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Sport Fishing on Lake Arenal - Half day

Arenal ・ Arenal Zone 2 ・ Arenal Zone 3 ・ Nuevo Arenal ・ Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

Are you ready to go sport fishing on Lake Arenal? If so, this is the perfect tour for you! Imagine reeling in tropical fish on a lake surrounded by lush green vegetation covered hillsides and a volcano in the background on clear days!

Lake Arenal is one of the best places in the world for Guapote fishing. The lake was dammed for the production of hydroelectricity back in the 70s and is now three times its original size. Along with the lake size, the guapote sizes have increased as well.

Guapote are often mistakenly referred to as rainbow bass. They are similar in size and shape to largemouth and smallmouth bass, but are actually in the cichlid family. That said, they feed and fight like bass. In the morning, running top water baits such as walking the dog with zara spoofs or buzzing buzz baits along weed lines usually produces well. As the day goes on, it is best to switch to deep diving crank baits 20 – 50 feet parallel to the shore. Guapote can grow over 10 pounds, but are usually in the 2 – 3 pound range.

Toothy machacca can be caught as well. These hard fighting, feisty fish grow to 5 pounds or so, but are usually in the 2 – 3 pound range. They resemble tarpon and are known to tail dance across the water as you fight them. These guys are often found slashing at bait fish on the top.

A half day of sport fishing on Lake Arenal is the perfect amount of time to enjoy fishing and then wind down at the hot springs in the afternoon. Weather in this region is unpredictable and can have strong effects on both fishing and comfort. We recommend the early morning slot for best results.

After fishing you will be returned to your hotel. Including transportation time, this tour is expected to last 4 – 5 hours and includes transportation, guide, boat, tackle, gear, snacks and water..

Highlights

  • Fishing for exotic fish on Lake Arenal
  • Chance of seeing the volcano on clear days

What to Bring

Sunblock, insect repellent, camera, rain gear

Includes

Transportation, guide, boat, tackle, gear, snacks and water.

Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal, Arenal Zone 2, Arenal Zone 3, Nuevo Arenal, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.

Tour Times

05:30, 12:30

Tour Type

  • Fishing
Explore the location on the map

Location

Latitude: N 10° 27' 4.76" (10.451323)
Longitude: W 84° 45' 45.65" (-84.76268)

Recent Reviews

Overall
85%
Expectations
82%
Experience
86%
Guides
91%
Logistics
88%
Value
87%
It was a great time and the tour guide was very engaged with the children.
We really liked our guide a lot!
The guide and driver were excellent! Unfortunately, the troll broke. Although, the guide made sure that we were able to fish close to the shore, it was much more fun when he was fishing alongside with us.

The people behind your vacation

Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds

Make this tour part of your Costa Rica vacation

Request a vacation package including Sport Fishing on Lake Arenal - Half day.