Several kilometers of fresh water and the great natural diversity of Mato Grosso do Sul delight those who visit the state, especially tourists passionate about sportfishing. Mato Grosso do Sul is a treasure in Brazil’s Midwest!

To go sportfishing in Mato Grosso do Sul, anglers must have an amateur fishing license, which is provided through the website of Imasul (Mato Grosso do Sul Environmental Institute). Visitors should be aware of the deadlines for issuing and clearing, as well as the license’s expiration date. For more information about permits as well as prohibited and allowed gear, check out the environmental legislation here.

It is important to remember that fishing tourism in Mato Grosso do Sul works through the catch and release system, and that the consumption of fish is allowed where they are caught. In addition, the “dourado” (jaw characin) and “piracanjuba” species are protected by law and must always be returned to the river. This way, tourists ensure the preservation of the region’s natural diversity!

In Mato Grosso do Sul fishing can be done in two distinct hydrographic basins: the Paraguay River Basin, where the Pantanal is located, and the Paraná River Basin. In Pantanal, the main rivers for fishing are the Aquidauana, Miranda, Coxim, Taquari, Apa and Paraguay. In the Paraná Basin, the main rivers for fishing are the Paraná, Sucuriú, Paranaíba, Pardo, Brilhante, and Dourados.

Very popular among anglers, Pantanal is considered one of the main sportfishing destinations in Brazil. The region offers stunning natural scenery and a great diversity of fish, which includes popular species such as the “pintado” (spotted sorubim), the “cachara” (barred catfish), the “jaú” (gilded catfish), “pacu”, “piraputanga”, and the “dourado” (jaw characin), better known as the “king of the river”! In some regions of the Pantanal it is also possible to fish for the “tucunaré-azul” (blue peacock bass), one of the most coveted species among anglers.

The Pantanal is also rich in fishing infrastructure, which can be found mainly in the regions of Aquidauana, Miranda, Bonito, Passo do Lontra, Coxim, Porto Murtinho, Ladário and Corumbá. In the region, there are hotels, inns, fishing cruises and ecotourism farm hotels that offer comfort and contact with nature.

In Corumbá, the largest city in the Southern Pantanal, the tourists’ experience is rich not only in fishing, but also in history and cultural manifestations. The city has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, with an airport, a diversified hotel network, fishing equipment and services, and fishing cruises in hotel boats, that range from the simplest to the most luxurious. Besides fishing, it is worth taking some time to get involved in Corumbá’s culture. The municipality holds several regions structured for fishing tourism, such as Porto Morrinho, Albuquerque, Porto da Manga, among others. The city of Ladário also offers great infrastructure for anglers, such as hotels, fishing lodges and boat hotels.

The Paraná River Basin region holds various cities that are great for anglers, especially Três Lagoas, which is located on the border of São Paulo and close to many cities of the state’s cities. The region has been attracting many anglers in search of the “tucunaré-azul” (blue peacock bass), as well as other native fish. The city has a wide range of hotel network and fishing lodges, mainly along the margins of the Sucuriú River.

Fishing is an activity that is widely practiced by the people of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. There are several options of fishing competitions and festivities where fun is guaranteed. The two main fishing tournaments in Mato Grosso do Sul are the International Sport Fishing Festival, which takes place in Corumbá, and the Sport Fishing Tournament, that happens in the city of Três Lagoas. The region also hosts exclusive meetings for female fishing groups.

Mato Grosso do Sul is ready to receive a wide variety of anglers, as well as families, couples, and senior tourists, with comfort and safety. When getting ready for a fishing trip, remember to always check the weather forecast, bring adequate fishing clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and most importantly, your fishing gear!