Fishing adventures at Simoni Lake

TIMES INT'L

Simoni is a large fresh water lake that flows to the Rupununi River via a smaller creek. Once the river winds down the forest-clad mountains, it slows down as it enters the vast savannah lands and opens up into five shallow river bays known as the Simoni Lakes.

This area and its lakes are incredibly rich in biodiversity, and are traditional breeding grounds for several species of game fish including butterfly peacock bass, arawana, arapaima, payara, piranha and catfish. The lakes are famous among local Guyanese fishers-past and present – and have always had a reputation for providing big fish and bigger fish stories.

Peacock Bass are famous in angling circles for their aggressive takes on lures. In Guyana, this fish is called a ‘lukunani’. The lukanani in Guyana are plentiful and average about three pounds. They put up a fantastic struggle and do their best to shake the hook! But apart from its fighting qualities and great beauty, the fish tastes great, and is regularly served on river trips – barbecued “local style” over a campfire.

Besides the excellent fishing though, there is always a chance for great wildlife sightings including the squirrel, howler, capuchin and bearded-Saki monkeys. More impressive are the large black caiman that patrol the banks (they grow up to 18 feet), along with giant river otters and capybaras. Riverine birdlife is extremely diverse, and includes jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, woodstorks, blackskimmers, boat- billed herons and Muscovy ducks.

For more information on how to plan an adventure to the Simoni Lake, log on to www.wilderness-explorers.com.

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