GPS Coordinates: 7°57’28.15″S 53°15’55.28″W
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General Travel Information
The week at Kendjam is from Sunday to Sunday. Most US guests will reserve flights to Manaus (airport code MAO) out of either Miami (American Airlines) or Panama City (Copa Airlines). There are also connecting flights into Manaus from Sao Paolo for anglers coming from other parts of South America or Europe. We recommend working with Alicia Regueiro at Holdy Tours (1-800-446-1111 or alicia@holdytours.com) for the schedule that will best suit your trip and to book your flights.
Upon arrival in Manaus, you will pass through immigrations and customs. Do not lose your entrance card to Brazil. This is a small white piece of paper. You will need it for your return.
Saturday (the day before scheduled arrival at camp):
Arrive at Manaus International Airport. Guests will be greeted by our English speaking representative/transfer driver. They will arrange for transfers to the Juma Opera Hotel (included in the trip package). The transfer staff will let you know when they will pick you up at the hotel the next morning, to take you to the charter airport. They will also collect the Native Community Fee of ($530) from you at this time.
Juma Opera Hotel
Address: Rua 10 De Julho, 481 – Centro – Manaus
District: Manaus – Federation: Amazonas – Brazil
Amazonas – CEP: 69010-060
Name: Debora Motta (Untamed Angling Transfer Agent)
Phone: +5592994034631 | https://jumaopera.com.br/en/
Overnight Rates:
Extra Accommodations: $200 – $220 (subject to change without notice)
Manaus Extra Costs (all optional):
Restaurant Shuttle: Round Trip from Juma Opera Hotel – $20 p.p. (does not include dinner) (minimum 6 passengers)
- Full Day City Tour: 8 hour tour – $120 per person (subject to change without notice)
- Half Day City Tour: 4 hour tour – $60 per person (subject to change without notice)
We often recommend arriving in Manaus a day earlier (on Friday) rather than late on Saturday night – this helps buffer you against possible airline delays or lost luggage into Manaus, and will give you a day to enjoy what Manaus has to offer. This is important as there is only one charter flight a week to Kendjam. Booking your arrival to Manaus too close to this charter flight time could prove highly problematic – if you arrive too late for it, getting your own private charter flight would be enormously expensive, if not impossible. Quite a few people opt to come in a day early as this virtually eliminates this potential problem. It costs an additional hotel night, but for many it is worth it, for the peace of mind.
Manaus:
Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing city (1.4 million habitants). It is one of the busiest ports in the Amazon where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. There are many interesting places to visit: The Amazonas Theater, The Palace “Río Negro”, the Floating Port, the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisboa, the Forest of Science, the Museum of Natural Science, as well as the Aboriginal Fair, where you can buy items made by the Indians. We strongly recommend you consider visiting the Fish Market, no one that visits regrets it and most say it is the highlight of cultural experiences in Manaus.
Restaurant Recommendations
Resturante Banziero
R. Libertador, 102 – Nossa Sra. das Gracas, Manaus – AM, 69057-070, Brazil
+55 (92) 3234-1621 | http://www.restaurantebanzeiro.com.br
Churrascaria Bufalo
Churrascaria Bufalo, Para 490, Vieiralves, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
+55 (92) 3131 9000
Sunday:
Early Sunday morning, the Untamed Angling host/driver will pick the group up at the Juma Opera Hotel and take you to the domestic airport for the private charter flight to Kendjam. The flight from Manaus to Kendjam is operated by an 8-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan, and normally departs around 7:00 am. The flight duration is between 3 to 4 hours, and may stop to refuel depending on weight, wind velocity, etc. Kendjam is located 550 miles southeast from Manaus and the plane will land on a dirt airstrip right in the Kendjam Indian Community.
SPECIAL VISA UPDATE:
Starting June 17, 2019 United States Citizens can stay in Brazil up to 90 days without a visa, making travel to Brazil a more affordable and accessible option. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Kendjam Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Kendjam Indian Community, you will be met by the guides and staff. There will be a “Meet and Greet” providing anglers time to discover the Kayapo culture, social organization and more. We will present the group to the Indian chiefs and a brief orientation of the fishing week will be made. The fishing team and staff will serve lunch and anglers will have a brief explanation of the daily fishing plans and the exploratory trip plans. Depending on the time and the group, everyone will either camp at the Indian Community or head downstream to the camp to prepare for fishing the next day.
