RIO NOVO

Xeriuini River Preserve

Brazilian Amazon

About the Program

Xeriuini River Preserve/Rio Novo

The crystal-clear waters of Rio Novo on the Xeriuini River Preserve offer our guests the most exclusive Peacock Bass opportunity on the Planet. Only 5 weeks of fly anglers each year will get to see this pristine river system and its World Class Peacock Bass.

The Xeriuini River is located in Roraima Brazil in the Northern part of the Amazon Jungle. It has over 100 lagoons and 200 miles of river. It is a “Black Water” river with crystal clear springs and numerous tributaries feeding it. The river is loaded with not only numbers of fish but big fish as well with 4 sub species of Peacock’s living in its waters. There are Butterfly and Orinoco Peacocks reaching over 10 pounds and the largest Peacock the Acu reaching over 20 pounds. There are also many more species of fish to be caught in the river including various types of catfish, Arapaima, Arawana, Payara (Vampire Fish), Jacunda and Traira (Wolf Fish) just to name a few.

Fishing

The fishing on the Xeriuini River Preserve and Rio Novo is amazing. Anglers will spend their day in our state of the art 18-foot Jungle skiffs. Two large casting platforms allow both anglers to fish simultaneously. An important part of fishing for Peacock Bass. The boat is equipped with an outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and a polling platform. There is plenty of storage for extra gear also.

Anglers can expect an action-packed day of fishing. There are 4 sub species of Peacock Bass as well as numerous other species of fish that will all eat the same fly. The Rio Novo- headwaters area has World Record sized Orinoco and Butterfly Peacock Bass as well as Acu Peacocks reaching 20 pounds or more. There is lots of sight fishing and top water opportunities in the crystal-clear waters and casting to blow ups and cruising fish is an all-day event.

There are literally thousands of tributaries that are fishable in the Amazon Jungle. They range from small clear creeks to huge Lagoons. Over the last 20 years our team has fished and scouted the Amazon to come up with the very best fishing opportunity for our guests. We have taken into consideration all of the things necessary to make our fishing trips stand apart from the competition. There is no 2nd choice.

The new floating cabins have allowed us to get to the extreme upper river headwaters area. We are able to explore hard to get to tributaries including our virtually un-touched private river, Rio Novo. The immense amount of wildlife is amazing and the largest concentration of Peacock Bass we have ever seen. This area on the Xeriuini River Preserve is totally remote and over 100 miles from the closest village. It has some of the clearest water in the Amazon and the sight fishing and wading opportunities are Amazing. It is possible for boats to catch over 200 Peacock Bass in one day and each week every angler should have numerous opportunities to catch fish over 10 pounds. A lot of the big fish are caught while sight fishing.

With the help of a drone we are also able to locate many land locked lakes that have also never been seen or fished before and loaded with fish. With over 200 miles of river there are years of exploring to do and we are also able to keep the fishing pressure to a minimum with our very short season and our mobile floating cabins.

Our boats are one of a kind built from scratch with Peacock Bass fishing in mind. There are two large angler platforms so both anglers can fish at the same time. Outboard motors, electric trolling motors and a Polling platform for the guides. The boats are 18 feet long yet small and light enough to navigate small creek channels, shallow water and even can be pushed into land locked lagoons that could be loaded with fish. These are the only jungle boats in the Amazon built this way.

More about the operation

The floating cabins are plush complete with Air conditioning and a full bathroom including showers. They float in less than 8 inches of water and can be mobilized daily to ensure our anglers get to fish fresh water every day and are put in the best conditions to catch fish. The dining cabin is also air conditioned. (see more in the camp section)

Our partner NG Tourismo has been working in the Peacock Bass industry for over 25 years Our staff consists of long-time guides including Neto Silva our head guide, our camp host speaks 5 languages and is well trained in flora and fauna. A Brazilian chef that has been cooking for fishing camps for over 20 years and our camp manager who has been guiding and managing fishing camps since he was a kid, and a full service wait staff. All in all, our staff is 2nd to none and are very excited to be a part of this operation.

The staff and guides almost all reside on the river and have years of experience and know the river inside and out. Their loyalty to our new operation has been a key component to giving us the start we need. They have taken us in to their homes and helped us immensely in the building of this fantastic new company. We have a quality staff dedicated to our business.

