Drenching Rains Make For Unusual Fishing Conditions At El Salto Lake

What an unusual fall season this has been at El Salto Lake!

After having reached record lows last summer, the lake has risen so fast it has been pouring over its spillway some of the time recently. That comes about as a result of the drenching storms that have hit this part of the world in recent weeks.

The rapid rise and fall of El Salto water level has, of course, had its affect where fishing is concerned. The water has been way up in the trees some of the time lately. When that happens there are literally millions of shad and tilapia baitfish back up in the shallows. As usual, bass follow these baitfish schools. Anglers successful in finding these schools of baitfish have been having a ball. But the continuous water level fluctuation has also made things difficult at times.

El Salto now finally appears to reaching its usual fall levels. No more major storms are forecast and we expect angling conditions to return to normal in coming weeks.

Tony Mandile and his wife were recent guests at Anglers Inn. Here’s what Tony had to say about their fishing on Lake El Salto: “My wife Ellen and I had a super time at Lake El Salto over the weekend of Oct.20-23. Although the fishing was a bit slower than usual because of the high-water level, we boated between 20 and 30 bass each day, with several quality fish among them. Ellen’s two largest were an 8-pounder she hooked on a blue & chrome Rat-L-Trap and a 7-pounder that ate her Carolina rigged white Fluke. My largest, a fat 9-pounder, nailed a Pop-R. It put up an outstanding battle before Alphonso, our guide, netted it.

“The Carolina Rig with white Flukes and the Rat-L-Traps seemed to catch the most fish, but we did entice a bunch on Texas-rigged 10-inch Berkley Power Worms. Best colors were watermelon, root beer and tequila sunrise. I also caught a few bass on watermelon colored Yum 4-inch Craw Papis.

“The weather was great, and as usual the entire staff at Angler’s Inn provided us with an outstanding stay with superb food, accommodations and service.”

Les Melton, a recognized bass fishing expert who holds more than one El Salto record, was also an October visitor. It was his 31st visit to our El Salto Lake lodge. Besides being a talented angler, Les is also a meticulous record keeper where his fishing is concerned. This last trip he also visited Lake Mateos while he was here. We know Anglers Inn customers will be interested in what Les has to say about his visit to that big and beautiful bass fishing paradise.

Here is his report: “I just returned from my 31st trip to El Salto and as usual I was not disappointed. The fishing was super. That is the most water I have ever seen in the lake. It was a real contrast from my May trip when the water was the lowest I had ever seen.

“I caught a total of 401 bass and one catfish. What can I say, I will fish for whatever bites! Most of the fish I caught were on 4-inch Swimbaits in white & chartreuse, baby bass, golden mullet and shad colors. The bigger fish really turned on late in the week and I caught several in the 5 to 9-pound class on deep diving crankbaits in 15 to 20-feet of water on rocky points. The most productive crankbait was the Fat Free Shad in a fire tiger finish. We found bass wherever there were schools of baitfish. It was very different from most of my other trips.

“One of the highlights of the last trip was a visit to Lake Lopez Mateos. Tony, Javier and I drove up to the lake on Sunday and spent a good part of the day just exploring. We did fish a little. It is a beautiful lake and I could not get over the size. It just kept on going.

“I really liked what I saw, especially all of the islands. The lake is nestled between the mountains and it is a marvelous panorama. I simply couldn’t quit admiring the scenery. When the new Anglers Inn Lodge is built on Lake Mateos, it will quickly become a popular place for your guests. It is quite literally stunning. I hope to get a chance to visit again on my next trip. The ride from El Salto to Mateos was very easy with good roads all the way. I am convinced that Lake Mateos will be a great attraction for anglers once the lodge is built.

“I can never close without complimenting you and your staff on the great service. I look forward to my next trip, not only for the fishing, but also for the wonderful fellowship.”

Air Temp: 72°-78°F (Early Morning and late evenings) 82°-90°F (Siesta time)
Water Temp: 80°-82°F
Average number of bass per boat per day: 20-30 with some at 50-60
Largest bass caught: 10-1/2 lb

1. Rat-L-Traps in ½ & ¾-ounce in silver with blue back and silver with black back.
2. Storm WildEye 3”, 4” and 5-inch Swim Shads in pearl white, golden mullet, shad and fire tigre.
3. Yamamoto Senkos, Yum Dingers or Bass Pro Shops 5, 6 & 7-inch Stinkos in black with blue flake, watermelon, watermelon red flake, red shad and white & chartreuse.
4. Rapala X-Rap or 4 to 5-inch jerkbaits in white, clown, perch and shad.
5. Eight inch Zoom or Yum Lizards and 10-inch Berkley Powerworms in watermelon, black with blue tail, blue flake, red shad, junebug, watermelon red flake
6. Bomber Fat Free Shad & Rapala DT16 Crankbaits Deep divers in citrus shad, parrot, fire tiger and white.
7 Rico Pop R in white, white with sparkles and silver & black.