Rio Chico Tarpon Lodge



Overview


We are currently NOT traveling to Venezuela!

Fly Fishing Venezuela – Rio Chico Tarpon

Fly fishing in Venezuela for tarpon at Rio Chio.

Fly Fishing Venezuela is normally synonymous with Los Roques as it is rightly of the most famous destination for bonefish in the world. Rio Chico is in another national Park in Venezuela right on the northern coast a good deal west of Caracas, It is a tarpon destination with thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of 5-50 pound tarpon that are aggressive and acrobatic. The Rio Chico Lodge will be your home and it is the only facility actually in Laguna de Tacarigua National Park so you will be very close to the fishing. Usually we travel no more than 10 minutes from the lodge.

Your vacation begins when you are met by our staff at the Caracas Airport which is actually over an hour away from Caracas and quite safe. Will will stay at the one of the hotels part way to Rio Chico in preparation for the early morning drive to Laguna de Tacarigua National Park . After a 2hour drive you will arrive in the park and at the lodge, on the edge of the best baby tarpon fishery in Venezuela, maybe the world!

The guides are ready to go when you are and the tarpon are just minutes away. There are hundreds of lagoons, creeks and inland lakes where the guides will find hundreds of tarpon, sometime in large schools, sometimes in singles or doubles. We use new 16 foot skiffs to get to and from the fishing.

Tarpon and snook are the main quarry here and the sizes range from just a few pounds to 50 or more pounds.

This area as not been fished much and is in pristine condition, be one of the first to experience this area of Venezuela. Fly fishing Venezuela – Fly Fishing Heaven style!


Lodging


Fly Fishing Venezuela – Rio Chico Lodging

Fly fishing in Venezuela for tarpon at Rio Chio.

Our lodge is actually a small hotel that we rent while we have fishermen on board. It is the only place to stay while you are in Parque Nacional la Laguna de Tacarigua. They provide all the meals and lodging for us during your stay at Rio Chico. It has 9 villa rooms with doubles, king or single beds. See more photos of the lodge after you close this overlay window and find the links to the right.The lodge has access to miles of undisturbed beach front.

The food is prepared and served outdoors the great Palapa, A thatched roof open air dining pavilion with a great view of the ocean. Happy hour is complementary until 7pm and the bar is also part of the large covered area.

Of course there is a lot of seafood as well as a daily selection of non seafood items. It is an international collection of foods and recipes. Breakfast is early and the fishing is so close we usually return fro lunch a siesta and then back out until dark for the evening bite.

The park is famous for the vast array of birds and wildlife from the locally nesting scarlet ibis, flamingos, crocs, sea turtles and hundreds of others critters. Few people have ever been to this area of the world and we encourage you to visit. The tarpon are hungry, stupid and living in Venezuela – aka Fly Fishing Heaven!


Fishing


Fly Fishing Venezuela – Rio Chico Tarpon Fishing

Fly fishing in Venezuela for tarpon at Rio Chio.

Los Roques Fishing is legendary. Rio Chico fishing is unheard of but it has some of the densest population of baby tarpon on the planet. You can combine trips to Rio Chico and Los Roques fish 3 days in each spot or 1 week there, 3 days there, We can customize it for you.

The tarpon and snook will b found in the countless lagoons and lakes of the national park. Most of them will be found right in the mangrove line so there is a lot of accurate casting or in some cases a lot retrieving flies form the mangroves!

It is fun to try to hit that hole in the mangroves or skip it under the overhanging branches. Sometimes you will see the fish, or see a rolling fish and other times it just looks like there should be a tarpon in there. Expect lots of blind casting into these areas.

Bonefish more present at our sister lodge on Los Roques so you will not find them here at Rio Chico. The only reason to visit is the outstanding baby tarpon and snook fishing.

Fishing Photo Gallery

Tackle & Gear

Here is a list of the basics you will need for your trip.  Many of our destinations are pretty remote with no chance to buy things on site.

Rio Chico Tarpon Gear List

SpeciesRodsReelsLineLeaders
Snook9 foot 9 or 10 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 200 yards of 25 lb. backing.Floating tropical line9- ft leaders with 12-15 lb. tippet.
JuvenileTarpon9 foot 10 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 300 yards of 30-40 pound backing.#1 Floating tropical line
#2 Floating with clear sink tip
9-12 ft leaders with 25-30 lb. class tippet and 60 lb shock tippet.
Large Tarpon9 foot 11-12 wt.Large Arbor Disc drag reel with 300 yards of 40-50 pound backing.#1 Floating tropical line
#2 Floating with clear sink tip
9- ft leaders with 25-30 lb. class tippet and 80-100 lb shock tippet.