Fishing for the world’s largest peacock bass in some of South America’s most remote/exclusive waters and enjoying evenings on white sandy beaches all while experiencing first class service is only the beginning of what we have to offer…

These are just a few reasons that there is no other choice to make

Experience – We have been taking anglers fishing for Peacock Bass for over 20 years. We have seen it all.
Guides – Our guides are the best in the business, most with over 10 years of experience and all with a willingness to go the extra mile for our anglers. Their knowledge of the surroundings and the ability to really fine tune a day of fishing is remarkable.
Exclusiveness – The Xeruini River Preserve and Rio Novo offer our clients the most secluded, private remote fishing opportunities on the planet for only 5 weeks a year. That’s 40 anglers.
Comfort – Our Floating Cabins are air conditioned and very spacious. Real mattresses on the beds and a working toilet and shower.
The River – The Xeruini is known in the Amazon for being one of if not the clearest rivers in the Amazon 2nd only to Rio Novo. Clear water means sight fishing opportunities. Our preserve area is absolutely loaded with fish. The White Sand beaches are basically from another world.
Service – Unparalleled in the industry. From our Bi-Lingual host, camp chef and our amazing guides we have put together an all-star team for you to spend your time with in the jungle.
Logistics – Our ability to take so many moving parts and have them streamlined in the middle of the jungle is no easy feat. We take pride on delivering a polished camp with the utmost attention to detail.

Giving back

Not only are you getting to go on one of the most exclusive fly-fishing trips in the world but you are also helping out a jungle community in the process. Every angler we take to the Xeriuini River Preserve helps make the living situation for the villagers better. We are committed to these people and they of us and the heartwarming feeling you get from spending a week with these people is hard to beat. Not to mention our new agreement with the Brazilian government has stopped any commercial fishing on the river and also halted deforestation and logging in a large part of the Amazon Jungle.

The camp

While staying on the river you will be treated to what we like to call Jungle comfort. Our floating cabin program is state of the art. The entire camp can float in less than 8 inches of water. We can take it just about anywhere. The Living quarters, built for two guests, have two separate beds with real mattresses. A bathroom equipped with a shower and toilet. There is a wash area with a sink and running water. There is lighting throughout and multiple outlets for charging. (Brazilian Two-Pronged plug). The is ample storage for gear and clothes with a desk and chair and the best part it is fully air-conditioned.

The fully Airconditioned Dining Cabin has a large table for meals, a fully stocked bar, refrigerator with water and many other drink choices including beer and plenty of room to have meals and relax.

All of the floating pieces of the camp are easily separated and secured to the beautiful White sand beaches of the river. The advantage is that the living area of the camp is expanded onto the beach where tables and chairs and sun shades are placed to create outdoor living at its finest. Beach Barbeques are a hit with many of our clients. The swimming opportunities of the warm, mineral rich, rejuvenating waters of the river are amazing. Another advantage of our floating cabin program. It has a real jungle life feel.

The most amazing part of the entire operation is that the entire floating camp can be torn down and moved day or night but mostly while the anglers are out fishing. While the anglers and guides are out on the river, the camp, two to three times a week, like a mobile army camp, simply pick up and move. This gives us the opportunity to continue to fish fresh water every day and put our anglers in areas that are un-reachable by any other means. We fish water no one else can and the results are undeniable.

The food

Our camp chef has over 30 years’ experience in Brazilian cuisine and has cooked for fishing operations for over 20 years. This is of utmost importance when you take into consideration, we are feeding 15+ people every day hundreds of miles from anywhere. Breads and cakes made fresh daily, tons of fresh fruits, beef, chicken, pork and fish are all parts of the daily fare. Dinners are outstanding with many courses usually started off with the soup of the day (Piranha Soup is a camp favorite) followed by the main course usually of Brazilian descent and finished off with dessert like fresh Tapioca flan, Cupuacu Ice Cream which is a local jungle fruit which means fruit of god.

Our guests come into this trip expecting more of a maintenance food approach due to the remoteness of the operation and walk away talking about the food and asking for recipes.

