I just returned from 4 days of lake Picachos fishing and what a trip it was. There were 4 of us on this trip and 2 of the four had experienced picachos previously. We arrived last Monday afternoon, rigged our equipment, and headed out. Since it was late in the afternoon we started with top water and the bite was on! The total top water fish for the 2 hours for the two boats was 79 fish between 1 to 3 pounds..thee fish were tearing the water up and numerous fish were were caught without ever moving the boat..in one small area about 20 foot square we caught 17 fish, It was impossible to work the chug bug through the area with a strike! After about 2 hours it was pitch dark and we headed for the lodge..

The next morning(first full day) started at 4:30, breakfast at 5, in the boats and headed out for more top water by 5:45. As soon as it was light enough to see to cast, the bite was on.. Fish were going absolutely crazy and it stayed that way for about 1.5 hours and we had 47 fish by 7:30 the other guys had 55 fish in the same time period.. Anyway, at 7:30 we headed for deeper water and started throwing senkos and lizards. It didn't seem to matter what color senko I was using,I got bit on every color I had and the Lizard in watermelon red was working great
We ended up the day with 131 fish and the other boat had 91 fish, but they stayed on top water until about 10 am.
Second day was the day for bigger fish for our boat- we had a 8.2 and a 7.1 in 30-35 feet of water using senkos and lizards and 10 inch red plum zoom worms and working them very slow. We ended the day with a total of 123 fish. The other boat had 111 fish

Third Day was 127 fish using flukes, senkos, red plum worms..the other boat had 155 fish for the day..a great day for all.

Forth and final day we had 101 and the other boat had 123.

The final count for the four of us was 1042 fish.. We had an 8.2, 7.1, two 6s, around 15 fives and many, many fish between 2.5 to 4 pounds

This lake is unbelievable. I have never seen a lake where the fish were so aggressive. The other groups on the lake were catching numbers similar with us

We stayed at Ron Speed's lodge and it was fine although it isn't quite as good as anglers inn at salto or Lake Bacarrac Lodge it was okay..the food was excellent, especially the steak and shrimp, and Mexican food nights. The guides are a bit new and still learning but most of them try very hard.. The last 2days we had a guide named Effrin and he was by far the best guide we had..he is going to be great with a bit more time on the water.. The head guy at the lodge was Carlos and he was great-- he did everything possible to make sure we had a great trip

I can't wait to go back- in fact, we are trying to book a trip for February

Sounds like a dream trip - congrats!

Wow..... Crazy numbers. Glad to see you got some bigger fish in the mix. I'm headed down with Ron Speed Jr. in a few months as well. I heard he's really ramped up the menu and it sounds like it.

Those numbers are off the charts. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Jackson

How's your thumb? or what's left of it

Fun trip!

Thanks for the report. We have a group going to El Salto for 2 days and Picahos for 3 days the first week in January. Using Ron Speed as well.

Great to hear...I'm headed there for a 5 day trip week from today...Can't wait...Dennis

My thumb is ok, but my ribs on left side are are literally black and blue and so sore it hurts to touch.. Those picachos fish are mean fighting devils!!!!

One thig I didn't mention is that there is a tremendous amount to brush/trees in the lake and it is hang-up city so if fishing plastics or cranks be sure and take plenty of hooks/weights and cranks

Get ready for a great trip and when packing for the trip home-make sure to pack reels and hooks in your checked bags. Reels and hooks are not allowed in carry on bags in Mazatlan

Thanks for the report...I'm headed down there Thursday morning for 9 days...can't wait,,!!!

I knew hooks were not allowed in carry-on but Ive always carried my reels in a carry-on backpack...You 100% sure on the reels?

It's actually the line that's not allowed by like he said, just pack your reels so you don't have to worry about it.

Thanks,last few times I went, you could carry on the reels.

Sounds like a ball...................

they get funny with hooks....reels are not an issue.

I would spool up down there though...I have heard of folks having to strip the line off their reels - I didn't have to but I have heard they will do that.

Sounds like a fun trip!

I remember when Comedero was open - fishing was as described above but the fish were twice the size - freaking amazing!

I am going to make it to Picachos one day, I think I will weight for the fish to grow up.

Yes, it is the line that is the problem--but rather than take all the line off and then probably still have to argue with the airport security I would just check my reels. Reels line doesn't seem to be a problem on this end.. On the trip before this one I carried my reels in my carry - on and didn't have a problem in odessa or Dallas

Been to Comendero to years ago! on Picachos, Exactly what we are waiting for, some of those fish to grow up. Still sounds like a freaking blast! 100+ fish days! drooooooooooooooooool ...also tomorrow I'm Baccarac Bound!

Picachos sounds a lot like Huites when it first opened. Many of those fish had jumped into the 5-7# category, with a few 9 and 10's about the time the lodges closed down around 2009. We need one more to give us four for our trip. PM me if interested.

