Sport Fishing

Lake Arenal contains primarily two different types of fish, the Machaca and Rainbow Bass. The Machaca are flashy acrobatic fish which can reach 9 lbs. within the lake, and perhaps 15 lbs. in norther and coastal rivers. More prone to stike smaller and faster lures, ultra light an d light spinning gear spolled with 4-8 lb. monofilament line is the rule.

Fly fisherman should be using 8-10 wt. rods and 9 ft. leaders and smaller (size 4-8) poppers and streamers. The Rainbow Bass, which ranges in size up to 16 pounds, spawns year round and is found throughout the fresh waters in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Generally speaking, the same tackle used to catch large mouth bass will be adequate here, i.e. surface plugs spinner baits, and rattle traps. Monofilament of 12-20 lb. is recommended with a "shock tippet" of 25-40 lb.

Fly fishermen are advised to use rods of 8-10 wt. with 9 ft. leaders and large poppers, medium sized streamers in bright or lighter colors.