You can fish Lake Arenal from the shore in many areas and from a boat as there are several free boat ramps with access to the Lake Arenal.  We offer Kayak Fishing on Lake Arenal to our guests. We provide the latest in lures, graphite fishing rods and reels. Tackle will be similar to bass fishing tackle, except the Guapote will make a much harder run, more like the Florida Saltwater Snook. Fishing licenses are required by law, but the process of securing one is complicated and takes time.  Most people fishing Lake Arenal do not have fishing licenses and I have never seen anyone checking for one on or around the lake.  You will be able to spend the entire day on the lake and will probably not even see another boat.  Also, marinas and houses on the water are not allowed, so the Lake Arenal is very beautiful.  The rainforest growth goes all the way down to the lake front in most areas.  The Lake Arenal is approximately 33 miles long and up to 200 ft deep in areas.  The water temperature is a constant 76 degrees year round.  This is one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

          What Is The Best Fishing Tackle To Use On Lake Arenal

   Some of the local guides swear by white or red spinner baits.  Others swear by dark red floating/diving plugs.  The lures you use will depend on the type of Guapote fishing you are doing on Lake Arenal.  In the morning try jointed minnow imitations in red, green, orange and yellow. Also try some top water plugs in silver, red and gold.  Guapote will hit almost anything a large mouth bass will.  Later in the morning use lures that will dive from 5 to 8 feet as the sun rises.  Its difficult to fish deep diving plugs from shore as they will get hung up in the sunken trees or the rocks as you retrieve them to shore.  During the middle of the day when the sun is warmest try trolling 18 to 25 feet deep a hundred yards off the shore. 

   Rubber worms have never worked for fishing Lake Arenal. Many local fishermen have tried worms, jigs and spoons with no success. The shore line of Lake Arenal has lots of grass that extends out into the lake and many areas have dead tree stumps. These are usually great rubber worm fishing areas for largemouth bass, but not for the Lake Arenal Guapote Rainbow Bass. Spinner baits and crank baits have been the most successful for catching Lake Arenal Guapote.

  The best line for fishing Lake Arenal is the smallest pound test you can get by with. Anything less then 12 lb test mono may be broken when a big Guapote makes the initial run. Many local guides use 15 lb line for that reason. It takes a lot of casting to get a nice hit and the last thing you want to have your line snap because it's to light. Synthetic lines have never been to popular on the lake because of the windy conditions on the lake and the tendency of the line to tangle. The wind can reach 50 to 60 mph in certain seasons. Definitely beware of that before you set out into the middle of the lake. It usually rains in the afternoons. It's best to schedule your first trip on Lake Arenal with a local experienced fishing guide.

       Does Lake Arenal Have Any Public Ramps

   There are a couple of public ramps with free access to Lake Arenal.  One of the most popular ramps is located in the Arenal Public Park located just outside the small town of Nuevo Arenal and the other ramp is located at the dam itself.  The ramp at the dam would probably require a 4X4 vehicle, but the Arenal park ramp is paved and very easy to access. There are also many other areas where you can get access to the lake with a boat or by walking the shore. Costa Rica does have many varieties of poisonous snakes so it pays to be cautious when walking from the lake highway to the lake shoreline, especially if you are wading thru tall grass. Snakes are very rarely seen in Lake Arenal and most locals say they have never seen any snakes around the lake or the nearby creeks. Wear knee high rubber boots when you make your way to the lake through tall weeds and grass.

                           Kayak Fishing On Lake Arenal

 Kayak fishing on Lake Arenal can be a real blast. There are kayak rentals in town for approximately $10 per hour and many of the local hotels and accommodations have kayaks you can use to try your luck at fishing lake Arenal. Again you want to be aware of the high winds on the lake. The local winds usually have a certain pattern and you can find a place to launch your kayak that's out of the wind. From there are many quite coves to explore. There are several islands in the lake that has many species of local wildlife such a sloths, howler monkeys, hummingbirds, parrots, etc.

   Fish Lake Arenal with a kayak from Lake Arenal Accommodations and Kayak Fishing . You can explore the coves inaccessible to larger boats.  If you like Fishing, Canoeing or Kayaking, then this is the adventure for you.  This could be the guided fishing trip of your life.  Its a great picture taking opportunity. We assist our guests in finding the best restaurants and tour activities for their tastes. Our Bed and Breakfast is located approximately 30 miles from and across Lake Arenal from the Arenal Volcano.  The town of La Fortuna is approximately 30 minutes from our rentals. We're a safe distance from the volcano with action activities nearby such as White Water Rafting, Fishing in Lake Arenal, Aerial Trams,   Zip Lining the Rainforest, Windsurfing on Lake Arenal, Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking, Boating, ATV Rentals, Horseback riding to 5 remote Rainforest Waterfalls, Eco Tours, Butterfly Museums, Snake Museums, Coffee Plantations, Monteverde Cloud Forest, great restaurants and very friendly locals. We can update you on the latest local conditions including the roads, the weather, and the fishing. Book your accommodations with us and we'll help you choose the best activities for your vacation in Lake Arenal, La Fortuna or even the nearby beaches.

                           Best Time To Fish Lake Arenal

  The best fishing for Guapote is when the lake starts rising (mid June through July) and when it's starts dropping in level (Feb-April). Fishing on Lake Arenal can be good at other times also and requires some experimenting with light conditions, water conditions, winds, seasons and temperature patterns. If you are dedicated you will eventually hook up with a nice Guapote. Some of the local fishing guides report catching Guapote all year long in areas of the lake.

            Local Accommodations On Lake Arenal

    When planning a Vacation to Lake Arenal, Costa Rica you have to try the local lake fishing.  Lake Arenal is world famous for lake fishing trips for the Guapote rainbow bass and world class windsurfing. Lakeview Lodge provide Eco Friendly Lodging to guests that prefer a little Exercise and Adventure on their vacation or that just want to relax and enjoy the rainforest. Often there are Howler Monkeys, Toucans, Parrots and Hummingbirds on the property.  Lush tropical landscaping and a wonderful view of Lake Arenal. Guapote fishing has been featured by Bass Pro Shops, American Sportsman, Costa Rica Fishing Reports and many other world outdoor fishing magazines.   Kayak Fishing On Lake Arenal Costa Rica

       Hook a Big Guapote today

                              For Lake Arenal Fishing Tours contact us:

   One reason the fishing is so poor is because of spear fishing. Although illegal, many people dive the lake and the rivers feeding the lake to spear the Guapote.  We spoke with one local in April 2009 that reported spearing over 60 large (5 to 8 lb Guapote) in less than 2 hours during the early morning hours of daylight. Unless the Government takes action the Guapote may soon disappear from Lake Arenal.

   The lake however is very beautiful and clean. I highly recommend a boat tour / fishing trip to view the lake up close.  On our last boat tour in April 2009 we saw Toucans, Howler Monkeys and many other species of local animals. We also got some great footage of Arenal Volcano from the lake. Kayaking on the lake is also becoming very popular."

                                                      Lake Arenal Fishing Tip:   

     According to Glenn from Lake Arenal Pontoon Boat Tours & Fishing Excursions,  the best fishing for Guapote is when the lake starts rising (mid June through July) and when it's starts dropping in level (Feb-April).  Thanks Glenn for the hot tip. 

                                          For Lake Arenal Fishing Tours contact us:

                                                              Kayak Fishing On Lake Arenal Costa Rica