Monday to Saturday:
Each day teams of two anglers will head out for the day, fishing downstream on the Iriri River and discovering its many channels and tributaries. Each two anglers will share a professional, English speaking fly fishing guide, along with a local native guide in an aluminum boat. New for 2017, there will also be two outcamps, one on the uppermost beat and one at the lower beat end; these will allow anglers to access an amazing new area never-fished before by guests and also optimize fishing days with less navigation and more time fishing. Each outcamp is designed for 2 anglers.
Typical Day:
- 5:30 am – Coffee is hot
- 7:00 am – Breakfast
- 8:00 am – Head to fishing grounds
- 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Anglers will have a picnic style lunch on the river
- 1:00 pm – After lunch, fishing will resume until late afternoon when the guides will deliver anglers back to the camp around 6pm. Every day the camp will be moved, and set up in a different place
- 6:30 pm – Cocktails and appetizers on the covered patio top deck
- 8:00 pm – Dinners will be served
Sunday Departure from Kendjam:
In the morning, guests will be transferred by boat to the Kendjam Community landing strip to fly back to Manaus at approximately 11:00 am, weather permitting. The return flight will stop in Novo Progresso to refuel then continue on to Manaus. You will arrive in Manaus around 3:30 pm (assuming no flight delays).
Most anglers will be departing on the late night flight, technically the next morning, departing Manaus for Miami at 12:05 am, or to Panama City at 3:40 am.
- Please remember, when purchasing your flights, that the flight date will be at 12:05 am the day after your departure date.
Your staff driver will deliver you to the International Airport after a nice Brazilian BBQ dinner (we highly recommend the Bufalo or Restaurante Banzeiro) or to the Juma Opera Hotel for a quick shower if you choose to rent a day room. If you do not feel like taking the red eye out of Manaus that night, another night’s stay at the Juma Opera Hotel (or another hotel) can be arranged; this would not be included in the package, and we will need to know as far in advance as possible if you will need this extra hotel night. Should this be the case, the transfer driver will pick you up the following day, according to your flight departure time, and deliver you to the International Airport.
- Bufalo – http://www.churrascariabufalo.com.br/
- Restaurante Banzeiro – http://www.restaurantebanzeiro.com.br/
Extra Night or Day Use Rooms:
If you would like an extra night in Manaus at the Juma Opera Hotel on arrival or departure or would like a day room on your departure day, please let us know. All extra nights and day use bookings will be paid direct to the hotel.
Baggage:
Please do not bring unnecessary weight to the camp. We use small planes for air transfers to and from the camp and we strictly enforce weight limitations. You will be able to leave items not needed in camp with the hotel concierge in Manaus if you are returning to the hotel at the end of the week. We recommend this for traveling clothes, etc. There is a strictly-enforced 40-pound weight restriction per person for the twin-engine, turbo-prop flights divided as follows: one 10 lb. carry-on piece of luggage and one 30 lb. checked bag – soft duffle bags with no rigid bottom (except for rod cases). (If you have only one soft duffle bag it must be no larger than – length: 30in; Width: 22in; Height: 11in. NO HARD LUGGAGE.
Native Community Fee:
This Project was based as a long term social project which supports the preservation of the Indian Culture by improving their quality of life. The Kendjam Kayapo Indians have formed an association (AFP – Protected Forest Association) and board to protect their interests moving forward. This association includes representatives from many Kayapo villages representing the many Indian Communities inside the Mekragnoti Indian Territory. The project has a significant user fee on all visiting anglers. The funds from the fee will primarily be used for social projects, infrastructure development, transportation, and medical and education projects.
The fee will be $530 per person for the trip. The tax will be payable in (Cash $USDor Brazilian Reals) to the representative at your arrival in Manaus and goes directly to the Indian Association Account and anglers will receive a receipt from the Association. This fee represents an important step in the continuing effort to protect our ability to continue to share this amazing and unique part of the world.
