Top 10 Freshwater Fish to Catch in South America
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Peacock Bass
Verified
World Record
27 lb 0 oz
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil
Gilberto Fernandes / 2010
Rio Negro, Brazil
Signature Fact
That fake eyespot on the tail is a piranha decoy, drawing bites away from the brain.
2
Pacu
Verified
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Their square, humanlike teeth crush hard nuts with scary efficiency, earning pacu viral fame and a wary respect.
3
Arapaima
Verified
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Arapaima must breathe air and surfaces every 5 to 15 minutes, gulping loudly like a surfacing submarine.
4
Payara
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Two saber fangs up to 6 inches long lock into skull sockets when the mouth closes.
5
Redtail catfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
In Asian pay lakes, pellet-fed bruisers regularly top 100 pounds and bulldoze anglers like runaway anchors.
6
Kelberi Peacock Bass
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
10 lb 9 oz
Carlos H. Hidalgo / 2013
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Carlos H. Hidalgo / 2013
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Signature Fact
Breeding males flip to near-solid gold overnight-like someone dipped a bass in molten brass.
7
Oscar
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
3 lb 5 oz
William T. Campbell / 1995
Amazon Basin, Brazil
William T. Campbell / 1995
Amazon Basin, Brazil
Signature Fact
It pressure-washes prey from cover by shooting targeted water jets-an Amazon ambusher with its own squirt gun.
8
Pearlscale Cichlid
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1 lb 8 oz
Carlos M. Rodriguez / 2004
Rio Grande, Texas
Carlos M. Rodriguez / 2004
Rio Grande, Texas
Signature Fact
This eartheater vacuums sand and blasts it out its gills like a glittery underwater snowblower.
9
Suckermouth Armored Catfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
2 lb 14 oz
Michael J. Martin / 2002
Miami Canal, Florida
Michael J. Martin / 2002
Miami Canal, Florida
Signature Fact
It breathes with a vascularized stomach, so a beached pleco can stay alive-and even scoot-on land for hours.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in South America?
You can target peacock bass, pacu, arapaima, payara, redtail catfish, and more. South America’s freshwater delivers both power and variety.
What is the best time of year to fish in South America?
Prime fishing in South America usually lines up with the dry season, when water levels drop and the action heats up.
Where are the best places to fish in South America?
South America is loaded with legendary rivers and lakes. Focus on major river systems and connected freshwater spots for the best action.
What gear do you need for fishing in South America?
Bring sturdy tackle and strong line to handle heavy hitters like arapaima and redtail catfish. Medium setups work for cichlids and peacock bass.
What are the easiest fish to catch in South America?
Oscar, armored catfish, and pacu are among the more accessible targets in South American freshwater.