Immerse

Zoom in to see detailed satellite shots

Click on the icon and lines to see the description and photos

Rio Novo is a thrilling place not only for fishermen but for lovers of nature, too. The first look at the river is already jaw dropping – crystal-clear water, beautifully shaped sandbars and a narrow channel with trees hanging over it – this is as Amazonian as it gets. Vegetation of the igapó forest consists mainly of palm trees that, with their fruits attract the most iconic Amazonian birds – Macaws and Toucans. Add to it schools of fish passing by up and down the river, butterfly peacock bass and jacundas being among the most beautiful fish in the world. Remoteness is the key – Rio Novo is far from any village or town, even those who go up Xeriuini River after Brazil Nuts in the high water season don’t get even halfway to the Mouth of Rio Novo. That said, our anglers live an Amazonian experience envied by the most exigent birdwatchers and jungle adventurers.

One has a hard time to get all the way up Xeriuini River to Rio Novo on the river. Both Xeruini and Rio Novo are very narrow and, if you get there in a dry season, very shallow. You can see the sandy bottom, ride around greener-than-green islands and spot magnificent Roseate spoonbills and Jabirus on the sandbars. The amount of Buriti Palms and Brazil Nuts is huge and attracts macaws and parrots that you don’t get to see much anywhere else in the Amazon.

All in a Day

As light starts to break in the Amazon Rainforest, everything comes to life. Parrots and macaws start their daily routines and light up the sky with their distinct chirping sounds. Ah yes, it is morning again. Anglers awake from their night sleep and head for the main dining cabin for a cup of coffee or tea and breakfast that will help them kick start their action-packed day. Discussions of which rods to rig up and what flies to put on first are main conversation points.

The starting of outboard engines can be heard and the anglers pack their lunch and head back to their cabins for some last-minute prepping for another day on the water. Eager guides load the boats with gear as the anglers do their last-minute checks to make sure they have their sunblock and fly bags. The fishing boats get up to speed and anglers make preparations for the day’s fishing.

All in a day

Full Story

XERUINI RIVER PRESERVE & RIO NOVO -

CALENDAR

Conservation and Guaranteed Fun

RIO NOVO is a fly fishing only, exclusive destination of Bucket List Fly Fishing. We only go there for a few weeks each year during the dry season, when the sight fishing, numbers and sizes of fish are the best. This ensures the ultimate quality experience year in and year out.

Fishing with Rob Anderson

Having the boss on the river and in camp with you is so cool. All the rules are bent when Rob is around. The feeling you get sharing your journey and picking the brain of a guy who has more experience fishing for Peacock Bass than just about anyone on the planet is priceless.

call or e-mail NOW

+1 (775) 742-1754

ROB@BUCKETLISTFLYFISHING.COM

Trip Description

DAY 1

Travel to Manaus Brazil

This portion of the trip can take two days depending if you have a layover somewhere and where you start from. If you need to overnight in Miami there is a hotel in the airport that is super convenient. Once you reach Manaus you will be taken to your hotel by one of our Staff.

Note: Our Itinerary has you arriving in Manaus a day early. You can relax by the pool and get used to the weather and the time change if any. This also give you a buffer day in case of delays with airlines. We can also arrange a city tour and or transportation to and from restaurants.

DAY 2

Transfer from Manaus hotel to the fishing operation

We usually leave the hotel pretty early so be ready! You will be informed the day before when your group is leaving the hotel. You normally arrive at the river in the late morning. Once in camp you will have time to get settled in, meet the staff and get your gear ready for the week. After lunch and a de briefing by the camp host you will spend the afternoon fishing and getting warmed up for the week ahead.

DAY 3 to 8

6 full days fishing

Each day guests will start the day in the dining cabin having coffee and a buffet style breakfast. Eggs, breads, meats, fruit and juice are always available. During breakfast a lunch selection will be made available for anglers to pack themselves in a tupperware. This way guests can pack food according to their taste and diet.

Each two anglers will share a guide and head out for the day of fishing. Our boats are sweet and have plenty of room for both anglers to fish at the same time. It is a big day of fishing. Lunch will be on the river in a shady area and hammocks will be available for a short rest. After lunch the anglers and their guide pick right back up where they left off with a new sense of energy and excitement.

