The Tour
Deep in Guanacaste's lush river reeds, the Corobicí and Bebedero rivers hide one of fly fishing's best-kept secrets: the machaca, a fast and ferocious surface feeder that eats fruit and seasonal flowers falling from the riverside canopy.
That diet is what makes this trip unique. Instead of dredging streamers, you'll cast floating imitations of fruits and flowers tight to the vegetation — and watch machaca crush them off the top. It's dry-fly fishing with a tropical temper, in a magical setting of murky waters connected close to the ocean, which also brings snapper and snook into the mix.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Tackle: 6–7 wt rods with floating line (provided)
- Bonus species: snapper and snook
- Setting: river reeds of the Corobicí and Bebedero rivers
- Includes: transfer, fishing tackle, food and soft drinks
Why Anglers Love the Machaca
Pound for pound, few fish anywhere hit a surface fly harder. The machaca holds in current seams and under overhanging trees, waiting for something edible to drop — and when your fly lands, the eat is instant and violent. It's a fishery that rewards accurate casting and quick hands, and it's an absolute blast for anglers who love visual fishing.
Because the takes are on top and the tackle is light, this tour is also a favorite second or third day for guests who came for the roosterfish tour and want something completely different without a long drive.
Planning a full fly fishing itinerary? See the complete Costa Rica fly fishing guide for species, seasons and how the three tours combine.