Pousada Tucuna Sport Fishing

Pousada Tucuna Sport Fishing is a fishing lodge in northern Mato Grosso, on the shores of the reservoir formed by the Colíder hydroelectric dam on the Teles Pires River, in the region known as the Gateway to the Amazon (Portal da Amazônia). The base sits roughly two and a half to three hours by road from Sinop, whose airport receives daily flights from São Paulo, Campinas and Brasília. Guests arriving by private plane can use a 1,200-meter airstrip on the property, and a van transfer from the airport is available for an additional fee.

Peacock bass is the headline target, including the fire peacock bass (Cichla mirianae), a species characteristic of the Teles Pires basin. The same waters hold dogfish characin (cachorra), freshwater croaker (corvina), bicuda and the giant arapaima (pirarucu), which can exceed two meters and 200 kilos. Chum-and-bottom fishing targets piau, pacu and matrinxã. The operation runs eight six-meter platform boats fitted with Yamaha 40 HP outboards and 54 lb electric trolling motors, plus fishing kayaks, with trained guides and unlimited fuel during the trip.

Lodging sleeps up to 16 guests in twin rooms with queen beds or up to 32 in quad rooms, all with air conditioning, private bathroom, hot water, minibar, coffee maker, TV with streaming and Wi-Fi. Common areas include a heated infinity pool with hydromassage overlooking the lake, a floating deck over the reservoir, a large lounge, poker and pool tables, a beach-tennis court and several lounge areas, surrounded by fully preserved forest.

The package is all-inclusive: a hearty country breakfast, a chef's lunch, dinner, a barbecue night with parrilla, pit smoker and open-fire cooking, a special lunch at a waterfall and snacks throughout the day. Drinks include water, soft drinks, juices, Heineken and Amstel beer and house cocktails made to order, such as caipirinha, gin and tonic, negroni and coconut batida. Wine and spirits such as whisky are not part of the package.

Because it sits on a regulated reservoir, the Colíder lake holds a stable level year-round, which makes for predictable navigation and steady access to the fishing spots throughout the year, without the sharp flood-and-drought swings of an open Amazon river. The lodge welcomes anglers all season long.