The Trip & The Lodge
Guests traveling to Kendjam must remember that this is in the middle of an extremely remote tropical jungle area, and everyone visiting here must by physically and mentally prepared. You will want to approach this trip with an exploratory mind and soul. But most of all, with the respect for the land and culture of the Kayapo warriors. It is their territy and river, which they have protected with their warrior spirit for centures from foreign interests, mining, logging, and even were able to shut down a government dam project on the river. Their official land is a huge virgin Amazon Forest territory denominates as the Mekrangotni Indiginous Territory, and is begger than the Netherlands or Denmark in Europe and more than twice the size of Vermont or Massachusetts in the United States. As warriors, it is important for them to protect this fertile jungle from those who want to exploit it.
The Kendjam Lodge accommodations are a comfortable African-Style safari tent camp, with 4 double occupancy tents with spring box beds, private bathroom, hot water and electric light. The camp is located in a wonderful sandy beach area in front of a beautiful pool of the Iriri River about 45 kilometers downstream from the Kendjam Community. Every evening guests will be delighted by wonderful cuisine in a well-fashioned living and dining room. Bottled water and juices will complete the beverage list of camp (alcohol of any sort is not allowed in the Kendjam Territory). Satellite Internet Wireless connection and phone service are provided for all of our guests.
Solar panels provide full electric power every night and each tent have 110-volt plugs so remember to bring your 110V to 220V converter if needed. You may charge batteries and use an electric shaver in every tent. Laundry service is provided at the camp at no additional cost, just leave your clothes in a designated container in your room and they will be returned washed and clean, usually within a day. For the most adventurous anglers, there is a two-night out camp location to reach the furthest and most wild areas of Iriri.
For a great resource on the people and history of the Kayapo nation, take a moment to read the article in National Geographic Magazine, issue January 2014.
Here is the link to the Nat Geo article on Kendjam/Kayapo:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/01/kayapo/brown-text
Brief Video Interview with the author:
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/ng-live/kayapo-schoeller-lecture-nglive
Contact Numbers
South America Travel Agent:
Holdy Tours
Alicia Regueiro
(800) 446-1111 | (925) 927-6617 | alicia@holdytours.com
- Can book your air, and any additional hotel rooms you may request.
The Fly Shop®
4140 Churn Creek Road
Redding, CA 96002
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Juma Opera Hotel
Address: Rua 10 De Julho, 481 – Centro – Manaus
District: Manaus – Federation: Amazonas – Brazil
Amazonas – CEP: 69010-060
Name: Debora Motta (Untamed Angling Transfer Agent)
Phone: +5592994034631 | https://jumaopera.com.br/en/
Untamed Angling Brazil Office:
Rodrigo Salles
Nilton Lins, 2274 -610
Manaus Brazil
Office: +55 11 98181-8703 | Mobile Argentina: +54 9 11 5041.7924 / 4415-4404
Rodrigo M. Salles: rodrigo@untamedangling.com | Skype: rodrigo.salles.untamed
Sandra Spina: sandra.daniela.spina@gmail.com | sandra@uangling.com
U.S. Embassy in Brazil (In Case of Emergency):
Emergencies include: death, arrest, stolen or lost passports. Emergency services do not req
MOST IMPORTANT CONTACT
Manaus Hostess & Transfer Agents
Debora Motta: Whatsapp and Skype contact: +55 92 9403-4631
Email: debora@uangling.com
Allan Pereira: Whatsapp and Skype contact: +55 14 99106-2625
Email: allan@uangling.com
Brasilia:
24 hour emergency assistance:
(61) 3312-7000 during Embassy’s working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
(61) 3312-7400 after hours
U.S. Embassy in Brazil (In Case of Emergency)
Emergencies include: death, arrest, stolen or lost passports. Emergency services do not require an appointment.
