Costa Rica: Silver King lodge

Costa Rica - Giant Tarpon At Silver King Lodge

The Tarpon fishing at the mouth of the Barra del Colorado is without parallel. Following the murky brown water of the Colorado River from the lodge to the ocean one would never have thought it possible that this is home to what must be one of the most abundant Tarpon fisheries in the world. Not only are these waters prolific beyond imagination but they are also home to truly giant Tarpon. Averaging in the region of 80-90lbs and regularly topping 150lbs, if your dream is to land a fish in excess of 120lbs then the Silver King lodge is the place where it is very likely to happen.

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Expect the Tarpon to make jaw-dropping leaps seconds after a hook up

What we came for - A magnificent fly caught Tarpon

The Tarpon Fishing

This is a location where even the slightest weakness in your fishing tackle will be brutally exposed. On every trip there is a better than average chance of hooking a 120-150lb Tarpon and a 200lb fish is not exceptional. On first connecting with one of these giants they will almost always leap straight out of the water at heights easily in excess of their own body length and on occasion as high as 20ft. If your hook holds beyond the first series of somersaulting leaps what will follow will be a gruelling battle that will physically test you and your equipment. Reels genuinely need to hold a huge reserve of backing and they must have absolutely indestructible drags. 12 wt rods are generally considered to be too light and the graveyard of destroyed rods, reels and lines is testament to the power of these Costa Rican Tarpon.

Fishing For Snook, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Billfish & other species

Although most anglers come to fish exclusively for Tarpon, after a morning’s work where it is possible to have as many as 20 hook ups, sometimes something a little calmer is required to ease aching and strained arms. Fishing in the freshwater upstream of the lodge is a true jungle experience with numerous species possible, although the primary target is the ‘Calba’ or ‘Fat Snook’ which migrate up the river to spawn and average 6-8lbs. In the numerous estuaries you can also target Mojarra, Machaca (similar to baby Tarpon) and Guapote, the fierce and highly combative Rainbow Bass.  You can also fish for all of the blue water species for no additional cost which include Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, Sailfish & Marlin.

Want to Know More
Watch the film and read the fishing report from a previous WWMF week at the Silver King Lodge

To big for the boat! - 170lb Tarpon on the fly

The Environment & Location

Silver King Lodge is situated near the mouth of the Barra del Colarado on the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica. The river drains Lake Nicaragua far to the west and despite its tannin-stained appearance the thousands of gallons of fresh water which empty into the seas each day are packed with nutrients. This rich source of food and the relative safety afforded by the murky brown water provides shelter and a constant feast for the sardines and other bait fish. Congregating both at the river mouth and in the green and blue water beyond, it is upon these fish that the Tarpon feast, allowing them to obtain such huge sizes.

Tarpon

Silver King Lodge & Staff

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Rio Colarado and is an isolated oasis of comfort amongst the dense jungle. A recent change in ownership has given a further face-lift to the lodge which was already considered to be the premier Tarpon lodge in Costa Rica. The entire lodge is elevated on stilts and all the cabins and lodge buildings are interconnected by wooden walkways. There are a total of ten cabins each equipped with twin double beds, en suite bathrooms, satellite television and AC. The main dining room and bar provide the focus for the lodge but there is also a swimming pool, jacuzzi, massage room and numerous hammocks and deck chairs on the dock and by the pool where guests can relax between fishing trips.

The fishing guides at Silver King lodge are the best in Costa Rica. On average they each have around 20 years of guiding experience, speak excellent English and are exceptionally knowledgeable. Although they each have their favourite methods, they are all as accomplished fishing with fly or conventional gear. A testament to their proficiency and character is the number of requests from repeat guests to have their original guide look after them on return visits.

Silver King Lodge at night

Silver King Lodge Pool

Clifford Ramos - 20 years of experience and a passion for catching Tarpon on fly

Alternative Activities Whilst in Costa Rica

Visitor from the Jungle

As much as the Tarpon fishing is overwhelming on the Caribbean coastline, then the blue water fishing on the Pacific coastline for Sailfish, Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado and much more is equally spectacular. For non-fishing activities Costa Rica has a wide range of options from beach resorts to nature tours to explore amongst other things the jungle and the two volcanoes.

Best Times to go to Costa Rica

Although it is possible to fish all year round Silver King lodge only operates either side of the rainy season to ensure guests have the best possible fishing experience.  Silver King lodge is open from Jan-June and then again from Sept-Mid Nov.  The seas tend to be more unsettled during early spring months and if there are strong winds it is not always possible to get beyond the river mouth although one can still fish effectively from inside the bar.  Peak conditions for the Tarpon fishing are typically in April-May and then again over September-November when the really huge Tarpon over 200lbs are present.  There are good runs of Fat Snook in Jan and as Feb is the dry month and the river is lower the jungle fishing is at its best.

Getting to Silver King lodge

Guests fly to San Jose in Costa Rica. You will be met at the airport in an AC van and taken to one of the hotels in San Jose, prior to catching an early morning charter flight to the lodge followed by your first day’s fishing.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to Costa Rica, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.