There’s more than just piranha to catch while fishing in Puerto Maldonado. And in fact, in Tambopata and the wider Madre de Dios region of Peru where Puerto Maldonado is located, there can be found over 232 different species of fish.
Puerto Maldonado sits at the confluence of 2 important rivers. The Rio Tambopata and the Madre de Dios river.
The Madre de Dios river starts in Puno, crosses Peru and Bolivia before transforming into the Madeira River. Where it eventually merges into the Amazon River near Manaus in Brazil. And as you can image with such a large body of water, spanning across such a large swathe of the South American continent, it provides for the movement and transference of fish species.
Anything that you can catch when fishing in Iquitos or Manaus, you can also catch in Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata and the wider Madre de Dios region of Peru. But with that said, there are a limited number of species that are of interest to serious sports fishing enthusiasts.
Now, I love fishing. And as an expat living in Peru, even though there’s many other things to do in Puerto Maldonado, I prefer to go fishing. So, without further ado, here’s the fish species that I target when fishing in Puerto Maldonado.
The main fish species for sport fishing in Puerto Maldonado
Piranha fishing in Puerto Maldonado
For serious sport fishermen, the piranha are both a bycatch and bait. Using traditional cane rods and dipping for piranha in one of the many oxbow lakes is more of an activity intended for tourists that want to try fishing for the first time. Piranha fishing tours aren’t for the serious sport fisherman.
Don’t get me wrong, piranha fishing can be fun. But if you’re looking for a species of fish that can put up a serious fight, the piranha aren’t the species you’re looking for. But they do make great bait for the Paiche. And as a sustainable resource, they don’t taste to bad either.
Travel tip: If a tour is advertised as fishing for piranha in Lake Sandoval, skip that tour. Fishing is prohibited in Lake Sandoval. And the tour provider is falsely advertising their services.
Paiche (Arapaima) fishing in Tambopata
The Tambopata region of Peru is home to the mighty paiche, a true giant of the Amazon and the most prized catch for any angler. These behemoths, also known as arapaima, can reach lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and weigh over 400 pounds (180 kilograms)! Imagine the thrill of hooking into a fish that could outweigh you!
Paiche prefer slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation, such as oxbow lakes, swamps and river backwaters. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for unsuspecting fish, crustaceans and even small birds. Their massive size and strength make them a formidable opponent, so anglers need to be prepared for a serious fight. Think heavy-duty gear and a strong will.
To catch a paiche in Tambopata, you’ll need a sturdy rod and reel, braided line and large, strong hooks. Live bait, such as small fish or frogs, is often most effective. But lures can also be used. Patience and persistence are the key, as paiche can be difficult to locate and entice. It’s not just about casting a line; it’s about understanding their habits and the environment.
When you hook a paiche, be ready for an explosive battle. These fish are incredibly strong and agile, and they will test your skills and stamina. Once you’ve landed your prize, handle it with care and respect. Paiche are a protected species.
Fishing tip: Paiche are air breathers. They will surface every 10-15 minutes to take large gulps of air. Be very quiet and wait for them to surface and gulp air to locate them.
Payara (Vampire Fish) fishing in Tambopata
The Tambopata region of Peru holds more than just giant paiche; it also harbors the fearsome payara, a creature straight out of an angler’s wildest dreams. Nicknamed the ‘vampire fish’ for their elongated, fang-like teeth that protrude even when their mouths are closed, payara are a thrilling target for adventurous sport fishermen. These aggressive predators patrol the murky depths, ready to unleash their fury on unsuspecting prey.
Payara prefer fast-moving, clear rivers and streams within the Tambopata reserve, often lurking near structure like fallen logs or rocky outcroppings where they can ambush their prey. They are primarily piscivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of other fish. Their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth make them perfectly adapted for tearing into their victims. Imagine the strike of a fish with teeth like that!
To entice these river monsters, anglers typically use live bait, such as smaller fish, or artificial lures that mimic the movement and flash of their prey. Fast retrieves and aggressive presentations are often key to triggering a strike. Be prepared for a fierce fight; payara are known for their explosive runs and acrobatic leaps, often displaying incredible power and stamina.