Brasilia: 24 hour emergency assistance:
(61) 3312-7000 during Embassy’s working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
(61) 3312-7400 after hours
Location
Kendjam is a hidden and small indigenous community in the remote land of the Kayapo Indigenous Nation. The Kendjam area is perhaps the most awe-inspiring and untouched Indigenous Territory in the Brazilian Amazon: the Mekragnoti Indigenous Territory. The Mekragnoti is an area of 5 million hectares of pure, virgin Amazon rainforest. Only 700 natives live in this enormous area, one of the most isolated portions of tropical jungle on Earth. The Kayapo is perhaps the important Indian ethnic groups in the Amazon. Their ritual life and social organization are extremely rich and complex, while their relationships with non-Indian society and environmentalists from the world over are marked by their intensity and ambivalence.
The Kendjam project has taken over two years to develop, collaborating between Untamed Angling, the Brazilian Government, and the Kayapo. The project launched in 2015 with a brief exploratory season, with great success. It is a true multi-species locale, targeting 10 different exotic species in swift clear waters. The river courses over a huge granite base, allowing for easy wet wading and many sight-casting opportunities.
The Iriri River is almost entirely located inside the Mekragnoti far-reaching Indian Territory and an Ecological Reserve (ESEC Terra do Meio). This untouched environment has more than 800 kilometers of rivers, and three major tributaries inside our new and exclusive fishing area. The Iriri River headwaters system has never before been fished before by “outsiders.” It begins its journey inside the jungle in the border of Mato Grosso and Para states, and run into the northeast side of the Brazilian Amazon for more than 1300 kilometers. It’s a tributary of the mystical Xingu River.
Being an exploratory trip in the middle of an extremely remote tropical jungle area, all anglers must be physically and mentally prepared. You will see and experience many new things! You will want to come into this adventure with an open, exploratory mind. And, most importantly, respect for the land of the Kayapo warriors. It is their territory and their river, protected by their “warrior spirit” for centuries.
The Project
To bring the Kendjam operation to fruition, Untamed Angling implemented their now famous concept of partnership with Indian Associations, as created for their Tsimane and Rio Marié programs. They established a long-term project with the Kayapo Tribes and their representative Indigenous Associations – AFP (Protected Forest Association) and FUNAI (National Indian Foundation) – to create sustainable, productive alternatives that both protect their land and culture as well as improve their quality of life.
Kendjam – along with the Rio Marié in northwestern Amazon – are the only exclusively fly-fishing-only projects allowed and supported by the Brazilian government. Environmental officials and FUNAI worked together with the Indian Association to create these landmark – and very first – official sport fishing operations in Brazil inside an indigenous Indian Territory. This is the first time the Brazilian government has collaborated with local Native Communities to both protect the interests of the indigenous natives, while simultaneously creating an angling preserve and establishing a fly fishing only, catch-and-release fishery.
This unique and forward-thinking concept mirrors the business plan of Untamed Angling, who previously implemented the formula on their renowned Tsimane Lodge in Bolivia, and Marié River in Brazil. Their success and refined strategies have now been duplicated and implemented by the Brazilian government on the vast Kayapó land and Iriri river basin.
The concept addresses 7 critical components:
- Involvement of indigenous locals
- Environmental stewardship and sustainability
- Scientific biological research
- Wilderness protection
- Legal authority, endorsement and permits
- First-class service
- World-class fishing
It is the implementation of this concept which should guarantee not only a unique and world-class fishery well into the future, but the protection of a priceless rain forest, and an amazing cultural adventure for visitors, as well.
Fishing & Fish Species
The Kendjam project protects freshwater rivers which represent the most prolific multi-species fisheries in the Amazon, and possibly on earth. This incredible variety of species has evolved in a perfectly-suited ecosystem – the amazing wealth of food that comes from the Amazon Forest, combined with the life-giving minerals found in the rivers. Together they create a perfect habitat for zooplankton, the foundation of the food chain which allows for such an incredible diversity of fishes.
The water clarity in these rivers is amazing, quite different from the sediment-filled rivers so common to the Amazon. The granite base keeps water very clear, even after some rain. The river downstream from the Kendjam community braids out into many parallel channels, creating several smaller, fast-moving streams, a perfect enviroment for wet wading. A few miles downstream the channels join again, re-forming a single main river. This braiding into channels is very common in many streches of Iriri River, and creates a fishing opportunity unique in Amazon waters. Probing the runs and pools of these smaller channels you can target different species using different techniques.
