Typically when people think about the Arenal area the first thing they think about is the Arenal Volcano and then probably the hot springs as these are the famous land marks and attractions. However the Lake maybe in peoples top 5 however Bass fishing in Arenal would be at the bottom of the list if it even made the list. When I am asked what I did this weekend and I say “I went Bass fishing on Lake Arenal”, people look at me wierdly, especially locals.

Costa Rica is well known as one of the best fishing destinations in the world for Marlin, Sailfish and Mahi Mahi however it is not known at all for its championship bass fishing. The biggest bass I have seen pulled from the Arenal lake is an 8lb bass however I have seen photos of 20+lb bass.

There is never anyone on Lake Arenal which is around 55 square miles, and if there is it is typically the Arenal to Monteverde van-boat transfer. You rarely see any fisherman and if you do they are fishing with sardines on a hand line and are about 60 years old and fishing for their dinner.

So when you are out on the lake you are the only ones there and if you catch it right you can catch around 20+ bass in a day with the best time of year being May/June when the lake is at its lowest. Other times of the year are good however expect between 10-20 bass.

The lure of choice is an all white lure as you will for sure catch Tiger and Rainbow bass on this as well as Tilapia. However for the big ones you will have to trowel around the lake.

For more information on fishing in Arenal please contact us or visit Arenal Hotels.