An Introduction to Brazil's Kendjam Lodge

The Irirí is a clear water jungle river, home to a variety of beautiful and powerful game fish species. A tributary of the Xingu River in Brazil's Pará state, the Irirí winds its way through the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The river provides habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including some truly remarkable game fish.

The Irirí’s clarity makes for incredible sight fishing, arguably the most thrilling way to catch a fish. Using 5 to 8 weight fly rods and topwater flies, you’ll fish for species that are unknown to most anglers around the globe. Wet wading through low, clear water, targeting these majestic fish is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Peacock bass

Irirí River peacock bass are a strikingly beautiful fish, known for their proclivity for attacking topwater flies. These fish are recognizable by their vibrant colors, which range from deep greens to bright yellows and oranges, adorned with distinctive markings resembling peacock feathers. Mature males also develop a prominent hump on top of their skull.

Wolf fish

Wolf fish are some of the most aggressive predators inhabiting the pristine waters of the Amazon rainforest. Known for their fierce appearance and predatory prowess, wolf fish are characterized by their elongated body, powerful jaws filled with sharp teeth, and mottled pattern that helps them blend into their surroundings. These fish thrive in the Iriri River's varied habitats, from calm pools to fast-flowing currents, where they prey on smaller fish and other aquatic creatures with remarkable agility and strength. These fish are mostly targeted around Kendjam during the hours of dawn and dusk.

Pacu

The Irirí River pacu is a close relative of the piranha, but it is known for its herbivorous diet. Recognized by its sleek, silver body and powerful jaws adapted for crushing nuts and fruits, the pacu plays a vital ecological role as a seed disperser in the Amazon region, helping to propagate vegetation along the banks of the Irirí River and its tributaries. They can reach sizes of up to 30 pounds. 

Matrinxã

Growing to significant sizes, matrinxã are formidable predators, capable of powerful bursts of speed and acrobatic leaps when hooked. They are a striking fish, known for their shimmering silver scales and distinctively forked tail. Native to the Amazon basin, matrinxã prey on smaller fish that inhabit the Irirí river.

Bicuda

Known for their elongated, torpedo-shaped body and distinctive silver scales, bicuda are a prized game fish sought after by anglers for their impressive size and energetic fighting spirit. With a mouth full of sharp teeth designed for preying on smaller fish and insects, the bicuda thrives in the Irirí River's varied habitats. Residing in both calm pools and swift riffles, these powerful fish can grow to lengths of over three feet.

Payara

Known colloquially as the "vampire fish", payara have a distinctive elongated body and prominent fangs that are quite long and sharp. These fish are formidable predators, capable of swift and agile movements in pursuit of prey. Anglers are drawn to the challenge of targeting payara for their thrilling fights and the opportunity to test their skills against one of the Amazon's most iconic predators.

Kendjam Lodge is situated deep within the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, accessible only by chartered flights followed by smaller aircraft or boat transfers. Reaching Kendjam involves a journey into the heart of untouched wilderness. The lodge not only offers unparalleled fishing opportunities, but also serves as a gateway for guests to explore the diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous communities that thrive along the Irirí River. 

Kendjam is located in the middle of the Mekrãgnoti Indigenous Territory, one of the most isolated swaths of tropical jungle in the world. This land is home to the Kayapó, one of the most important ethnic groups in the Amazon region. As you explore this remarkable region, you will have the chance to learn about the rich history and legacy of its indigenous stewards that have fought for centuries to protect their homeland.

Known for their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land, the Kayapó have traditionally lived in harmony with the forest, relying on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering. They are known for their tradition of intricate body painting, distinctive feathered headdresses, and vibrant ceremonies that celebrate their spiritual beliefs and ancestral traditions. Historically, the Kayapó have been warriors — staunch defenders of their territory and natural resources, actively engaging in advocacy and environmental conservation efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest from encroachment and exploitation by extractive industries. The Kayapó continue to preserve their cultural identity and traditional way of life, playing a vital role in safeguarding the Amazon's biological and cultural diversity for future generations.

