Best Times to Fish in the Amazon (Seasonal Guide)
The best time to fish in the Amazon is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to December, as lower water levels concentrate fish and make them easier to target. This period is very good for peacock bass, which are more active and accessible during these months.
| Month | Amazon Fishing Location |
| January | Madeira River – Head back to the Madeira River and try catching the payara. |
| February | Madeira River – Explore the Madeira River and target the mighty arapaima. |
| March | Amazon River – Cast your line in the Amazon River and go after the ferocious piranhas. |
| April | Rio Negro – Head to the Rio Negro for exciting peacock bass fishing in the flooded forests. |
| May | May: Juruá River – Fish for tambaqui in the Juruá River. |
| June | Rio Negro – Explore the Rio Negro and go after the mighty jau catfish. |
| July | Madeira River – Head back to the Madeira River and try your luck at catching the payara. |
| August | Amazon River – Fish for the majestic arapaima in the Amazon River. |
| September | Xingu River – Visit the Xingu River and target the acrobatic arowana. |
| October | Tapajós River – Return to the Tapajós River and try your hand at catching bicuda. |
| November | Rio Negro – Explore the Rio Negro and fish for the monstrous piraíba catfish. |
| December | Tapajós River – Visit the Tapajós River to catch tucunaré, also known as peacock bass. |
This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Amazon. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in the Amazon-Region
Rio Negro (January) – Fish for peacock bass in the Rio Negro, where the flooded forests create excellent habitats for these aggressive and colorful fish.
Madeira River (February) – Target arapaima in the Madeira River during this time, as the water levels start to recede, making it easier to spot these giant fish.
Amazon River (March) – Cast your line in the Amazon River and go after piranha, known for their sharp teeth and frenzied feeding habits.
Tapajós River (April) – Fish for tucunaré (peacock bass) in the Tapajós River during this month when the water is clear, providing great visibility for targeting these prized game fish.
Juruá River (May) – May is a great time to catch tambaqui in the Juruá River, as these fish feed on fruits and seeds falling from the trees.
Rio Negro (June) – Explore the Rio Negro and target jau catfish during this month when they are active and feeding.
Madeira River (July) – Head back to the Madeira River and fish for payara (vampire fish) known for their sharp fangs and aggressive nature.
Amazon River (August) – August is a good time to fish for arapaima in the Amazon River, as the water levels stabilize and provide better fishing conditions.
Xingu River (September) – Target arowana in the Xingu River, known for their unique appearance and aerial displays.
Tapajós River (October) – Fish for bicuda in the Tapajós River, known for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, during this month.
Rio Negro (November) – November is a great time to target piraíba catfish in the Rio Negro, as they become more active and can reach impressive sizes.
Madeira River (December) – Finish the year by fishing for matrinxã in the Madeira River, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic leaps.
Species Seasonal Breakdown
Table: Best Times to Fish in the Amazon
| Fish Species | Best Fishing Months |
|---|---|
| Peacock Bass | June – November |
| Arapaima | May – September |
| Payara (Vampire Fish) | October – April |
| Piranha | June – October |
| Catfish (e.g., Piraiba) | All Year, Peaks in April – October |
Peacock Bass
The best times to fish for peacock bass in the Amazon are typically during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to target peacock bass when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing peacock bass in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Juruá, and the tributaries of the Amazon River.
Arapaima
The best times to fish for Arapaima in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to target Arapaima when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Arapaima in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Trombetas, and the Mamirauá Reserve.
Redtail Catfish
The best times to fish for Redtail Catfish in the Amazon are typically during the rainy season, from December to May. Early morning and late evening are the prime times to target Redtail Catfish when they are most active. The best locations for fishing Redtail Catfish in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Tapajós, and the Xingu River.
Piranha
The best times to fish for Piranha in the Amazon are year-round, as they are always present. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations for fishing Piranha in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Tapajós, and the tributaries of the Amazon River.
