Rio Colorado

As the first week wrapped up on a high, the second week picked up exactly where we left off at the Rio Colorado. This time, we were joined by returning guests who had experienced exceptional fishing on their last trip. Expectations were high, and from the very first two days, the fishing delivered—multiple tarpon hooked and landed, along with some seriously impressive jack crevalle.

A Day to Remember

Day three, however, would stand out as one for the books. As usual, we patrolled an area where we frequently spot tarpon rolling, then killed the motors to drift through, working our flies. My general rule of thumb is that, on a good day, each angler should expect at least one solid shot at a big tarpon per session. That might not sound wild to the uninitiated, but ask any experienced angler, and they’ll tell you these are great odds—especially considering the size of the tarpon in Costa Rica.

But on this particular day, things escalated fast. Every single drift produced a big fish. Absolute chaos. By mid-morning, the relentless heat and back-to-back tarpon battles were wearing the anglers down—an absolute dream scenario for any fisherman. The ocean was alive, tarpon feeding aggressively everywhere we looked. We took a much-needed break during the heat of the day, but once we returned to the water, the action continued. By 16:00, the group called it—they physically couldn’t handle another fish. As a guide, that’s a job well done!

The Tarpon of Rio Colorado

Tarpon, often referred to as “the silver king,” are one of the most prized sport fish in the world. These prehistoric giants have been around for over 100 million years, and their ability to gulp air from the surface allows them to thrive in both fresh and saltwater. In Costa Rica, tarpon can reach well over 150 pounds (68 kg), with some specimens pushing 200 pounds (90 kg) or more. Their raw power, acrobatic leaps, and long battles make them a bucket-list species for any serious angler.

One of the most fascinating aspects of tarpon is their ability to migrate vast distances, sometimes travelling thousands of miles between feeding and breeding grounds. The Rio Colorado is a crucial stop along their migration route, offering an abundance of baitfish and the perfect environment for these predators to thrive.

Fishing in a Conservation Haven

Our Tarpon Camp is based within the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, part of the Tortuguero Conservation Area—one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. Covering over 92,000 hectares, this vast protected area consists of rainforest, mangroves, and freshwater lagoons, providing a sanctuary not only for tarpon but also for jaguars, manatees, and a stunning variety of bird species. The refuge plays a vital role in conserving the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem while ensuring that world-class fishing remains sustainable for future generations.

The Grand Finale

The remainder of the week continued to impress, with strong fishing all the way until the final moments. A special shoutout goes to Marco, who finished the last day in spectacular fashion—landing two absolute giants on back-to-back casts. To put it into perspective, each fight lasted over an hour—an incredible feat of endurance and skill.

After two weeks of unforgettable fishing, it was hard to say goodbye to the Rio Colorado. The combination of massive tarpon, stunning surroundings, and great company made for a trip to remember. Until next time, silver kings!

Click here if you would like to experience this amazing fishery.