El Salto Trip a BUST

Cat 3 hurricanes and bass fishing do not go together. Hurricane Lane turned toward Mexico late last week instead of pulling into the Pacific Ocean like predicted. The tropical storm turned into a Cat 3 hurricane when it hit Mazatlan the day after we arrived. Big Bummer!!!

There are lots of details but I won't bore you. Long story short, we fished 4 hours prior to heavy rains and high winds (60-75 mph). We caught them pretty good before the storm but no big fish. After the storm the lake rose 10 ft and the fish locked up. Our guide had 8 years experience on El Salto and said he's never seen the lake that high. We averaged about 6 fish per boat on Sunday. Monday the numbers were a little better but not much. Although the bite was super slow, one of our guys managed to catch a 7 and a 9.8 on a texas rig senko.

The silver lining... Angler's Inn is amazing!!! The service was unreal and everyone is accommodating beyond belief. Also, the lodge owner, Chappy Chapman, offered us a 50% refund to rebook another trip because of the poor conditions. We might take him up on the offer and return to Angler's Inn next summer.

Hate to hear that about your trip, but at least you could find one or two positives in the trip. Catching only a few fish is better than staying home and catching none at all anyway.

Every time I see El Salto mentioned, Angler's Inn is also mentioned and praised highly. It must be an amazing lodge. Sounds like a dream destination for a bass fisherman.

Man, sorry to hear it. But what an amazing offer from Angler's Inn. THAT'S the way to build a customer base.

I was thinking of booking a trip in the next couple of years. How much did you have in the whole trip?

The last couple of years Angler's Inn has offered 2 for the price of 1 and a half during certain months. Keep an eye on the website for specials (Keep an eye out for July). If you catch a special like that you're looking at around $2300 - $2500 per person (that's for 2 pp). This covers plane ticket, all food & beverage, van transportation to the lodge and back, 3 days of fishing w/ guide and tips.

There are other outfitters in the area that are less expensive. You might be able to save money to go with another outfit, not too sure.

In my research I have found that November - July is a great period at El Salto. November - March are big numbers months (70-150 per day is not uncommon). April and May are BIG FISH months. June and July are also BIG FISH months but the fish are not as fat. For example, in July 2005 I caught an 11.2 but this fish was thin. She had enough body frame to hold 14 pounds.

You really can't go wrond with Angler's Inn at Lake El Salto... unless you have to deal with a hurricane like I just did.

Hal Rood ;(