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