Rio Marie Mothership

Deep within the Brazilian rainforest near the border with Colombia lies one of the most remote and exciting peacock bass destinations in the world. Officially launching in 2015, Rio Marié has lived up to its claim of being the greatest trophy peacock bass destination the fly fishing world has ever seen. Anglers enjoy true luxury accommodations on a purpose-built mothership that moves about to unfished water each week. With over 400 miles of private water and seasoned English speaking Brazilian guides, this is the place to target well-rested double-digit monsters. Come experience this wild region that the locals refer to as "Rio de Gigantes".

Rio Marié is entirely located inside an extensive Indian Territory, an area of more than 2 million hectares. This untouched environment has more than 400 miles of rivers, 180 known creeks, 60 lakes and three major tributaries inside the new operation area. It is the first exclusive fly fishing only project allowed and supported by the Brazilian government in conjunction with the Indian Association to create a sport fishing operation entirely within an Indian Territory.

In this area of the Amazon, the fishing season normally runs from August to late December. This is the dry season for the upper Negro basin and the Marié is considered one of the more stable systems in the peacock bass world.

The Rio Marié offers a unique opportunity to fly fish for giant peacock bass in a very remote jungle setting. Each day the mothership will anchor on a different beat giving anglers access to miles of rested water throughout the trip. Teams of two anglers are paired with a professional English-speaking fly fishing guide and a local Indian guide. Guest fish out of custom designed boats that feature fore and aft casting platforms. Lunch is usually taken quickly on the boat, with guest fishing until the light begins to fade.

This river area is huge, encompassing nearly 500 miles of virgin waters, and is home to some of the world’s largest peacock bass. Guests fish hard for a chance at these really large Temensis peacocks and catch plenty of smaller butterfly peacocks in the process.

Anglers enjoy excellent accommodations aboard the Untamed Amazon, a spacious mothership yacht. The yacht is equipped with large guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a fully appointed dining room and an upper deck for enjoying evening cocktails. The ship is fully air-conditioned. An Argentine chef will prepare quality dishes of freshly caught fish, fresh daily-baked bread and pastries.

Day 1 : Arrive in Manaus where you will be met by a member of the Rio Marié team who will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast (approximately 6:00 AM), you will be transferred to the local airport to meet your float plane charter flight to Rio Marié. You will land at Rio Marié right where the Untamed Amazon vessel is anchored. After lunch you will you will meet your guides and staff and prepare gear and know more about the Rio Marié project and giant bass. Get ready to the next day of fishing

Day 3 - 8: Six days of guided fishing. Each group of two anglers will be accompanied by a professional fly fishing guide as well as a native guide.

Day 9: Late morning guests will fly back to Manaus, weather permitting. You will stop to refuel before arriving in Manaus at approximately 4:00 PM. There you will be met by a member of the Rio Marié team who will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 8 night/6 day package: $7,980 plus $710 native fees

2025 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 8 night/6 day package: $8,220 plus $730 native fees

Included: All charter flights and boat transfers, all necessary ground transfers in Brazil, accommodations, meals and beverages including wine, beer and spirits at the lodge, Wi-fi, one hotel overnight in Manaus on arrival, guided fishing, fishing licenses, daily laundry and maid service at fishing destination.

Not Included: Native Community fee, international airfare, gratuities for camp staff and guides, food and beverages in Manaus and private city tours, airport departure tax, satellite phone calls ($5/minute), extra hotel overnights, tackle.

Season: September to January

Species: Butterfly and Temensis peacock bass

Lodge Capacity: 12 anglers

What are the top reasons to go?

• Fish for large peacock bass with shots at fish pushing the 20-pound mark.
• Experience utter solitude in the wilderness of Brazil. Guests at Rio Marie get exclusive use to over 600-miles of water.
• Enjoy the most deluxe mothership in Brazil. The Untamed Amazon is an amenity rich, state-of-the-art yacht that provides comforts not commonly found on mothership-based trips.
• Support conservation, sustainable business, and the local indigenous peoples.
• Explore the amazon with professional fishing and indigenous guides. The unique working platform that Untamed Angling has developed gives guests a complete experience that neither guide working alone could provide.

Who is best suited to this destination? Guests that are comfortable casting 8-,9- and 10-weight rods with large streamers in the oppressive heat. Guests should be prepared to make a lot of casts each day in a hot and humid environment.

Where is the lodge? The Rio Marie is located 600 miles west of Manaus inside a 2-million-hectare Indigenous Territory.

How do I get there? Guests will fly to Manaus (MAO) and overnight in a 4-star hotel (included in the package). The following day a private transfer service will meet guests at the hotel and transfers them to the airport for the charter flight to the Rio Marie mothership.

Note: There is a strictly enforced luggage weight restriction to board the charter flight. All guests should keep their luggage under 40-pounds total divided by one 10-pound carry-on and one 30-pound checked bag.  

When should I go? The season runs August to January.

How will I fish? Most fishing is done two anglers to two guides from flats skiffs specifically designed for fly fishing in the jungle. Sometimes guests will wade and sight fish from the sandy beaches.

