Gatun Lake for Peacock Bass
Man-made Gatun Lake which was flooded around 1913 as part of the Panama Canal is known as one of the world´s greatest Peacock Bass fishing lakes. They generally grow up to three or four pounds and can go to five and at this weight the fearless and belligerent fish is a handful on light spinning gear or a fly rod.
The 200 sq mile lake provides an unmatched opportunity for sport fishing. Apart from Peacock Bass (colloquially named Sargento, a name coined because of its stripes by G.I.s serving on military bases in Panamá) other game fish can be encountered, including Jaguar Guapote, Oscars and Tropica Bluegill or Vieja as they are known locally.
Here are some contacts for fishing on Lake Gatun:
- Gamboa Rainforest Resort Tel: (507) 314-9000
- Lago Gamboa, Sr. Osvaldo A. Robles Tel: (507) 6666-7580
- Lago la Arenosa, Sr. Feliciano "Chanito" Tel: 244-9040.
- Club Campestre La Arenosa Sr. Alfredo Macias Tel: (507) 230-8623/ 6647-3247.
Bayano River
Another option for the fresh water fisherman is the Bayano River or Río Chepo to the east of Panama City at the start of the Darien Jungle. Fly fishing quarry will be Tarpon, White Snook, Black Snook and various Snapper and Jack species.
A trip on the river, which is a mile wide when it enters the Pacific, is spectacular for the scenery as well as the fishing. The rainforest and mangroves are home to wildlife, from rare birds to monstrous crocodiles.
For trips to the Bayano River contact: Panama Fish Charter, Al Giavelli Tel: 507-6673-3981. E-mail: info@panamafish.net
