Anglers Inn – Lake El Salto
Mexico
Excursion Details
The World’s Greatest Trophy Bass Lake
Ready to break your personal best? Lake El Salto is the bucket list trip for largemouth bass.
Kevin VanDam called Lake El Salto the ultimate bucket list destination for largemouth bass, and it is where he landed his personal-best five-fish limit of more than 50 pounds. While other fisheries fade, El Salto keeps producing both trophies and numbers. Florida-strain bass, textbook structure, and an actively managed tilapia forage base make it a perfect lake for growing giants, and both first-timers and seasoned anglers set new personal records here every day.
Our Standard Package gives you 4 nights and 3+ days of guided fishing from the Anglers Inn lodge, with the option to fish a few extra hours on your arrival or departure day. You land in Mazatlán and we handle everything from there.
*All prices are listed in US dollars and are subject to change.
Unmatched Accommodations
Anglers Inn El Salto pairs a remote fish-camp setting with the comforts of home. Expect a wake-up call and hot coffee every morning, air-conditioned rooms, satellite television for the big game, wireless internet in the main gathering area, and a small business center with computers and a printer if work can’t wait. After a long day battling big fish, our on-site masseuse can work the knots out of your back and shoulders. On the water, you fish from Bass Tracker boats with 40 HP Yamaha engines and Minn Kota trolling motors: comfortable and efficient for a full day of fishing, and quick enough to reach any spot on the lake, even the far side.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Every meal is cooked to order. Our classically trained chef prepares a mix of Mexican and American fare, from hearty steaks to the freshest local seafood, and the portions are as generous as the fishing.
Our bartender won’t let your glass run dry. Enjoy our famous Margaritas (a tray of them will be waiting when you first arrive at the lodge) along with quality liquor, beer, and wine. Purified bottled water, bottled exclusively for Anglers Inn, is provided in the boats and throughout the lodge.
Your only job is to relax, enjoy, and get ready for another day chasing trophy bass.
Trip type (activity level)
Trip Type: Lodge-based trophy largemouth bass fishing for Florida-strain bass, fishing from Bass Tracker boats on Lake El Salto.
Activity Level: A typical day starts with a knock on your door and a hot cup of coffee, followed by a world-class breakfast to fuel you for a day on the water. Fishing starts early and is split into two sessions: a morning session that runs until lunch, and an afternoon session that runs until dinner.
Trip Duration
4 nights with 3+ days of guided fishing (Standard Package). Book the 4 nights / 3+ days package and you can fish a few extra hours upon arrival or departure.
Want more time on the water? The El Salto / Picachos Combo Package is 6 nights with 5 days of fishing (3 nights / 2.5 days at each lake).
Available Dates
The season runs from October through the end of June, and fishing is great in every month. Trips fill up a year in advance, so contact George at george@fishermanslife.com for availability.
Pricing
Standard Package: $2,295 per angler (4 nights / 3+ days of fishing)
Deluxe Couples Package: $4,295 per couple (4 nights / 3+ days of fishing), includes unlimited spa access at the lodge
Non-Fishing Companion Package: $3,545 per couple (4 nights / 3+ days of fishing), includes unlimited spa access for the non-fishing companion
El Salto / Picachos Combo Package: $3,255 per angler (6 nights / 5 days of fishing)
Anglers Inn University, El Salto Campus (July): Youth Intermediate or Spouse Intermediate Package, $2,195 per person (4 nights / 3+ days of fishing)
All prices are in U.S. Dollars and are subject to change without notice. Special promotions are not valid in conjunction with other promotions.
Trip Insurance
We recommend trip insurance, but we do not sell it.
Deposit Amount
A 50% deposit is due upon booking, and the balance is due 90 days prior to your trip.
Payments at the Lodge
The package is all inclusive, so there are no surprise charges at the lodge. Any additional charges are discussed in advance so you arrive well prepared. We accept all major credit cards and cash.
Gratuities for Guides and Lodge Staff
Gratuities are not included and are at your discretion. Our 5-star staff is always ready to help in any way, and tips are very much appreciated. Tip based on your service and experience; we recommend 20% for your guide and staff.
Package Includes
- Deluxe Lakeside Lodge (double occupancy)
- Bass Tracker Boat with 40 HP Yamaha
- Minn Kota Trolling Motor
- Experienced Fishing Guide
- All-Inclusive Meals at the Lodge
- Open Bar (national drinks)
- Soft Drinks, Gatorade, Bottled Water and Ice
- Full Laundry Service
- Ground Transportation to and from the Lodge
Package Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Gratuities for Guide and Lodge Staff
- Fishing License (available for purchase at the lodge)
- Reels
- Fishing Tackle
- Items of a Personal Nature
Accommodations
- Four nights at the deluxe Anglers Inn lakeside lodge on Lake El Salto (based on double occupancy).
- Air-conditioned rooms and dining rooms for your comfort.
Additional Lodge Amenities
- Full laundry service.
- Morning wake-up call with a hot cup of coffee.
- Satellite television and wireless internet in the main gathering area.
- Business center with computers and a printer.
- Spa services: on-site massage, plus manicures and pedicures.
- Rental gear: spinning and baitcasting outfits with St. Croix rods and Abu Garcia reels.
- Well-stocked pro shop with the right lures, rods, reels, and terminal tackle, plus souvenirs.
Meals
- All-inclusive meals cooked to order at the lodge. Our classically trained chef prepares Mexican and American fare, including steaks and the freshest local seafood.
- Open Bar: enjoy our famous Margaritas along with quality labels of liquor, beer, and wine.
- Soft drinks, Gatorade, purified bottled water, and ice.
- Beer, bottled water, and soft drinks on board for the ride from the airport to the lodge.
