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Overview: A Glimpse of Your Angling Adventure.Kendjam is more than a fishing trip; it is an experience and from our perspective an epic one at that! If you enjoy interfacing with a native tribe that thrives in the absence of modern day creature comforts, exclusively fishing a crystal-clear river that offers a multitude of hard fighting Amazonian species in numerous braids, rock outcroppings, pools, and fast water runs/riffles, and all while doing so in a virgin, road-less jungle roughly the size of Virginia, then Kendjam needs to be on your destination bucket list. It truly offers an unparalleled jungle experience, and from a fishing perspective it offers it all from large noisy presentations to more subtle patterns, and regardless of the smashing or subtle take, you are in for a “street fight” once you hook one of the many species that call the Iriri River home. This is repeated day in day out during a typical fishing day here, and while we often hear it presented as a numbers/diverse species destination (no argument from us there), it also offers up trophy-sized yellow peacocks and wolf fish on a regular basis that will test any serious angler’s skills. This is not a shameless plug but rather a reality with another one of Untamed Angling’s projects that marries world-class jungle angling with environmental/economic sustainability to their indigenous partners, which at Kendjam is the Kayapo tribe.
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Kendjam is in the Brazilian State of Para on the banks of the Iriri River, which is a tributary of the Xingu River. The Kayapo village is located approximately 600-miles southeast of Manaus, which will be the last signs of human settlement you see before departing approximately 15-miles downriver to the lodge; more on these simple yet comfortable accommodations later. You get a quick sense of the remoteness as you depart Manaus and fly southeast over the jungle for approximately 3-4 hours, with the only signs of human activity being intermittent clearings in the rainforest from gold mining camps and logging operations. These human “scars” in the jungle fade on the last 1.5 hours of the approach to the Kayapo Village of Kendjam, and the final views you see through the airplane window prior to landing on the grass/earthen air strip is the large granite rock back-dropping the village and the Iriri River with its numerous braids and rock outcroppings as it snakes it way over the granite bedrock and cobbled bottom. From the air, you get your first sense of how diverse the water is that you will be fishing from the long pools that transition to uncountable braids and faster sections of river that channelize flow over small falls, creating numerous pools, current lines, and runs/riffles. Yes, this is the Iriri River and its clear flowing waters are somewhat unique in contrast to the tannin/tea colored waters that are typical of the jungle rivers in the Amazon Basin. Now it’s time to step off the plane and meet the Kayapo’s, an indigenous nation that is revered in the Amazon for their native culture and fierce protection of their lands from human/environmental exploitation. These are the Kayapo and the Kendjam Project was born to benefit and protect their legacy.
The Kayapo Story and Kendjam Project: Conflict, Settlement, and the Angling Agreement in the Wilds of the Iriri River/Xingu Basin.
The Kayapo Nation consists of 45 tribes that call the Xingu Basin home. Their Brazilian Government-recognized and protected territory consists of more than 10-million hectares (24-million acres) of land in one of the most unspoiled areas in the southern Amazon Basin. However, it was not always this way in this geographic region of Brazil, where civilization in the forms of agriculture, mining, and logging clashed with the indigenous tribes’ way of life. In the pursuit of economic development, many roads were built in the 1960s/1970s, and the jungle was cleared to support agricultural and human settlement in this area of the Amazon Basin. The construction of roads also facilitated the search and ensuing rush of gold mining, along with the logging of the many tress that are still viewed as valuable resources today. Many settlers migrated to occupy this portion of the Amazon Basin with the promise of land, sustainable jobs and the monetary security that comes with it. With settlement and civilization encroachment typically comes problems, which was no different with this government-sponsored land title program. The end-result was a disaster to the indigenous tribes that called these lands home with thousands forced from their lands or killed in the conflicts that ensued. One of these tribes, the Kayapo, used their incredible knowledge of the jungle to disguise themselves and tip their chances of survival during the period of conflict; eventually migrating to an area of jungle so dense, the rivers so wild and plagued with rocks, waterfalls, and swift moving water that navigation and pursuit were deemed impossible. The Kayapo had fought and succeeded against the odds and were now occupying their new home in this wild territory of Brazil known as the Xingu Basin. Once established, they began to systematically attack all those that intruded on their territory. As a result, they became known for their aggressiveness, and outsiders that dared to trespass on their lands and live to tell about it, began to classify them as one of the most warlike natives of the Amazon Basin. The Kayapo swiftly and frequently defended their land with repeated attacks, and thus few people dared to approach their territory.
