Best Flies for Payara (Vampire Fish) – 2025 Fly Fishing Guide

Best Flies for Payara (Vampire Fish) – 2025 Fly Fishing Guide

 

>Orinoco Flies – Armando Giraldo

Introduction: Payara Fly Fishing Basics

Fly fishing for payara, also known as the vampire fish, (Hydrolycus armatus, H. scomberoides) is one of the most thrilling challenges for anglers in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. These aggressive freshwater predators fight as fiercely as they look, sporting some of the most iconic fangs in the fishing world. Never easy to hook, they demand strong gear, sharp hooks, and—most importantly—the right streamer flies for payara.

At Orinoco Flies, we’ve spent decades testing flies in Colombian payara waters. Since the late 90s, we realized that big streamer flies were the key to success, inspired by observing large plugs (9–12 inches) used by conventional fishermen. Over the years, we’ve refined these patterns to consistently trigger explosive strikes along South american waters.

 

Why Tube Flies for Payara?

• Tube flies last longer and slide along the leader during a fight.
• You can join two tube flies for a bigger profile or mix colors.
• Hooks or hook rigs can be changed easily, increasing versatility.

Our Orinoco Flies Dragon Candy featuring our own eyes, is a perfect example of a versatile payara tube fly.

Best Tube Flies for Payara

1. Dragon Candy Streamer Saltón

Description: Imitates the migratory prey fish Saltón (Jumper), commonly seen leaping in strong currents as well as Yamú or Yatorana. Payaras love to eat these fish. Its natural colors, flashy body, long fibers, and strong profile make it perfect for violent strikes.

Best conditions: Fast currents, clear water and deeper channels.

 

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2. Dragon Candy Streamer Black

Description: Imitates a wounded baitfish struggling in the current. Dark tones make it perfect for low-light conditions, while the profile stays visible in heavy water flow.

Best conditions: Cloudy days, early mornings, afternoons, or murky rivers.

 

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3. Dragon Candy Streamer Blue

Description: Jungle-inspired colors similar to Sardinata with a durable construction makes this streamer built for payara. Lifelike action holds up to repeated strikes, combining flash and movement for high attraction.

Best conditions: Wide river pools and rocky runs.

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4. Dragon Candy Streamer Arenca

Description: Imitates a golden-colored prey fish. Can also act as an attractor pattern to trigger attacks when things slow down.

Best conditions: Fast-moving water, cloudy days, deep pools.

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5. Dragon Candy Streamer Fire Tiger

Description: Color combo ideal for jungle waters. Resembles Peacock bass or other dark tone prey fish, drawing attention from payara. Contrast, profile, and movement provoke frequent strikes.

Best conditions: White waters, murky waters, pools, creek mouths.

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6. Hydra Popper Original

Description: Imitates a wounded baitfish trying to escape. Noise and flash make it easy for payaras to spot and attack, creating spectacular surface strikes. It can be tied on a tube as well.

Best conditions: Early morning, late afternoon, feeding frenzies, structure, pools, or slower waters.

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Tips for Payara Fly Fishing

• Use wire leaders: Payara fangs cut through normal mono. Attach wire shock (60 pound max) to 40 pound mono or fluorocarbon leaders using a Slim Beauty knot. You may also use 20 pound or less in compliance with IGFA specs.
• Strong rods & reels: 10–12 wt, fast or progressive fast action rods. Large arbor reels with solid drag and at least 200 yards of backing recommended.
• Fly lines: Tropical 400–500 grains, 9 ips sinking tips for most waters. Tropical taper floating line for topwater action.
• Fast retrieves: Single or double-hand stripping, swinging flies is an option.
• Stay ready: Strikes are sudden and violent—keep the rod tip low, strip strike, and avoid using the rod to set the hook.

Dos & Don’ts

Do:

• • Use big fly sizes—they like them BIG.
  • Change fly colors if strikes stop.
  • Practice casting and double haul with heavy gear.
  • Cast to the closest current if you have a hard time casting long, let the current deliver the fly. Mend line all the way to the backing.
  • Change stripping speeds to see what they want.
  • Cast upriver to swing your fly deeper. Bring split shots or bullet weights if you want extra depth.
  • Use soft rubber foot wear if fishing from boulders.
  • Keep them in the water in between pictures before releasing.
  • Fish closer to the surface as the afternoon gets darker, slow down your retrieve.
  • Fish white water.

 

Don’t:

• • Use weak leaders or knots.
  • Do slow retrieves.
  • Go bare hand, theyll burn you or even cut you.
  • Use underpowered rods and reels.
  • Ignore small channels along boulders; payaras ambush there. You will be surprised.
  • Trout strike.
  • Set drag too tight.
  • Try to unhook them with your hand, always use pliers.
  • Don’t believe myths: payaras are not tail-biters. Using a trailer hook works well, as the streamer hairs slide through their teeth. Their anatomy obligates them to always stab the middle portion of baitfish, especially when attacking larger sizes.

Final Thoughts

Payara are among the most thrilling fish to catch on the fly. With their incredible power and iconic fangs, they demand respect and the right gear. Choosing the right fly is essential to success.

At Orinoco Flies, every streamer is hand-tied and tested in South American waters. Explore our catalog of streamers and custom flies and get your patterns shipped worldwide to experience explosive payara strikes.

We love to hear from you, we are here to help!

Catch and release, lets keep waters alive!