Landing a payara is a true testament to an angler’s skill and patience. These fish are not only challenging to catch but also require careful handling due to their sharp teeth. Catch and release is often practiced to ensure the continued health of these unique predators within the Tambopata ecosystem.
Arowana (Dragon Fish)
The Tambopata region of Peru offers a glimpse into a world teeming with unique creatures, including the mesmerizing arowana. These “dragon fish,” as they’re sometimes called, are prized for their iridescent scales and elegant movements. Arowana possess an almost mythical quality, and encountering one in its natural habitat is a truly special experience for any angler.
Arowana prefer slow-moving, blackwater rivers and flooded forests within the Tambopata reserve. They often lurk near the surface, amongst tangled roots, fallen branches, and dense vegetation, waiting for insects, small fish and even the occasional small bird to venture within striking distance. Their unique ability to leap from the water to snatch prey makes them a formidable predator.
While not traditionally targeted as a primary sport fish due to their delicate mouths and the emphasis on catch and release, arowana can be caught with light tackle and small lures or live bait. Fly fishing can also be effective. It’s crucial to use barbless hooks and handle these fish with extreme care to minimize stress and ensure their safe return to the water.
Fishing tip: Silver Arowana and Black Arowana are the two species that are found in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. And fly fishing is often the most effective method for catching them.
Pacú (Paco or Giant Piranha) fishing in Puerto Maldonado
The Tambopata region of Peru is home to a fascinating and powerful fish: the pacu, sometimes called the ‘giant piranha’ or ‘paco.’ While related to piranhas, pacu have a distinct characteristic: their human-like teeth, perfectly designed for crushing nuts, seeds, and fruits. Though they will also readily take fish and insects. These impressive fish can grow quite large, offering a thrilling challenge for anglers.
Pacu favor slow-moving waters, often found in the calmer sections of rivers, oxbow lakes and flooded forests within the Tambopata reserve. They thrive in areas with abundant vegetation, as this provides both food sources and shelter. Look for them near submerged trees, tangled roots and along the edges of the rainforest canopy where fruits and nuts may fall into the water.
To entice a pacu, anglers often use fruit-based baits like pieces of mango, banana or even nuts. They also readily take live bait such as worms or small fish, along with lures that imitate these food sources.
Because of their strong jaws, sturdy hooks and line are essential. Be prepared for a powerful fight; pacu are known for their strength and their ability to make powerful runs. And they often can top 20 pounds (9kg) in Tambopata.
Tambaqui
These large, powerful fish are a prized catch for anglers seeking a true test of skill. Tambaqui are known for their impressive size, often reaching over 30 pounds, and their delicious flavor, making them a popular target both for sport and local consumption (where permitted).
Tambaqui prefer slow-moving, warm waters like those found in the oxbow lakes, floodplains, and calmer stretches of the rivers within Tambopata. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds and even small fish and insects. Their powerful jaws and teeth are well-suited for crushing these foods. Look for them near submerged trees, along the edges of the forest canopy and in areas where fruit falls into the water.
To entice a tambaqui, anglers often use fruit-based baits, like pieces of mango or berries. Nuts and seeds can also be effective. Live baits such as worms or small fish can also work. Use strong line and hooks, as tambaqui are powerful fighters. Be ready for a thrilling battle when you hook one!
Tucunaré (Peacock bass)
The tucunaré is more commonly known as the peacock bass. These vibrant, hard-fighting fish are a true sport fishing icon, renowned for their explosive strikes and acrobatic leaps. Imagine the thrill of hooking into a fish that fights with such ferocity!
Tucunaré thrive in warm, clear waters with plenty of structure, like those found in the oxbow lakes, lagoons, and slow-moving sections of the rivers within Tambopata. They often congregate near submerged logs, weed beds and rocky outcroppings, where they can ambush their prey.
These predatory fish are visual hunters, relying on their keen eyesight to locate their next meal. And they prefer vibrant green and yellow lures in blackwater environments. You’ll also find that they share habitat with larger black piranha that will compete for the same lures.
To entice these aggressive fish, anglers typically use artificial lures, such as topwater plugs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Bright colors and noisy presentations are often effective in triggering a strike. Fast retrieves and a ‘stop-and-go’ action can mimic the movement of injured prey, making the lure irresistible to a hungry tucunaré.
