Guyana is a small South American country neighbouring Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. Known for its dense tropical rainforests, vast river systems, and unique jungle fishing opportunities, Guyana is a must visit destination for fly anglers searching for a new adventure. Guyana’s jungles play host to one of the largest exotic game fish on earth – the prehistoric arapaima. If you are the type of fisherman who enjoys exotic and remote fishing adventures, then Guyana is definitely the place for you!

The arapaima is the largest scaled freshwater fish on the planet. These massive fish feed in the most remote sections of Guyana’s rivers. Reaching weights of over 500 pounds, and exceeding 15 feet in length, these prehistoric beasts are not for the faint of heart. You cast a fly the size of a bird, to a fish that can best be described as a small submarine. Once your fly hits the water, you start stripping right in front of its nose. Suddenly, you hear a thump – your line jolts like a bolt of lightning – you set the hook with all your might, and hold on as a 300 pound scaled torpedo launches itself into the air. In the world of fly fishing, nothing else compares!

While arapaima are the main event, the rivers of Guyana offer some of the world’s best top water action for a variety of exotic species. Peacock bass and payara rise up from the depths and absolutely destroy poppers as you chug them across the surface. Two underrated species in Guyana are arowana and wolfish. These ferocious predators can be sight cast to using poppers, divers, and gurglers. In addition, pacu, often called river permit, are another great species to target on the fly. Found in the fast flowing currents of waterfalls and rapids, they fight extremely hard, and are experts at using the current against anglers. If you are able to land one, you are in for a real treat, as they are an extremely tasty; a true Guyanese jungle delicacy!

Guyana’s best fishing is found deep in the interior of the country where you will be staying in either jungle camps or ecolodges. While this is a fantastic destination for fly fishing, it is a remote jungle experience that requires a certain level of fitness and taste for adventure.