Big tarpon offshore
On calm days, 25 ft open sportfishing boats run out to the river mouths and the Caribbean, where the biggest tarpon roll.
Fish Costa Rica · Nicaragua · Río San Juan
Tarpon Fishing at
Rio Indio Lodge
A riverside jungle lodge on the edge of Nicaragua’s Indio Maíz rainforest reserve, just across the border from Costa Rica. Tarpon and snook in the rivers, lagoons and river mouths, with all your meals and guided fishing at the lodge.
Indio Maíz ReserveRemote Nicaraguan rainforest
27 riverside suitesAll-inclusive lodge
Tarpon & snookPlus guapote & machaca
September–MayMain fishing season
Why Rio Indio
Wild water, almost
no other boats.
Rio Indio Lodge sits on the banks of the Río Indio near the Caribbean end of the Río San Juan, the river that forms the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Behind it lies the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, one of the largest rainforests left in Central America.
The rivers, lagoons and river mouths here see very little fishing pressure. Tarpon roll in the river bends and at the sea, and snook hold along the banks and channels.
Where you fish
River, lagoon
or open sea.
Tarpon & snook inside
When the sea is rough, 16 ft jon boats fish the San Juan, the Río Indio and the lagoons. Tarpon and snook hold here all season.
Light tackle fun
Rainbow bass (guapote) and machaca in the smaller creeks, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife.
Tackle and technique tips: how to catch tarpon & snook.
Fish & season
What you can catch.
When to go
The main fishing season at Rio Indio runs from September to May. Weather on the Caribbean side changes quickly, so we’ll check conditions for your dates.
The lodge
Comfort in the middle of the jungle.
Your stay
- 27 suites in riverside bungalows, with air conditioning, hot water and screened porches
- Restaurant and bar in the main lodge, linked by covered walkways
- Swimming pool overlooking the gardens and river
- All meals included
- Fishing boats, tackle and experienced local guides
For non-anglers
- Guided rainforest hikes in the Indio Maíz reserve
- Kayaking and river tours
- Wildlife: three species of monkeys, poison dart frogs and tropical birds, plus jaguars, tapirs and ocelots in the reserve
- Quiet days by the pool
Getting there
A real expedition.
You fly into San José, Costa Rica. From there the trip to the lodge goes by road and then by boat down the Río San Juan, crossing into Nicaragua. It takes most of a day, so plan a travel day at each end of your stay.
- We plan your transfers and confirm the current route for your dates.
- You’ll need a passport valid for your whole trip.
- Check Nicaragua’s entry requirements for your nationality before you book.
- Pack light. Space on the boats is limited.
Heads up
Older guides describe a short charter flight from San José to a nearby airstrip. That airstrip is currently closed, so today the transfer is by road and river. We’ll give you the up-to-date travel plan when you book.
Choose your tarpon trip
Rio Indio, Barra or Tortuguero?
| Rio Indio Lodge | Barra del Colorado | Tortuguero | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Nicaragua | Costa Rica | Costa Rica |
| Setting | Jungle lodge in a huge rainforest reserve | Remote refuge near the border | Village beside a national park |
| Getting there | Road and river, most of a day | Short flight from San José | Short flight, or road and boat |
| Best for | Adventure, wilderness and wildlife | Dedicated tarpon anglers | Fishing plus turtles and culture |
See Barra del Colorado fishing, Tortuguero fishing trips, or the whole Caribbean coast. Want both oceans? Ask about combining Rio Indio with Pacific billfishing: fish both coasts.
Photo gallery
Silver Kings of the San Juan.
Rio Indio questions
Good to know.
Tell us your dates and we’ll check availability at the lodge.
Where is Rio Indio Lodge?
On the Río Indio near the Caribbean end of the Río San Juan in southeastern Nicaragua, beside the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and close to the Costa Rican border.
How do you get to Rio Indio Lodge?
Fly into San José, Costa Rica, then travel by road and boat down the Río San Juan to the lodge. The nearby airstrip is currently closed, so plan for most of a day each way. We arrange the transfers.
What fish can you catch at Rio Indio Lodge?
Mainly tarpon and snook, plus calba, rainbow bass (guapote), machaca and jack crevalle.
When is the best time to fish Rio Indio?
The main season is September to May. Calm days let the boats fish the river mouths and the sea; on rough days fishing moves into the rivers and lagoons.
Do I need a passport to go to Rio Indio Lodge?
Yes. The lodge is in Nicaragua, so you need a valid passport and must meet Nicaragua’s entry requirements for your nationality.
Is there something to do for non-anglers?
Yes: guided rainforest hikes, kayaking, river tours, wildlife watching and the lodge pool.
Plan your trip
Fish the jungle rivers
of Rio Indio.
Tell us your travel dates, number of anglers and fishing days. We’ll check the lodge and plan your transfers.
USA & Canada: 1-800-986-6980
Costa Rica / WhatsApp: +506 8888 4723