Imagine yourself in a clear jungle river with many different options for unique, powerful Amazon species, many of which most anglers have never even heard of. You can fish in pools using big hopper patterns for 3-10 pound Matrinxas, or even the crazy Curupete Pacu (3-12 pounds) which eat algae and insect imitations and love fast water (and often jump when hooked). Next, exploring runs and flat areas for peacock bass (averaging 4 to 15 pounds), you begin hooking bicudas – a fast, barracuda-like freshwater predator that will crush your fly and burn your fingers when they run. The next day, hiking in the humid early morning air of the jungle you see fish eating off the surface like trout. What fish could they be? The powerful Seringa Pacu, which eat insects and can be fished with dries and nymphs!
And there are more. We all like aggressive big fish, and Kendjam waters hold many, including the prehistoric trairao (wolf fish), and vampire-fanged payaras. We usually sight cast for 10-25 pound trairao in shallow water tributaries, and they act like hungry wolves chasing a piece of meat when you cast a popper or streamer in their direction. Payara are still a bit of a mystery for us in Kendjam; we have caught a few, but the Indians say there are many big ones in the river. Thus far the few that have been caught were on heavy 250-300 gr sinking lines in the deep, fast rapids of the river.
| Common Name | Scientific Name – Species |
| Matrinxã / Jatuarana | Brycon falcatus Müller & Troschel, 1844 |
| Bicuda | Boulengerella cuvieri (Spix & Agassiz, 1829) |
| Cachorra-larga / Payara | (Vampire Fish) Hydrolycus armatus (Jardine, 1841) |
| Trairão Hoplias aimara | (Valenciennes, 1847) |
| Piranha-preta | Serrasalmus rhombeus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
| Piranha-chupita | Serrasalmus manueli (Fernándes-Yépez & Ramírez, 1967) |
| Pacu | Myloplus rubripinnis (Müller & Troschel, 1844) |
| Pacu-de-seringa | Myloplus rhomboidalis (Cuvier, 1818) |
| Pacu-borracha | Tometes sp. Valenciennes, 1850 |
| Pirarara | Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) |
| Tucunaré (Peacock Bass) | Cichla cf. melaniae Kullander & Ferreira, 2006 |
| Jacundá | Crenicichla lugubris Heckel, 1840 |
Catch & Release:
All fish caught should be released without exception and please avoid unnecessary handling of the fish. Barbless hooks are mandatory. Handling these fish requires caution, not only to avoid hurting them but also to prevent injuries to you.
Hazards In The Water:
Kendjam is for the most part a very safe place, but anglers do want to be cautious while wading as there are a few hazards in the water you want to keep an eye out for: electric eels, black caiman, anaconda (immature are red with white stripes) and two types of stingrays, the pretty black ones with white spots and the beige ones that blend in with sandy bottoms. We were told to always cast behind the anaconda and the stingrays because the peacocks follow them!
General Information
Insects:
This jungle is surprisingly friendly. Some no-see-ums and some mosquitoes may be present, but very few in our experience. As for the rest, we remind you that this is a virgin rainforest where all kind of spiders and strange insects live. We recommend guests not go deep into the jungle, pass through dense vegetation, or turn logs over, etc. We strongly recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and Buff face masks during your fishing week.
Alcoholic Beverages:
No Alcoholic Beverage will be allowed during the fishing day in the river according to FUNAI regulations and also a decision of the Kayapo of Kendjam. They are very cautious with the use of alcohol and want to protect the future of their yong warriors. Excellent wines, spirits and fine drinks are served at the lodge during appetizers and dinner.
Water:
We strongly suggest not drinking water from the tap in any Brazilian Amazon city. Filtered, Mineral or bottled water will always be available. It is also suggested (not mandatory) that anglers consider bringing their own personal filtereation water bottle to Kendjam.
