Pousada Teles Pires

Pousada Teles Pires sits on the bank of the Teles Pires River in northern Mato Grosso, on a free-flowing stretch downstream of the Colíder dam, where the water runs free and keeps its natural flood-and-drawdown cycle. The lodge runs multi-species sport fishing packages on a catch-and-release basis along a wide river of sand beaches, islands and rapids framed by preserved forest, one of central Brazil's most productive fisheries for anglers who want species variety in a single trip.

The target list is broad. The peacock bass, native to the Tapajós and Teles Pires basin, is the headline fish on topwater strikes, alongside payara (cachorra), pike characin (bicuda), matrinxã, giant trahira (trairão), freshwater croaker (corvina), pacu and piau. For catfish hunters the river delivers giants such as arapaima, jaú, barred catfish (cachara) and piraíba, many of them landed on night sessions. The variety fuels full days of action for casters and bottom anglers alike.

Lodging consists of eleven double suites with split air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot shower and glass box, and open wi-fi. The common area has a large lounge with a bar, drink fridges, rod racks and fishing-themed decor, plus a pool with a hydromassage and riverside seating for the end of the day.

The operation runs new, standardized boats fitted with two wide casting decks, swivel seats, coolers, an electric trolling motor and an outboard, and safety gear. The daily rate includes unlimited fuel and one guide for every two anglers, along with all meals, snacks and drinks (from beer and soft drinks to caipirinha and artisanal cachaça). The lodge hosts up to 28 anglers and also welcomes individual pairs.

The season runs from February through late September and follows the river's cycle. The Teles Pires rises in the rainy season, peaking around March, and drops through the dry months to its lowest levels between August and September, when beaches and sandbars emerge and fish concentrate along the exposed banks. The usual gateways are Sinop (about 200 km) and Alta Floresta (about 185 km), both with the final leg on dirt road. A national fishing license is required.