The Matrinxã is a highly prized catch in Brazil. They inhabit stretches of faster water that run close to the banks. Over short distances, they can outpace even a Bicuda.

Very elusive and picky about what type of fly they will honour with their interest, hooking one is sheer delight, rewarded with a memorable fight and excellent sport even on a 9 weight rod.

Many anglers bring lighter tackle just to target this species.

(Note the piranha bite in the tail of this example)

Another highly prized and tricky fish to catch is the famous Pacu.

Often featured in nature programs on Amazonia, this fish is famous not only because its primary diet is fruit, but because it has been known to leap several feet into the air in order to snatch a berry out of a lunching monkey’s hand.

They can, on occasion, be fly caught by accident while trying for other species, but are more commonly targeted near fruiting shrubs overhanging the river, with a suitable fly. This is the amazonian equivalent of fishing the dry fly. Superb fun.

Again, pound for pound, impressive fights following dynamic takes.

The legendary Piranha, of course, deserves a mention. There are several species to be caught in the Iriri and tributaries. The one shown here is particularly striking with fiery orange gill plates.

Although great fun to catch a couple of times, they become a serious nuisance to the fly fisherman as you can kiss your fly goodbye.

Nevertheless, decent sized fish are great fun, fight hard with a tell-tale shaking of the head.

Needless to say, they add a slight edge to the concept of “catch & release”

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The Iriri holds a good number of catfish including this striking Pirarara and also the striped catfish or Surubim.

These require bottom fishing with heavy tackle. Late afternoon and night are very productive.

These fish can reach some 150lb plus.