Jungle canals
The quiet canals and lagoons around Tortuguero hold mojarra alongside rainbow bass and machaca.
Fish Costa Rica · Species guide
Mojarra Fishing
in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s scrappy freshwater panfish. Light tackle fun in the jungle rivers, lagoons and canals of the Caribbean coast, and one of the best-eating fish you’ll catch.
Freshwater panfishSmall mouth, big fight
Caribbean sideRivers, lagoons & canals
Ultralight2–6 lb test line
Great eatingEspecially the larger fish
Meet the mojarra
Costa Rica’s
panfish.
If you grew up catching bluegill or sunfish, you’ll love mojarra. They’re a freshwater gamefish with a small mouth and a lot of attitude, and on ultralight tackle they fight well above their size.
Mojarra live in the clear rivers, lagoons and jungle canals of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. They’re the perfect light-tackle break between tarpon and snook sessions, and great fun for kids and beginners.
Where to catch them
The northern
Caribbean waters.
Rivers & lagoons
From the Parismina River north to Barra del Colorado, the coast is laced with rivers and lagoons full of mojarra.
On the border
The San Juan and its side creeks, along the Nicaraguan border, are classic mojarra water.
More about the region: Caribbean Costa Rica fishing.
When to go
Clear water, hungry fish.
Best months
Mojarra fishing is usually best from April to June, and again from September through December, sometimes into January. It always depends on the rain.
See the fishing calendar for other species in season.
Watch the water
Mojarra like clear water. After heavy rain the rivers turn cloudy and the bite slows down, so guides look for clean lagoons and side creeks.
Your guide will pick the clearest water on the day.
Tackle & bait
Think small.
| Rod | Ultralight spinning rod |
|---|---|
| Line | 2–6 lb test; 4–6 lb around heavy cover |
| Hooks | Small hooks for their small mouths |
| Bait | Small freshwater shrimp, small minnows and worms |
| Lures | Small floating crankbaits and small rubber jigs |
| Fly | Small poppers |
Tip
Bait usually outfishes lures for mojarra. Bring a few small lures for when they’re feeding actively.
On the table
Catch, cook, enjoy.
Mojarra are one of Costa Rica’s favorite eating fish. Fried whole, they’re a classic dish in local sodas and riverside restaurants.
- Keep the larger fish for dinner. Small ones aren’t worth cleaning.
- Release the rest to keep the lagoons healthy.
- Ask your lodge if the kitchen can cook your catch.
Fish for mojarra
Add mojarra to your Caribbean trip.
Costa RicaTortuguero fishing tripsTarpon and snook, plus light-tackle mojarra and guapote in the canals.See the trip →
Costa RicaBarra del ColoradoGiant tarpon, with jungle lagoons for mojarra upriver.Barra fishing →
NicaraguaRio Indio LodgeA jungle lodge on the Río San Juan with creeks full of panfish.Rio Indio Lodge →
Same waters
Other Caribbean species.
Mojarra questions
Quick answers.
Want mojarra on your trip? Just tell us.
What is a mojarra?
A freshwater gamefish found in Costa Rica’s rivers, lagoons and canals. It’s similar to US panfish like bluegill: small mouth, strong fight for its size, and very good to eat.
Where can you catch mojarra in Costa Rica?
On the Caribbean coast: the canals and lagoons around Tortuguero, the rivers and lagoons from Parismina to Barra del Colorado, and the Río San Juan along the Nicaraguan border.
When is the best time to fish for mojarra?
Usually April to June and September through December, sometimes into January. Clear water matters most, because the bite slows after heavy rain.
What is the best bait for mojarra?
Small freshwater shrimp, small minnows and worms on small hooks. Small floating crankbaits, small jigs and small poppers on a fly rod also work.
Are mojarra good to eat?
Yes. Larger mojarra are excellent eating, often fried whole. Release the small ones.