If the famous Rainbow Bass (Guapote) is on your bucket list, now is the right time to cross it off! Fishing Lake Arenal will take you on an amazing adventure on the largest man-made lake. Lake Arenal attracts anglers from all over the world and offers great inland fishing. Captain Marc Delvaux has been fishing here for over 25 years and he’s your go-to-guy for this spot.

Come aboard Capt. Marc’s 19’ Sea Pro boat. She’s powered by a 90 HP Yamaha engine and accommodates up to 4 anglers. She also features safety equipment, a fishfinder, a live bait tank, and an ice box.

Lake Arenal is full of Rainbow Bass (locally known as Guapotes, originally close to Peacock Bass), Mojaras, acrobatic Machacas (related to Piranha, a smaller version of Tarpon), and Tilapia. Early in the morning, the best fishing is done by casting and spinning. Later in the day, fish retreat to deeper waters and you’ll start trolling or jigging.

The captain likes to release female Bass when casting but all other fish can be kept. He’ll clean it for you after the trip.

Capt. Marc provides the fishing equipment for both left-handed and right-handed anglers. He’s extremely flexible regarding the departure location and it’s important to contact him one day prior to the trip, to discuss the details. If you have a pet, feel free to bring them along.

Have an unforgettable experience with Fishing Lake Arenal. You’ll be surrounded by nature, overlooking the Arenal Volcano and enjoying the bliss of lake fishing.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Volcano/Sunset Tour
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $175
    Nice afternoon tour to see the volcano up close! Enjoy the beautiful sunset and do some fishing on the way. Your captain will prepare your fishing equipment. Bring your loved ones and enjoy some quality family time. If you have a pet, bring them along too!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $275
    A nice 5-hour tour, just enough to enjoy the lake and catch some nice Guapotes (Rainbow Bass). Your captain will provide necessary fishing equipment, snacks, and drinks. Don't forget to bring your camera!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $275
    Spend this afternoon on Lake Arenal, fishing for Rainbow Bass, Mojaras, Machacas, and many more. Bring your kids along and make this a memorable family trip. Contact the captain before the trip to discuss the pickup point and other details.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $450
    This trip is intended for serious fishermen or anybody who would love to spend more time on the water. Captain Marc will prepare all of your fishing equipment and make sure there are enough snacks and drinks for the day. Start with casting and spinning, switch to trolling and jigging in the afternoon.
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Fishing Lake Arenal

Fishing Lake Arenal offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $175 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Volcano/Sunset Tour (3 hours)
  • US $275 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $275 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $450 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip (9 hours)

When you book a trip with Fishing Lake Arenal, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Fishing Lake Arenal include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (On request)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Snacks (Sandwitches)
  • Drinks (Water and sodas)
  • First Mate

Fishing Lake Arenal offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Lake Fishing

Fishing Lake Arenal offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Fishing Lake Arenal include:
  • Bass (Rainbow)
  • Tilapia

Meet the Captain

Marc Delvaux
La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
12 Fishing Reports
157 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2019
I live in Costa Rica since 1981 and since I was 6 years old, I always loved fishing. Although I studied to become a bookkeeper, I knew an office was not my style and wanted to make my hobby into my job. I started fishing Lake Arenal about 25 years ago and since I like the surroundings, I made it my base to make some money. I am pretty successful in what I do and pretty well-known in the area by my nickname "EL BELGA."
Our Team
Ervin P.
First mate

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Rainbow) Rainbow Bass
Tilapia Tilapia

Boat specs

Sea Pro (Center console) originally built in 2004. Powered by a 90HP Yamaha 4 stroke engine.

Length
19 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
On request
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Snacks
Sandwitches
Drinks
Water and sodas
First Mate

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
It's not recommended to bring a baby
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash

La Fortuna Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 157 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (213)
Lake Arenal, in the rain.
Lake Arenal, in the rain.
great scenery
+210
Angler rating
122
27
7
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
87%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 157 reviews
Gary W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good Fishing in Bad Weather

VERIFIED   NEW  Full Day Trip on March 12, 2024
We booked a full day. The forecast was discouraging: high winds and rain. I give Captain Marc high marks for adapting to the...
Gary W. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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  Marc Delvaux Captain replied

Spencer T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in June

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 27, 2023
Spencer T. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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Spencer T. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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Joey G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing in the shadow of a Volcano

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on January 16, 2024
We caught 3 rainbows. A little slow but not bad for January. Spring is much better. Captain and 1st mate worked hard for us...
Joey G. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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  Marc Delvaux Captain replied

Emily P.
Shawnee Hills, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 1, 2023
We had a great experience from the start! We got great communication from Marc, who reached out immediately to confirm our...
Emily P. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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  Marc Delvaux Captain replied

Heidi H.
Dallas, Texas
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day with El Belga

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on September 8, 2023
Even though it rained the whole trip Captain Marc and Mate Irwin took excellent care of us. Checked in with us the day prior...
Heidi H. recommends Fishing Lake Arenal
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  Marc Delvaux Captain replied