Dry Fly Jungle Fishing Paradise

Located where the rainforest meets the savannah, Kendjam Lodge is surrounded by arid jungle which is home to a seemingly endless array of wildlife, including jaguar, puma, capybara, tapir, giant blue macaws, red striped water snakes, giant river otters, electric eels, caiman… the list goes on and on. And more bird species than one can count.

And while the wildlife is lovely, the fish are the star of the show. The Iriri River, which flows alongside Kendjam Village, home to the indigenous Kayapó tribe and then—three hours downstream—Kendjam Lodge, is home to a hit list of jungle species to chase with a fly rod. Peacock bass, payara, three kinds of pacu, matrinxã, wolf fish, bicuda, red-tailed catfish, surubi, piranha and more… they all call the Iriri home, and many of them will eat a dry fly.

No one knows this fishery better than the Kayapó. Kendjam Lodge is run in deep cooperation with the tribe, and every fishing boat departs the lodge each day with not only an English-speaking pro guide, but also one or two Kayapó guides. It’s a combination which means we find the right places on the river, stay safe in a very wild corner of the world, and have a lot of fun.

Kendjam Lodge itself feels a bit like an African tent camp, though we are treated to actually wooden cabin-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms… posh for the jungle. The daily routine is simple: rise, breakfast, head to the boats and motor to the beat of the day, fish, boat lunch, fish more, motor home, shower, hang, dinner, sleep. Rinse and repeat. Something about the wildness of the place, the camaraderie of the guides and newfound Kayapó friends, and the plethora of fish ready to come play, makes it seems like paradise.

Interested in experiencing Kendjam yourself? I’m hosting a group of anglers in Brazil 28 August - 4 September 2027. Come see me at the H20 booth at the Pescare Show for more information.