Fly List

Rio Chico Tarpon Fly List

Fly NameColorsSizesQty for a 1
Week Trip
Toad Flychatreuse, olive, tan, purple/black1/0, 2/012
Cockroachstandard, Chatreuse1/0, 2/012
Black Deathwhite, tan1/0, 2/06
Purple Demonpurple/black1/0, 2/04
GurglersAssorted1/0, 2/06
Enrico's Tarpon StreamerPurple & Black1/0, 2/03
Enrico's Tarpon PinfishOlive/white1/0, 2/03
Tarpon BunnyAssorted colors1/0, 2/06
Clouserschatr/white 1/0, 2/06
DeceiversAsssorted1/0, 2/06
SST-PoonAssorted2/06

Packing List

Tropical Packing List

Packing ItemPacking Item
PassportCamera & media
Photocopy of Passport (packed separately)Computer
Airline ticketsCell Phone
Itinerary with contact numbersReading & writing materials
Emergency Medical insurance docs ( if purchased)Rod repair (tip top and glue)
Major credit cardSun gloves
Cash for tips (there are a couple ATMs in San Pedro but they may not be working))Face Sun protection (buff)
2 Hats with brim and neck guard (or sun hat for non anglers)Sunburn relief spray
2-4 long sleeve shirts for fishing (SPF fabric)Sunscreens SPF 30 or above
2 quick dry pant for fishing (SPF fabric)Sun block for lips and nose
2 quick dry shorts for fishing (SPF fabric)Toiletries
White socks (tops of feet get burned in the boats or wear under wading shoes)Prescription meds
UnderwearNon-prescription Meds
Casual pants or shortsEyeglasses (and spare)
Casual shirts, short sleeveFly Rods
SandalsReels
BeltFanny or other small fishing pack
Light sweater or fleeceWater bottle ( Holster optional)
SocksWaterproof boat bag
Wading shoesLines
Bathing suits,Leaders
T- ShirtsTippet
Sandals or walking shoes ( Barefoot is good)Flies
Rain jacket (an occasional cold squall will roll though or the boat spray may chill you to the bone!)Nippers
Bug repellent (for dead clam days or evenings)Pliers/forceps
Sunglasses (polarized with lanyard)

Rates


Rio Chico Rates

Package4 nights

3 days Fishing
5 nights

4 days Fishing
6 nights

5 days Fishing
7 nights

6 days Fishing
2 people fishing/boat

2 per room
2090/person2390/person2690/person2990/person
2 people non fishing

2 per room
1250/person1500/person1750/person1950/person
1 person fishing per boat,  1 person non-fishing 2 per room*2090/person2390/person2690/person2990/person
1 person fishing/boat

private room
3357/person3710/person4108/person4469/person
1 person non fishing

private room
1500/person1750/person2000/person2250/person

Most trips start and end on Saturday

Prices Include:
– Meeting byour representative at Int. Airport Caracas ( English speaking guide).
– All ground transfers in Caracas
– First and last overnights double occupancy rooms at Tamanaco Hotel.
– Boat, guide (two anglers per boat).
– Double occupancy rooms at Tortuga Lodge. – All three meals at Tortuga Lodge. (lunch in the boats)
– Open bar at the Lodge (domestic beer, sodas and rum). – all transfers Caracas – Rio Chico- Caracas

Prices do not include:
– International flights. – Fishing gear. – Meals and drinks at the Tamanaco Hotel – Airport taxes.
– Fishing licenses. – National Park entrance fee. – Tips.

Why Book Through Flyfishingheaven.com?

Why book through flyfishingheaven.com?

1. Unbiased Advice:


Most people recognize the advantage of our unbiased advice, there are hundreds of destinations to choose from and our job is to know the ones that are right for your needs. We offer the real story you can't get from a lodge owner. Would the outfitter in questions tell you are booking in a less than stellar part of the year? Remember our unbiased advice is 100% free!



2. We Can Book Anywhere:


Our website highlights many of our favorite destinations but we have access to hundreds more. If there are fish there, we can book it. In fact, we will give you 5% back if you book a trip through us that is not on our website! We enjoy learning about new spots!



3. Loyalty Discounts:


2017 Special: You are automatically enrolled in our loyalty program before your first trip and will get the 5% cash back on your very first trip. This offer is good until December 31, 2017. In January you will ear your loyalty discount on the second trip and every trip thereafter. This discount applies to all your friends who are going with you as well. f you organize a group of 8 or more we will give you 10% off! All you have to do is book the first trip and you are a flyfishingheaven.com frequent fisher!



4. Price Guarantee:


If you find a price lower than ours we will beat that price by 5% if you book through flyfishingheaven.com!

