When anglers talk about the world’s most explosive freshwater predator, they always end up in the same place: the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco Basin, the heart of the peacock bass fishing seasons in Colombia. After 10 years guiding anglers deep inside these remote river systems, Afloat Fishing & Adventure has gathered first-hand data on seasonal behavior, water conditions, and the exact months when peacock bass feed most aggressively.
Understanding the peacock bass fishing seasons in Colombia is the key to choosing the right week and the right river. This month-by-month guide breaks down everything you need to know for 2025.
Understanding Peacock Bass Fishing Seasons in Colombia
Colombia’s peacock bass season is shaped by the Amazon–Orinoco hydrological cycle, which alternates between rising water (wet season) and dropping water (dry season). The dry season, January, February, and March offers the most consistent peacock bass fishing in Colombia.
During this period:
- Water levels drop and stabilize
- Lagoons and sandbanks reappear
- Baitfish concentrate
- Peacock bass become territorial and aggressive
- Topwater action reaches its annual peak
These months align perfectly with Afloat Fishing & Adventure’s exclusive-access fisheries, including the remote https://afloatadventure.com/akuani-floating-camp/ and https://afloatadventure.com/akuani-river-lodge/ both located in the heart of the Vichada and Tomo River basin.
Peacock Bass Species Active During the Colombia Season
Cichla Temensis – The Giant Peacock Bass
The temensis, or “three-bar,” is Colombia’s largest peacock bass and the primary trophy species targeted during the peacock bass fishing seasons in Colombia, frequently reaching 15–25 lbs, with exceptional fish exceeding 25–30 lbs in untouched lagoons.
Behavior during dry season:
- Holds in deep lagoons & drop-offs
- Extremely aggressive during pairing
- Smash woodchoppers, big poppers, and large streamers
Temensis are the ultimate trophy target.
Cichla Orinocensis – “The butterfly“
More aggressive and abundant than temensis, the orinocensis delivers constant action.
They prefer:
- Tight structure
- Shallow sandbanks
- Creek mouths
- Small bays
Perfect for numbers-oriented anglers and topwater fanatics.
Cichla Intermedia – The Royal Peacock Bass
Rare and highly prized, the intermedia is known for:
- Its elongated shape
- Beautiful patterns
- Explosive, acrobatic fights
Common in clear-water channels and transition zones.
Other Amazon Species That Peak During the Same Peacock Bass Fishing Seasons in Colombia
Pacu
Often called the “freshwater permit,” pacu crush fruit patterns and hit flies with shocking force. An incredible challenge on light tackle.
Arowana
Surface-oriented and elegant, arowana create some of the most visual eats in the Amazon.
Amazon Catfish
From redtail to shovelnose and yake, dry season concentrates powerful catfish species in predictable holes and runs.
Vampire Fish (Payara)
Iconic for their razor-sharp fangs and violent strikes, vampire fish dominate fast runs and rapids — a bucket-list species for adventure anglers.
Peacock Bass Fishing Seasons in Colombia — Month-by-Month Breakdown
Below is the most accurate, field-tested calendar for Colombia’s peacock bass season. All observations come from Afloat Fishing & Adventure’s real operational data in the Vichada and Tomo River systems.
January – The Start of Peak Dry Season
Conditions:
- Rapidly falling water
- Excellent visibility
- Lagoons fully open
- Concentrated baitfish
Fish behavior:
- Temensis begin pairing
- Orinocensis hunt aggressively along shoreline structure
- Intermedia feed actively in clear channels
This is one of the best months for sight-casting and surface explosions.
February – The Most Consistent Month of the Entire Season
Why February stands out:
- Stable, clear water
- Largest number of trophy temensis encounters
- Extremely strong topwater bite
- Minimal fishing pressure (exclusive access zones)
This is the month anglers book first every year.
March – Final Window Before the Water Rises
March remains outstanding as long as water stays low.
Expect:
- Temensis guarding fry — peak aggression
- Orinocensis feeding heavily in shallow flats
- Arowana and pacu at their best
- Vampire fish hammering jigs & spoons in medium-flow runs
March offers the last opportunity before the wet season returns.
Why the Peacock Bass Fishing Seasons in Colombia Are So Reliable
Compared to other Amazon countries, Colombia’s river systems are:
- Smaller and more stable
- Less influenced by unpredictable flooding
- More consistent year after year
According to hydrological studies from https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ and biodiversity data from the https://www.worldwildlife.org/places/amazon/, the eastern Colombian Amazon experiences one of the steadiest dry seasons in the basin — which is a major advantage for planning fishing trips.
Planning Your Colombia Peacock Bass Fishing Trip
Ideal Months
🟩 January – March
Best features to look for:
- Exclusive-access waters
- Experienced native guides
- Remote areas with low fishing pressure
- Stable dry-season hydrology
This is precisely what Afloat Fishing & Adventure provides at both Akuani Floating Camp and Akuani River Lodge, two operations positioned inside some of Colombia’s most productive and untouched peacock bass habitats.
Conclusion: When Is the Best Time to Catch Peacock Bass in Colombia
The answer is simple:
👉 January, February, and March — every year.
During these months:
- Water levels drop
- Temensis, orinocensis, and intermedia feed aggressively
- Topwater action peaks
- Bonus species (pacu, arowana, vampire fish, catfish) thrive
If you want world-class jungle fishing with explosive strikes, the peacock bass fishing seasons in Colombia make the dry season absolutely unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months are best for peacock bass fishing in Colombia?
January through March — the peak dry season.
Where is the best place to fish for peacock bass in Colombia?
Experience two of Afloat’s most highly rated and sought-after fishing destinations in Colombia.
https://afloatadventure.com/akuani-floating-camp/
https://afloatadventure.com/akuani-river-lodge/
Which species of peacock bass can I catch?
Cichla temensis, Cichla orinocensis, Cichla intermedia — plus pacu, arowana, catfish, and vampire fish.