In the 1980s, they were formally granted their land rights to the Xingu Basin by the Brazilian government. However, further resistance and challenges were faced in the form of clandestine water management projects proposed by the government on the Xingu River (i.e. dams), which culminated into Kayapo resistance that elevated all the way to the global spotlight. With global support, they were able to resist yet another threat to their territory and way of life. Their hard-fought literal and proverbial battles to protect their land results in the virgin jungle and unspoiled waters teeming with fish that adventure anglers often dream about. So how did outsiders, historically not trusted and unwanted by the Kayapo Nation, arrange for the fishing opportunities that you are inquiring about for your next angling adventure?
The owners of Untamed Angling, Marcelo Perez and Rodrigo Salles, were searching for an angling destination that offered several species of jungle game fish combined with clear water sight fishing and wading opportunities. They encountered several good jungle rivers in this pursuit; however, none fit their model in its entirety and one of the most important aspects of Untamed Angling; recreational catch/release fishing in pristine waters combined with the provisions of economic benefit and environmental protection and sustainability to the indigenous people. They knew about the rivers and opportunities that existed in the Xingu Basin, and how one of these rivers would likely fit their concept, but they had to be invited.
This goal became a reality in 2013, when a trusted contact of the Kayapo Nation, arranged a meeting in the most isolated and protected area of the Kayapo Territory, the Kendjam Tribe and Iriri River. The meeting was based on the success of Untamed’s Tsimane Project, and the idea that tourism from a fishing catch and release standpoint could provide economic benefit to the tribe without exploitation of the resources in their territory. From the Kayapo’s view, the success of the project did not hinge on the monetary benefit but viewed as a chance to bring further awareness to aid in the protection of their culture, river, and environment, while also offering an activity for their young warriors to participate in. One of the biggest challenges the Kayapo face is their younger members leaving the area for various reasons. This dwindles their numbers, and the angling project was viewed as incentive for them to stay by providing the young warriors employment at what they love doing, which is being on the water. With an agreement in place, the exploratory season was launched in 2015 with great success, and the project to date continues to develop and thrive.
The Fishing: Multiple Species Daily in Unpressured Water
That is the foundation of the fishing at Kendjam; the opportunity to target several species daily in the varying habitat that is offered in the crystal-clear waters of the Iriri River. In one section of the river you may be casting streamers or poppers that bring the opportunity for an eat from the numerous yellow peacocks, lighting fast bicuda, or hard fighting, charging, and acrobatic, silver-sided matrinxa. The best part is that regardless of presentation, most of the eats are visual. This is the place to keep things simple in terms of tackle; however, focus on your equipment and tackle are the operative words as specific techniques and tactics often are the difference between steady and amazing fishing.
In fast water sections, with the abundant green and purple algae that clings to the rocks, the Pacu are often seen flashing and feeding in the water that varies from 2-5-ft in depth. These are great places to drift large rubber-legged dry flies and slack-line nymph algal imitations that can be as simple as a small olive wooly bugger. In the slack sections of river, numerous rock outcroppings provide the perfect habit for the wolf fish, and these fish can often be spotted lying in wait for anything unfortunate enough to cross their paths. They are also concentrated around the various jungle creek mouths that enter the Iriri. Wolf fish will often charge and aggressively eat a big popper, and if this does not do the trick than a heavily weighted fly in their face typically induces a vicious response. Once hooked these fish burst in short runs and often take to the air with head-shaking jumps. In a week of fishing it is not uncommon to hook and battle wolfish that approach and go over 20-lbs.
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This fishing program is based out of the lodge and uses simple aluminum boats that are either fitted with standard outboards or long-tailed motors. These are not luxury jet, drift, or other river boats that are typical to U.S. rivers. However, they are well set-up, stable to cast from, and accommodating to the angler, and are the best and most reliable choice for navigating the many shallow, fast water sections of the river. Your professional, English-speaking fishing guide and native Kayapo watermen will ensure that you are comfortable and focused on the fishing rather that dealing with line management issues in a poorly maintained boat. The fishing staff is very experienced and know what it takes to provide a safe and friendly fishing craft!
The typical fishing day has you departing the lodge by boat to fish one of the many beats on the Iriri River. Each beat includes several river miles, and provides all types of habitat to target the many species that call the Iriri River home. In certain stretches, fishing is done from the drifting boat that is expertly paddled/steered by the Kayapo’s; however, the best part is that at your discretion you will often be wading and fishing these crystal-clear waters. This is the chance to explore the many braids, runs, riffles, and pocket water that the Iriri has to offer! This is a welcome reprieve from the heat and humidity that is common to the jungle. The wading is not difficult, and assistance is always at hand from either your fishing or Kayapo guides. A wading staff is a welcome addition and can keep you firmly planted in sections of water that have swift current and/or sharp rocks.
