Represa Nova Avanhandava is a large reservoir on the Rio Tietê in the northwest of São Paulo state, formed by the Nova Avanhandava Dam, an embankment structure with gravity sections completed in 1982 and located approximately 8.5 km southwest of Buritama. The reservoir sits roughly 525 km from the city of São Paulo, about a 6.5-hour drive, and lies within the broader Tietê-Paraná waterway system. The dam is owned and operated by AES Brasil and supports a 347.4 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power station with three Kaplan turbines, as well as navigation infrastructure including ship locks.

The reservoir is characterized by clear water, wide coves (enseadas), and depths averaging 12–18 meters with a maximum of around 32 meters. These conditions make it a notable destination for fishing, particularly for tucunaré (peacock bass), tilápia, and traíra, and it regularly hosts fishing tournaments and guided outings. August through March is the prime fishing season, with ideal water temperatures between 24–28°C.

Access to the reservoir is possible via the Rodovia Transbrasiliana (Rod. Pres. João Goulart), which provides a paved access point. Accommodation options in the area include Pousada do Pescador in Buritama, which offers a pier, boat rental, and guide services, as well as hotels in Araçatuba for logistical support. Boat ramps and marinas are available in the area, and combining lodging with marina or ramp access is advisable when planning a visit.

Paddlers should be aware that the reservoir is an active commercial and industrial waterway. The Tietê-Paraná waterway carries cargo vessel traffic through the Nova Avanhandava lock, and ongoing infrastructure works — including rock removal at Pedral de Nova Avanhandava near Buritama — have been underway to deepen the navigation channel. The presence of commercial barge traffic and the scale of the reservoir mean that paddlers should exercise caution regarding vessel wakes and navigation channels. The dam and its lock infrastructure are operational features that define the downstream end of the reservoir and should be treated as a hard boundary for any paddling route.