A typical fishing day:

6:00am – Coffee is hot

6:30am – Breakfast

7:00-7:30am – Head to fishing grounds

12:00pm ish Lunch on the water

2:00pm – After lunch, fishing until late afternoon

5:00pm – Back to the lodge

Arrival until 7:00pm– Cocktails and appetizers and time to relax

7:00 pm – Dinner inside the dining cabin or on the beach

Please Read: “All in A Day” (click here)

DAY 9

Transfer back to Manaus Brazil

After breakfast guests will travel back to Manaus. There is usually enough time to get a day room at the hotel to have a place to relax and wait for the evening flights back home. There is a shopping mall within walking distance and frequently guests meet for a last supper so to speak before traveling to the airport for departure.

DAY 10

See you soon!

You should be getting back home to brag about your trip!

What's Included?

Included

Reception at Manaus Airport
All Necessary ground transfers in Manaus
Ground and air transfers from Manaus to the River
7 nights Accommodations in our luxury floating cabins
All meals and beverages (including alcohol)
6 to 6 ½ days guided fishing
Fishing license

What's NOT Included?

Not Included

International Airfare
Any hotel stays before and after the fishing week
Meals in Manaus and private city tours
Travel Insurance
Tips and Gratuities to Camp staff and guides
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

2023-24 Rates

$5950 (per person)
dbl occupancy
6 1/2 days fishing
7 nights lodging

Travel Information

International Airfare

Passport - Tourist Visa - Currency

Manaus Brazil

Weather and Insects

Medical requirements

International Airfare

International Airfare for this trip from the USA is usually done through American Airlines. American is the only Airline currently running a nonstop flight from the U.S. It flies from Miami FL. INT. to our destination, Manaus Brazil. (5-hour flight time) There are other options out there but usually have long layovers and much longer travel time.

Our Travel Partner, Martin Travel has been booking flights with us for over 15 years. They have vast experience booking these flights and have our itineraries. We highly recommend booking your flights with Martin Travel. They can access frequent flyer miles, deal with the occasional schedule change with the airlines and in many cases get preferred seating.

Phone – 954-748-6881

Email – kmartin@martintravelservices.com

www.martintravelservices.com

Passport - Tourist Visa - Currency

Brazil requires a valid Passport with at least 6 months available time before expiration date upon arrival to Brazil.

Brazil Tourist Visa – (The Visa requirement has been suspended as of June 2019 and is no longer necessary for traveling to Brazil)

Currency and Credit Cards – Reals is the standard currency of Brazil. The exchange rate can vary from 3.5 – 5 to 1 There are places in Manaus to exchange currency and the rate will be much better than in the U.S. Most Major Credit Cards can be used as well. Tips and Gratuities can be done in U.S. dollars.

Manaus Brazil

Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing City (1.8 Million People) It is a Port city where Rio Solomoines and Rio Negro form to make the Amazon River. There are many interesting places to visit:, The Palace “Rio Negro”, The museum of Natural Science, the Aboriginal Fair, and some have to see places: The Fish Market, The Amazon Theatre, The Meeting of the Waters and the Arapaima Farm. City Tours are available through our staff in Manaus.

Weather and Insects

Manaus is the Capital City of the Amazon. You will experience Rainforest climate your entire trip. Average air temperatures range from 65* at night to as much as 95* during the day. It is important to drink lots of water and electrolytes during your visit and wear tropical clothing and wear sunscreen.

There are virtually no mosquitoes on the Xeriuini and Rio Novo. Occasionally you may run into No-Se-ums (Piuns) but they carry no diseases. However, we do recommend you carry bug spray with you on the trip. Our camps are very clean and we seldom see any bug life while staying on the river or while fishing. This is a virgin rainforest and many insects live there so don’t go deep into the jungle or pass through dense vegetation.

Medical requirements

Currently there are no Medical requirements or vaccinations needed to enter Brazil.

