The 2026 season at Xingu Lodge opened with an exceptional first week. Six American anglers experienced the full power of this Amazon destination, landing 183 fish across seven days of action-packed fishing.
The standout moment was payara feeding on the surface — a rare sight that every angler in the group witnessed firsthand. Peacock bass, bicuda, matrinxã, pacu, jaú, and red-tail catfish rounded out an impressive variety of species.
Beyond the fishing, guests joined guided jungle walks and cultural exchanges with the Kayapó people, indigenous partners of the lodge, learning about traditional plant knowledge and the deep connection between this community and their territory.
Xingu River is one of the Amazon's most exclusive fishing destinations, where clear water, biodiversity, and culture come together in one place. Xingu Lodge offers world-class structure, expert guides, and total immersion in one of the world's most intact wilderness areas.
Weekly Recap
The first week of the season at Xingu Lodge opened with strong fishing, great moments on the water, and the unmistakable atmosphere that makes this river so different from anywhere else in the Amazon.
We welcomed a group of six American anglers, including some familiar friends returning to these waters. From the start, the river delivered the kind of variety that defines this destination: clear action, powerful fish, and a rhythm that kept every day on the water exciting.
The week brought together multiple species, great moments with the group, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a river surrounded by forest, wildlife, and ancient knowledge from the indigenous partners. It was a complete Xingu experience, shaped not only by the fishing, but by everything that happens around it.
Fishing Highlights
Fishing remained productive throughout the week, with consistent action in different environments and several species responding well.
Peacock bass were present in strong numbers, bringing explosive strikes and memorable fights. Bicudas added speed and aggression to the week, while matrinxã kept the action dynamic in the clearer waters. The group also landed beautiful catfish species, including jaú and pirarara(red tail catfish), bringing even more diversity to an already remarkable opening week.
But the true highlight was the payara activity. Seeing these fish feeding on the surface is not an everyday event, and this week gave every angler in the group the chance to experience it firsthand.
Fishing Stats
Total fish landed: 183
Payara: 25
Peacock Bass: 80
Bicuda: 35
Matrinxã: 30
Pacu: 14
Jaú: 8
Pirarara: 5
Beyond the Fishing
Guests experienced the remarkable diversity of the Xingu ecosystem through guided jungle walks and cultural exchanges with the Kayapó people. Accompanied by local Indigenous leaders, they explored the forest, learned about traditional uses of native plants, and gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Kayapó and their territory. Encounters with wildlife throughout the week added another dimension to the journey, reinforcing that Xingu is as much about immersion in one of the world's most intact wilderness areas as it is about the fishing itself.
Looking Ahead
Week 1 gave us a strong start to the season, with productive fishing, multiple species, rare payara activity, and experiences that connected our guests to the river, the forest, and the people who help protect this place.
We thank all our guests for joining us at Xingu Lodge. It was a pleasure to share these days on the water, and we look forward to welcoming them back soon for another unforgettable journey in one of the Amazon’s most mythical destinations.
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