Chetumal Bay is a picturesque, shallow-water flats fishery that has become known as one of the top permit fishing destinations in the Caribbean. The main area of concentration lies in the back bay located directly behind the village of Xcalak. The boat ride to the main permit fishing grounds averages 20-to-30 minutes from the lodge. And while permit are the most popular species in the area, bonefish are also prolific all throughout these waters. Snook, tarpon, jacks, barracuda, and other species are available for those seeking even more diversity.

With its numerous natural channels, expansive flats and massive networks of lagoons, Chetumal Bay provides the ideal habitat for game fish. Within 100 yards of a single shoreline flat – when the weather and winds cooperate – you can cast at bonefish, permit and tarpon. At certain times of the year, snook leave their mangrove sanctuaries to feed and warm up on the flats, giving anglers prime opportunities to target the “largemouth of the flats.”

On calm days, the oceanside flats and drop-offs provide excellent sight fishing for schools of permit as well as large, migratory tarpon during the spring and summer months. On windy days, the lagoons behind Xcalak provide shelter and productive fishing for permit of all sizes as well as baby tarpon and snook. In addition to boat fishing, Chetumal also offers excellent wade fishing for permit and bonefish.

A destination that has taken the international adventure angling scene by storm, many are calling the Tsimane offerings the ultimate freshwater fly fishing experience for the adventurous angler. Rather than focusing on a new river in an already discovered region or a new section of flats in an already-developed fishing area, Tsimane instead has opened a totally new and different door with regard to a new and untouched exotic location. What Tsimane offers is fly fishing for huge Golden Dorado in small, clear, freestone rivers – something that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Unusual? One comparative analogy that we like is the image of fishing for baby tarpon on the Three Dollar Bridge section of the Madison River in Montana.

Instead of mayflies in the air, however, there are thousands and thousands of huge, colorful butterflies fluttering around the river and crawling along the rocky banks and gravel bars. Even though the Dorado in Tsimane’s area waters are plentiful, the fishing in these rivers presents a number of challenges (as well as opportunities) for the angler. And although Golden Dorado are voracious, savage hunters, they are not necessarily easy to catch. As with most fishing situations, the element of surprise is an advantage that anglers will want to take full advantage of. These fish are almost always easily put down if spooked, so every pool and run must be carefully approached, well-planned, and well fished. Working closely with your guide will maximize each opportunity. In most situations, Dorado are caught when they are leisurely feeding and unaware of an angler’s presence. That said, their “eats” and their attacks can be very swift and sudden, so accurate casts and timing become important variables. Being able to shoot 40 to 60 feet of line, minimize false casts, and deliver a large fly in an accurate and delicate manner is a huge advantage when fishing this area. Like many saltwater situations, a powerful and accurate double-haul certainly helps.

The Pluma River is a moderately-sized, clear freestone river with an incredibly pristine and beautiful topography. It is more open than many of the other rivers in the area and is easier to wade due to its wide banks, mostly composed of smooth gravel and rock. In order to keep the Pluma River as virgin as possible, motors are restricted, with the exception of a small stretch where the Pluma joins the Secure River. All fishing on the Pluma is done either by wading or poling in aluminum skiffs or dugout canoes. The Itirizama is considered by many anglers to be the “jewel in the crown” of the Tsimane programs. It is similar in size and volume to the upper section of the Pluma River, but it has a steeper gradient and more rugged terrain, giving it a very different look and feel. The Itirizama runs from west to east through rugged canyons, creating the characteristics of a typical mountain stream with fast runs, rapids, waterfalls, and large boulders. This is the most physically intense section of the river to hike, wade, and fish, but the rewards of incredibly scenic beauty and some of the largest Dorado in the area make it worth the extra effort. Size prevails over numbers, and this is a true trophy fishery.

The “Butire” as it is known in the Kayapo language and means the River King - is a protected clear waters fly fishing and conventional fishing paradise - ideal for anglers who want to target payara with a range of techniques and also target additional amazing jungle species such as peacock bass, wolf fish, bicuda, matrinchas, red tail catfish and more.

Payara, one of the ultimate jungle predators, are known largely for their sizable teeth and aggressive behavior and in Xingu are known to reach more than 20 pounds. Rio Xingu's clear waters are ideal for fly anglers who want to target payara with a range of fishing techniques.

In addition of the Payara, Wolfish and Peacock Bass anglers can take on Bicudas, Matrinxas, Pacu and more. And guests aren’t limited to the fly fishing on a trip with us. From the

numerous red tail catfish to the jaú and the monster Piraiba, the Xingu is well known to be home of the largest catfish in the Amazon jungle. This can be a great way to add even more to a diverse angling experience.

Anglers can access a wide variety of waters, from runs, rapids, deep pools, flats, jungle creeks from our specially desgned aluminum skiffs with the assistance of one experienced English speaking professional guide and the ancient knowledge of the Kayapos native guides together. That brings to the Xingu a superior fishing experience.