Peacock Bass Action in the Panama Canal – Fishing Gatun Lake with Topwater Explosions and Jungle Vibes!
- BMO
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 26
If you're searching for one of the most extraordinary fishing adventures on the planet, targeting peacock bass in the Panama Canal on Gatun Lake ranks among the absolute top 10 fishing trips of all time. Casting in one of the world's most iconic and historic waterways, landing stunningly colorful fish while howler monkeys roar in the surrounding jungle creates a truly surreal experience. It's an unforgettable bucket-list trip that perfectly blends rich history, world-class fishing, and one-of-a-kind wilderness vibes for any angler who loves unique, multi-dimensional adventures.
If you find yourself in Panama, as I recently did, I would highly reccommend booking a trip to fish Lake Gatun in the Panama Canal.
Lake Gatun is the 2nd largest man made lake in the world. It was formed when they damed the Chagres River while building the Panama Canal. It is a critical part of the Panama Canal and home to an incredible fishery that features Peacock Bass, Snook, Tarpin and Jack Cravelle. We booked with Panama Fishing Trip Charters (highly recommend them—they run solid, fun trips out of the Gamboa area), and our guide was the awesome Rene. Here is the Instagram link to PanamaFishingTrip. Rene is a pro: knowledgeable, patient, and knows exactly where those aggressive peacocks are hiding. We launched into a beautiful backwater section off the main canal on Gatun Lake, surrounded by lush jungle and the distant rumble of massive ships passing through one of the world's busiest waterways. Talk about surreal!
Since I am working with Probraid, I wanted to try out the new ProBraid No Fade 8 in the red, white, and blue color on these fish - I figured it was a great testing ground for the 30-pound test. I brought a spinning reel spooled up to test in these harsh conditions. This stuff is built tough with that cold-fused 8-strand construction for zero fade, super smoothness, and super strength. I was throwing topwater poppers, and man, did it shine! Every time we'd cast near wood structure—logs, fallen trees, anything with cover—the peacocks would explode on the surface. Those violent strikes, the line slicing through the water without a hitch, and no color loss even after hours of abuse? ProBraid No Fade 8 handled it all like a champ. If you're after braided line that looks super cool, and performs even better, grab some of this—it's a game-changer for topwater and heavy jungle fishing.
Peacock Bass action was amazing!
The morning was non-stop action with those topwater blow-ups. Peacock bass are like freshwater rockets—colorful, hard-fighting, and they don't mess around when they commit. But the real fireworks came mid-afternoon when the wind kicked up. We tucked into a protected cove and found a massive ball of baitfish getting absolutely hammered by bass. We switched to soft plastics and live minnows, and it was catch after catch after catch. Beautiful peacocks, plus some stunning Oscar fish mixed in—those chunky, spotted beauties added even more variety. We were laughing and high-fiving the whole time. Gatun Lake is loaded with these invasives (peacocks were introduced decades ago and have thrived as a apex predator ), and the fishing pressure is light compared to the explosion of action.
Beautiful "Oscar" fish
It was day unforgettable made even more memorial due to the chance meeting with my college roomate when we were launching in the morning. We were gearing up, and who do I spot? My old college roommate from Montana, Kevin! In the middle of Panama, on a random dock by the Panama Canal, we run into each other after years. Total surreal moment—big hugs, stories flying, and it turned a great trip into something epic. Small world, folks!
There are lots of Capuchin monkeys around. This guy was not happy with us!
Fishing in the actual Panama Canal zone—Gatun Lake specifically—with howler monkeys echoing through the trees, massive ships in the distance, and non-stop peacock bass action. It was an amazing day I'll never forget. Huge thanks to Rene and the Panama Fishing Trip team for putting us on fish and making it safe and fun. If you're thinking about a bucket-list trip, add peacock bass on Gatun Lake to your list. Aggressive fish, incredible scenery, wildlife everywhere, and the chance to fish a engineering marvel. Tight lines, and get out there!
Doubled up on the Panama Canal!
And if you're eyeing that ProBraid No Fade 8, check it out—red, white, and blue never looked (or fished) so good!
Stay outdoors,
Bill Matthews
