Rio Mataven

The Colombian province of Vichada is located in eastern Colombia and is characterized by sweeping plains, tropical jungles and great rivers. The region known as the Matavén forest is considered a transition zone between the great jungles of the Amazon to the south and the extensive savannas of the Orinoco to the north and east. With less than 5% of the area taken up for agriculture and home to many indigenous communities it is a truly pristine environment to appreciate and explore

The Mataven is arguably one of the best and most exclusive rivers for Speckled or Three Bar Peacock Bass in the world.  On an average week, 20-30 Peacock Bass over 15 lb are landed and released and with prime water conditions that figure might be closer to 50.   20lb fish are laned with relatively frequency and whilst the 30lb mark has not been broken indications are that it will not be achieved before long.  Over the 2022 season the largest fish was 93 cm which is a veritable monster!   Each week is of course different but reasonable action can be expected all day with the smaller but hard-fighting Orinoco Peacock Bass being abundant and great sport on smaller 8 weights and poppers. Then of course there are the Payara, Piranha, Catfish, and other smaller exotics species!

The Rio Matavén has established itself as one of THE locations to fish for trophy Peacock Bass and was the holder of the IGFA world record for speckled Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis) for a number of years, as well as maintaining various tippet world records.   In conjunction with the indigenous Piaroa community there are special sport fishing regulations in place to protect it and maintain the area. Summer-time in this region is from January-April when the river drops and creates the best fishing conditions. With access to just 10 anglers each week with a mandatory period of 9 days between each group it ensures that the river and the fishing remains very well rested.

Accommodation and living at Rio Mataven is simple and straightforward.   Set away from the dense jungle on the sandy banks of the river is a thatched structure under which are individual 4-person tents.  They are kitted out with a cot bed with mattress, sheets, pillows and towels as well as having an electrical supply to run both a fan and allow you to charge electrical items.   Each day the camp and tents are impeccably cleaned.

A larger screened common area is used for breakfast and dinner where guests are served a mix of both local and international cuisine, with fresh fish a speciality.  Hammocks are set up for relaxing, showers are fed using the river water and there is even a flushing loo.   It is very much camping but with a degree of comfort to make it enjoyable even if it is not luxurious.

There will be a mixture of well-trained indigenous guides who are supported by English speaking Nortn American fishing guides.  This is a joint collaboration to both support the local communities with sustainable employment.  Each pair of anglers will have a dedicated guide and captain per canoe

As well as being an incredible fishing adventure the itinerary means that you have reasonable time to experience more of Columbia than what can sometimes be a flash visit.  Anglers fly in to Bogota where they overnight before taking a domestic flight to Puerto Inirida.   The following day anglers travel by transport boat on the Inirida River to the mouth of the Mataven where they will meet guides from the indigenous communities and travel 4-6 hrs upriver top the lower or upper camps respectively.  Anglers will have 6 full days of fishing before retracing their steps with an overnight in Puerto Inirida and Bogota with ample time to explore along the way