Fishing in Lake Arenal, La Fortuna

Are you an angler in search of the best fishing in Costa Rica? Freshwater fishing is a great experience for beginners and pros. Here's everything you need to know!

Costa Rica is a great destination for anglers who target the great species offshore and inshore of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. However, if you're staying inland, there is opportunity for you to do some freshwater fishing, and what better place to do this than at the foot of the famous Arenal Volcano?

Unlike other more talked about fishing in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal offers something most visitors don't regularly experience. In addition to unique species of fish, the incredible scenery and crystal-clear waters of Arenal make for a fishing trip like no other. 

Lake Arenal is a human-made lake in La Fortuna, a town dubbed “the adventure capital” of Costa Rica for the many outdoor activities it offers to visitors. This town is home to one of the country's most famous natural attractions, and Lake Arenal is right next to it. 

Sitting at the foot of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal stretches for 33 square miles and has a depth that reaches some 200 feet. It's surrounded by the tropical vegetation of the area, attracting various animals (like fishing birds and monkeys) to its shores. This is your fishing ground!

Because of this perfect combination of scenery, natural wonders, and convenience, fishing in Lake Arenal is a great opportunity for travelers of all types and ages. Families, avid anglers, novice and fly fishermen, as well as nature-loving visitors will enjoy this experience to the max. 

Fishing in Lake Arenal is something unique in Costa Rica. 

Even though it was artificially made, Lake Arenal feels as if it's been there for hundreds of years. The flora and fauna that populate the shores and lake make it a natural part of the landscape. Besides, you literally fish right at the base of  Arenal Volcano. It looms in the background while you float over some of the towns that were submerged when the lake was created. 

Freshwater species are not the monster fish of the sea, but in Lake Arenal, it is all about quality rather than quantity or size. Some will find the experience is very much like bass fishing in the United States, with the backdrop of Arenal Volcano as the main highlight. The fishing here is second to none, of course, but the beauty of the place almost makes it feel like a bonus. 

Yes. The quality of the fish, the target species, and the experience of fishing at the foot of Arenal Volcano are what makes fishing in Lake Arenal a great experience for anglers.

Target species in Lake Arenal include guapote (rainbow bass), machaca, mojarra, and blue tilapia.

Year-round. The truth is, there is really no season here since the lake is always available. However, the drier months of the year (January-April) tend to be better since the water levels drop, and the fish can be found in the deeper areas of the lake.

Come to Costa Rica for a personalized experience in the happiest country of the world.