Before you go

Rules, licenses and what to bring

Fishing in Mato Grosso has its own rules. Read this before booking so there are no surprises.

State Law 12.434/2024 · until Dec 31, 2028

Zero Transport Law

Twelve species are catch-and-release only: cachara, caparari, dourado, jaú, matrinchã, pintado, piraíba, piraputanga, pirara, pirarucu, trairão and peacock bass (tucunaré). You can't kill, keep or take them.

Species not on the list

What you can keep

For other species, such as pacu, recreational anglers may keep up to 2 kg or 1 fish to eat on site, respecting the minimum size. Transporting fish is not allowed.

Cepesca-MT calendar

Piracema (spawning closure)

From October 1 to January 31 all fishing in Mato Grosso's rivers is closed, including catch and release. That's why our trips run from February to September.

What to bring

  • Rod and baitcaster or spinning reel (rental available at Lago do Manso)
  • Line, hooks and lures
  • Lip grip and needle-nose pliers
  • Long-sleeve UV shirt and light pants
  • Hat or cap, polarized sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent and a light rain jacket
  • Personal medication
  • Photo ID and your fishing licenses

Fishing licenses

Every angler needs two: the federal license, from gov.br, and the SEMA-MT state fishing card. The Mato Grosso card is free for people over 60 and retirees.

See the step by step →

Getting there

  1. 1
    Fly to CuiabáMarechal Rondon Airport, in Várzea Grande, next to Cuiabá.
  2. 2
    Hotel boat: CáceresAbout 220 km by road from Cuiabá. Boarding is at 5 pm.
  3. 3
    Lago do MansoAbout 100 km from Cuiabá, via Chapada dos Guimarães.
  4. 4
    TransfersNot included in the packages, but we can quote a car or van from the airport.

Rules checked in October 2026. They change often: confirm on the SEMA-MT and federal government websites before you travel.

Step by step

How to get your fishing licenses

To fish in Mato Grosso, every angler needs both licenses below, in their own name. Both are issued online. Get them at least a week before your trip.

1 · Federal

Recreational fishing license

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, via gov.br

Cost
R$ 60 for the boat category ("embarcada"), the one you need on a boat
Valid for
1 year, anywhere in Brazil
Payment
Pix, credit card or bank slip
Timing
Up to 3 days with Pix or card, up to 7 days with a bank slip. A temporary license is issued right away and lasts 30 days.
  1. Sign in to gov.br and open the service Solicitar Licença de Pescador Amador ou Esportivo.
  2. Choose the embarcada (boat) category. Hotel boats, lodges and day trips all count as boat fishing.
  3. Fill in the form to the end and pay the fee. If you pay by bank slip, attach the receipt to your request.
  4. Download the temporary license and, when the reply email arrives, the final one.

Foreign visitors: a Brazilian citizen can apply on gov.br on your behalf with just your passport, no CPF needed. Our team will do it for you.

Open gov.br
2 · Mato Grosso

State fishing card

SEMA-MT, the state environment agency

Cost
About R$ 130. It is half of one UPF-MT, which changes every month.
Valid for
1 year
Who needs it
Everyone over 18. Minors fish with their parents or guardians.
Timing
Issued as soon as the fee is paid
  1. Open the SEMA-MT fishing card system and register.
  2. Click cadastrar nova carteira (new card) and generate the payment slip.
  3. Pay the slip.
  4. Save or print the card under Minhas carteiras (my cards). You can download it again any time.

No fee for: people over 60 and retirees. Their card is free and valid for 5 years.

Foreign visitors: you only need your passport number and date of birth, no CPF.

Open the SEMA-MT system

When you go fishing

  • Carry both licenses, on your phone or printed, plus a photo ID.
  • In Mato Grosso, most species are catch and release only until the end of 2028 (State Law 12,434/2024).
  • October 1 to January 31 is the piracema (spawning season), when river fishing is closed.
  • Fines for fishing without a license or breaking the rules are the angler’s responsibility.

Need help with the licenses?

Information checked in October 2026 on the gov.br and SEMA-MT websites. Fees and rules change: check before you pay.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When is the fishing season?

February to September. From October 1 to January 31 is the piracema, the spawning closure, when fishing in Mato Grosso's rivers is suspended. You can already book dates for next season.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. In Mato Grosso you need two: the federal license, from gov.br, and the SEMA-MT fishing card. See the step-by-step license guide, or ask our team for help.

Can I take fish home?

In most cases, no. Under the Zero Transport Law, dourado, pintado, cachara, piraputanga, peacock bass and other species are catch-and-release only until the end of 2028. For species not on the list, such as pacu, you may keep 1 fish or 2 kg to eat on site.

I fish alone. Can I go on a hotel boat?

Yes. On departures with single spots you book just your place and fish with other anglers, sharing a guided boat in twos or threes.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

On the hotel boats, each angler brings their own tackle; boats, guides and bait are included. At Lago do Manso you can rent rods and reels at the lodge, and bait is sold there. If you're unsure what to bring, our team will send a list.

How do I get to Lago do Manso?

The lodge is in the Chapada dos Guimarães area, about 100 km from Cuiabá. Transfers aren't in the package, but we can quote one from Cuiabá.

How do I get to the hotel boat?

Boarding is in Cáceres (MT) at 5 pm. Flights and the transfer to Cáceres aren't in the package, but we can quote a transfer from Cuiabá.

I've never fished. Can I come?

Of course. The guide is with you the whole time and helps from the cast to releasing the fish.

Ready to fish?

Tell us your dates and group size. We'll put together a quote and reply on WhatsApp.

Get a quote