Costa Rica has long been celebrated as a legendary tarpon destination. This trip combines two of Costa Rica’s finest adult tarpon fisheries - the Rio Colorado on the northern Caribbean coast and the Jungle Tarpon Reserve. A clash of fly fishing methods, scenery, and culture, this is an angling odyssey that every tarpon enthusiast needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Why A Combo Trip?
By blending the legendary boca of the Rio Colorado and Rio Tortuguero with the secluded Jungle Tarpon Reserve, this itinerary delivers the full spectrum of Costa Rica’s tarpon fishing. At the coast, anglers experience explosive action where massive schools of tarpon gather—double and even triple hookups are common. Inland, the jungle setting provides a technical, sight-fishing element, where every cast into tight cover is rewarded with aerial explosions in a rainforest setting alive with monkeys, tropical birds, and countless other species. This contrast of methods, scenery, and culture is exactly why a combo trip is the ultimate way to experience Costa Rica’s Silver King.
Who Is This Trip For?
The Silver King Combo is designed for serious tarpon anglers who want to see and experience the best of Costa Rica's adult tarpon fisheries in one trip. With days split between the ocean and the rainforest, this trip is for those who want maximum variety, action, and immersion in Costa Rica’s unique ecosystems.
Fishing Details
The prime season for the Silver King Combo runs from August through November, when both the coastal and jungle fisheries are at their peak.
Rio Colorado
The adventure begins on Costa Rica’s northeastern border with Nicaragua, fishing the historic mouth of the Rio Colorado and Rio Tortuguero. These waters have drawn tarpon legends such as Lefty Kreh, Flip Pallot, Billy Pate, Mark Sosin, Stu Apte, and others. Massive schools of tarpon congregate in this system like nowhere else on earth, creating chaos in the surf and river mouth. Double and triple hookups are common, and anglers will find themselves ducking and weaving around the boat as silver scales fly. Over two (2) full days and two (2) half days, you’ll likely see more tarpon than you ever thought possible.
Lodging here is simple yet comfortable, with anglers staying at a private, family-run lodge located right on the water and surrounded by lush gardens and abundant wildlife. The proximity to the fishing grounds—only about a 10-minute run—means you don’t miss a beat on the action. Guests share clean 2- and 3-bed cabanas complete with AC and fans.
Jungle Tarpon Reserve
The second half of the trip takes anglers into the interior, where the Jungle Tarpon Reserve’s lagoons, creeks, and rivers provide a completely different challenge. Here, the fishing is more technical: casting to rolling and feeding fish in tight cover, stripping flies through jungle structure, and setting up on fish laid up beneath the canopy. The reward comes in the form of large adult tarpon launching through the rainforest, with monkeys, birds, and other wildlife as your audience. Anglers will fish two (2) full days and one (1) half day in this unforgettable setting.
Accommodations at the Jungle Tarpon Reserve are truly world-class. Since 2020, anglers stay in a private luxury house right on the river. The spacious home features four private bedrooms and three full baths across two floors, with amenities such as AC, WiFi, and even a swimming pool. Two comfortable living areas—complete with TVs, couches, and fly fishing coffee table books—make it an ideal space for fly tying or relaxing between fishing sessions. A private dock, only a short walk down a floating ramp from the house, serves as the start and end point for each day’s fishing.
For anglers looking to combine fishing itineraries with wildlife and birding tours, there is perhaps no better place to do it. Contact Yellow Dog for custom fishing and wildlife combo packages.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Overnight in the city.
- Day 2 (Sunday): Early charter flight or transfer to the Rio Colorado. Settle in and enjoy a half-day fishing session.
- Days 3–4 (Monday–Tuesday): Two full days of guided tarpon fishing at the Rio Colorado and Rio Tortuguero. Expect massive schools, chaotic hookups, and historic waters.
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Morning fishing session at the Rio Colorado, followed by transfer back to San José and onward to the Jungle Tarpon Reserve. Overnight at lodge.
- Days 6–7 (Thursday–Friday): Two full days of fishing in the Jungle Tarpon Reserve. Cast to rolling fish in lagoons and feeding fish in the river, surrounded by rainforest wildlife.
- Day 8 (Saturday): Half-day morning fishing session. Return transfer to San José. Overnight in the city or connect to evening flights.
- Day 9 (Sunday): Depart San José for international flights home.
Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person, based on double occupancy, and quoted in US dollars. Trips of any length of stay can be arranged, so please call Yellow Dog for details and custom package pricing.
8 Nights / 5.5 Fishing Days Fishing Package:
Double Occupancy Rate - $7450
- 2 angler per week minimum, 4 angler per week maximum
- Single Occupancy Rate available on larger 3+ groups only
- Non-Angling Package *Available upon request*
What’s Included:
- 5.5 days of fully guided fishing (two anglers per boat)
- All lodging except first/last nights in San Jose
- All meals except first/last nights in San Jose
- All ground and water transfers from San Jose to fishing locations and back to San Jose
- Use of rods and reels
- All taxes
What’s Not Included:
- International flight to San Jose
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Bar tab
- Airport transfers
- Flies and terminal tackle (tippet)