Excellent report CQB. The lake is fishing great. The big bass will be moving up in Jan.. I am open for drive in trips in Jan.. Everything is booked for Feb. and March; except for those that want to follow me down to the lake. Give me a shout if you would like to drive in, fish more days and save a bunch of money.

Well, another trip is booked for middle of February, but this time we will be staying at Anglers's Inn at Picachos. I guess we will see if Billy Chapman can duplicate the great service/food that he provides at El Salto..

You will be just as impressed with Mr. Chapman. He has been in this business longer than all of them and on almost all the lakes in Mexico. His guides are seasoned and know exactly what to do.

Although I book directly through, www.picachosbasslodge.com in my signature. Mrs. Mendoza who seems to be the land owner and works very closely with all the outfitters on the lake. This is a way to save lots of money on your bookings, stay in the same facilities and eat the same food.

Txtoby here on the Forum will answer all your questions when you send him a email through the contact page on that website.

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing.

As for that info. on carrying fishing reels and line to and from Mexico, as mentioned above; I just went to the American Airlines, the TSA and the FAA sites and could find nothing about reels or line as being specifically prohibited, but they do say to check tackle. Rods can be checked or carry on according to TSA.

It all comes down to the person you get at the check in counter. On the Mexico side of the check in it will be one way on one trip and another on the next. Again it depends on the person. Some go by the book and some make up the rules as they go. Of course you can get most anything done if you put enough money on the counter in Mexico.

The US. regulations for rod storage boxes will only allow enough storage room for 6' 6" rods. Many have made the trip with the 7' rods in longer containers. The written regulations do not allow that. Again it depends on the person you are dealing with and may not even measure the container. Then there are people that had to leave the rods behind; which ruins your trip from the get go. It is best to check the length rules, run a copy and follow it to a "T".

If it says check fishing tackle do it.

Maybe it is a problem coming from Mexico and not US.

Donald Harper - I'm going down in Dec. and would like to put some new floro on a couple of reels and pre-soak it in softener and pre-stretch it before I go, then carry them down in my carry-on. Save me a lot of time and effort when arriving there. I'm not sure I really want to put all my stuff in checked baggage as I'm afraid it will not arrive or may not even be in the bag if and when it does arrive. Ah...life's quandaries.

Put them in your carry on. The worst that can happen is they will make you check that bag also.
Just another $50. HA...

"would like to put some new floro on a couple of reels and pre-soak it in softener and pre-stretch it before I go."

Put 25# XPS Floro. on and don't worry about soaking anything except your plastics. Soak them in my Minnow and Night Crawler.

We didn't have the problem with carrying reels in our carry on on this end--the problem was when we were going through security in Mazatlan for our return to Dallas.. Also Don, we fly American out of Dallas and their website says that rod cases up to 123" are allowed.. Each airline is a bit different.

For whatever reason, if you carry on your reels leaving Mazatl�n, they will make you take of the line. They seem to be much more strict. I have made the flight probably 25 times and never had a problem with my equipment when checked, although it does happen. Maybe you could carry on the reels on the way down, then check them on the way back. That if they are late you are in the states and they will be delivered to you.

Sounds like a grrrrrreat trip.

You will be just as impressed with Mr. Chapman. He has been in this business longer than all of them and on almost all the lakes in Mexico. His guides are seasoned and know exactly what to do.

Although I book directly through, www.picachosbasslodge.com in my signature. Mrs. Mendoza who seems to be the land owner and works very closely with all the outfitters on the lake. This is a way to save lots of money on your bookings, stay in the same facilities and eat the same food.

Mr Harper...Once again you are MISINFORMED. First.... Ron Speed has been entertaining clients in Mexico for 44yrs and I am pretty sure no one else has been there that long. Seconded.....Only clients of Ron Speed Jr stay in our Lodge and eat the food prepared for Ron Speed Jrs clients.You should really do your homework before spreading false information on these threads. Third we were the 1st on the lake and have been in operation for over a year and training guides on this lake since before that time so..... not sure how SEASONED any guides are in the short time others have been in operaton.

Not trying to step on anyone's toes here BFF. Trying to agree with everyone and I know all of Mr. Speed's history. He is also a great person to deal with. He has the best website and is at the top of everyone's list to book with. You are a representative the same as I and we must get along as not to turn away not even one customer.

Everyone needs to know all their options on every lake. One of those options is, no one has an exclusive there. Almost all of the facilities are shared by other outfitters. I know your operation has a section of the facility; for lack of a better term, roped off. Having a different food menu does not make the kitchen unshaped. If a customer wants to go at a cheaper rate, as one of their options, I can make that happen. The experience will be just as great and the facilities just as nice.

