Doug Rice

Anglers Inn Lake El Salto, Mexico  

Last week’s trip to lake El Salto Mexico was a dream come true. My Brother Tim and I had always dreamed of a trip south of the border. Stories and rumors of 50 fish days and lots of 6-12 lb. bass almost seemed unreal. When John Pierce asked me a few weeks ago if I would be interested, I didn’t hesitate to say absolutely. John had been in my boat a couple times and has told me about the fishing and hospitality at Billy Chapmans “Anglers Inn” on the lake. With John’s decades long experience with fishing Mexican waters and what to expect, I just couldn’t pass this chance up. His knowledge of what to expect and what to bring was invaluable including updates on safety and stability in that region currently.  

I can say it was first class from our flight out of SLO to every aspect of the 5-day adventure. Fishing truly is THAT GOOD! Our accommodations were outstanding and the food was as well.  Ribeye, lobster, prawns, pork ribs, all followed by ice cream and pies were on the menu. Air conditioning was in all vehicle shuttles, and our rooms were cool and very comfortable. Laundry was done daily and when returning to our rooms, the AC would be already on and cool.  John had a rapport with our guide, and he knew we were looking for size over numbers when it came to bass. We hit the water before sunrise with gear already loaded and ready. Fishing was ballistic from the first cast until 11 am when we would head back for a great lunch and siesta. We would shower and change out sun gear and hit the water again at 2:30- 7:00. The daily afternoon clouds/wind/rain/thunder and lightning made for even better fishing with incredible views and sunsets. Our guide moved quickly through areas and stayed just long enough to get a school fired up or catch a couple giants.  

With no electronics/fish finders, our guide's sense of angles and cast were uncanny. He knew where the brush and trees were as well as tricky “sleeper” channel breaks.  

I definitely tried my “Cali-game”, but our guide's rotation of big 10”-12” Berkley power worms, Keitech swimbaits, and Berkley Warpig lipless cranks proved too good for me to experiment and stray too far. His boat positioning with a transom mount trolling motor was always great and allowed both of us to cast seamlessly.  After lightening cracked directly over us one afternoon, Our guide immediately knew there would be big wind waves, and it wasn’t safe. Safety came first and we headed back to the lodge with no objections from either John or me, and we watched an incredible storm blow through.  As soon as it was safe, we headed back out.  

All in all, it was a first-rate trip with world class fishing.   

Our best five fish for the four-day trip was 43.14 lbs. with a 9.28 and 9.20 on top. We had six other fish over 8 lbs.  

Other anglers, including several husband/wife teams, reported consistent similar success and no one was less than blown away at the quality of fishing and quality of their guides and resort accommodations.  

If you have ever wanted a trip where there are no tournaments, no lines at the launch ramp, no beat-up water, no competition, no pressure, no competing for water, Anglers Inn at Lake El Salto is for you. Guides will not fish the same area, and you will not run into another boat all day. 

If interested, contact Anglers Inn International by Billy Chapman Jr. You will not be disappointed. It was truly a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t thank John Pierce enough for inviting me. It was great to get out of my “own game” for a while and feel like a kid at his first farm pond.