1

I took a Spinning rod to Machu in October. Fished the river at Agua Calientes and did not catch anything. Water was very low--end of dry season--full of algae.

There is a pool of trout next to the market at AC--some are 5 Lb rainbows; not sure what others are.
Saw people fishing downstream of Ollantaytambo with spinning gear; saw others using nets. Locals said that there are trout there but locals thin them out using nets.

Gave my rod to Luke at Hostel Iskay in Ollantaytambo--he can tell you where to fish as he fishes for trout in upland headwater streams..

Also, thought it funny that many locals swore that you can not eat trout caught in moving water--only edible if caught in lake.

Took the bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldando over the Andes and every little village has signs advertising Fried Trout for sale.

Piranha--went fishing for them at Iquitos--$10 a day per person for boat, guide, equipment.

2

If you are going to the jungle to fish in the rainy/high water season lower your expectations. This is definately not the best time. Peacock bass and other sport fish are scattered into the jungle and are much more difficult to find.The best time to go for fishing is August through mid November. But with that said I always travel with my medium action backpack rod and spinning reel. I have fished in both high and low water and have always caught fish, they are just more plentiful and easier to find in low water.

3

So what kind of fish have you caught in high water Menaboy?

Do you just use bait and throw the line over the side or are you working the water with lures? I've read in other places about how low water season is time to fish. It has always been a dream to go to the Amazon to go and fish. So even if it's a single piranha I'd be happy. I'll definitely bring a pole with me just in case!

4

Sorry rolkiller, I haven't been on the forum in a few days. How you fish depends on why you are fishing for. For peacock and many other amazon fish, 3-4" Rapala top water or medium deep lures work well. Piranha go for meat, chicken, fish, hook and a pole is all that is necessary. I always pack a medium action Eagle Claw backpack rod and a small Shimano spinning reel, a small tackle box of lures and hooks and 25 lb spider wire. Of course I also travel with the aforementioned wherever I travel. :) Go for it there is an amazing variety of fish in the amazon.

5

thanks. hopefully i will catch something!

6

Very easy to take daytime bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldanado--$28 for bus that goes over the Andes to Amazon Basin.

The Mercado in PM is loaded with all kinds of strange fish from the rivers. Lots of locals will take you out fishing. I did not fish as we were there at start of rain season and got hit with several days of torrential rains. Bad timing.