Let me make myself perfectly clear on your issue. I do not make a dime on booking fly in trips to the lake. I am giving customers a contact to save them some cash, by booking through the website in my signature. I only do drive in trips to Lake El Salto and share the facilities there on split days of fishing on both lakes. Again I do not make any money. I want to fish the same as everyone that goes with me and do this as often as possible. I have no gains by not telling the truth about shared facilities, dining hall, and guides on the lake.

I might also mention or ask if your price includes transportation, or if the clients have to spend a night in Mazatlan at additional cost, or how much is the cab ride to the airport (over $30) and the additional meals? My booking does not charge for these things and that is a great savings.

I would like to jump in on the deal of having to stay the last night of the trip at El CID. This seems a bit much to me..I have been told this is done in order to maximize occupancy at the lodge and that may well be true- I have also been told the "co-op" has some input/ rules on this. On our trip we were able to stay the last night at the lodge, but had to pay another $130 per person for the rooms and meals, which was okay we us because the cost of El CID is about 130 for 2/per night and then the cost of taxi to the airport, and then the hassle of coming in after a afternoon of fishing then have to pack everything up, drive to Mazatlan, get a room, unpack, have dinner, and then pack up again in the morning ahead to the airport..I do appreciate the fact that we were able to stay at the lodge the last night, have an enjoyable breakfast and then head to the airport. Ron Speed's staff really does make every effort to make your stay as comfortable/successful as possible

If you paid $130 for 2 you got ripped off. Our cost for 2 ,total after taxes, is $90 for a pool side room. Our flight out is 2:00 PM, so we will have a nice breakfast, a swim and a casual morning before heading to the airport. Is the taxi $30 per person or that much to split?

Mr. Speed's Website has all their prices for the taxi, which is $70 per person based on 4 fisherman; from the lake. It is not clear what it cost for less than 4. I am thinking it would cost $280, so 2 fisherman would have to split that cost. Then Taxi from the motel to air port is less, but I am assuming that is another charge.

Always ask questions and plan or look at all your added expenses. My booking agent in my signature charges $1,095 for 3 days of fishing and that is it, except for tips of course. You will be transported both ways and if the place is full; causing a nights stay in town then that is absorbed. They feel like if everything is that full they can afford $130 for the motel. You would have to pay for a cab from the motel to the airport.

Maybe we should get back on the topic the post is about and not bashing the competition.
Looking so forward to my January trip with Ron Speed Jr.

I agree. Doing a bit of homework before heading down in Dec. Going to a different lake (El Salto) and wanted to know more about what each person took in the way of reels (#'s), line (pound test, fleuro or mono), terminal tackle, plastics (what kinds and sizes and #'s), and lures. And did you really need and use out of all that stuff you took.

We are doing 2 days on El Salto and 3 on Picachos. Leave 1/7 return 1/13. I'll post afterwards. Only been to Huites in the past, but took only what was recommended by the lodge and was fine. Let us know how your trip goes. Taking 4 reels, 3 spooled with 20# Invizex and one with 15# Mono for topwater. Magnum Zoom lizards, big Senkos in watermelon green and watermelon red. Magnum flukes in same colors. 5.0 extra wide gap hooks and 1/4-3/8 oz tungsten weights.

Fork take the big fluke in pearl when you go to Salto. Last winter that was by far the best big bass bait.

Make sure you take 6 inch lizards and 5 inch Senkos. You don't always need the big stuff. The exception is throwing bigger spinnerbaits. I will throw 3/4 and 1 oz with large #5, #6, #7 blades. I think a 2/3 trip is the way to go to experience two great lakes.

Thanks, I'll do that. How about swim baits?

Will do. I have a bunch of these already,especially for Picachos.
That's what we thought,since none of us has been to either.

Yes, bring swim baits. Bring bone, shad, shad/chart crankbaits in various depth ranges. Probably most of your fishing will be in 6 to 15 foot of water. The bigger females begin to move up starting mid december and the spawn usually starts full moon January.

Be sure to take:
- 10 pack. of the Mag. Lizards in Zoom Watermelon/Red
- Chart. marker pin and tip the tails on all baits
- 10 packs of Brush Hogs same color and tip the tails.
- 10 packs of Senkos
- 10 packs of Pearl Mag. Flukes. The Scrounger Head has been working great with them.
- Five 3/4 oz. Spinner Baits. I prefer the ones I build.
- Last resort box of Cranks as mentioned above. I don't like dealing with all the hooks, just to many opportunities to get one in the hand with all the catching.
- Same thing on the topwater action with the Bone Super Spook. Lots of hooks to deal with.

Thanks for the input. I was planning on the Scrounger heads. We killed them last time to Huites on them. Used the Yum equivalent of the fluke on them.

