Payara/Pirandira (Hydrolicus armatus) are a  ferocious migratory gamefish from the family Cynodontidae.  They are built somewhat like a large Atlantic salmon and share a similar metallic silver sheen.  The mouth of the payara is what sets them apart from all other gamefish, as they sport an intimidating set of razor sharp fangs which protrude from the lower jaw like two glistening ivory framing nails.

Payara prefer to reside in extremely fast water and take both lures and flies with such savage force that one can easily rip the rod from your grasp if you are not paying close attention.  Once hooked, a large payara in fast current can effortlessly peel off 100-yards of line or backing despite a thirty-pound leader, strong drag and stiff rod.  Payara also make repeated salmon-style jumps, adding to the fish’s sporting allure.  Although payara receive much less press than peacock bass, many anglers rate them above peacocks in terms of both sheer strength, stamina and overall fighting ability (and that’s saying something!) 

Conventional gear for payara is virtually the same as that mentioned in the trophy peacock bass and dorado sections (wire leader is essential).  Payara are usually not surface oriented fish, so big Rapalas, 7-inch jerk baits, Rat-L-Trap type lures, spoons and jigs are most productive. 

Similar to the above-mentioned dorado, payara are fished with a slightly heavier 9-10-weight fly rod and either a 300 or 400-grain, 24-foot sink tip line depending upon water conditions.  They usually cannot be fished effectively with a full floating line, as they prefer to reside in deep, fast current.  A heavy mono leader tipped with stout steel tippet is essential.  Payara take a variety of large streamers, but prefer heavily-dressed Cloussers and Muddlers tied on a 5/0 heavy saltwater tarpon hook. 

Many smaller species of payara/peixe-cachorro (Hydrolicus and Rhaphiodon Sp.) are found throughout South America.  Although all are fast, vicious predators, most rarely exceed 5-pounds.  The best places to catch giant trophy payara are on the Urariquera river in Brazil, Uraima Falls, the Caura River and several sections of the Orinoco and Ventuari Rivers (all in Venezuela).

The Rio Urariquera

Few Rivers have big Payara 20 pounds or more. The Rio Urariquera is only one of three rivers that have these big fish in large numbers. This is the only operation allowed to fish this pristine white water river.

Uriama Falls

All five world records recognized by the IGFA have come from Uriama Falls. This two mile stretch has drawn anglers from around the world in search of a monster trophy and it is relatively easy to get to.