Payara
The best times to fish for Payara in the Amazon are usually during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to target Payara when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Payara in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Orinoco, Rio Branco, and the Rio Uatuma.
Jau Catfish
The best times to fish for Jau Catfish in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to target Jau Catfish when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Jau Catfish in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Juruá, and the Amazon River itself.
Arowana
The best times to fish for Arowana in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to target Arowana when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Arowana in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Xingu, and the Rio Tapajós.
Bicuda
The best times to fish for Bicuda in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to target Bicuda when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Bicuda in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Tapajós, and the Rio Solimões.
Piraíba
The best times to fish for Piraíba in the Amazon are during the wet season, from December to May. Late evening and early morning are the optimal times to target Piraíba when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Piraíba in the Amazon include the Rio Amazonas, Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Solimões.
Matrinxã
The best times to fish for Matrinxã in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to target Matrinxã when they are most active. Some of the best locations for fishing Matrinxã in the Amazon include the Rio Juruá, Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Tapajós.
Surubim
The best times to fish for Surubim in the Amazon are during the rainy season, from December to May. Early morning and evening hours are optimal for targeting Surubim. Some of the best locations for fishing Surubim in the Amazon include the Rio Amazonas, Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Tapajós.
Trairão
The best times to fish for Trairão in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to target Trairão. Some of the best locations for fishing Trairão in the Amazon include the Rio Tapajós, Rio Xingu, Rio Trombetas, and the Rio Juruena.
Pirapitinga
The best times to fish for Pirapitinga in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to target Pirapitinga. Some of the best locations for fishing Pirapitinga in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, Rio Tapajós, and the Rio Juruá.
Dorado
The best times to fish for Dorado in the Amazon are during the wet season, from December to May. Dorado are active during the early morning and late afternoon. The best locations for fishing Dorado in the Amazon include the Rio Madeira, Rio Juruá, Rio Tapajós, and the Rio Negro.
Pacu
The best times to fish for Pacu in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Pacu are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for fishing Pacu in the Amazon include the Rio Xingu, Rio Araguaia, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Tapajós.
Aruanã
The best times to fish for Aruanã in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Aruanã are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for fishing Aruanã in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Tapajós.
Tambacu
The best times to fish for Tambacu in the Amazon are during the dry season, from June to November. Tambacu are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for fishing Tambacu in the Amazon include the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, Rio Madeira, and the Rio Tapajós.
Pirarucu
The best times to fish for Pirarucu in the Amazon are during the rainy season, from December to May. Pirarucu are most active during early morning and late afternoon. The best locations for fishing Pirarucu in the Amazon include the Rio Solimões, Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Mamirauá Reserve.
The best times to fish in Honduras, check out this guide. The best times to fish in Costa Rica, check out this guide. The best times to fish in Argentina, check out this guide. For the best times to fish in Uruguay, check out this guide.
Best Fishing in Amazon on a Seasonal Basis
Wet Season (December-May)
During the wet season in the Amazon, fishing can still be a rewarding experience. The best times to fish are typically early mornings and late afternoons when the fish are more active. The peacock bass is one of the most sought-after fish during the wet season.
Anglers also target other species such as the mighty arapaima, the largest freshwater fish in the Amazon, catfish, and piranha. To make the most of your fishing adventure, exploring the flooded forests and tributaries of the Amazon River is recommended.
Popular locations include the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Mamirauá Reserve. These areas provide diverse habitats for fish and offer excellent fishing opportunities.
Dry Season (June-November)
Fishing in the dry season in the Amazon can still be productive. The best times to fish are usually early mornings and late afternoons when the fish are more active. Popular species to target include peacock bass, arapaima, catfish, and piranha.
Good fishing locations in the Amazon during the dry season are the Rio Negro, Rio Madeira, and the Mamirauá Reserve. It’s important to follow local fishing regulations and practice responsible fishing practices.
