Costa Rica

Rio Colorado Lodge

THE FISHING

The fishing at the Rio Colorado Lodge focuses on Tarpon and Snook. The tarpon can be found in either the river and/or out in the ocean. Tarpon may be rolling up on the surface or can be found 8-15 feet down. The Snook fishing is done primarily in the river, however, large Snook can be found just outside the river mouths, lurking in the ocean breakers. November and December are the optimal months for snook in the 8-12 pound range. The best tarpon fishing runs from November through April and the average sized silver king runs from 60 to 120 pounds. There are other species available in the river and lagoons, if you’d like to spend a day fishing the back country, let your guide know the day before so he can plan the following day accordingly. Because of the proximity of the lodge to a myriad of lagoons and small tributaries running off the main part of the river, the back country fishing is easily accessed by boat and provides a great change of pace from chasing big tarpon. The back country scenery is spectacular and species such as Guapote, Machaca, Roncador and Mojarra, can all be caught in this lush, pristine environment.

The fishing day at the lodge is broken down into morning and afternoon sessions. The first session begins at 7:00am-7:30am depending on guest motivation (if you are ready to go right at 7:00am, your guide will be ready to take you!). The morning session ends at 11:30am when all boats return to the lodge for lunch. There is a siesta after lunch until 1:30pm when the afternoon fishing session begins. The afternoon session ends at 5:00-5:30pm when the boats return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

The boats used at the Rio Colorado Lodge are 21 feet long customized pangas with 90 horse powered, 4 stroke engines. The boats are very comfortable for one or two anglers plus guide.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly into the capital city of San Jose where you will be met by a Slipstream Angling representative as soon as you’ve cleared customs. You will then be driven into downtown San Jose where you will spend the night at the Sleep Inn, located in the heart of San Jose’s entertainment district. Early the next morning, guests will be picked up in the lobby of the hotel for a shuttle ride out to the Sansa Air terminal, located just down the road from the International Airport. There is only one flight per day from San Jose to Barra Colorado and it leaves at 6:20am, which means that we’ll be picking guests up at 4:30am in the lobby of the hotel. The flight up to Barra Colorado takes 30 minutes and flies over one of Costa Rica’s central mountain ranges. The lodge is a two minute walk from the airstrip and Dianne, the lodge manager, will be waiting for you as soon as you get off the plane. On your departure day, the flight from Barra Colorado back to San Jose leaves at approximately 7:00am and it’s the only flight out for the day. You will arrive back in San Jose at 7:30am and can either fly home that day or stay on in San Jose for an extra day, depending on your preference.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2025

Due to the nuber of options and packages available, pricing is done on an idividual basis.

ONLY DELUXE accommodations include Fishing License, Fishing Lures and Beverages

Please contact the Slipstream office for pricing options and availability

 

  • SJO - San Jose
  • ​year round
  • Tarpon and Snook…
  • 24 rods per week guests
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Language: English/Spanish
  • Physicality: Low
  • CC Payment at Facility : Yes
Costa Rica

Rio Colorado Lodge

Tour Location

LOCATION

The Rio Colorado Lodge is located on the North Atlantic coast of Costa Rica, approximately 18 miles south of the Nicaragua/Costa Rica border.

PRIMARY SPECIES

Tarpon and Snook. Other species available include Guapote, Machaca, Roncador and Mojarra.

SEASON OF OPERATION

Year Round

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS

As long as there is availability, guests can come in any day of the week to begin their trip

ACCOMMODATIONS

On the arrival day, guests will stay overnight at the Crown Plaza Hotel in San Jose. The Rio Colorado Lodge is the oldest tarpon lodge in Costa Rica, having been in continuous operation since the early 1960’s. It is located on the banks of the Rio Colorado, about three miles from the ocean. The lodge is completely made out of local hardwoods and the bar, docks, dining areas and offices are all connected through a series of covered walkways. The rooms have either one or two beds, private bath with hot and cold water and A/C. The lodge bar is a center of activity from lunch time on and comes equipped with a pool table. Dress is casual and the lodge atmosphere is very informal and relaxed.

DESTINATION CAPACITY

Angling capacity is 24 rods per week
Costa Rica

Rio Colorado Lodge

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Costa Rica

Rio Colorado Lodge

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • All ground and air transportation in Costa Rica, as per package purchased below
  • 1 night in San Jose at a downtown hotel

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Dinner in San Jose on your arrival day
  • Alcohol in San Jose
  • Alcohol at the lodge (unless on a deluxe package trip)
  • Gratuities for staff and guides
  • Fishing gear
  • Extra days
  • Fishing activities and meals in country
  • $20 US airport departure tax

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • For safety reasons, the domestic carriers require travelers whose individual weight exceeds 249 lbs. to purchase an additional ticket on the flight. Please advise us if this applies to individuals in your party so arrangements can be made at the time of booking.
  • If you have the time, we can set up your arrival day at the lodge via a 3 hour boat ride down the river, rather than flying in. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day. This is a full day trip. Please ask us about costs and availability.
  • The largest tarpon landed so far in 2009 was 185 pounds.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

A valid passport that does not expire for at least 30 days from your departure from Costa Rica