Options
Additional options available:
- Deluxe Couples Package with unlimited spa access
- Non-Fishing Companion Package with unlimited spa access
- El Salto / Picachos Combo Package (trophy bass at El Salto plus numbers at Lake Picachos)
- Anglers Inn University, El Salto Campus (July)
- A stay at the Pueblo Bonito resort in Mazatlán before or after your trip
Season
October through the end of June. Fishing is great in all of these months. Trips fill up a year in advance; contact George at george@fishermanslife.com for availability.
Climate
From November through March, mornings are cool enough for a light jacket or sweatshirt, and midday temperatures climb into the high 70s or low 80s. After March, midday temperatures rise from the high 80s into the mid 90s, though mornings on the lake can still call for a light jacket. Keep insect repellent on whenever you are outdoors (the occasional no-see-um shows up), and bring your preferred sunscreen.
Health/Medications
No vaccines are required to enter Mexico, but always check with the CDC for the most current information.
Purified bottled water, bottled exclusively for Anglers Inn, is provided in the boats and at the lodge.
Languages
A bilingual Anglers Inn representative meets you at the Mazatlán airport and escorts you to the lodge.
Packing
Fisherman’s checklist:
- Rods and case
- Reels (3)
- Tackle box
- Proof of citizenship
- Airline tickets
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Light clothing
- Fishing hat
- Camera
Call Anglers Inn at 1-800-468-2347 for updates two weeks prior to your arrival.
Non-Fishing Activities
Only a short drive from Lake El Salto, Mazatlán is a resort town on the Pacific coast of Sinaloa with sandy beaches lining its 21 km malecón (boardwalk), incredible seafood, and a diverse culture. We can arrange time at the Pueblo Bonito resort before or after your trip.
At the lodge, non-anglers can enjoy spa services including massage, manicures, and pedicures.
Disclaimers
Immigration: A valid passport is required to enter Mexico; no visa is required. Entry requirements can change, so always check with the U.S. State Department before you travel. If traveling with a minor under 18, a notarized permission letter signed by the other parent is required.
Payment Terms: A 50% deposit is due upon booking, and the balance is due 90 days prior to your trip arrival.
Cancellations/Refunds: Handled based on the reason for cancellation. We will either rebook you to the next available opening or to the same time frame the following year. Email george@fishermanslife.com for details.
Pricing: All prices are in U.S. Dollars and are subject to change without notice. Special promotions are not valid in conjunction with other promotions. Other restrictions may apply; call 1-800-468-2347 for details.
Angling Details
Targeted Species
Trophy Florida-strain largemouth bass.
Types of Fishing
Freshwater lake fishing from Bass Tracker boats, working textbook structure and standing timber.
Fishing Techniques
Techniques depend on you: we spin fish, jig fish, fly fish, or troll, and will accommodate your choice.
Keep or Release
Catch and release ONLY at the lake, which ensures a quality fishery for all guests.
Gear Provided
Bass Tracker boats with 40 HP Yamaha engines and state-of-the-art Minn Kota trolling motors. Bring your own gear or rent ours: spinning and baitcasting outfits with St. Croix rods and Abu Garcia reels. The pro shop is well stocked with the right lures, rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your own special tackle.
Fishing License
Fishing licenses are NOT included but can be purchased at the lodge.
Guides
An experienced fishing guide is included. Most of our guides have worked Lake El Salto for decades; they know its seasonal patterns and work hard to put you on fish.
Fishing Level
Suitable for novice to expert anglers; first-timers and seasoned pros alike break personal bests here.
Fishing Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mazatlán
- Fly into Mazatlán International Airport (MZT). Direct flights are available through gateway cities including Phoenix and Dallas.
- After clearing customs, a bilingual Anglers Inn representative meets you outside, handles your luggage, and drives you to the lodge in an air-conditioned van with a stocked cooler (about 1½ to 2 hours).
- Margaritas waiting on arrival. Option to fish a few extra hours.
Day 2: Fish On!
- Full day of guided trophy bass fishing on Lake El Salto.
Day 3: Fish On!
- Full day of guided trophy bass fishing on Lake El Salto.
Day 4: Fish On!
- Full day of guided trophy bass fishing on Lake El Salto.
Day 5: Departure
- Option to fish a few extra hours before departure.
- Transfer to Mazatlán International Airport for your flight home.
Email George at george@fishermanslife.com for additional details.
Excursion Location
Lake El Salto is in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, about 1½ hours from the picturesque port of Mazatlán and roughly 800 miles from the U.S. border at Nogales, Arizona. Over three decades, a strict management plan has kept the lake fertile and prolific. It is a world-class fishery just a few short hours from the United States that feels a world apart.
Getting There
Mazatlán is the main gateway for commercial flights and private planes. Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) is served by direct flights on several major airlines through gateway cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas. Once you land and clear customs, the Anglers Inn staff will be waiting outside, ready to take your luggage and drive you to the lodge in an air-conditioned van.
Airlines Serving Mazatlán
- Alaska Airlines (800) 252-7522: Los Angeles (LAX) to Mazatlán (MZT)
- American Airlines (800) 433-7300: Phoenix (PHX) and Dallas (DFW) to Mazatlán (MZT)
- Aeroméxico (800) 237-6639
- Delta Airlines (800) 221-1212
Since many anglers ask how much to tip the guides and lodge staff, here is a guideline (based on double occupancy). Most anglers tip about $55 per day per person ($30 for guides and $25 for staff). Here is an example:
4 Nights / 3.5 Days Fishing Trip (double occupancy)
Staff Gratuity = $100 (per angler)
Guide Gratuity = $100 (please tip double this amount if fishing SINGLE)
TOTAL: $200 (per angler)
NOTE: An envelope is provided for each angler at the end of the stay for the staff gratuity. We kindly ask you to tip your guide directly at the end of your last fishing session.