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.

1

The 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.

2

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

3

Location & Environment


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.

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.

4

Silver King Lodge


The lodge is situated on the banks of the Rio Colarado and is an isolated oasis of comfort amongst the dense jungle.  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 focal area 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.

 

5

Boats & Guides


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.

The boats

6

Seasonal Variations


Silver King lodge is open all year round.   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 Snook in Jan and as Feb is the dry month, and the river is lower, the jungle fishing is at its best. 

7

Alternative Activities


As much as the Tarpon fishing is overwhelming on the Caribbean coastline of Costs Rica, then the blue water fishing on the Pacific coastline for Sailfish, Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado and much more is equally spectacular. Combine a 3 day trip to Silver King lodge on the East Coast with an additional 3 day-trip to Quepos on the West Coast, renown as having some of the worlds most prolific waters for Sailfish and the perfect place to visit if you want a good chance to catch a Billfish on a fly. 

Jan-March has outstanding blue-water fishing for Sailfish in Quepos

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Typical 3 night / 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive San Jose. Collected and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. (Hotel not included)

Day 2

Collected approx 04.30 and transfer to SANSA terminal for 30-35 min charter flight to lodge. Breakfast, orientation and fishing for a full day on arrival.

Day 3-4

Two full days fishing.

Day 5

Depart lodge after breakfast and return flight to San Jose. Transfer back to your hotel or international airport as required. International flights should not be scheduled prior to 12.00hrs.

Trips can be of any duration beyond a min 3 night stay

9

2022 Rates

Season

The lodge is open all year round.

Rates

-3 Day - All inclusive double occupancy -$3,085/person Extra day $585/person
-3 Day - All inclusive single occupancy -$3,960/person Extra day $645/person
-3 Day - Non fisher Rate $1,300 Extra Day $200

Package Includes

-Full board accommodation
-Transportation from San Jose airport including the charter flight to the lodge (Does not apply to daily rates)
-All meals, wines during meals and locally bottled alcoholic drinks
-All spin fishing tackle including jigs and lures.

Note

Price does not include gratuities, (Suggested $100/day for the guide and $50/day staff) Costa Rican fishing licence ($25) or overnight accommodation in San Jose. Lodge capacity is 20 guests.

Best Time for Tarpon

The prime season is from Jan-June & Sept-Dec.

Tarpon are at their more numerous  over April & May

The biggest fish are present Oct & Nov

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More Photos

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