Fish Kendjam

Fishing

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Destination Description

Kendjam Lodge is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary freshwater fly fishing destinations in the world, offering a rare combination of visual fishing, untouched wilderness, and a highly specialized program deep in the Brazilian Amazon. Located along a protected stretch of the Iriri River—one of the Xingu River’s primary tributaries—the lodge sits within a vast indigenous reserve, ensuring long-term conservation and minimal fishing pressure. This exclusivity creates an environment where fish are abundant, aggressive, and largely unaccustomed to anglers.

What sets Kendjam apart is the river itself. Unlike the sediment-heavy waters often associated with the Amazon, the Iriri flows clear over granite bedrock, forming a dynamic system of rapids, pools, and structure-rich channels. This clarity allows for true sight fishing—anglers visually track and present flies to peacock bass as they ambush prey in shallow water. The setting is as compelling as the fishing, with dense jungle canopy, dramatic rock formations, and an overwhelming sense of remoteness.

The lodge was developed with a strong conservation ethos and in partnership with local indigenous communities, providing both sustainable employment and protection of this unique ecosystem. Operations are intentionally limited, with small guest numbers ensuring a low-impact experience and personalized service.

Kendjam primarily targets multiple species of peacock bass, including explosive, hard-fighting fish known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Additional species such as payara, bicuda, and pacu provide technical diversity and added excitement throughout the week. Anglers who appreciate technical presentations, diverse water types, and immersive wilderness will find Kendjam to be one of the most rewarding fisheries anywhere in the world.

Quick Facts

Location: Irirí River, Brazil (550 mi SE of Manaus)

Species: Peacock Bass, Payara, Bicuda, Pacu, and more

Seasonality: mid June - late September

Rates: $7,250 Per Person (based on shared room / guide) + $700 Native Fee

Contact Us

Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at Kendjam.

Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com

FISHING

Fishing at Kendjam is defined by variety, movement, and visual engagement. Anglers primarily fish on foot, wading across granite flats, navigating shallow channels, and targeting structure where peacock bass lie in ambush. The clear water allows for precise presentations—often requiring accurate casts to moving fish or tight structure, making this an engaging experience for intermediate to advanced anglers.

Boats are used strategically to access different sections of the river, but much of the fishing is done outside the boat. The guides rotate beats to ensure fresh water daily, providing a wide range of fishing scenarios from fast-moving rapids to calm, technical pools.

Peacock bass are the primary target, known for their explosive takes and aggressive nature. Large, surface-driven eats are common, particularly when fishing poppers and streamers. Anglers can also pursue payara—often referred to as “vampire fish”—which provide high-speed, aerial fights, along with bicuda and pacu, each requiring different techniques and fly selections.

The program emphasizes exploration and adaptability, with guides tailoring each day based on water levels, light conditions, and angler preference. This diversity keeps every day fresh and challenging, rewarding anglers who enjoy problem-solving and active fishing styles.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Kendjam Lodge offers comfortable, thoughtfully designed accommodations that blend seamlessly into the surrounding rainforest. The lodge consists of a small number of private, raised cabins positioned along the riverbank, each providing scenic views and natural ventilation. While remote, the accommodations are well-appointed, offering a balance of comfort and authenticity that complements the wilderness setting. The central lodge serves as the hub for dining and relaxation, where guests gather for meals, storytelling, and daily recaps. Meals are a highlight, featuring a mix of Brazilian cuisine and international dishes, often incorporating fresh, local ingredients.

Electricity is generator-powered and available at scheduled times, and while the lodge maintains a rustic feel, it provides all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay in a remote environment. What truly sets Kendjam apart is the intimacy of the experience—limited guest numbers, personalized service, and direct access to the river create a highly immersive atmosphere.

Weekly Capacity: ~8 anglers

Guest Ratio: 2 anglers per guide / boat

TRAVEL

Reaching Kendjam is part of the adventure and contributes to its exclusivity. International travelers typically arrive in São Paulo before connecting to Altamira, a regional hub in Pará State. From Altamira, guests board a private charter flight that transports them deep into the Amazon, landing on a remote airstrip near the lodge.

Upon arrival, a short transfer—often by boat—brings guests to Kendjam Lodge. Total travel time from São Paulo to the lodge is generally a full day, with carefully coordinated logistics handled by the outfitter.

While the journey requires multiple legs, it is well-organized and efficient given the remoteness of the destination. The payoff is immediate: upon arrival, anglers are immersed in one of the most pristine and untouched fisheries in the world, far removed from crowds and outside influence.

