The Rio Jacuí is one of Rio Grande do Sul's most significant river systems, stretching approximately 723 kilometers (449 miles) through the heart of southern Brazil. Originating in the highlands east of Passo Fundo at an elevation of around 720 meters (2,360 feet), the river flows south and then east before transforming into the shallow estuarine Guaíba River near Porto Alegre, ultimately draining into the Lagoa dos Patos — a large coastal lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean. With a drainage basin of nearly 72,000 square kilometers, the Jacuí is a major waterway that supports a diverse community of native fish species and offers anglers a wide range of fishing experiences across its length. The Taquari, Caí, Sinos, and Gravataí rivers all converge with the Jacuí near its mouth, creating a rich and productive lower river system. Boats can navigate the river as far upstream as Cachoeira do Sul, making much of the lower and middle sections accessible by water.