The Tour
The upper Tempisque is special. While rainbow bass numbers have declined across much of Central America, this stretch of river in Guanacaste still holds a good deal of large fish — which makes this one of the most exclusive and unique fly fishing tours in Costa Rica.
We float 20 kilometers of very calm, clear water over 6 to 7 hours, casting streamers to structure, current seams and shaded banks. It's a full day of jungle scenery, wildlife and honest shots at the freshwater trophy of the tropics.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 6–7 hours on the water
- Route: 20 km float on the upper Tempisque River
- Tackle: 7–9 wt rods with floating and sinking lines (provided)
- Bonus species: jaguar bass, mojarra, tilapia and snook
- Amenities: bathrooms and changing rooms available
Meet the Guapote
Costa Ricans call it guapote — "the handsome one" — and the rainbow bass earns the name: emerald flanks, electric blue spots and a temper to match. It ambushes prey around submerged wood and rock, hits a streamer with genuine violence and fights dirty all the way to the boat. If you grew up throwing flies at largemouth bass, imagine that eat with double the attitude and jungle on both banks.
Want the full species breakdown? Read our guide: Guapote — Costa Rica's freshwater trophy on the fly.
See It in Action
Like all our trips, boat and fly tackle are included — just bring sun protection and polarized glasses. Combine this float with the saltwater roosterfish tour or the machaca topwater trip for a complete Costa Rica fly fishing week.