Below the volcano
Costa Rica’s biggest lake holds machaca alongside guapote, an easy add-on to a trip to La Fortuna.
Fish Costa Rica · Species guide
Machaca Fishing
in Costa Rica
A silver, gold-headed jumper that eats fruit, hits poppers hard and fights like a fish twice its size. One of the most exciting freshwater fish in Costa Rica, at Lake Arenal and in the Caribbean jungle rivers.
2–6 lbTypical size
9 lb 8 ozWorld record
All yearActive every season
Catch & releaseA sport fish, not a food fish
Meet the machaca
The piranha’s
vegetarian cousin.
Machaca have brilliant silver bodies with large scales and heads that look almost golden. They’re related to the piranha, but they mostly eat what falls into the water: leaves, fruit, seeds, berries and insects.
Hook one and it goes airborne, leaping again and again to throw the hook. Pound for pound, it’s one of the most aggressive, hardest-fighting freshwater fish in Costa Rica.
Where to catch them
Lake, jungle river
or river delta.
Tortuguero to Barra
The jungle rivers, canals and lagoons of the Caribbean coast, often fished between tarpon sessions.
Río San Juan
The deltas and lagoons near the Nicaraguan border, where rivers spread into the rainforest.
Machaca are active all year, so they’re always there when the sea is too rough for tarpon.
Tackle & flies
Light gear,
big fun.
| Fly fishing | Spinning | |
|---|---|---|
| Rod | 8-weight | Light spinning rod |
| Leader | 9–10 ft | Light leader |
| Lures / flies | Surface poppers, dragonfly imitations | Small gold or silver spinners and spoons |
Fly anglers love them
Machaca are one of the best freshwater fish in Costa Rica on a fly rod. Let us know in advance and we’ll find a guide who fishes fly.
How to catch them
Think like a fruit eater.
Where to castUnder the treesMachaca feed on fruit, seeds and insects falling from branches. Cast close to overhanging trees and banks.
What to throwSomething on topPoppers and dragonfly flies on the surface look like food falling in. Expect explosive strikes.
When it jumpsKeep it tightThey leap to shake the hook. Keep steady pressure and enjoy the show.
Catch & release
Fish for the fight,
not the table.
Machaca are a sport fish, not a food fish, so they’re released. Keep the fight short, handle them gently with wet hands, and let them go quickly.
Want a fish for dinner from the same waters? Keep a few mojarra, a local favorite.
Fish for machaca
Where to book your trip.
Northern lowlandsLake ArenalMachaca and guapote below the volcano.Lake Arenal fishing →
CaribbeanTortugueroTarpon and snook, plus machaca in the canals.See the trip →
CaribbeanBarra del ColoradoGiant tarpon, with jungle lagoons upriver.Barra fishing →
NicaraguaRio Indio LodgeJungle creeks on the Río San Juan.Rio Indio Lodge →
Same waters
Other freshwater & Caribbean species.
Machaca questions
Quick answers.
Want machaca on your trip? Just tell us.
What is a machaca fish?
A freshwater gamefish from Costa Rica with a bright silver body, large scales and a golden head. It’s related to the piranha, but mostly eats leaves, fruit, seeds, berries and insects.
Where can I catch machaca in Costa Rica?
At Lake Arenal, and in the rivers, canals, lagoons and deltas of the Caribbean coast, from Tortuguero to Barra del Colorado and the Río San Juan.
How big do machaca get?
Most are 2 to 6 lb. The world record is 9 lb 8 oz.
What is the best lure or fly for machaca?
Surface poppers and dragonfly imitations on an 8-weight fly rod with a 9 to 10 ft leader, or small gold and silver spinners and spoons on light spinning tackle.
When is machaca season?
Machaca are active all year, so you can fish for them in any month.
Can you eat machaca?
Machaca are a sport fish, not a food fish, so they’re released after the fight.
Plan your trip
Silver, gold
and airborne.
Tell us your dates and whether you’d like Lake Arenal or the Caribbean. We’ll set up a machaca day, or add one to your tarpon trip.
USA & Canada: 1-800-986-6980
Costa Rica / WhatsApp: +506 8888 4723