about two casts wide. The Agua Boa headwaters are in the Serra do Mocidade Mountain range near the Yanomami Indian Territory southwest of Boa Vista. The Agua Boa borders the Roraima State Ecological Park for forty miles. The beautiful clear waters of the Agua Boa flow through one of the most protected areas of the Amazon region before entering the larger Rio Branco, which in turn runs into the Rio Negro. At Manaus, the Rio Negro joins the Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River.

Agua Boa Amazon Lodge has the rights to fish the entire Agua Boa River system—over a hundred miles of fishable river. The Lodge divides the river into beats. Beats are rotated daily, so you get a chance to see the entire river. The Agua Boa has beautiful clear water and a light sandy bottom—a rare combination for the Amazon; and the perfect environment for sight casting to cruising peacock bass and arowana.

The Lodge Season: The Lodge is open for the dry season from mid-October to the first of April.

Peak Fishing Season: November and December are remarkable fishing months. The peacock bass haven’t seen much pressure, and the river isn’t too low. The dropping river levels draw the fish out of the maze of trees, root systems, and lush vegetation. The rainy season—April through September—occasionally fails to abide by schedules and may add mid-season downpours. Although the Agua Boa River fishes good at any water level and has consistent peacock numbers, most often, the best fishing is before January. After January 1, the levels can become too low to navigate quickly, and the fish are easily spooked. Before water levels drop, anglers focus on the lagoons attached to the river and teeming with fish. Agua Boa peacock bass.

Water Levels: The many lagoons and oxbow lakes located along the Agua Boa vary in size from two to 50 acres. When the river is at optimal mid to low levels, sandbanks create additional pools, and many of the lagoons become disconnected from the main river. Here, you’ll find fantastic sightcasting opportunities for huge peacock bass in search of prey. When the water is slightly higher, guides pole the boats through the shallow channels leading off the main river into the connecting lakes. When the water levels are lower, a short walk of no more than a quarter of a mile may be required to reach the best fishing. If the water is too high to fish on any given week, the Lodge will re-schedule your week to a later time but will not refund your trip payment.

Catch-and-Release Fishing Only: Agua Boa is a well-managed fishery where catch-and-release fishing and the use of single barbless hooks is required to preserve the large population of fish. The Agua Boa River is the only fly-fishing-only, single barbless hook river in the Amazon.

Peacock Bass: To understand peacock bass, you need to first consider their habitat. The Agua Boa’s clear water is well-suited to fly fishing, allowing anglers to sight-fish for peacocks up to 23- pounds, along with a host of other jungle species. Almost everything in the Amazon is being eaten or is in the process of eating something else. As a rule, Amazon fish are built tough with razor-sharp teeth or brutal strength. While peacocks do not have razor-sharp teeth, there isn’t a tougher freshwater fish. Peacock bass are in the pulling category. They will either break your line or pull you straight into structure to tangle you up. They are more than happy to break rods and the toughest leaders.

Peacock bass come in a variety of sizes, and you’ll find these three at Agua Boa: 1.) The Butterfly 2.) Spotted or three bar also known as Temensis peacocks, and 3.) Towa. The butterfly peacock is the most numerous species in the system. Butterflies are aggressive and are taken on poppers and 3- to 4-inch streamers. They are great fighters, jump often, and average 2 to 5-pounds. Butterfly peacocks provide plenty of action between shots at larger fish. The spotted/three bar or temensis peacock bass are a totally different beast. They are the largest of the peacocks, up to 30-plus pounds. These peacocks are some of the most aggressive gamefish on the planet. Spotted and temensis peacocks are the same fish, just different color phases. They travel in packs of up to forty fish and feed together, working bait like a pod of bluefish. A school of the large peacocks in a full-feeding frenzy attacking one-pound baitfish is something to see. The baitfish are flying everywhere in a desperate attempt to escape, including jumping onto dry land to get away. If you can get your fly into the action, the results are spectacular. A ferocious take, a jump, and a blistering run into structure are just a few of the obstacles you might encounter. Towa’s are found mainly in the lower two beats and look like a butterfly without the three butterfly patterns on the side. They do have a butterfly pattern at the base of the tail. A large towa runs 3 to 4 pounds.

Other jungle species are well worth pursuing. The arowana looks and fights like a tarpon—they are aerial fighters, good runners—and average 4 to10 pounds.