FishFurtherTravel Expert Tip: We highly recommend a water-proof backpack that is comfortable to wear and easy to access! Talk to us to find out what we use and trust! This allows you to stow your camera, terminal tackle (tippet, wire, etc.), rain jacket, and fly box(s). We often work out of one fly box and restock each evening from flies that are stored in plastic sleeves in large zip-lock bags. There is no need to carry multiple boxes that add excess bulk/weight to your pack, and this method also allows efficient travel packing and protection of your purchased or hand tied flies in transit to Brazil and the lodge!
The Itinerary of Your Fishing Program:
Day 1 (Friday or Saturday): Arrive in Manaus where you will be met by a member of the Untamed Angling team who will transfer you to the hotel. For multiple connections in the U.S. or travel to Brazil from abroad (i.e. Europe, Asia, etc.), we recommend flying in on Friday to avoid connection and baggage issues.
Day 2 (Sunday): Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and then depart at approximately 6:30 AM to the local airport to meet your charter flight to the Kendjam Village. It is typically a 3-4-hour flight depending on head/tail winds and upon arrival you be greeted by two fishing guides and staff from the lodge. This is time to stretch your legs and get a sense of the Kayapo’s way of life. Following a sandwich lunch and refreshments, you will be formally introduced to the tribe by one of the professional fly-fishing guides. This is an experience that not many people in the world get to participate in, so enjoy it and begin to take in where you are at! Transportation to the lodge will follow, which is typically a 3-hour boat ride. Have your camera ready for the abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes that will be seen on the way to the lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a cold beverage and settle in and prepare for the upcoming fishing days and adventure.
Days 3-8 (Monday-Saturday): Six days of guiding fishing on the Iriri River. Each day you and your fishing partner will depart the lodge in a boat that is expertly packed by your professional fishing guide and Kayapo watermen.
Day 9 (Sunday): In the morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast and depart from the lodge at approximately 6:30 AM for the boat ride back to the Kendjam Village. You will have an opportunity to purchase items at the Village that are hand-craft by the Kendjam tribesmen and women. On the return flight to Manaus, you will stop and refuel and arrive back at the local Manaus airport at approximately 5:00 PM. A “day room” at the hotel is an option to clean up before heading to the airport or enjoying a meal at one of the many fine restaurants in Manaus before departure home!
The Lodge: Comfortable Accommodations in the Remote Jungle.The lodge is located on a large sandy beach of the Iriri River, approximately 20-miles downstream of the Kendjam Village. It is the only man-made footprint that you will see on your six-day fishing adventure! It consists of a large, elevated wooden platform and main lodge that was built from a single tree that was harvested from the nearby rain forest. The lodge room/dining area is flanked on both sides by two large, safari-style tents that provide comfortable accommodations and sleeping quarters for your stay. A palmed-thatched roofing system overlays each tent for added protection. Each tent includes comfortable bedding, lighting, nightstands and storage bins/organizers for your clothes and equipment, and a private bath/vanity/shower with hot/cold water. The tents are equipped with multiple flies that promote airflow during the comfortable nights that are typical in this area of the jungle! Considering your remote location, you will not find more comfortable and well-planned accommodations!
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Closing Thoughts: A Remote Angling Adventure.
Kendjam is as much of an adventure as it is a fishing trip. It requires considerable travel to reach with the spoils being unmolested angling in a virgin jungle. It is wild and with the wild comes things and situations that are beyond your control. It is a trip that is relatively safe; however, interactions with wildlife such as freshwater sting rays, river otters, electric eels, various spiders, caiman, snakes, and other creepy crawlies are a reality in the jungle. Most are at a distance and we have personally never had a negative interaction in all our time fishing on the Iriri River. The success of your trip will largely depend on the preparations you make prior to your departure and the mindset you have once on the ground at the lodge. Embrace Kendjam and it will reveal a world and experience that you have to see to believe. Let us prepare you for this once and a lifetime angling adventure!
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Season: July to September
Capacity: 8 anglers
2022 -2023 Rate: Give us a Call best price Guaranteed
Included: Accommodation and meals at Kendjam, arrival night lodging in Manaus, transfers in Manaus, charter flights and boat transfers to camp, guided fishing, fishing licenses.
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Time: GMT/UTC – 04:00 hour.