Freshwater Fishing in Panama City

Fishing in the Panama Canal Watershed

Only 45 minutes away from the city, you’ll find Gatun Lake, with incredible surroundings in the middle of the jungle, for sport fishing in freshwater. This is an artificial lake, of 168 miles² (436 km²), which was built more than one hundred years ago for the Panama Canal’s operations. This still water creates an enchanted scenery. When sailing through it, you’ll be sharing your trip with huge commercial ships or cruises in their crossing through the Canal.

Among the vast number of species that swim in the freshwater of Panama City, there is one that calls special attention: the Royal Shad or tarpon (Megalops atlanticus). This fish, thought to exclusively belong to the Atlantic Ocean, was discovered around 60 years ago in Gatun Lake, crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific Ocean. Panamá is the only place in the world where the Royal Shad can be seen doing this stunning crossing of the oceans.

Other common species found in Gatun Lake are the sergeant fish (Peacock bass), oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), snook (Centropomus armatu) or guapote tiger (Parachromis maneguesis).

To get to Gatun Lake, take avenida Omar Torrijos starting in the city center for about 18 miles (30 kilometers) until you reach Gamboa. There, you can hire a trip with boatmen at the public harbor, or at the resort pier, where VIP tours are offered.

Another less traditional option is to start in La Arenosa, the westernmost end of the lake. This pier is situated 44,7 miles (72 km) away. There, you’ll find a fishing club, boats for rent, and restaurants.

Fishing in the Bayano River

Another great destination for freshwater fishing is the Bayano River. Its 128-mile length (206 km) makes it the third longest river in the country.

Explore incredible jungle-like scenery while going for your much-desired fishing and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. In Bayano, you’ll be able to catch a colorado snapper (Lutjanus colorado) or a trahira (Hoplias malabaricus), among others.

To get there, you’ll have to drive for 1 hour and a half until you get to the detour at Chepo. Keep driving until you find Puerto Coquira, where the tours begin. Sail through the river looking for your fishing and, after it, spend the whole afternoon having fun by the lake.

Fishing Tours

Book a tour in any of these destinations to enjoy freshwater fishing. Usually, the plan includes transportation, food, drinks, captain, watercraft and fishing tackle (these last could have an extra fee depending on the agency).

The full plan could last from six to eight hours and prices vary between $65 and $160 approximately.

Beyond having fun in a fishing day, you’ll enjoy astonishing scenery and great biodiversity in both Gatun Lake and Bayano River. These are inhabited by four different species of monkeys: white-faced, howler, spider, and titi monkey, around 500 species of multicolored birds, 2 species of sloths, and 126 species of reptiles, among which it’s worth mentioning the lizard of more than 2 meters of length. Take for granted that you’ll encounter them in your trip to Gatun Lake.

Don’t hesitate any longer. Come discover everything that rivers and lakes close to Panama City have to offer you.