Ever wonder how Mexico bass fishing became so popular? While many fishermen hunted out the waters for food, it was not until in the early 1800s that it developed into a sport. Terms, concepts, rules and literature were eventually formed by these fishermen to formalize the game.

Bass fishing as a sport has evolved since then. From live baits to the use of artificial ones and from simple poles to fixed-spool casting rods, the tools are continuously being modernized to cater to the growing number of sport-fishing enthusiasts. The improvement in the modes of transportation has made it possible to ship different types of bass fish across the continent and the increasing construction of dams has brought about warmer temperatu res of the river water, making it a perfect spot for the bass fish to thrive. Truly, bass fishing has developed into a sport that soon became popular not only in Mexico but in the whole of North America.

Mexico bass fishing is special. Why? Simple. Because Mexico is situated near the equator, it has a climate that holds suitable for any types of bass fish to live. The warm temperatures of the water allows for the bass to grow larger and faster than they can in any other setting and this provides an opportunity for the fishermen to catch a large bass any time of the year. In Mexico, you are given a lot of options when it comes to choosing the lake where you want to fish. To do this, you have to examine your motive first. If you are into the quantity of the fish, choose a newer lake and an older one if you are looking for a picture-perfect trophy bass. Also, the locals do not go bass fishing as much so the competition is low. Fishing in a serene, unpopulated place gives you the chance to not only enjoy the lake for yourself, but the potential catch as well. Those are the things that make Mexico a special place for bass fishing.

To plan your ultimate fishing escapade, you have to know what types of bass fish are available and the lakes with which you can possibly find them.

Types of Bass Fish

There are many types of bass fish, namely; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and the sea bass.

Largemouth bass – Also known as the bigmouth bass, black bass, Florida bass, Oswego bass, and great trout. The largest type of bass, it

Mexico Bass Fishing

Largemouth Bass

has dark, almost black stripes that run horizontally down its flanks and its jaws extend backwards ending back behind the eyes.

Smallmouth bass – This fish is closely a kin to the largemouth. It has dark vertical stripes instead of the largemouth’s horizontal lines. Its jaw does not extend behind its eye, and it is known to be very prone to death caused by pollution.

Spotted bass – Also called the Kentucky bass, this fish originated from the Mississippi River. The largemouth and spotted bass look almost the same; the difference is the size of the mouth. The spotted bass’s mouth is similar to the smallmouth’s.

Sea bass – There are two types; the black and white sea bass.

  • Black sea bass – greyish-brown appearance covered with huge, dark spots. This bass has a large mouth, tiny teeth, and bulky body.
  • White sea bass – metallic blue to copper on its back, silver on its belly, and dark specs on its sides. It is identified by its elongated body, large mouth, and a ridge along the length of its belly.

Mexico Bass Fishing Lakes and Lodges

Numerous lakes in Mexico are being developed and every lake is built with a lodge for fishermen to spend a night on. Each one is perfectly different from the other but they have the same mission: to provide the fishermen the best fishing trip of their lives.

While huge bass have been reported on Lake El Salto and Lake Baccarac, great numbers but smaller ones are recorded on Lake Agua Milpa, Lake Huites, Lake Guerrero, Lake Mateos, and the newest one, Lake El Cuchillo.

Lake El Salto

Mexico Bass Fishing

Lake El Salto

Bassmaster Magazine has called Lake El Salto “the best trophy bass lake in the world”, which corresponds to its fishing reports that showed it has produced several double-digit bass. The lake is located 70 miles northeast of Mazatlan and measures approximately 24,000 surface acres. The fishing season in Lake El Salto is from September 15 to July 31 and the perfect time to catch the big post-spawn females is April, May, and June. Angler’s Inn in Lake El Salto provides outstanding accommodations, good food, excellent guides, and first-rate service for experienced and first-time anglers alike.