WHEN TO GO / SEASONALITY

Kendjam operates from mid June - late September.

Early Season: Early season starts in mid/late June and has some of the most attractive fishing to anglers, as fish are feeding aggressively in the lower tributaries of the river. The sight fishing is incredible for matrincha and all species of pacu. Along the rocky shores, you can find bigger, hungrier peacock bass and lots of bicuda in bigger runs. As far as the bicuda goes, this is the best time to fish for them.

Mid Season: Mid season runs from mid July to mid August. The river becomes easy to wade in many areas and it is the perfect time for sight fishing for peacock bass, matrincha, pacu, and more. The fishing for pacus and matrincha on the shallow flats and runs becomes unbelievable in.

Late Season: Late season runs from mid August to mid September. These are the months where the water is incredibly low and clear, a perfect habitat for wet wading! Anglers can find lots of peacock bass in deeper runs and flats full of fast, moving water. Matrincha and pacu are fished in the bigger water and the deeper river banks. The wolffish will also feed aggressively on poppers and big streamers.

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES

While Kendjam is primarily a fishing destination, the surrounding Amazon environment offers a compelling experience for non-angling guests as well. The lodge’s remote setting provides opportunities to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Guests can enjoy guided jungle walks, where local guides share knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna, and indigenous culture. Birdwatching is exceptional, with countless species inhabiting the canopy and river corridors. Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, reptiles, and a variety of exotic insects and amphibians.

Relaxation is also a key part of the experience—whether enjoying the river views from the lodge, reading in a hammock, or taking in the sounds of the jungle. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in the dramatic landscapes and vibrant wildlife. While activities are intentionally low-impact and limited to preserve the environment, the overall experience offers a deep connection to the natural world that extends well beyond the fishing.

2026 Rates

Shared Room / Shared Guide: $7,250 per person + $700 native fee

Private Room / Private Guide: $11,950 per person + $700 native fee

Private Room Fee: $865 (Limited Space Available)

Shared Room / Non-Angler: $3,850 per person + $380 native fee

What's Included

Scheduled roundtrip charter flights - Manaus - Kendjam - Manaus for the group
All necessary ground transfers in Manaus
6 days of fishing, fully guided with one pro fly fishing guide and two native guides per two anglers
7 nights, all inclusive: lodging, meals, and beverages (including house wines and local drinks)
One overnight at a boutique hotel (double occupancy) in Manaus on arrival day
Fishing licenses
Daily laundry
Starlink satellite WiFi
Untamed Angling provides fly rods/reels outfits if anglers need equipment (upon request)

What's Not Included

International airfare to Manaus, Brazil
Private charter flight transfers (in case of missing standard weekly charter flight)
Tips and gratuities for camp staff and guides - recommended total of 10% of trip cost
Premium liquors, wine, and cocktails
Food and beverages in Manaus and private city tours
Airport departure tax
Satellite phone calls ($5/minute)
Extra hotel overnights
Flies, leaders, and fly lines (the lodge has an extensive selection of the best flies)

Terms & Conditions

Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Kendjam’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure. All deposits are non-refundable unless clients can be replaced. A 10% trip fee shall be levied if the reservation is moved to an alternative date within the same season. Tailwaters Travel reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $150 per person for date changes after initial reservation has been made. No credits or refunds are given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that the registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

KENDJAM HIGH WATER POLICY

Fishing in the Amazon jungle represents one of the last frontiers in the fly fishing world. As with any such hyper-remote destinations, there can be challenges associated with offering a first-class experience in the ‘back of beyond’. In the Amazon, water level conditions will, on occasion, present such challenges.

The Amazon River annual water level cycles are not a simple equation, even for the most experienced local experts. Normally, high and low water levels here follow a fairly predictable monthly cycle, but climate changes and the effects of stronger or weaker El Nino and La Nina cycles can directly and immediately affect those levels.

Specifically, these EL Nino and La Nina events tend to impact the amount of rain in the headwaters of Amazon Rivers, which in turn affects the entire Amazon basin.

The Kendjam system has more than 250 kilometers of rivers and tributaries. This unique and extensive water system allows for incomparable flexibility.Though Kendjam season has been chosen to coincide with the best water conditions annually, it’s difficult to predict water levels, and this is one of the risks associated with fishing the Amazon. If you are not comfortable with the risk of the river levels being too high or low during your trip, then it is probably not the trip for you. You will not be refunded for water conditions that may not meet your expectations.

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Brazil - Peacock Bass