Freshwater

Silver arowana

Arawana plateada (arowana)

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Freshwater

At a glance

Typical size

3–6 lb.

Depth

Surface to 6 ft.

Best time

Early morning and late afternoon.

Found in

2 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Long, flat, silver fish with very large scales, an upturned mouth with two chin barbels, and long dorsal and anal fins that run back to the tail.
Typical size: 3–6 lb.
Maximum size: About 4 ft.
Diet: Fish, shrimp, crabs and insects; some species also eat fruits and seeds that fall into the water.
Behavior: Lives in big tropical and subtropical rivers, lagoons and flooded forests; many species gather below rapids, dams and river mouths where the current brings food.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Amazon & Pantanal and The Guianas. Lagoons, flooded forests and quiet backwaters of the Amazon basin; it jumps out of the water to catch insects and even birds on branches.
Habitat: Lagoons, flooded forests and quiet backwaters of the Amazon basin; it jumps out of the water to catch insects and even birds on branches.
Depth: Surface to 6 ft.
Fishing depth: 3–25 ft along banks, rock piles, current seams and lagoon edges.
Best season: The dry season, when the water drops and fish concentrate in the channels and lagoons; rivers close during the spawning season (in Brazil, the piracema, about November to February).
Best time: Early morning and late afternoon.
Best tides: No tide — falling water after the rainy season is best.
Best weather / conditions: Stable weather with clear water; sudden rains muddy the rivers.

What to tie on and what to throw.

Best bait: Insects and small fish.
Best artificial lures: Small topwater plugs, poppers and flies.
Tackle setup: 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod; 8–9 weight fly rod.
Hook size: Strong 2/0–6/0 single hooks; many guides replace trebles with single hooks to protect the fish.
Line: 40–65 lb braid.
Leader: Wire or 60–80 lb fluorocarbon for toothy fish.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Lagoons, flooded forests and quiet backwaters of the Amazon basin; it jumps out of the water to catch insects and even birds on branches.
Rig up: 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting or spinning rod; 8–9 weight fly rod. Wire or 60–80 lb fluorocarbon for toothy fish.
Pick your bait: Insects and small fish. Lures: Small topwater plugs, poppers and flies.
Fish it: Cast small topwaters along flooded banks and lagoon edges where arowana cruise near the surface.
Time it: Early morning and late afternoon. No tide — falling water after the rainy season is best.

Fishing techniques: Cast small topwaters along flooded banks and lagoon edges where arowana cruise near the surface.
BigJoe's tip: Arowana jump wildly when hooked. Keep the line tight and the rod low.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Good eating when fresh.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: Eaten locally, but sport anglers release them.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp teeth on many river fish (dorado, payara, piranha, tararira) — use pliers and lip grips. Caimans, stingrays and strong currents are real hazards; shuffle your feet when wading.
Regulations: Follow local rules; arowana are protected during spawning season in some areas. Every country requires a fishing license (in Brazil, the Licença de Pesca Amadora), each Argentine province and Brazilian state adds its own rules, and most rivers close during the spawning season. Indigenous lands and strict reserves are closed to outside anglers without permits.
Conservation: Keep only what you'll eat, release the rest quickly, and follow size and bag limits.

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Sources & photo credits