With the waters of the Amazon and Prata river basins, Mato Grosso is a well established destination for lovers of fishing. The most sought after fish (Dourado, Jaú, Catfish, Cachara, south American Trout and Pacu) are found in the rivers of the Pantanal, the Amazon and the Araguaia Valley. Officially recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest freshwater fishing event in the world, the Cáceres International Fishing Festival attractsanglers of all ages from all over the world. Other towns such as Poconé, Barão de Melgaço, Barra do Garças and Alta Floresta are also recognised as being excellent locations for angling.

With a view to maintaining economic, social and environmental sustainability, the progress of the riverside populations who depend on fishing for their survival, and strengthening of the tourism production chain, the Govemment of the state of Mato Grosso encourages this activity.

The Brazilian Tourism Ministry, the Tourism Agency (Embratur), the National Amateur Fishing Development Programme (PNDPA), The Fishing Research and Resource Management Centre (CEPTA) and State Environmental Agency (FEMA) all support an initiative which promotes environmental education, technological developments and encourages the principal of catch and release which means that the fish are caught and then returned to the river.

Piracema – Fishing in Mato Grosso’s rivers is permited between the monts of March and October. November to February is the reproduction and spawing period known as the “Piracema” and fishing is banned in order to protect the fish.