Our Pledge

We promise to work for you, not a lodge, outfitter or resort. We pledge to get you you to a destination that will live up to your expectations at the best possible price. You will never be charged more than booking directly (in fact most of our clients are paying less - *see below). We will make sure you are well prepared for your trip with specific knowledge about the gear, the flies, the rods, packing lists, travel documents, connecting information everything. Since we are not tied to a particular destination we promise honest pros and cons of any destination at the time of year you are traveling.

We do earn a small commission when we book a trip as all lodges and outfitters offer this as they depend on agencies like ours for much of their business. This fee is paid by the lodge not you, and they do not keep different prices for direct bookings vs agency bookings, it is bad business.


Payment and Cancelation Polices

A 10% deposit is required if you are booking more than 6 months in advance, 50% deposit is required when less than 6 months until departure date with the balance due 60 days prior to departure. If you are forced to cancel with more than 60 days notice, you may keep full credit towards another trip or receive a refund less a 10% service charge. Deposits on cancellations with less than 60 days notice are not refundable unless your spot can be filled. MC, Visa, and checks are accepted. We recommend travel and or medical emergency insurance for all our trips.



Seasons


It is pretty windy in January so hence the bad marks below!

Rio Chico Fishing Calendar

MonthSnookTarpon
JanuaryGoodGood
FebruaryExcellentExcellent
MarchExcellentExcellent
AprilExcellentExcellent
MayExcellentExcellent
JuneExcellentExcellent
JulyExcellentExcellent
AugustExcellentExcellent
SeptemberExcellentExcellent
OctoberExcellentExcellent
NovemberExcellentExcellent
DecemberExcellentExcellent

Gallery


Please take a look at the  photo and video galleries related to fly fishing Venezuela – Rio Chico Tarpon Lodge.

Fishing Photo Gallery

Lodge Photo Gallery

Scenic Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

No videos at this time


Activities


Fly Fishing Venezuela – Rio Chic Activities

There is a bit of eco tourism as well as the beach but it is not very developed. For this reason it is not high on our list for non fishing members of your group so be careful to makes sure your non fishing members will enjoy this trip. We have several other tarpon destinations that are suitable for non fishers as well.


Travel


Fly Fishing Venezuela – Rio Chico Travel Tips

Fly fishing in Venezuela for tarpon at Rio Chio.

Rio Chico is in one of Venezuela’s national parks, Parque Nacional La Laguna de Tacarigua, accessible by van from The Caracas International Airport which is a 3 hour 20 minute flight from Miami but it will seems worlds away. Most major airlines will service El Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía, Airport Code CCS.

A valid passport and a visa or tourist card are required. Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to Venezuela for persons staying less than ninety days. Visit the Embassy of Venezuela website for the most current visa information. Venezuelan immigration authorities require that U.S. passports have at least six months validity remaining from the date of arrival in Venezuela. Some U.S. citizens have been turned back to the United States because their passports were to expire in less than six months.

U.S. Embassy Caracas
Calle Suapure and Calle F
Colinas de Valle Arriba
Caracas, Venezuela
Telephone: 58-212-975-6411
Emergency after-hours telephone: 58-212-907-8400
Facsimile: 58-212-907-8199

Packing List

Tropical Packing List

Packing ItemPacking Item
PassportCamera & media
Photocopy of Passport (packed separately)Computer
Airline ticketsCell Phone
Itinerary with contact numbersReading & writing materials
Emergency Medical insurance docs ( if purchased)Rod repair (tip top and glue)
Major credit cardSun gloves
Cash for tips (there are a couple ATMs in San Pedro but they may not be working))Face Sun protection (buff)
2 Hats with brim and neck guard (or sun hat for non anglers)Sunburn relief spray
2-4 long sleeve shirts for fishing (SPF fabric)Sunscreens SPF 30 or above
2 quick dry pant for fishing (SPF fabric)Sun block for lips and nose
2 quick dry shorts for fishing (SPF fabric)Toiletries
White socks (tops of feet get burned in the boats or wear under wading shoes)Prescription meds
UnderwearNon-prescription Meds
Casual pants or shortsEyeglasses (and spare)
Casual shirts, short sleeveFly Rods
SandalsReels
BeltFanny or other small fishing pack
Light sweater or fleeceWater bottle ( Holster optional)
SocksWaterproof boat bag
Wading shoesLines
Bathing suits,Leaders
T- ShirtsTippet
Sandals or walking shoes ( Barefoot is good)Flies
Rain jacket (an occasional cold squall will roll though or the boat spray may chill you to the bone!)Nippers
Bug repellent (for dead clam days or evenings)Pliers/forceps
Sunglasses (polarized with lanyard)