Pirarucu/arapaima, the giant tarpon of the Amazon, grow to more than 200 pounds. These fish look and act a lot like a tarpon. In the last couple of years, the guides have started catching more of them. Use long slow strips, and your peacock bass flies. Pacu can reach up to 10 pounds, are shaped like permit, and are taken on trout patterns. On peacock bass fly patterns, you’ll also land piranha, shovelnose, tiger catfish, and more.

Boats: The fleet of 18-foot aluminum skiffs with poling platforms and new fishing support rails are ideal for fishing these waters. Late in the season, when the water gets low, the motors are switched from two-stroke Mercury outboards to Yamaha four-stroke jet motors. The jet motors prove invaluable for those low water sight casting opportunities. The guides pole the boats from platforms or occasionally paddle to ensure the best fly fishing. Each boat has a GPS SPOT device, so the guides can contact the Lodge in case of an emergency. Anglers may request to fish alone for an additional cost and are subject to availability. Boats are kept on several lakes, some just off the river and others that are up to a quarter-mile hike. Two anglers per boat and guide.

Guides: You’ll rotate guides each day. With many years of guiding on the Agua Boa, their experienced guides do their best to get you into fish. The guides speak Portuguese yet know enough English for you to understand them. The guides can take you fishing as early as 7:00 a.m., and you are welcome to fish until 5:00 p.m.

Equipment: The Lodge does not furnish tackle. If you desire to tie your own flies, email Carson to send you fly samples. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.

Rods and Lines: The most commonly used rods on the Agua Boa River are a single-handed 8- or 9-weight, with the 9-weight being ideal. We suggest you take at least two rods with you—one rigged with a floating or intermediate line and the other with a fast sink tip line. Because the hardfighting nature of the various species can be brutal on tackle, a backup rod will come in handy. The Lodge has Sage rod rentals available for $150.00 per week.

Your lines should be designed for tropical environments such as a top-quality Rio Tropical Outbound Short intermediate, Tropical Outbound Short floating lines, and a 250- or 300-grain Leviathan Sink Tip. For the leader, we recommend Maxima 40-50 lb. ultra-green. We’ll provide a complete tackle list upon booking.

The Lodge’s Fly Shop offers a selection of quality fly fishing gear for sale—Rio floating and sinking fly lines, Rio leaders, flies, stripping finger guards, line cleaner/dressing, and Lodge logo fishing shirts. The Lodge encourages you to bring your own gear, but if you run out of flies or break a rod, they’ll be able to help. If you get into Manaus late or do not have a chance to buy gifts for family and friends, you’re taken care of as the shop has a selection of locally made arts, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. U.S. dollars are accepted at the Fly Shop.

Hats: Wide-brimmed or baseball-style hats are okay, but the best protection is the Flats Hat. It has a long bill in the front to protect your face and a long flap in the back to protect your neck. Some versions have fabric that covers your ears and neck. A UV buff is a must–it protects your face and neck from sunburn and wind. A complete recommended clothing list is in our confirmation packet.

Climate: Expect hot weather, as you’ll be near the equator—90°F plus. The Lodge is open during the dry season, and rain showers are infrequent.

Insects: You’re unlikely to see mosquitoes at the Lodge. In the evening and early morning, the no-see-ums may be a problem. You won’t feel them bite, but you will probably itch and develop a rash later. If you use repellent and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants, you’ll hardly notice them.

About Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Agua Boa Amazon Lodge is remote—it’s over 50-miles to the nearest habitation. After an hour and 45-minute charter flight from Manaus, you’ll land at the Lodge’s private paved airstrip. The Lodge sits nearby, overlooking the Agua Boa River. The Lodge is one of the most deluxe lodges in South America. Amenities include a 65-foot swimming pool, dining room, bar and lounge area, satellite TV with English channels, ping pong table, and a billiards table in the recreation room. The Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests in six air-conditioned bungalows. Each bungalow has a front and back porch. There are two double-size beds, a private bathroom with a shower, a reading area, and a refrigerator with cold drinks. Solar panel heated water. Bungalows are typically double occupancy, but single occupancy are available for an additional cost. Carlos, the Lodge manager, speaks English.

