In May I was fortunate enough to experience a truly unforgettable Mateos/El Salto Combo trip.

Lake Mateos

My son, who is 33, has not been bass fishing since he was 12 years old. While he was a little rusty, it didn’t take him long to get back into it big time!
During our 3 ½ day stay we caught well over 200 fish. The vast majority were caught on 4” WildEye swim baits and 6” watermelon lizards, although we did catch some on large Senkos & Yum Dingers. We both caught a lot of quality 4-6 pound fish.
Everything about Anglers Inn at Lake Mateos is first class. The accommodations are truly unique and reflect a commitment to comfort that is second to none. Each “cabin” is free standing and overlooks the river. Each has its own veranda, with comfortable chairs, providing a great place to relax at any time of day or evening. The refrigerator was kept stocked with all the liquid refreshments needed for two tired fishermen – at least until they can get to the main bar!
The service and the food? Typical Anglers Inn. Need I say more? Both were outstanding.

Lake El Salto

On our last day at Mateos we dropped my son off at the Culiacan airport for his flight back to Los Angeles, and I was taken to El Salto for phase 2 of my dream fishing trip. I fished one day alone and then was joined by a buddy from Lexington, Kentucky for 3 more days of fishing. I have been to Angler’s Inn at El Salto several times before, however this was my buddy’s first trip. I was unable to properly prepare him for the top water action we experienced. We caught over 30 fish each on top water –two mornings in a row!!
We used the Rico Pop knock - offs sold in the tackle shop at Angler’s Inn for the top water action. The shipment arrived the afternoon of our first full day and Chappy brought them out after lunch to show us. Not many takers-but we invested in a couple of them. Well, after our success the first morning, (over 30 fish each!) there were a few more believers and a few more knock-offs were sold. One guest made a point of asking me what color we were using and I showed him. He bought one and caught an 11 pounder on it the next day.

When the top water bite was over each morning we went to the 7” Zellmander lizard in watermelon with the tails dipped in chartreuse garlic dye and to the 5” WildEye swim baits and an occasional 7” Senko. I caught a 8.5 pounder and a 9.6 pounder on the lizard, as well as many, many 3-6 pounders. My buddy, using a 7” Senko, caught a 7lb 4 ouncer and on the next cast caught a 7 lb 6 ouncer. Needless to say he was thrilled.

I know others caught many fish and many large ones on other lures during my stay at El Salto; but we never had to search for any alternative baits – the action never let up on the ones we used.

Would I recommend the combo? You bet!! It was fantastic. If you haven’t been to Mateos yet, you must try it. The facilities are absolutely excellent and the fishing is fantastic. (Plus,Ramone and Ziggy are there!!)