Unini River Water Levels:

Water levels are a critical factor in predicting the best times to fish for Peacock Bass in the Brazilian Amazon. If the water level is too high, the fish migrate back into the jungle to follow the bait fish and are virtually inaccessible.  On the other hand, if the level is too low, it can be a problem navigating to a favorite area or lagoon. Under extremely low water levels, the majority of the smaller lakes and lagoons will be inaccessible except by small boats or kayaks.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENT LEVELS. THE BANKS ARE EXPOSED AND WATER IS NOT UP INTO THE FOREST. SANDBARS ARE APPEARING AND ABUNDANT SHORELINE COVER IS AVAILABLE TO HOLD FISH.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT WE COULD CALL LESS THAN IDEAL CONDITIONS. THE WATER LEVEL IS HIGH AND EXTENDS DEEP INTO THE FOREST. THE PEACOCK BASS FOLLOW THE BAITFISH AND ARE VIRTUALLY INACCESSIBLE TO ANGLERS.

The Unini River historically has demonstrated that the best water levels for Peacock Bass range from 900 cm to 1200 cm (see graph below). Beginning in August or September, the rainy season typically has ended and water levels are falling and reach the upper limit range of “optimum water levels” for fishing. The levels continue to drop until somewhere between December and March. By March, the levels have passed the upper limit of what constitutes the best level for fishing, as the rains start to elevate the Unini and Rio Negro watershed. If the water rises very quickly, the fishing will slow considerably. If the water is falling, the fishing tends to improve significantly. This can occur, sometimes unexpectedly, during the “supposed” dry season.

The following graph depicts the water level at a midpoint of the Unini River as of the first day of each month.  It is intended to demonstrate trends in water levels and is not necessarily a record of every change of direction or difference of level of the water during any given month.  You will find several years of information about water levels.  You can use this information to select the time for your fishing trip – remembering that the best fishing will be when the water levels are between 900 cm and 1200 cm.  When the water starts to rise rapidly and continues to rise, that will signal the end of the season for that particular year.