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Suindá – 2023/24 Season Wrap
After several dry years from 2019 to 2022, we were blessed with ample rainfall and healthy water levels starting in 2023, largely due to water coming from Brazil. This rejuvenation significantly bolstered the entire fishery, enhancing spawning and migratory activity.
In the beginning, during our spring season, the abundant water levels fostered a thriving population of the game fish we pursue. We consistently found plentiful minnows and a substantial number of sabalos around our prime fishing spots. As for game fish, we encountered numerous small and medium-sized pira pitas, along with many pacues ranging from 4 to 10 pounds. Additionally, sizable schools of small dorados populated the waters, promising a positive outlook for future seasons.
The largest dorado caught on fly weighed an impressive 32 pounds, landed by our esteemed head guide, Jose Caparros. Sergey achieved the distinction of landing the largest dorado on a lure, weighing 29 pounds.
Furthermore, we had numerous instances of Grand Slams, but one that particularly stands out is Clayton and Cathy’s achievement using fiberglass rods.
-Fabian Anastasio
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Suindá – February, 2024
Throughout February, our river experienced quite the rollercoaster ride in water levels, hitting its lowest point of the season before eventually settling at a historically regular level by the end. Despite the unpredictability, this period brought exciting changes to the fishing dynamics. Deeper rocks became hotspots teeming with fish, and the increased presence of bait on numerous sandbars made flat fishing exceptionally active.
Our anglers had a blast with Pira Pita fishing, employing a variety of techniques including dry flies, floating and sinking fruit flies, and even experimenting with dropper dry fly-fruit setups—all yielding impressive results.
In terms of highlights, Pablo’s memorable catch of a big dorado on a popper, achieved through sight casting on a sandbar, stands out. Additionally, we celebrated a significant milestone with our repeat guest Kris from Nantucket, who landed their largest dorado ever, making it an unforgettable moment at our lodge.
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Suindá – Week 3 & 4: January 16th to 31st, 2024
During the latter part of January, the river level steadily decreased, causing some sandbars to become exposed, which attracted baitfish feeding on the bottom. We began to observe dorado feeding activity on these flats gradually, ranging from gentle patrols to explosive feeding frenzy shows.
Pacu fishing became more unpredictable as the water level change forced them into deeper locations, requiring anglers to search for them with faster-sinking fruits. On the other hand, Pira Pita activity remained consistently strong, with numerous takes every day using everything from dry flies to small streamers, although the small fruits, whether sinking or floating, proved to be most effective.
Among the highlights, our friend Fergus Kelly had an exceptional day landing two substantial dorados weighing 22 and 23 pounds respectively. Frans also had success during his stay, landing two dorados weighing over 20 pounds each. Additionally, one of our guides, Fabian, landed a hefty 30-pounder, marking the largest catch of the season thus far.
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Suindá – Week 1 & 2: January 1st to 15th, 2024
By: Fabian Anastasio
This season began with a significantly elevated water level, prompting an active migration of the entire fishery for spawning. Some weeks during spring were teeming with bait along banks and sandbars. Despite some fluctuations, the large dorados arrived in our area in small schools, some situated in loggy structures and others in rocky locations.
In the first week of January, the water level experienced rapid changes, rising and then falling. These fluctuations posed challenges to fishing conditions, making it difficult to locate dorados during the daytime. However, Pira Pita and Pacu fishing proved to be very productive, even when using floating fruits and dry flies.
Nevertheless, during the golden hours, some trophy dorados were successfully lured. Dominic, one of our favorite guests, managed to land three substantial ones on the fly during his stay, with the largest weighing 25 pounds (a personal record!). Jay, a new friend from Minnesota, achieved his first significant catch—a 22-pounder on the fly.
A special mention goes to Clayton and his wife Cathy, who exclusively used fiberglass rods ranging from 3 to #9. They landed two very noteworthy dorado weighing 24 and 22 pounds, along with several Pacu’s and Pira-Pitas—many of them caught using floating fruits or dry flies.
on the fly.
