Lake El Salto Fishing Report, December 2009 By Billy Chapman, Jr. John and Kay Munoz know how to start a good fishing trip. For the past 12 years when staying at their time-share condo at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, the San Marcos, Calif., couple squeezed in a fishing trip to Lake El Salto. Early one morning during their most recent visit, John worked a 7-inch white fluke through some treetops sticking out of eight feet of water. “I was bringing the fluke through the tops and working it just beneath the surface when a big fish rolled on it,” John said. “Immediately, I threw back there again. The second time, the fish grabbed it and I landed one right at about 10 pounds. It was my first fish of the morning. We probably caught about 15 bass that morning. Most averaged 2 to 3 pounds, but we also caught a 7.5-pounder.” Anglers Inn International serves as the exclusive Sportsman’s Club for all six Pueblo Bonito properties. Couples wishing to stay at one of the 5-Star Pueblo Bonito resorts receive a significant discount on room rates if they book through Anglers Inn International. “Whenever we’re in Mazatlan, we come up to Anglers Inn El Salto for a day trip,” John said. “We’ve fished with other outfitters on Lake El Salto, but we don’t go to them anymore. We only fish with Anglers Inn International now. With the lodge right on the lake, my wife says it’s a lot easier for women.” Other anglers also report good action in shallow waters at both Lake El Salto and Lake Mateos. Bass chase baitfish toward the shorelines. In the morning and evenings, fish topwater baits. “Bass have been herding baitfish into the back of coves,” said Richard Hatch, an A-Team member from Scottsdale, Ariz. “We caught two 8-pounders and a number of 7-pounders, all on top in the backs of the coves. That’s always such a thrill when a big fish blasts a topwater bait. The tug is the drug.” Richard recommended throwing Lobina Rico poppers or Zara Spooks at first light. During bright conditions, throw lighter colored lures. As darkness overtakes the lake in the evening, switch to black poppers. If fish don’t hit on the surface, throw Rat-L-Traps in chrome and blue with a touch of orange or red or drag watermelon-seed lizards over the bottom. Soft-plastic jerkbaits also work great near cover. “Fishing is consistently great,” Hatch said, “but the service keeps me coming back. I travel around the world for my business and often stay at places like the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons, but they have nothing that truly matches Anglers Inn at El Salto or Lake Mateos. Guests can also get one of the best massages they've ever had at Anglers Inn. Anglers Inn www.anglersinn.com 1 800 468-2347