Which Mexican lake?

[Hobious]

i have one shot at this, so i have to get it right.

El Salto (thanks Mr. Dilling!)  or Baccarac?

help me choose wisely!  thanks.

[Pat Dilling]

Well, You know how I feel.  Another Question you need to ask is "what time of year?"  I have been in November to LAke Picachos, and to El Salto in Feb-Mar and Apr-May.  In November, the lakes are full to the brim, there will be a lot of shallow fish and there can be a good topwater bite in addition to other methods.  You can usually get a discounter "early season" rate.  Feb-Mar there will be the tail end of the spawn going on.  The lake levels will be dropping as they pull water for agriculture.  There is also a chance for a cold front to move through in both of these time frames.  Of those three time periods my favorite has been the late April into May time frame.  These are my reasons.  The lake levels will have stabilized as irrigation is done by then.  The lake is at a lower level and the big fish are beginning to school up and feast on shad and tilapia on ledges and channels.  The weather is stable, but it can be pretty warm, 90+ degrees.  There is always a good breeze in the afternoon that makes it tolerable.  Just like California reservoirs, when the water drops, there are just as many fish, but less water for them to hide in.  El Salto and Picachos have a commercial Tilapia fishery and the fishemen use nets to catch them.  They put them in and take them out at scheduled times during the months up until the end of April.  After May 1st, all the nets are gone.  The nets can be annoying, but the guides know how to work around them.  Some people think that the nets can position the bass.  Don't let nets discourage you if you plan to go during tilapia fishing periods.  The late spring and summer months have been less popular with fishermen because of the warm temepratures.  Especially those who want to escape the winter cold back home.  In recent years people have been figuring out that is a great time time to fish down there.  Hope this helps you decide.  Call me if you have other questions.

[Hobious]

Pat.  I am waiting for a call back from your people.

we are leaning towards Picacho end of February,  she parroted your comments in that the bass are smaller.  I asked,  "what is a small bass?"

she said, "a 5 pounder mostly but you can expect lots of them."

me:  silence! 

[Pat Dilling]

LOL, that's funny.  My buddy James and I arrive at Picachos in 3 weeks on Thanksgiving day.  I should be able to give you a good report.  I went to Picachos the first time in early March of 2019.  4 and 5 inch swimbaits were very productive.  My big fish was a 6.5. We had lots of 4s and I expect 5-6 years later they are are growing.  I have heard that there have been two 14 pounders caught at Picachos.  One of them was by a woman fishing a fly rod!  I do have a favorite guide at Picachos, his nickname is EL Diablo.  He is a younger guy, speaks excellent English and knows the lake very well.  You can ask for him when you book and they will accomodate you if he isn't already busy.

[Hobious]

El Diablo!!