Credit Cards/Money Exchange:
We strongly suggest you contact your Credit Card company and request a new CHIPPED card for your travel in Brazil and elsewhere around the world. More and more foreign countries are switching to chipped cards, which are far more secure and more difficult to steal info from. Regardless of the type of credit card you have, be certain to call your credit card company (800 number on the back of the card) to notify them that you will be traveling outside the country.
Once in Brazil, there are a couple of options to get Brazilian “Reals” there is an ATM machine in the Juma Opera Hotel or you can exchange $USD for Reals at the Hotel Concierge.
Gratuities:
We suggest a tip of approximately 10% of the package cost, or $650-700 USD, for the staff. Tips are split evenly among the guides and support staff. You do not need to leave any additional tips. Tips are left to the discretion of the angler. The lodge manager will collect the tips on your last night in camp. Please bring cash $USD for the gratuities.
It is also a good idea to have some smaller bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips in Manaus for hotel porters, and the transfer driver and host.
Electricity at Camp:
Electricity will be available with batteries, and we will have a small generator to charge camera batteries, when needed (not every day). The electricity is the same as in the U.S. – 110/220 volt – but with two prongs.
Health & Medication:
We ask you to let us know if you have any medical conditions we should know about. Be sure and bring all needed prescriptions with you, as you will be in an extremely remote area. We strongly recommend that our guests visit their doctor prior to this trip, for any suggestions they may have for you regarding health care matters. Typically no vaccinations are required if you’re traveling directly from the United States to visit any part of the Amazon. All Brazilian Amazon is considered a Dengue Fever influenced area, as well. You can always check with the Center for Disease Control for up-to-date recommendations on vaccinations and medications needed for the Brazilian Amazon.
- All of the Brazilian Amazon is considered a Dengue Fever influenced area.
Please check with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta for up-to-date recommendations on vaccinations and medicines needed for the Brazilian Amazon.
Center for Disease Control
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3311 | www.cdc.gov
Special Dietary Requirements:
Please let us know whether you have any kind of dietary restriction or food allergies (nuts, almonds, flours, etc.) so we can prepare accordingly.
Recommended Equipment
Fly Rods:
5 to 9 weight single-handed rods are the norm, with 6 weight and 8 weight models the most popular. It is best to have two or maybe even 3 rods rigged with different lines and/or flies in the boat. Please plan on bringing extra backup rods, just in case. Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended. All of the saltwater series of the top rod brands are considered good choices. Your favorite big trout rod or light bonefish rod for 6 and 7 weights and your favorite bonefish or baby tarpon rod will do just great. We recommend rigging one 6 or 7 weight rod for matrinxas, peacock bass, pacu and bicudas with a floating line, and one #8 or #9 weight with floating and intermediate (clear) sinking line for larger peacock bass, Payara and Trairao. Bring one 5 or 6 weight for the amazing dry fly fishing for pacus and matrinxas, truly one of the highlights of the Kendjam fly fishing experience.
Fly Reels:
Reels that have been designed for saltwater fly-fishing are the best choice. These jungle fish will test your stripping fingers more than your reel, but in the event, you can get them on the reel before they get into the wood, reels with strong smooth drags are recommended. Bring a trusted reel that you feel comfortable with. Weight of the reel is important also since you will be casting a lot. 30-pound backing is required.
Fly Lines:
Most of the fishing is done close to the surface of the water. Weight forward lines designed specifically for the tropics and saltwater are what you want. Scientific Anglers Master Titan Jungle Floating or comparable, ultra-aggressive, warm water fly lines hands-down work the best. Another amazing line is the Scientific Anglers Titan Jungle Clear Tip intermediate tip fly line, 15ft. Full floating Scientific Anglers Mastery Titan Jungle Floating fly lines are excellent for effortlessly throwing large wind resistant poppers. For smaller line weights (6-7 weight), a Scientific Anglers Redfish or Bonefish line is a great choice. Do not bring cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines soft and gummy. You will also want to bring a fast sinking sink-tip for some specific spots, and big payara. For this we recommend a Scientific AnglersSonar Jungle Custom Tip fly line, or a 250-300 gr sink-tip line. We strongly suggest you bring at least one back up fly line.
