Payara fishing
Hydrolycus armatus
About Payara
The payara, often called the vampire fish, is a fierce Amazonian predator armed with two long fangs used to impale its prey. It hunts in fast, oxygen-rich water below rapids and falls, smashing spoons, jigs and live bait. Use heavy leaders and sharp hooks, because its bony jaw and slashing strikes make solid hookups hard.
Typical size: Commonly 3 to 8 kg; trophy fish over 12 kg. Record (approx.): approx. 18 kg (varies by region).
Season, time and habitat
Best season
Jan-Dec
Best time
Dawn, day, dusk
Habitat
River
Season by month
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Darker cell = more active that month. Based on the species' usual yearly rhythm.
Common questions
When is the best time to catch Payara?
Payara fishing is usually best around Jan-Dec. The best windows in the day are usually dawn, day, dusk.
Where can you catch Payara?
Payara is most often found in river. Napp shows the nearest waters and the live odds on the bite right now.