Top Payara Fishing Countries

The payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides), often called the "vampire fish" due to its prominent, fang-like teeth, is a fierce predatory species native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Renowned for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, payara are highly prized by sport anglers seeking an adrenaline-filled challenge. The top countries for payara fishing are Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, where the fish inhabit fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers and tributaries. While commercial harvesting of payara is limited compared to other Amazonian fish, the species supports a vibrant catch-and-release sport fishing industry that attracts international anglers, particularly in Brazil’s Rio Xingu and Venezuela’s Orinoco tributaries. This eco-tourism-driven sector provides economic benefits to local communities while promoting conservation of riverine habitats and sustainable fishing practices.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.