Essequibo Fishing Trip

12 Days

From its source in the Acarai mountains, deep in the southern end of Guyana, the black waters of the Essequibo, South America’s 3rd largest river, twists quietly and thunders over great falls for over 600 miles, through untouched and pristine forests until it meets the Atlantic Ocean.

In times of exceptionally high water during the rainy season, the Essequibo links to the Amazon basin, via watershed between the Rupununi and Takutu rivers, making the Essequibo home to a wide variety of aquatic species which have crossed over from the Amazon system, including Arapaima, Arawana, Black Caiman, Victoria Amazonica Lilies, and Giant River Turtles.

For these reasons, the Essequibo’s remoteness and variety of species, fishing can be exceptional. Peacock Bass, Arawana, Leopard Fish, Tropical Pike, large Payara, and Pacu all thrive in these waters. Giant catfish such as Lau Lau, Red-Tailed catfish and Jau can also be found in the deep pools below the rapids.

Not to be outdone, the wildlife viewing is also excellent, observable from boats while traveling or fishing. Several species of monkeys make this area home while Giant otters, Caiman, and Turtles patrol the waters and bask on the sandbanks. 

As the Essequibo River runs through primary forest, it is also rich in birds. Macaws, Toucans, Cotingas, Parrots, and the mighty Harpy Eagle can be found here.

If you’ve ever dreamt of fishing an un-spoilt and remote tropical river running though a vast forest, then a visit to the Essequibo River will fulfill this dream. You will travel and fish an exquisitely beautiful waterway, lined with shimmering black rocks, pearly sandbanks, and roaring rapids. You will camp overlooking the water, fall asleep to the sound of the river, awaken to the sound of howler monkeys, and after a full day of fishing you will dine on the freshest fish caught by your own hand.

This trip is comprised of two base camps, which provide our guests with a variety of habitats and species. The first camp situated near lagoons harbor healthy stocks of Peacock Bass, Arawana, and Arapaima. The river around the second camp is a maze of channels, deep pools, shallow rock bars and rapids all waiting to be fished. The deep pools we will fish for Giant Catfish such as Lau Lau, Redtailed Catfish, Jau, and Pyara. Most fishing is conducted in the mornings, afternoons, and at night. During the middle of the day (and the hottest hours) you can relax at the camp, prepare your tackle, share fishing stories, read in your hammock, or swim in the cool waters of the river.