Agua Boa 2025: Noise, Numbers & Jungle Firework
Mavungana Flyfishing once again lit up the Amazon. We pride ourselves on securing prime weeks at the world’s most exclusive fisheries—and our recent return from Brazil’s legendary Rio Agua Boa proves why. Bodies may be sore, but minds are buzzing. Last year was unforgettable. This year? The river showed off again, and it didn’t hold back.
Agua Boa Amazon Lodge (ABAL) has exclusive rights to a stretch of river that continues to deliver, no matter the conditions. The past two seasons were marked by ultra-low water—perfect for stalking “grande” Peacock Bass over white sandbanks and targeting landlocked Arapaima in oxbow lagoons. This year, water levels were higher. Did that dampen the action? Not a chance.
We arrived via two Cessna Caravans, and by the end of our first half-day session—poolside with Caipirinhas and Bohemia in hand—it was clear: ABAL’s legacy of world-class fly fishing is alive and well. Hands were already cramping, smiles were wide, and the “monkey count” was climbing. The lodge itself? Five-star and then some. So modern, we South Africans couldn’t figure out the showers. But after long days casting big flies in brutal heat and humidity, the comfort of the chalets and the quality of the food were essential. Without them, seven days of battle would be impossible.
The Tactics
This year’s fishing demanded a shift in strategy. Heavy sinking lines and big flies were key, but not the only ticket. With parts of the jungle slightly flooded, Peacock Bass were ambushing baitfish deep in the green. Casting into that chaos wasn’t easy—and if your fly didn’t land right, the dreaded “monkey no eat fly” echoed from the guide.
But we cracked the code. Noise was the trigger. Stealth was out. This was a “bull in a china shop” operation. Splash the pole, swish the rod tip, pop the poppers—and wait for the jungle to erupt. First, a few Butterflies and Paca Peacocks. Then chaos. Bass leaping, poppers vanishing in whitewater explosions, and “grande” Peacocks charging in. The back angler would get smashed, line burning through fingers. It was freshwater madness.
And it wasn’t just fish. The noise summoned life: Arapaima, Giant River Otters, Freshwater Dolphins, Tiger Herons. The jungle came alive.
The Diversity
ABAL’s vast stretch of river offers endless variety. Sight-fishing over sandbanks, dredging oxbows with flies the size of Macaws, working current seams—it’s a different game every day. This year, the species count exploded. Payara, Jacunda, Bicuda, Arrowana, Matrinxã, Redtail Catfish… it was an aquarium out there. Every jungle walk or lunch stop revealed new tropical fish and stingrays. Even non-fish nerds found themselves muttering “WTF is that?” on repeat.
The Numbers
The stats speak for themselves. Boats landed 100–250 fish per day. Thousands of fish across the group. Trophy “grande” bass were everywhere—six fish over 17lb, and countless in the 12–15lb range. Whether you’re chasing numbers or that wall-hanger, this trip delivers.
Fishing aside, the wildlife is pure magic. Howler Monkeys welcome the dawn, Jabiru Storks and Black Skimmers patrol the sandbanks, Sungrebes flutter through oxbows, Macaws scream overhead, Otters grumble at your presence, and Manatees bob like buoys. After the two-hour charter flight, you’re in a place untouched by time.
Every fly angler owes it to themselves to experience the Amazon. It imprints memories that never fade. Huge thanks to this year’s crew: Pierre, Christopher & Francis (France), TJ & Mike (USA), Morgan (Ireland), Chris (UK), and Trevor & David (SA). You made it unforgettable.
Report by Mike Dames