Leaders:
Most fish are not really leader shy but the very clear water situation can make some big fish spooky, so fluorcarbon leaders make line invisible under water. Leaders should be strong and heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant flies, so heavy/strong butt leaders are important. Spools of fluorocarbon should include 50, 40, 30, 20 and 15 pounds. The most commonly used is 20, 30, and 40 pound Fluoro. Mono in 20-pound breaking strengths can also be used in certain situations. Some fish require longer, 9-foot leaders, while others just require a single straight piece of fluorocarbon tippet. You will also want to be sure to bring wire tippets from 20, 30 & 40 lbs for the Wolffish, Payara, and Bicuda. We prefer the knottable wire from Rio and Scientific Angler.
Flies:
Fishing is done using a wide variety of patterns including baitfish, large insect, fruit, and even algae imitations. There is a new world here to discover. For baitfish imitations, streamers in white, yellow, chartreuse and combinations of these colors are very effective. Flies with good action and movement in lengths from 2 to 6 inches, in 1/0 to 3/0 (high quality hooks). As for patterns, the most typical flies used are synthetic material streamers such as the the Sardina Cruiser. Many other baitfish imitations have proved to be very successful, among them Puglisi Streamers in medium to big sizes, Whistlers, and Decievers and Half and Half’s. Big foam poppers and Divers as well as rubber leg dry flies like Chernobyl Ants are fun to fish and should be included. For the fun dry fly fishing for pacus and matrinxas, we recommend #4-8 Chernobyl Ants, Fat Alberts, Hoppers, Attractors, and Stimulators.
Flies are available for sale at the camp for $7 each, but be sure to show up with a good selection as well. You can order a packaged selection for Kendjam species from us (recommended, and a sample package displayed below). We will discover a lot of new effective patterns during each trip, so have fun exploring new flies, too.
Flies are available for sale at the camp for $7 each, but be sure to show up with a good selection as well. You can order a packaged selection for Kendjam species from us (recommended, and a sample package displayed below). We will discover a lot of new effective patterns during each trip, so have fun exploring new flies, too.
Wading Boots:
There is a lot of wading here, and some of the rocks can be slick. Felt wading boots are strongly recommended, and if you are used to using a wading staff at home be sure to bring it with you. Studs are not a good idea, however, as they can be noising walking and spook fish in the calm, clear waters.
We wrote a great Blog Post on the “Essential Gear For Fly Fishing Kendjam”. This will help you get prepared for your amazing jungle holiday at Kendjam.
Flies:
Below is a list of flies that we think every angler heading to Kendjam should have in their kit:
- Kendjam Fly Selection
- Andino Deceivers – White
- Mega Prince
- Pit Boss Cicada – #8
- Rattlin’ Frog – #2; black & green
- Predator – tan
- GB Chilean Rubber Bugger – #4
- Zonker – #4; White
- Chubby Chernobyl – #8; peacock
- Fat Albert – black
- Bonefish Clouser – #2; chartreuse
- Boca Grande – #3/0; yellow
- Psycho Herring – #2/0
- Cruiser Sardina – #2/0; white/chartreuse
- Flashtail Whistler – #3/0; white/olive
- Rattle Rattle Baitfish – #3/0; pinfish
- PSP Bubblehead – #4/0; chartreuse
- Midnight Mullet – #1/0
Recommended Reading List
The Rivers Amazon, Alex Shoumatoff, Sierra Club Books, Copyright 1986
Summary: Great starter Amazon ecology book written about the Amazon Basin and its settlement and changes.
The Ecotraveller’s Wildlife Guide Brazil, Amazon and Pantanal, David Pearson and Les Beletsky
Summary: The definitive guide for Amazon bird and wildlife. This is a must for anyone traveling to the camp.
Tropical Nature, Adrian Forsyth and Ken Miyata New York: Scribners, Copyright 1984
Summary: Introduction to rain forest ecology. Excellent read!
The River of Doubt, Candice Millard, Doubleday, Copyright 2005
Summary: Follow America’s greatest President as he explores the Amazon Basin and faces tests that challenge his formidable spirit.