Guests visiting Kendjam Lodge have the unique opportunity to learn about the Kayapó's sustainable practices; their spiritual beliefs that are deeply intertwined with nature; and their traditional crafts, which reflect their profound respect for the environment. Meals at the lodge feature locally sourced ingredients, often harvested or caught by the Kayapó themselves — providing a taste of authentic Amazonian cuisine. Beyond exploration and relaxation, guests engage in meaningful interactions with community members, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of preserving Kayapó culture and the beautiful lands they inhabit.

Accommodations at Kendjam Lodge are designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest while providing modern comfort and convenience. After a day of fishing some of the most untouched water on the planet, you’ll come back to spacious wooden cabins and gourmet meals served in the lodge’s screened-in dining room and lounge area. Each cabin features comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot water showers, powerful fans, and large windows that allow guests to enjoy stunning views of the rainforest or the river, unperturbed by mosquitoes.

Temperatures at night can drop to as low as 50° Fahrenheit, ideal sleeping temperature after long days traversing the river in search of fish.

For those who want to reach the most remote stretches of the Irirí River, anglers can spend one or two nights at an out camp location upstream or downstream from the lodge. These camps will have all the basic amenities of tent camping, allowing you to spend the night under the Amazon’s remarkable starlit sky.

Day 0

Your adventure begins the moment you touch down at Manaus International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you from a dedicated member of the Kendjam team. From there, you’ll travel to the Juma Ópera Hotel, a perfect blend of comfort and Brazilian charm. Here, you’ll unwind and recharge for your journey ahead, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Manaus as you prepare for an early departure into the heart of the Amazon the following morning. This first night sets the stage for an unforgettable week.

Day 1

Depart the Juma Ópera Hotel at approximately 5:30am to board a charter flight to Kendjam. After the scenic flight, you’ll land at the Kendjam Indian Community’s landing strip, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your expert guides, lodge staff, and members of the Kayapó. From there, you’ll embark on a  three hour float downstream, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest. This journey offers stunning views and serves as the perfect introduction to the diverse wildlife that thrives along the banks of the Irirí. Upon reaching Kendjam Lodge, you’ll have time to settle in and absorb your stunning surroundings. There will be ample time to prepare for the fishing that lies ahead.

Days 2-7

Teams of two anglers will head out each morning to fish the beautiful Irirí in a boat with a fly fishing guide and a local Kayapó guide. Both anglers will fish all day, stopping for a picnic lunch along the river. After a full day of fishing, you will arrive back at the lodge around 5:30pm. Cocktails will be served at 6:30pm and dinner is at 7:30pm, giving you plenty of time to share the day’s fishing stories with your fellow anglers.

Day 8

Bid farewell to Kendjam lodge and embark on the trip upriver to the Kendjam Indian community landing strip. You’ll arrive in Manaus mid/late afternoon, bringing with you memories and stories that will last a lifetime.

AnyCreek partners with accomplished international angling travel hosts to make this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kendjam Lodge something truly unique. August 2025 will feature two hosted trips, each sure to be a remarkable angling experience. 

From August 1st to August 9th, world record anglers, fly shop owners, and accomplished fly fishing instructors Nathaniel Linville and Kat Vallilee will host a trip to Kendjam. Kat and Nathaniel own The Angling Company — the premier fly shop in Key West — and are considered to be two of the best flats fishing anglers on the planet, with numerous tournament accolades and IGFA world records each. These two have a wealth of fly fishing knowledge and experience that will make this a truly incredible week. To learn more about this Kendjam hosted trip with Kat and Nathaniel, click here. 

From August 29th to September 6th, seventh-generation fishing guide and world-traveling angler Zac Horrocks is hosting a second trip to Kendjam. Zac has spent his whole life fishing and exploring the Adirondacks in New York state — and has also guided all over the world, in places including Martha’s Vineyard, Mexico, Belize, Japan, and Alaska. Zac has developed a lifetime of fly fishing experience and is a wonderful person to fish with and learn from. To read more about fishing with Zac Horrocks at Kendjam Lodge, click here.