Guys-

Off to El Salto in about 10 days - can't wait. Already looking over the calendar for dates on a Picachos trip in Apr/May 2015. We all know about Billy Chapman Jr's legendary lodge and service at El Salto, but what is the scoop on Anglers Inn on Picachos? I would like direct feedback from someone that has actually stayed at Anglers Inn on Picachos. Even better if you have done El Salto with Anglers Inn for the direct comparison of the two lodges.

Of course, I understand that Ron Speed Jr. runs an operation, but the last night in a hotel in Mazatlan is simply a deal breaker for me.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Ron

good evening,


I going in feb......back with pro bass adventures.....doug and his crew are great..."el salto" only.....



good luck,
PURA VIDA,
bluebonnet2

Haven't seen any posting on this, so, does anybody take and actually use flipping, swim, casting or any other type of jigs and trailers when fishing the Mexico lakes?

Just back last night from 5 1/2 days on Picachos with Ron Speed's group. All I can say is unbelievable numbers lake. The boat I was in had 42 1st half day with my son. 127 Tuesday with my son mainly topwater early and late and flipping trees in a big flat close to the lodge. Wednesday with my Dad was 199 on Pop-R early and late, plastic on a deep hump (54 in 2 hours before lunch) and close to 100 on spinner bait beating the banks. Thursday I fished by myself and caught 157 all on spinner bait. Friday and Saturday with my dad 206 and 225 all on spinner bait with about 30 late on Buzz bait after we broke our last spinner baits. Biggest fish was 6.5 on a worm in 7' water on 1st afternoon. All the spinner bait fish were right on medium slopping banks in and around cover. I was pitching the spinner bait to cover and if I didn't get bit within 5' of the bank I would speed reel it back and re-pitch again. Cover was heavy brush and logs so heavy sunline braid worked best. The best spinner bait was a 3/4 ounce War Eagle double willow with gold main and nickle small blades in watermelon skirt. I only had 4 of these and lost one to a big fish on a log and the other 3 caught so many fish that they finally broke at the eye bend. 2nd best color was their G02R color (White Chart reverse blade). Also very good was Spot Remover, Hot Blue Herring and Hot Mouse. As far as Buzz Bait they seemed to like silver blade with a dark or shad colored skirts. I threw a chart buzz a little off and on and all they did was knock it out of the water. I had a white one that I painted black with a sharpie and they ate it pretty good. For the week I would say my average fish was 2 pounds. Probably 10-15 4's per day on the spinner bait and lots more 3's. The last morning we got back in some shallow pockets with some clearer water and I saw some good sized beds with lots of males cursing around. I really think the next few weeks will see a lot of females move into the shallows and start a wave of spawning.

We had 11 people in our group and everyone agreed this was the best food we had ever had on a Mexico trip. Rooms were OK. Beds were comfortable and AC's would freeze you out if you set if too low. My hats off to the Camp Manager Carlos. He busted his hump to make sure we had everything we needed. Boats were new 16' Express boats with 60 hp Yamaha 4-Strokes and our group never had a boat issue. Guides were OK but I really think they will get a whole lot better with more experience. The lake was running several inches over the dam when we arrived but was about 2' below by the time we left. I really think this was a curve ball for the guides since it was the first time the lake was at capacity at a period when the lodge was open.

I took a 7 1/2' rod tube down with no problems going or coming. I took all my reels w/line in carry-on backpack on trip down with no problem. Put reels in checked luggage for return flights. All the "camp" rods are 6 1/2' Temple fork signature edition heavy rods. They did not have any medium heavy so I was glad I took several of my own rods down. Internet was not working due to a bad computer chip in the router according to Carlos. I called AT&T before I went and got a $30 one month international plan and was able to text and call from my cell phone just about anywhere on the lake or at camp. Chapman's place is right next door but to be honest I don't think there was anyone staying there while we down there. I never saw another boat other than ours for the first 3 days and then I'd say there were about 3-4 locals in older bass boats (couple of nitro's and 1 older Ranger).

Overall a great trip. I will definitely be going back. As these fish grow this like could turn into one of the best ever. Let me know if anyone has any questions and I'll try and answer as best I can.

Dennis Tune

I sent you a PM with some questions.

Thanks for the current report. Can't wait for January 7th!!

Propman,

The first time I went I was told not to but here's what I've found. Referring to Mexican irrigation lakes in general, every time you go the lake level will be drastically different then it was the time before, even a short month before. So, I always take a flipping stick and a variety of rods. This last time the magic bait was a crank bait and we threw XD10s every day and ALL DAY. Having a glass rod saved my skin and put the big fish in the boat.

You don't know what kind of conditions you're going to find and what pattern the guides are going to be on to so I'd advise bringing a variety.

Best of luck!

Jackson

What was the water clarity on Picachos?

mostly a nice green that has about 2-3' visibility...the 2nd night we were there the wind blew like crazy thru the night and the water muddied up pretty bad on the south side (right looking upstream) but it cleared up by the end of day 3...

Thanks