Is there wade fishing? Depending on the water level, there are some wading opportunities on the sand beaches. The wading here is easy and does not require wading boots. Anglers can bring a pair of lightweight neoprene flats booties or even a pair or sandals.

Where will I fish? Guests will fish the main river, lagoons, oxbow lagoons, jungle creeks and sandy beaches of the system. The region has more than 800 kilometers of rivers, 180 known creeks, 60 lakes, and three major tributaries inside the operation area.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Depending on the fishing rotation and the location of the mothership it can take 5- to 90-minutes to reach the fishing grounds.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? The main event at Rio Marie is the large peacock bass (Cichla Temensis), but guests will have shots at butterfly peacock bass, bicuda, traira, jacunda, and occasionally some piranha.

How many fish will I catch? This program is best suited to trophy anglers that are willing to work hard for a few truly exceptional fish. Catch rates for the smaller butterfly peacocks are rather high with guests catching a fair number each day. Typically, the lodge catches 3 to 10 peacock bass over 20 pounds each week, meaning that some guests will not get a monster to hand, but everyone will have a real chance.

Will I see other anglers? No, Rio Marie has exclusive use of more than 600 miles of river, tributaries, and lagoons.

What are the guides like? There are two guides per skiff. One professional English-speaking guide experienced with peacock bass and jungle fly fishing techniques, and one native guide who knows everything about the river and the surroundings. Untamed Angling has designed a unique working platform where the professional guide provides specific technical fishing skills and the native guide provided intensive knowledge of the region. Working together as a team allows them to enrich our guests’ fishing experience in a way that neither could achieve alone.

What are the physical demands? It is important is to be prepared to cast all day with 8-, 9-, and 10-weight rods in tropical weather. It can be very hot throughout the day, and guests should be prepared to deal with the heat and sometimes heavy rain.

Are there any special skills required? Anglers that can cast large flies on large rods accurately all day will long have more chances. Being accurate on the first cast is important and it is recommended that guests practice their casting before arriving.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can supply guests with equipment if needed, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. There is a small fly shop on the mothership with flies, lines, and other necessities.  

What is your favorite setup for the trip? The complete angler would have an 8-weight rigged with a floating or intermediate sinking line and a 9-weight rod rigged with a full sinking or sink-tip line. Some guests will appreciate having a 10-weight rod with a floating line for popper fishing.  Jungle specific or warm water lines are imperative. Do not bring cold-water lines as the hot weather will make them soft and gummy.

What are the top flies? Fishing is done using mostly baitfish imitations 10- to 15-centimeters long.  Puglisi Streamers, Whistlers, Deceivers and Intruder patterns all work well.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? The season is the Brazilian dry season so there should not be a lot of rain outs. The river can be high, but the guides can often find fishable water. If there is a torrential storm guests will have to wait it out at the mothership.

What is a typical day like?

6:00 am - Coffee is hot

7:00 am – Breakfast

8:00 am - Head to fishing grounds

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm - Anglers will have a picnic style lunch on the river.

1:00 pm - After lunch, fishing will resume until late afternoon when the guides will deliver anglers back to the yacht at approximately 5:00 pm. Every day the yacht will be moved and anchored in a different place.

5:00 pm - Cocktails and appetizers in the main saloon or covered patio top deck of the mothership.

7:00 pm - Dinners will be served inside the Untamed Amazon’s air-conditioned dining room area.

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The vibe is laid back but luxurious. The Untamed Amazon vessel is designed with luxury and comfort in mind. The vessel is well appointed in every way and staffed by a highly professional service and guide team.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes. There is an angling host on staff at all times.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are taken aboard the mothership. Hearty and filling meals are prepared by one of Untamed Angling’s top chefs who creates delicious fresh dishes mixing regional and international cuisine. Good wines and spirits are available and included.

What is the alcohol policy? Limited beer, wine, and spirits are available and included in the package. If guests would like something special, they are encouraged to bring it with them in their luggage.

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? The Untamed Amazon mothership is the very first vessel of its kind in Amazonia that uses 100% solar power. The vessel has eight large guest suites that can be set-up for single or double occupancy. Each suite has a private bathroom, air conditioning and plenty of open space for clothes, equipment, and storage.  Suites 1 through 6 feature outside facing, ceiling-to-floor panoramic windows.  The water filtration system on the mothership is one of the finest in the Amazon and drinking water and ice is treated for drinking. 

The upper level is for guests to relax, enjoy beverages and re-live their day’s fishing adventure. It features a spacious living and dining room and an open lounge where drinks and appetizers are served. There are also two large Jacuzzi tubs for up to 10 guests on the top deck.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes, the boat has limited satellite Wi-Fi Internet and satellite phone service for a fee.

Are there other activities? The program is first and foremost for anglers, but they do offer massage services, and sunset beach excursions.

Are there any other expenses? Guests will have to pay a native fee to enter the indigenous area.  The fee will be collected when guests arrive in Manaus.

Do I need a visa? Yes, starting January 10, 2024, a visa is required for Brazil.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? There are really no dangers. The jungle is a surprisingly friendly place. As the water is acidic there are almost no mosquitoes or no see um, so anglers can relax.  Bug spray in the evening can help with the limited biting insects in the system. At times lots of large bees can appear. They can be very annoying but are not dangerous.

We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.