An Epic Season Unfolds on the Marié River by Rodrigo Salles and Rafael Marques

The first 12 weeks of this season have been nothing short of historic. While much of the Amazon struggled with unusually high water that never truly dropped, the Marié River once again proved why it is the most advanced giant peacock bass fishery on the planet. Stable water levels, consistent clarity, and highly responsive fish created a perfect scenario for technical fly fishing in the jungle — and anglers experienced one of the most productive stretches we have ever recorded.

But none of this happened by chance.

These results are the direct consequence of more than a decade of strict preservation and controlled access. Since 2014, this river has been protected through a long-term partnership with the Indigenous communities, allowing us to maintain an untouched biomass of apex predators. Ten years of scientific monitoring, no-kill policies, and carefully managed pressure have allowed these fish to reach full genetic potential.

The numbers tell the story: by the end of week 12, an extraordinary 168 fish over 80 cm had been landed, alongside a record-breaking 13 fish over 90 cm — more than any season anywhere in the Amazon. Among these giants, two fish stood out: two massive 92 cm, 26-pound peacock bass, a rare double that currently stands as a tie for the largest fish of the season so far.

Our guiding program has evolved in the same way. Each year, our team refines its understanding of the Marié’s hydrology, fish behavior, migratory micro-movements, and the subtleties of sight-fishing giant peacock bass in complex jungle structure. From reading turbidity shifts to interpreting drop-offs, sandbars, and submerged hard edges, our guides now operate with a level of technical precision that only a decade of dedication can deliver.

And this season marks a milestone we are truly proud of. Two of our Indigenous guides have officially joined the team of professional lead guides — a historic achievement that reflects years of shared learning, intensive on-the-water training, and the perfect blend of ancestral knowledge with modern fly-fishing methodology. Their ability to read water and anticipate fish behavior is world-class, and their growth represents exactly what this project set out to achieve.

Preservation, expertise, and evolution — that is the foundation of the Marié. Every giant landed is the result of long-term protection and discipline, built in collaboration with the communities who call this river home.

This is the Marié River. And this is why it remains unequaled in the world of jungle fly fishing.

Rodrigo Salles and Rafael Marques