Suriname offers diverse freshwater fishing across multiple ecosystems: the Brokopondo Reservoir (one of the largest artificial lakes in South America), interior rivers and coastal estuarine waters. These tours cater to both experienced anglers seeking trophy fish and families or casual fishers wanting a relaxed day on the water.
The standard offering is a full-day fishing tour on Brokopondo Reservoir, targeting peacock bass and piranha. Multi-day expeditions (1 to 7 days) can be customized for specialized target species, including the massive piraíba catfish in remote interior rivers (note: piraíba is not present in Brokopondo Reservoir). Arapaima (locally known as Wakama) are not present in Suriname and can only be targeted on Guyana based fishing expeditions, which we also arrange.
What to expect
One-day tour: 6:00 AM departure from Paramaribo (approximately two-hour drive to reservoir access point). Fishing 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the water, using motorized boat to navigate flooded forest and open water zones. Lunch on boat or at shoreline camp. Return to Paramaribo by approximately 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Peacock bass fishing uses lures (topwater plugs, jerkbaits, soft plastics) or live bait. Guide positions boat near submerged trees, rocky points or creek mouths. Casting accuracy and retrieval technique matter, guide provides instruction for beginners. Piranha fishing uses cut bait (fish chunks, chicken) on simple hook-and-line rigs.
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- Round-trip transportation from Paramaribo to Brokopondo Reservoir
- Experienced local fishing guide (English-speaking)
- All fishing equipment (rods, reels, tackle, lures, bait)
- Motorized boat with fuel
- Lunch (grilled fish or packed meal)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Fishing licenses and reservoir access fees
- Breakfast before departure, dinner after return
- Alcoholic beverages (can bring your own)
- Personal fishing gear (if you prefer your own equipment)
- Gratuities for guide
- Travel insurance
Specialized multi-day expeditions can target specific species (piraíba in Suriname interior rivers, payara, trophy peacock bass) or arapaima (Guyana only). Fly fishing can be arranged on request. Peacock bass take flies well on Brokopondo Reservoir. Guyana based expeditions can pursue both peacock bass and arapaima on the fly. Family-friendly variants emphasize piranha fishing with shorter days. Combined fishing-and-cultural programs available with Maroon village stops along Suriname River.
What makes this tour
Peacock bass on Brokopondo Reservoir, aggressive sport fish averaging 2 to 5 kg, strong fighters on light tackle
Piranha fishing, exciting strikes, good for novice anglers and children
Brokopondo's flooded forest, thousands of submerged dead tree trunks (bigi udu) create ideal predator habitat
Multi-day trophy expeditions available for piraíba catfish (interior rivers, not Brokopondo, 2+ meters, 100+ kg), payara, traíra and trophy peacock bass. Arapaima (Wakama) expeditions arranged in Guyana only.
Private charter format, dedicated guide and boat for your group, no shared departures
Available options
Standard offering: full-day private charter targeting peacock bass and piranha on Brokopondo Reservoir. Suitable for all skill levels including beginners and families.
Extended tours target specialized trophy species in Suriname's interior rivers: piraíba catfish (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), payara (vampire fish), large peacock bass (Cichla temensis), traíra and lukanani. Arapaima (Wakama) tours run separately in Guyana only, where the species is present in oxbow lakes and slow-moving river sections. Higher physical demands, rustic conditions, deeper interior access.
Practical information
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