Represa de Peixoto, also known as the Mascarenhas de Moraes reservoir, sits on the Rio Grande in the southwestern region of Minas Gerais, approximately 20 kilometers west of Delfinópolis and about 210 kilometers from Belo Horizonte, near the town of Ibiraci. The reservoir was formed by the Peixoto Dam, a hydroelectric structure completed in 1956 and operated by Eletrobras Furnas. With a surface area of 250 square kilometers and a total storage capacity of 4.04 cubic kilometers, it is a substantial body of water. The reservoir reaches a maximum depth of approximately 35 meters, with average depths ranging between 8 and 20 meters.

The water varies from clear to slightly turbid, and the bottom structure is diverse, featuring submerged branches and deadfall, submerged rock slabs, and sandbars. These features create varied underwater terrain that paddlers should be aware of, particularly in shallower areas near the margins.

The dry season, running roughly from May through September, is considered the most favorable period for activity on the water, with ideal temperatures in the range of 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. The reservoir supports healthy populations of tucunaré (peacock bass, including Cichla ocellaris and Cichla piqiti), tilápia, traíra, and piau, making it a notable fishing destination in the region. Fishing activity on the reservoir is active, particularly during morning hours from 06:00 to 10:00 and late afternoon from 16:00 to 18:30, which paddlers should factor into their planning to avoid conflicts with fishing boats.

The surrounding area includes the Serra de Peixoto and nearby points such as Domiciano Lemos and Pôrto Joana. The region is part of the broader Sudoeste Mineiro, and basic infrastructure associated with fishing tourism exists in the area. Both boat-based and bank-based access to the water is practiced, suggesting that launch points along the margins are accessible, though paddlers should verify specific put-in locations locally before visiting.