Consult with Your Local Travel Medicine Expert for Personalized Recommendations! All vaccination recommendations and other health-related information provided on this website are general in nature. Your exact immunization and medication needs will vary depending on a variety of factors including your personal medical history, vaccination history, current outbreaks and other health risks in your destination country, and the particulars of your travel itinerary. The information on these pages is not intended to replace a visit with a licensed Travel Medicine Specialist. We do our best to provide up to date information regarding any changes in medical requirements but in no way is it meant to replace correct medical advice from a licensed travel specialist.

Equipment

Gear and Equipment

The equipment you choose to take with you on any trip can change your experience. Having the right flies, fly lines and leaders can really make a difference. Rods and reels are also a key part of this trip. In some cases, you may already have many things that you need to take with you but in most cases, anglers will make some important decisions on new gear to add to their arsenal for this trip.

Due to the remoteness of our camp, it is important to make sure you have everything you need. There is nowhere to replace a broken fly rod or purchase an extra tube of sunscreen once you get there. Taking the time to make a list of the things you will need and planning for this trip in advance is very important, and can be a lot of fun, not only to catch plenty of fish but also to be comfortable and enjoy your time in the Amazon.

Rods and Reels

8-10 Weight Rod for casting poppers and streamers

Lightweight reel with good drag to handle large taper fly line

Peacock Bass fishing is fast and furious. It is possible to make over 500 casts in one day. The average cast only needs to be 30-60 feet but it is important to be accurate and get your flies close to your target. The flies are large and have some wind resistance to them and the fly lines have very aggressive tapers. This also makes it a benefit to have a newer, lightweight, fast action rod like the Sage Salt HD or an Orvis Helios.

The 2 most important things about a fly reel for Peacock Bass are lightweight and a good drag. You will be fishing in freshwater so a saltwater proof reel is not that important. More info in our Pre-Trip Planner

Fly Lines

Heavy Taper Floating line with Tropical Core for 9-10 weight rods

Tropical Intermediate line for 8-10 weight rods

A floating line is the obvious choice for casting poppers and topwater flies. It is also possible that you will need to fish unweighted streamers with a floating line in very shallow water around tree stumps and other types of structure that will make it necessary to stay right on the surface.

An intermediate sink line or better yet an intermediate tip with a floating running line should be your go-to fly line. An intermediate line sinks very slow and should allow you to fish in 1-6 feet of water very effectively with an unweighted fly. More info in our Pre-Trip Planner

Flies and Leaders

Big Poppers in sizes 2/0 – 4/0 4-5 inches in length

Streamers in sizes 1/0 – 4/0 3 – 6 inches in length

40lb – 50lb Monofilament leaders for Poppers

30lb – 40lb Fluorocarbon leaders for streamers

Poppers are a lot of fun but very hard to cast for lengths of time. 4-10 are enough for a week depending on the angler. See on our store

Unweighted streamers are the #1 fly for this trip. 3 to 4 dozen are recommended. Fishing these flies right under the surface in the crystal-clear water will allow you to see most of your grabs like fishing top water. We have the best selection of Peacock Bass flies on our store and More info in our Pre-Trip Planner

Leaders can be a simple straight piece of 30lb – 50lb Fluorocarbon or Monofilament depending on the situation. 6ft. sections for streamers and 8 ft. for poppers.

Clothing

Being comfortable on any fishing trip allows you to enjoy your fishing experience so much more. Most of the time it will be pretty hot and humid. Quick-dry clothing with high SPF ratings are a must. This type of clothing will be cooler in warmer climates and allow your clothes to dry quickly and breathe better. A lightweight packable rain jacket is also needed.

One of the great things is there is daily laundry service so you do not have to bring many clothes with you.

There are a bunch of other accessories to consider wearing as well. A hat for sure. Buff to cover your face and sun gloves for your hands. We make packing a breeze in our Pre-Trip Planner.

Luggage

The toughest part of packing for this trip is the weight restriction on our float plane (35lb). This requires some planning. Start with two lightweight duffle bags, soft sided and waterproof. A larger one, big enough to pack most everything in as a check-in bag at the airport. A smaller one that is versatile. Backpack straps are good. This bag can be a carry-on at the airport with camera gear and medications and a change of clothes and that can be converted to a boat bag on the trip to keep all your days needs while out fishing. A lot more information on this in our Pre-Trip Planner