At 4,080 miles, the Amazon is the largest river system in the world with a drainage area of over two and a half million square miles. Although the Nile in Africa is the world’s longest river, for the sheer volume of water the Amazon is certainly and without any doubt, the greatest. More than 1000 tributaries lead into this mighty stream. Some of the ‘feeder’ rivers are over 1000 miles long.
During the rainy season the Amazon spews 28 billion gallons of water into the Atlantic, the equivalent of twelve Mississippi rivers. This fresh water dilutes the salinity of the sea for more than 100 miles off-shore. Twenty-five per cent of the world’s freshwater emanates from the Amazon.
The Amazon starts its amazing journey high in the Andes in Peru less than 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Many little streamlets combine to form, first the Ucayali and then the Maranon Rivers. It is also joined by the mighty Urabamba River which flows through the secret valley of the Incas near Cuzco not far from the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The Agua Boa River
The Agua Boa Amazon Lodge is located on the Agua Boa river which is one of the 1000 plus tributaries that feeds the mighty Amazon river. Situated almost 200 miles north west of the Brazilian city of Manaus in deep jungle, the pristine Agua Boa river can be found flowing from its source high in the Mocidade mountains through a stunning landscape of almost uninhabited rain forest and savannah. The beautiful clear waters of the Agua Boa flow through one of the best protected areas of the Amazon region before entering into the Rio Branco, a larger water source, which in turn joins the Rio Negro. At Manaus, the Rio Negro meets the Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River.
From its source to the Rio Branco, the Agua Boa river is approximately 150 miles in length. There are many lagoons and ox bow lakes located along the Agua Boa, varying in size from one to ten hectares. When the water levels are at their most optimal, sandbanks create additional pools in which it is possible to sight cast to the fish. During these periods of low water conditions many of the lagoons become disconnected with the main river, which provides fantastic fishing opportunities as those huge Peacock Bass cruise around in search of potential quarry. When the water is slightly higher, our guides will pole the boat through the shallow creeks that lead off the main river into the connecting lakes. When the waters are lower, a short walk of no more than a quarter of a mile may be required to reach the fishing.
We exercise a strict policy of catch and release to preserve our fish stocks, and only allow the use of single barbless hooks. This has led to a large population of top quality fish. Agua Boa Amazon Lodge caters exclusively to fly fishermen and the Guides have years of training on the river. Two guests share a boat, unless they have booked a single occupancy chalet, and are accompanied by our fully trained and knowledgeable Guides. Subject to availability, guests may request to fish alone, at additional cost. As a result of the efforts of the lodge owner, Lance Ranger, the Agua Boa is the only river in the Amazon which is single hook, barbless, fly fishing only. Spin fishermen are welcome on the river, but they must use single barbless flies under a float with their fishing rod.
