Sport fishing

Surrounded by rollings hills and dominated on the east side by the imposing Volcano Arenal, the lake Arenal with his 85,5 km2 is the largest lake of Costa Rica and contains primarily two different types of fish, the Machaca and Rainbow Bass. The Rainbow Bass can be found in fresh waters in Centralamerica and the ranges in size will be up to 16 pounds, while the Machaca in Lake Arenal can be reach 9 pounds.

Climate

Lake Arenal is located in a tropical zone on the Atlantic slope at 400 meters above sea level. Nights are cool (60 F) and days are warm (80-85 F) but temperatures are seldom oppressive. The rainy season runs from mid April through December but wet weather can also occur during the dry months.

General fishing tips

Both Machaca and Rainbow Bass are structure oriented to standing timber and fallen trees, to sand and grass points projecting into the main body of the lake, and to rivers and river channels which feed into the lake. These are sophisticated, wary fish, so all noises and vibrations in the boat should be kept to a minimum.

Fishing season

As a general statement, low water levels are best for Rainbow Bass Fishing while rising and high waters levels mark an increase in Machaca activity and fishing quality. The fishing cycle is as follows: