Payara Fishing

Payara fish are very aggressive. They like the fast water of Uraima Falls. The average catch per day per angler is 8 fish, from 26 to 30 pounds. The 36 pound world record was caught at Uraima Falls. Some even larger, but not yet certified 40 pounders have also been landed.

Payara are usually not surface oriented fish, so big Rapalas, 7-inch jerk baits, Rat-L-Trap type lures, spoons and jigs are most productive. Payara are fished with a slightly heavier 9-10-weight fly rod and either a 300 or 400-grain, 24-foot sink tip line depending upon water conditions. They can be fished with a full floating line, but only during extreme conditions as they prefer to reside in deep, fast current. A heavy mono leader tipped with stout steel tippet is essential. Payara take a variety of large streamers, but prefer heavily-dressed Cloussers and Muddlers tied on a 4/0 heavy saltwater tarpon hook. .

Payara prefer to reside in extremely fast water and take both lures and flies with such savage force that one can easily rip the rod from your grasp if you are not paying close attention. Once hooked, a large payara will effortlessly peel off 150-yards of line/backing despite a thirty-pound leader, strong drag and stiff rod. Payara also make repeated salmon-style jumps, which adds to the fish’s allure.