Physical Condition: The owner, Lance Ranger, is a firm believer in handicapped accessible adventures. The Lodge can accommodate almost anyone, and anglers may return to the Lodge at any point during the day.

Fly Shop: The Lodge’s Fly Shop offers a selection of quality fly fishing gear for sale—Rio floating and sinking fly lines, Rio leaders, flies, stripping finger guards, line cleaner/dressing, and Lodge logo fishing shirts. The Lodge encourages you to bring your own gear, but if you run out of flies or break a rod, they’ll be able to help. If you get into Manaus late or do not have a chance to buy gifts for family and friends, you’re taken care of as the shop has a selection of locally made arts, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. U.S. dollars are accepted at the Fly Shop.

Electricity: The Lodge runs on a diesel generator supplying standard 110-volt electricity from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. daily. Both two and three-prong outlets work like the American system. If there is a medical need for electricity during the day, the manager can help. You’ll need an adapter for the hotels in Manaus but can usually borrow one at the front desk.

Communications: The Lodge has a satellite phone. The cost is $5.00 per minute. Free Wi-Fi access is available in both the Lodge and the individual bungalows, although somewhat slow and spotty. There is also a computer in the main lodge that the guests can use for no additional charge.

Cell Phone App: There is an app called WhatsApp for cell phones. It’s free, and you can make calls where there is no cell phone coverage. It works through the Wi-Fi internet. Many people are using this app in Argentina, Brazil, and other countries. For it to work, you and the person you’re calling need to have it installed on the cell phone. It does not work on landlines. Visit:

https://www.whatsapp.com/

Laundry Service: Daily laundry service is provided for free. Your laundry is picked up each evening and is returned to you the next day. This service allows you to pack lighter, so they can fly more supplies to the Lodge.

Non-Angler Activities: The Lodge has two well-maintained jungle trails. One is a 45-minute walk, and the other is a 90-minute walk. Knowledgeable guides will accompany any guests that would like to explore the trails. If wildlife viewing or photography is of interest to you, the Lodge can arrange for one of their guides to take you on a complimentary boat ride to locate exotic birds, including macaws, parrots, jabiru storks, turkeys, and more. It’s common to see caiman, tapir, freshwater dolphins, giant river otters, monkeys, and an occasional jaguar.

Travel and Logistics

Inoculation: No inoculations are legally required for entry. However, we advise our clients to be current with hepatitis, measles, and tetanus vaccinations. You may want to check with your local immunization and inoculation clinic or the CDC’s website (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) for recommendations on health precautions before travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: The CDC recommends a yellow fever vaccination for most of Brazil, including ALL peacock bass fishing areas.

Travel Documents: A passport valid for six months after your departure date from Brazil is required. As of June 17, 2019, Brazil no longer requires a Tourist Visa for U.S. citizens.

Getting to Agua Boa Lodge: Anglers will need to arrive in Manaus on Thursday or Friday before their scheduled trip date. (The trip dates or lodge dates are Saturday to Saturday.) You’ll fly to the Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) in Manaus, Brazil. The airport was named after the Brazilian politician and military figure, Air Marshall Eduardo Gomes. There are direct flights from the U.S. to Manaus, but carriers vary. We’ll advise you on the best flights as all clients need to arrive and depart the Lodge on the same schedule.

Transportation in Manaus: The package price includes three ground transfers in Manaus. An English-speaking representative of the Lodge will greet you upon your arrival at the airport and arrange for the transfer to your chosen hotel. The representative will be happy to provide you with information regarding the history of Manaus, local trips and excursions, restaurants to visit, etc. The Lodge arranges the following morning’s transfer to the private charter flight (one hour and 45- minutes from Manaus to the Lodge. Upon your return charter flight to Manaus, a representative will transfer you to the airport in Manaus for your connecting flight or to your hotel. If you stay at a hotel, it is your responsibility to get to the airport after that. Taxis or private cars can be arranged at the hotel.

Is an overnight stay in a hotel required? Yes. Upon arrival in Manaus, Brazil, a hotel night is required. This hotel night is not included in the package. You may also need to spend one night in Miami on the way to Manaus. More information and hotel recommendations are provided in our confirmation packet. Our hosted groups usually stay together at a hotel in Manaus.

