Freshwater Fishing in Costa Rica – Machaca, Roncador (Pacific Grunt), Mojarra, Guavina, and Tepe-Machin

Machaca, a jungle species that thrives in Costa Rica's lowland rivers is a favorite for sportsmen.

One of Costa Rica biggest recreations is it saltwater fishing where anglers flock to Costa Rica big game fishing all year round. However, it is also become known for it fresh water fishing, particular the inland rivers; a anglers paradise where one can fish saltwater in the morning and fresh water in the afternoon. Not to many places can claim that.

Tico Times Note:  If you plan on  coming to Costa Rica  to freshwater fish, get a guide or charter a service. Costa Rica’s rivers and streams can be dangerous.  Rivers and stream cans rise 3-4 feet within minutes. We recommend using a charter service like Americana Sportfishing and/or  Fish Costa Rica,  both have over 30 years experience in booking saltwater and freshwater trips.

Central Pacific Coast Mountain River Fishing
There are several different watersheds on the Central Pacific Coast that each contain large main river drainages that are fed by numerous tributaries and literally hundreds of small creeks and streams. Most of these watersheds are small in area geographically, but have many fishing opportunities due to the mountainous nature of the landscape and its proximity to the ocean.

Snook and Tarpo are caught in river outlets mostly on the Northern Caribbean side

The waters are warm but the environments are mountainous with many of the upper river sections providing whitewater action year around. The predominant species in these waters is the Machaca which is a favorite for its aggressive nature when feeding on or near the surface, and for its acrobatics. Roncador (Pacific Grunt), Mojarra, Guavina, and Tepe-Machin are common to this area and in 2007 the International Game Fish Association world record for Roncador (7 lbs. 2 oz.) was caught in these waters. Even though some of the mountain trips start over 450feet in altitude, we can find saltwater species like Snook and Cubera Snapper cruising in the area. Mountain river trips are done either on foot, from drift boats and duckies, or both.

Pacific Lowlands
Once the rivers reach the lowlands they are bigger, wider and calmer and are home to an interesting mix of species. It is in these waters that Snook usually reach their limits of inland migration and where Machaca and Roncador also reach their limits of seaward travel. Some of the bigger specimens of each species can be encountered so this is typically bigger rod and heavy shock/bite tippet territory. These fisheries are usually worked from driftboats and on foot due to the quiet, serene nature of the environment and the wary, spooky traits of the larger fish that inhabit the area. Jonboats with 4 stroke outboards are used only seasonally when longer distances have to be traveled. Lowland trips are done on the Rio Savegre, Naranjo, Parrita, Paquita, Guavo, Baru, and many other smaller creeks and canals.

Caribbean Lowlands
Cruising the canals, rivers and backwaters of the Caribbean coast can produce an amazing selection of diverse species.  It is common in one day to catch numerous Mojarra, Machaca, Snook and Guapote and get chances at rolling Tarpon. Seasons are April to June and August to October depending on weather conditions. Fishing is done from small lightweight aluminum and fiberglass river skiffs.

Tackle
Guapote Bass Mojarra and Machaca
Light to ultra light bass tackle, 6 to 12 pound line.

Lures
Poppers, small rapalas and cray fish, crank baits; spinner baits in multicolor. General Bass tackle works well.

Fly Fishing Tackle
7 to 9 foot #4 to #8 fly rods for 4-8 weight WF floating fly lines. When using large popping bugs or on windy days, a bug taper is advised. Multicolored, natural cork and foam bodied poppers sized 4, 6, 8 with rubber legs are popular. Pencil, Slider and hair bodied poppers are sometimes very productive in color of #062B6E/Yellow, Orange/Red, Yellow/#062B6E and Chartreuse.

Machaca fishing requires using a short piece of light wire shock leader because of its teeth. Poppers with long shank hooks are also preferred.

Wet flies are also used and are very productive when the mojarra and machaca fail to strike the poppers. Small streamers in yellow, red and tinsel color combinations are effective. Shrimp flies in beige, brown and gray produce when the fish are feeding deep. Yellow nymphs, small Clousers in size 8 hooks are also effective.

We thank Mark from  Costa Rica Golfito Fishing for supplying the info for this article.

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