Lake Baccarac

In 1978 Lake Baccarac has been a good supplier of Florida large-mouth bass, and incredible continuous improvements have been reported every year. Situated on the Mexican state of Sinaloa, the lake is approximately 25 miles long and 5 miles wide and is nestled among green-forested mountain peaks. Several 19-pounders have been caught in this lake and with 300 rocky points, abundant deep coves and ample main lake humps, Lake Baccarac is popular for having a great structure. Brand new 18-foot boats provide an excellent fleet for anglers going to Lake Baccarac Lodge, with the warmest welcome and complimentary nachos and drinks upon the guest’s arrival.

Lake Agua Milpa

Mexico Bass Fishing

Lake Agua Milpa

Located in the state of Nayarit (38 km northeast of Tepic), Lake Agua Milpa is a manmade basin developed in Mexico’s largest river, Río Grande de Santiago. It is approximately 70 miles and is located in the rugged side of the Sierra Madre. It opened to the public as a bass fishing lake just years ago and has since gained a considerable reputation as one of Mexico’s rich source of quality bass fish. It is usually saturated with Florida-strain largemouth’s that weigh between 3 to 10 pounds. Months between March to June offer outstanding basin action so it is best to visit the lake during this time of the year. Located on a hillside overlooking the lake is Lake Agua Milpa Lodge which provides exceptional service to anglers from all over the world.

Lake Huites

Lake Huites is a 30,000-acre man-made reservoir built on the Rio Fuerte River. It is situated in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, on the West Coast of Mexico. It opened in the fall of 1997 and has been known to have fishing reports of 100-250 bass per day that weighs between 3-6 pounds. The plentiful wood cover and rocks in Lake Huites give huge advantage to the bass fish growth that at times 10 pounders are found here. To help preserve the lake into its bountiful glory, the officials made it the first catch-and-release lake in the republic. For a comfortable stay, fishermen can spend a night in Lake Huites Lodge located in the foothills of the grand Sierra Madre Mountains.

Lake Guerrero

Mexico Bass Fishing

Lake Guerrero

Located on the foot of Sierra Madre mountain range, Lake Guerrero is a 100,000-acre pool that includes a number of islands and two rivers – the Corona and the Purification. The submerged roads and creek beds provide good home for the trophy bass and the submerged trees and fence lines also provide a place for spawning. The best accommodation in Lake Guerrero is the Lago Vista Lodge where rooms are in great condition and the food is superb. Bird hunting is also available as a distraction to the visitors. A free wireless internet connection in the cabins, cafeteria, and game room add to the reason why anglers keep coming back to the lodge.

Lake El Cuchillo

Known as the first and only lake in Mexico to be designated a state park, Lake El Cuchillo is a 40,000-acre basin located in the state of Nuevo Leon. Because no nets are allowed, the possibility of catching a number of 5 to 12 pounder trophy bass fish is high. Located right on the edge of the lake is Hacienda Don Carlos Resort, a facility that offers an all-inclusive package.  Lake El Cuchillo is a catch-and-release lake and fishing is strictly for recreational purposes only.

Lake Mateos

Lake Mateos

Lake Mateos is about an hour away from the city of Culiacan in state of Sinaloa. With a history of almost being drained out of water, this lake has come back and is now home to a considerable amount of bass fish (about 100 per day). Lake Mateos’ many ridges, open areas between brush clumps, and the countless islands give the anglers wonderful opportunities to fish. The new Angler’s Inn Lodge in Lake Mateos cater to the number of fishing guests. Float trips on the river are also available, which is a first in Mexico.

By this time, you should be able to know what type of bass fish you want to catch and where you want to find it. Travelling in the name of fishing just makes it more fun so plan your fishing trip and make your dream of holding a trophy bass fish with your own hands a reality!

Other Things To Do While Bass Fishing In Mexico:

Wine and dine.  Have fun. Swim in the lakes  and gather round a bonfire at night. Enjoy the view of some of the dams built as well as the green scenery that surrounds you. Mexico has it all, and if you are really adventurous, visit some of its famed beaches. You’ll never know what surprises await you.