Is there a baggage weight limit on the charter flight? No, however, please remember that the Lodge provides free daily laundry service. Your clothes are picked up in the morning and laundered by the time you return from fishing. Packing light is always appreciated as it allows the Lodge to bring in much-needed supplies on the charter flight from Manaus.

Sample Itinerary Thursday or Friday: You will need to arrive in Manaus on Thursday or Friday before your scheduled trip date. Your lodge stay runs Saturday to Saturday. If you arrive on Thursday, the Lodge is happy to arrange a city tour for you for Friday. The cost is $150.00 per person.

After you arrive in Manaus, you’ll go through customs. After customs, you’ll be met by an Agua Boa Amazon Lodge representative, who’ll be holding a sign. He will have your transportation arranged to the hotel you’ve chosen for your overnight stay.

Saturday: The charter for the Lodge departs at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. You’ll be met at your hotel at 5:00 a.m. by the Lodge’s ground crew and then transferred to the airport to meet the charter for the one-hour and 45-minute flight to the Lodge. You’ll arrive at the Lodge at about 8:30 a.m. If you miss this charter, you will have to return home or pay for a private charter to the Lodge, which is very expensive.

Arrival to the Lodge: Upon arrival, the guides will help you with your bags and escort you to your bungalow. A champagne reception and breakfast are served, then you’ll fish the rest of the day.

Fishing Days: (Sunday through Friday): Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. Your guide will be available at 7:00 a.m. Six days of fishing river channels, inland lakes, and lagoons. Eight to 10 hours of guided fishing each day until 5:00 p.m. You’ll return to the Lodge for a relaxing caipirinha (rum and lime) followed by the evening meal at 7:15 p.m.

Saturday: The charter flight from the Lodge to Manaus departs around 9:00 a.m. The charter will arrive around 11:00 a.m. in Manaus. A lodge staff member will meet you upon your arrival in Manaus and drive you to the international terminal or your hotel in Manaus. He’ll have your itinerary information.

Package Includes: airport reception in Manaus, three ground transfers in Manaus, roundtrip charter flight between Manaus and the Lodge, lodging at Agua Boa, all meals at the Lodge, soft drinks, beer, wine, caipirinhas in the evenings, daily laundry service, guided fishing, fishing license.

Package Does Not Include: international airfare, satellite telephone calls $5.00 per minute, liquor, airport taxes, hotel nights/meals/optional city tour in Manaus, mandatory trip evacuation and medical insurance, 10-15% gratuities to guides and Lodge staff, fishing tackle, Sage rod rentals $150.00 per week, mandatory Global Rescue membership or some other equivalent form of medical evacuation insurance in the event of an emergency, travel insurance, and anything not mentioned under inclusions.

Medical Evacuation Insurance: All guests must have Global Rescue or some other equivalent form of medical evacuation insurance in the event of an emergency.

Gratuities: We suggest a cash tip of 10% to 15% of the package rate for the guides and staff. You do not need to leave any additional tips. The Lodge manager will collect the tips and split them evenly among the guides and support staff. Please bring cash for the gratuities.

December 27, 2025 - March 28, 2026 - Peak Season:
Two anglers per room and boat:
$8,450.00 per person
One angler per room and 2-anglers per boat:
$9,450.00 per person
One angler per room and boat:
$15,950.00

Deposit: Bookings require $1,000.00 down if your trip is more than 18 months away to confirm the reservation. A deposit of 50% of the package price of your trip is required to confirm your reservation if your trip is within 12 months of booking with the remaining balance due 90 days before arrival.

Cancellation Policy: The Deposit payment is non-refundable unless space is subsequently booked. There is no refund for any unused portion of the land package. Receipt of deposit and or final payment is an acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepted the cancelation, refund, and responsibility clauses. You can attempt to get a replacement. Brook2Bay will also try. Refunds will be given if a full-price replacement is found.

Mandatory Release Form: All clients must sign and submit their Notice of Acceptance of Dangers and Release Liability form before being allowed to fish at Agua Boa Amazon Lodge.

Adverse Water Conditions: Should Amazon Agency Corporation cancel your fishing trip the Lodge due to adverse water conditions, the guest will be offered the next available space at the Agua Boa Amazon Lodge. In the event of a cancellation due to water conditions, they cannot refund your payment. They will roll you over to the next season. They encourage all their guests to purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your payment in the event of a cancellation.

See you in the Amazon,

Carson