12 days, 11 nights on the River

Essequibo Photo Gallery

From its source in the Acarai mountains, deep in the very southern end of Guyana, the black waters of the Essequibo, South Americas 3rd largest river, twists quietly and thunders over great falls for over 600 miles through mainly untouched and pristine forests until it meets the Atlantic ocean.

In times of exceptionally high water levels during the rainy season the Essequibo is linked to the Amazon drainage basin via a watershed between the Rupununi and Takatu rivers, which in turn makes the Essequibo home to a wide variety of aquatic species which have crossed over from the Amazon, including arapaima, arawana, black Caiman, Victoria amazonica lilies, and giant river turtles.

For these reasons and the Essequibo’s remoteness the fishing is as good as it gets. Peacock bass, Arawana, leopard fish, Swordfish, large Payara, and Pacu all thrive in these waters. Giant catfish such as Lau Lau, red tailed catfish and Jau can also be found in the deep pools below the rapids.

Not to be outdone the wildlife viewing is excellent. Numerous species can be observed from the boats whilst travelling or fishing. Tapir, Capybara, anaconda and several species of monkeys make this area home while Giant otters, Caiman, and Turtles patrol the waters and bask on the sandbanks.

As the Essequibo River runs through primary forest, it is also rich in birds. Scarlet macaws, Toucans, Cotingas, Parrots, and the mighty Harpy Eagle can be found here. Along the river banks, Tiger Herons, Bat Falcons, Great Black Hawks and Kingfishers stalk their prey.

If you’ve ever dreamt of fishing an un-spoilt and remote tropical river running though a vast forest, then a visit to the Essequibo River will fulfill this dream. During your stay on the river, you will travel and fish an exquisitely beautiful waterway, lined with shimmering black rocks, pearly sandbanks, and roaring rapids. You will camp overlooking the water, fall asleep to the sound of the river, awaken to the sound of howler monkeys, and after a full day of fishing you will dine on the freshest fish caught by your own hand.

Day 1
Depart Georgetown and fly for an hour arriving in Annai village in the North Rupununi. Meet Ashley Holland your guide and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Before or after dinner…maybe both…. have a few “cold ones” in the Dakota bar and talk about fish stories and the “ones that got away”.

Day 2
Depart Rock View at sunrise by 4X4 vehicle and after a 20 minute drive arrive at the banks of the Rupununi River and transfer into the boats. Large Black Caiman, Giant River Otters, monkeys, Jabiru Storks and many other species of birds that make this river home may be sighted on our journey down. By mid afternoon and 60 miles later we arrive at Apoteri, the confluence of the Rupununi and Essequibo Rivers. Here you will notice the differences of the two rivers, the Essequibo being noticibilly larger and the waters being dark and mysterious, compared to the white silt waters of the Rupununi River. After a brief stop in the village of Apoteri we travel on down the Essequibo River for another 10 miles. In the late afternoon we set up a hammock camp overlooking the river at the mouth of Yakatu Lake. After a long hard day of travel if one is still feeling up to it one can fish with lures around the lake in the twilight hours of the afternoon for peacock bass, aruawana, and tiger fish catfish. Your catch will become dinner!

Day 3
After early morning coffee and breakfast you can fish around the lake again whilst the crew breaks up camp. We then proceed down the river again going slowly as we are now entering a section with lots of rapids and rocks. After a further 25 miles of travel through a maze of islands, rocks and rapids we arrive at “Duckler” falls and camp Lau Lau. Whilst the crew set up camp you can fish in the afternoon around one of the many rock bars or channels. In the evenng one can try for catfish such as red tailed catfish, or Lau lau.

Day 4
Early morning fishing for catfish or fish with lures for large Pyara, and Peacock bass. Return to camp in mid morning. Swim, have lunch and relax for a couple hours during the hottest part of the day. In the afternoon fish the pools for catfish, until after dark.

Day 5,6,7,8,9, & 10
The river around camp is a maze of channels, deep pools, shallow rock bars and rapids all waiting to be fished. For the next few days we will explore the areas hot spots, fishing for the many different varieties of fish. In the deep pools we will fish with dead bait for giant catfish, and pyara. Most of the fishing will be done in the morning and afternoon hours, as well as at night. During the middle of the day and the hottest hours you can relax at the camp, prepare your tackle, talk fishing stories, read whilst swinging in your hammock or swim in the cool waters of the river.

Day 11

Last chance to fish the Essequibo in the early morning whilst the crew packs up camp. Depart after breakfast and proceed back up the river, stopping at some of the rock bars or deep pools to fish. Arrive back at the mouth of the Rupununi River around mid day and proceed back up the Rupununi River. In the late afternoon we arrive at the mouth of the Rewa and the village of Rewa. Here we will overnight in the new eco lodge that the village has constructed.