Destination trips can be intimidating to tie flies for. You’re never really sure what works, and chances are there’s not a fly shop where you’re headed. This is especially true in Costa Rica. The dense jungle and unique river species have specialized diets. To imitate this means tying specialized flies. These five specialized patterns are go-tos throughout the jungle rivers of Costa Rica. So start tying, as many of these are not commercial fly patterns.
1. Berry Flies
If you want to catch machaca and other jungle species, berry flies are an essential pattern. As their name implies, these patterns imitate falling fruit from jungle trees overhead. As fruits and berries fall, machaca and other fish will rise to the surface to eat them.
Most berry fly patterns are tied with cork or foam, but colored deer hair will also work. It’s important to tie these patterns in various sizes and colors. Every river will have different fruits and berries that the machaca are keying in on. Make sure there is enough hook gap on this pattern to get a proper hook set.
2. Terrestrials
One of the few commercial patterns that are readily available, terrestrials are a must in any jungle fishery. Common patterns like hoppers and cicada patterns are staples in Costa Rica. Much like berry flies, terrestrials will rise fish off the bottom, looking for an easy meal. Fish these flies close to the bank with occasional pops and twitches. This movement imitates an insect in distress and can often trigger a reaction strike. Again, have terrestrials in various sizes to help match the hatch. Also, look for flies in vibrant colors. Insects in the jungle are typically much brighter than the muted tones of hoppers Stateside.
3. Lizard Flies
The Costa Rican jungle is positioned in Central America, where reptiles are abundant. When it comes to matching the hatch, throwing these flies can draw some explosive takes and some larger fish. Smaller lizard-like flies will work skated across the surface. This fishing can be very similar to mousing. Cast your fly near the bank and strip it or skate it as if a lizard fell into the water and is trying to swim across the river. If you’re truly targeting giant flies like the iguana fly, it can be the ticket. The large profile may result in fewer strikes, but the ones that do commit to it will be bigger fish.
4. Baitfish Flies
While nothing is better than topwater fishing, covering all levels of the water column is crucial. Batfish flies cover the other half of fishing in Costa Rica. The key here is having a variety of patterns and sizes, depending on the conditions and the type of bait around. Some good patterns are small EP flies, clouser minnows, and decievers. While these flies are nothing fancy, they cover all the bases and are proven fly patterns anywhere in the world.
5. Flower Flies
The last fly is one of the more exotic flies you’ll ever throw. Flower flies are designed to imitate, you guessed it, flowers. Just as machaca and other fish will eat falling berries, they will also key in on falling flowers. A quick Google search won’t reveal much in terms of flower fly patterns, so be sure you have everything you need to whip up some flies once you get there. Talk with your guides and see what the local flowers look like, and do your best to imitate them. Common materials like hackles, synthetic fibers, and yarn should cover most of your tying needs.
Final Thoughts
The jungle of Costa Rica is a wild and exotic place. The sight of monkeys jumping from trees, the mysterious sounds echoing through the forest, and the alien-like fish can be a bit intimidating. These fly patterns are staples along the jungle rivers and will cover all your bases, across species and locations. So stock your boxes and hit the ground running in the jungle of Costa Rica.
