Having a welcomed early Dry Season and the resulting depletion of the rainstorms that affected both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the water levels are lowering and many rivers are now returning to their normal seasonal conditions. Fly fishing for the big Rainbow Bass (Guapote), Mojarras and Machacas are presently good in the high elevation lakes, freshwater lagoons and intermediate rivers. Guapote (Rainbow Bass) in the 10 lb. sizes have been taken on weighted White/Silver Clouser or Whistler flies on 3/0 hooks, using intermediate and Hi-D sinking lines or lead-core shooting heads. Productive action on top water with large Black/Orange, Chartreuse poppers, but some Machacas did take green or brown grasshoppers and deer hair Royal Humpy and large dry fly patterns during the day, especially under the overhanging trees and at the mouths of in-flowing flooding streams and calm water.

In the clearer lakes, with floating lines and using medium size poppers in the very early morning along the banks and in the shallow areas. Silver/White and Yellow streamers, Dark Clouser flies are worked down in the deep pools and passes, using Hi-D or lead core lines have presented flies that captured many large Bobo, Guapote, Tilapia and Mojarra.

Machacas are found along the steep banks and in deep pools - usually below overhanging trees, feeding on falling insects and other small critters. White/Orange poppers are good, but the Silver/White streamers and Gotchas were getting some positive results on larger fish. It is advisable to use a wire shock tippet on these fish.

Tarpon and Snook are good in the upper San Juan River . Best fishing now at El Castillo for Tarpon above the rapids of Sabalo and San Pancho. Weather permitting, there is some good fishing in the mouth and outside of the Rio Colorado and Parismina, where the waters divide between the blue salt and the brown freshwater and Rio Indio/San Juan ( Nicaragua ). Here the use of Hi-D or Lead core sinking lines are more productive for Tarpon. Best fishing is well away from other boats and near feeding birds or baitfish schools.

The Caño Negro and Rio Frio fishing is presently getting very good. Other rivers are subject to weather conditions in the high mountains that affect the water temperature, level and color in the lower lagoons. The Tarpon are now in the Rio Frio and Caño Negro in large numbers.

This Fall Snook Season was a record time for tarpon fishing and “Calba” snook is presently fair but not as good as expected.

Arenal Lake is having its typical high windy condition of December to February and regardless, the fishing is still good for medium sized fish, along the shore and when deep trolling with Hi-D sinking lines with White/Silver or Yellow streamer flies. Pencil poppers  and Gurglers are dynamite in the mornings fished along the shore and banks, rear structure and floating grass beds. Strong 30 lb. shock tippets are advised. The Arenal Volcano is now  fairly calm but mainly under cloud, with some occasional occurrence of acid rain and ash fall on the south eastern end of the lake.

The Rainbow Trout fishing in the high mountain rivers of the Cerro de La Muerte are also producing some good large sized fish, especially in the early morning and evening. The present dry season has produced clear water conditions and the fish are feeding freely. An angler has to stalk the fish and carefully approach the pools. Most are taken on weighted Hare's Ear nymphs and Soft Hackles. Bright streamer flies in #10 to #14 are taking fish in deep pools. Use weighted flies or lead shot. Trout are running from 7 to 26 inches. The best rivers have been the Rio Savegre, Rio Copey, Rio General (Canaan) and Rio Toro (Bajos). These areas are ideal for single or two day trips.

During the early morning hours, there is now a very good insect hatch and dry fly fishing is a fine possibility. Most of this fly fishing is wet wading in small streams with fast flowing water, in deep pools below picturesque waterfalls set in the cool cloud forest. Lots of beautiful birds accompany the fly fisher along the streams. It is not unlikely to be able to see many Quetzals, emerald toucans, a myriad of colorful butterflies and fleeting jewel hummingbirds in among the lush forest.

On the Pacific coast there are also good opportunities to wet wade and fish the more tropical rivers for Machin, Snook, Drum, Machaca and Guapote using light tackle. There is also a wealth of  great fishing inshore using ocean kayaks and this is one of the best fly fishing experiences to be had.

Pacific fly fishing has been very good along the Central and Northern coast, with lots of success on Sailfish, Marlin, Giant Tuna and Dorado. Coastal Pacific fly fishing is also giving results for Black Snook, Roosterfish and Snappers. Coastal fishing is consistently good off Golfito and Osa Peninsula in the South and off the rocky points or river mouths in the North. Special inshore fishing trips to the northern Pacific near the Santa Rosa National Park are ideal for fishing Roosterfish and Pacific Snook. This is mainly a tidal fishery and so will depend upon the ideal tides and water conditions. Fishing the river mouths flowing into the Pacific is also very productive at present. These are mainly custom trips and are a lot of fun and a great eco-adventure. The fishing off Garza, Nosara, and Playa Potrero has been very good, especially the Inshore Fishing using ocean kayaks.

On the Caribbean coast, the best fishing experience has been in the southern region near Manzanillo, fishing from a 'panga' and inshore for tarpon, jacks, mackerel and snook in clear water.

The new fishing Season looks very promising with ideal conditions existing on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts with the intermediate rivers improving to near perfection. We are also discovering some new fishing areas in the northern border of Costa Rica with Nicaragua where we have had a lot of success with top water poppers in clear water for giant Machaca and Guapote. A new frontier for fishing adventure and flyrod excitement is also expected to increase in February and March when the large Machaca will be eager to take floating flower fly patterns. Great fun and a new experience for most fly fishers.