Piraiba (Lau or Goliath Catfish)
The piraiba is also known as the ‘goliath catfish ‘or ‘amazon shark’. These behemoths of the Amazon can reach enormous sizes, weighing hundreds of pounds, making them a legendary target for adventurous anglers. Imagine battling a fish that could dwarf you in size!
Piraiba prefer the murky depths of the larger main rivers and their tributaries within the Tambopata reserve. They often lurk near the bottom, in deep holes or amongst submerged logs and debris. These nocturnal predators are primarily scavengers, feeding on dead fish, crustaceans and other organic matter, but they will also actively hunt live prey.
To target these giants angler need to use extremely heavy-duty tackle. Including strong rods, reels and braided line capable of handling the immense power of a piraiba. Large, smelly baits, such as chunks of fish are highly effective. Fishing at night is often the most productive, as this is when piraiba are most active. Be prepared for a long and grueling fight when you hook one.
Zungaro (Gilded catfish) fishing in Puerto Maldonado
The zungaro is also known as the gilded catfish. These beautifully marked fish, with their distinctive golden sheen, are a prized catch for anglers seeking a thrilling battle. They can be absolutely huge in size. Imagine the flash of gold as you reel in this river monster!
Zungaro prefer the deeper, slower-moving sections of the rivers and tributaries within Tambopata. They often lurk near the bottom, amongst submerged logs, root systems and rocky structures, waiting to ambush their prey. These nocturnal hunters are primarily piscivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of other fish.
To target zungaro, anglers typically use live bait, such as smaller fish, or cut bait. Because they are bottom dwellers, fishing close to the riverbed is essential. Strong tackle is highly recommended. As zungaro are powerful fighters and can easily break lighter lines. Be prepared for a tough fight with powerful runs.
Fishing tip: The zungaro is prized for its meat. Though you wouldn’t know it when landing one for the first time. They have a slime coating the smells absolutely awful. Hot water is used to dissolve the slime before preparation and consumption.
Piro (Ripsaw catfish) fishing in Tambopata
The Tambopata region of Peru harbors some truly unique fish, including the armored and elusive piro, also known as the ripsaw catfish. These fascinating creatures, with their distinctive bony plates covering their bodies, are a rare and exciting catch for anglers. Imagine the thrill of landing a fish that looks like it’s wearing a suit of armor!
Piro prefer the slow-moving, often murky waters of smaller rivers, streams, and oxbow lakes within the Tambopata reserve. They often hide amongst submerged logs, tangled roots, and dense vegetation, making them challenging to locate. These bottom-dwelling fish are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
To target piro, anglers typically use live bait, such as worms or small fish, fished close to the bottom. Because they are relatively small compared to other Amazonian giants, lighter tackle can be used. Patience is key when fishing for piro, as they can be finicky eaters.
Landing a piro is a special experience. Their unique appearance, with the bony armoured plates running along their body, makes them a memorable catch.
Fishing tip: The piro is an endangered species and should always be released unharmed. Though you wouldn’t know that they’re endangered from the number of them present in Tambopata.
Surubim (Tiger catfish)
The Tambopata region of Peru is home to a striking and powerful predator: the surubim, also known as the tiger catfish. These beautifully marked fish, with their distinctive tiger-like stripes, are a prized catch for anglers seeking a thrilling battle. Imagine the surge of adrenaline as you hook into one of these striped river giants!
Surubim prefer the deeper, faster-moving sections of the rivers and tributaries within Tambopata. They often lurk near the bottom, amongst submerged logs, root systems and rocky structures, waiting to ambush their prey. These nocturnal hunters are primarily piscivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of other fish.
To target surubim, anglers typically use live bait such as smaller fish, or cut bait. Because they are bottom dwellers, fishing close to the riverbed is essential. Strong tackle is recommended, as surubim are powerful fighters and can easily break lighter lines.
Be prepared for a tough fight with powerful runs and headshakes. When you hook something that pulls like a shark typically would pull when saltwater fishing, you know you have a tiger catfish!
Need Help Organizing a Fishing Trip in Peru?
If you’re trying to organize your own fishing adventure in the Peruvian amazon, start by joining the fishing in Peru facebook group. You’ll be able to ask questions of people who have recent experience!
