Prime Season: November–April
In many parts of the United States, when hunting season ends and cold weather begins to harden the lakes, anglers do something very clear: they look for active water.
And many of them cross the border.
Between November and April, Mexico enters its prime bass season. The extreme summer heat disappears, water temperatures stabilize, pre-spawn patterns begin, and the lakes of northern Mexico become highly sought-after destinations for both domestic and international anglers.
You don’t come here for a quick outing.
You come to immerse yourself.
Each day is divided into two sessions of approximately five hours each. Nearly ten hours on the water. The first session begins as the mountains barely catch the first light of dawn. The second ends as the sun drops behind the horizon.
For several consecutive days, you can live like this:
- Fish.
- Eat well.
- Rest.
- Go back on the water.
That’s not tourism.
That’s full immersion.
Why Is November–April the Prime Season?
It’s not a slogan. It’s biology.
During these months:
- Water temperatures drop from the thermal stress of summer.
- The pre-spawn pattern begins.
- Bigger fish feed more aggressively.
- Structure becomes more predictable.
- You can fish long days without extreme heat fatigue.
What Is Pre-Spawn?
Pre-spawn is the stage before bass move into their spawning phase. During this period—especially the larger fish—they increase feeding activity and begin transitioning toward shallower areas in preparation for reproduction.
For anglers, this means something very concrete: a higher probability of finding active, quality fish.
What Does “More Predictable Structure” Mean?
Structure refers to the elements where bass tend to hold: depth changes, submerged trees, vegetation edges, rock transitions, or water inflows.
During the prime season, bass behavior becomes more consistent around these areas, making water reading more reliable and patterns more repeatable.
In practical terms: more consistency, better averages, and real opportunities for big fish.
The Lakes
Sinaloa. Dry tropical forest. Open mountains and deep water.
Lake Baccarac is considered by many international anglers to be one of the most powerful largemouth bass fisheries in the world.
A 19.1-pound bass was recorded here, recognized locally as the Mexican national record according to lodge historical records.
But Bacurato’s reputation goes far beyond one number.
- Bass over 10 pounds.
- Clear trophy-focused fishery.
- Minimal recreational pressure.
- A lake dedicated almost entirely to sport fishing.
This is where you come to measure your best cast against a serious fish.
I also want to personally thank and congratulate my friend Narlin for welcoming us to his new lodge. Not only did he show us the quality of fishing at Bacurato, but also the effort the local cooperative has made in developing a tilapia hatchery and laboratory to support the bass forage base and maintain long-term sustainability for both artisanal and sport fishermen.
That awareness—understanding that responsible management is the future—is what sets these destinations apart.
Less than an hour from Mazatlán, Lake Picachos offers something different: constant intensity.
This lake’s true strength ain’t about one lucky catch.
It’s about the rhythm.
During peak season, it’s not unusual to wrap up trips with 20 to 35 bass per angler, depending on the day and the pattern.
- Sustained action.
- Clear readings.
- Repeatable patterns.
In fact, I’m writing this very article overlooking the lake, ice-cold beer in hand, after a grueling session where my brother, my partner, and I called it a day—more than happy—with 25 to 35 bass a piece.
Resting up for the afternoon session.
That sums up what Picachos is all about during its prime season: A true disconnect therapy that every businessman or professional should experience at least once.
You’re not thinking about emails.
You’re thinking about the next cast.
Many American anglers come every winter and spend all their days on the water without even going into Mazatlán. They prefer the perfect routine:
- Sunrise.
- Five intense hours.
- Regional food.
- Short rest.
- Another five hours until sunset.
- Repeat
Planning your Mexico bass trip this season?
Let’s match you with the right lake for your fishing style.
Lake El Salto helped build Mexico’s international reputation in the bass world.
Here, bass up to 18.8 pounds have been recorded according to local lodge historical records.
But its true strength is balance:
- Strong average size.
- High catch rate.
- Consolidated infrastructure.
- Decades of operational experience.
Many anglers combine several days at Picachos with days at El Salto to experience different water patterns within the same week.
It’s one of those destinations that doesn’t need exaggeration. Its history speaks for itself.
Here is my brother with his beautiful 6.46 lbs bass catch.
Near Monterrey, Lake El Cuchillo has a different personality.
It hosts major tournaments and attracts technical anglers. Here:
- Pressure is higher.
- Structure reading matters more.
- Strategy weighs as much as lure choice.
It’s ideal for anglers who enjoy competition and detailed water analysis.
Check out Jose Nieblas at 3:05 in the video putting a solid 3.6-kilo bass in the net. That’s almost 8 pounds
It’s wide, deep, and visually dominant.
Located in the mountains of Nayarit, surrounded by more jungle-like vegetation than desert terrain, Lake Aguamilpa offers a complete contrast to the Sinaloa fisheries.
During November–April:
- It maintains a strong catch rate.
- Produces solid fish.
- Experiences lower saturation.
It’s a true oasis for anglers seeking isolation and long days immersed in nature.
Catch and Release: The Foundation of Sustainability
All of these lakes firmly implement catch and release practices. Without that consistent effort from guides, cooperatives, and sport fishermen, the reliability that makes these destinations internationally respected would not exist.
Sustainability here isn’t marketing.
It’s daily practice.
More Than Fishing
After nearly 10 hours on the water:
- Traditional Mexican BBQ (carne asada).
- Fresh ceviche.
- Shrimp, marlin, or steak tacos.
- Regional Sinaloan or Nayarit cuisine.
And just as important: native guides who grew up on these lakes, who understand every point, depth change, and seasonal pattern. Their ability to read the water is a fundamental part of the angler’s success.
Between November and April, Mexico offers more than just fish.
It offers experience.
Why Take Advantage of This Season?
- Because you can fish nearly 10 hours a day in ideal conditions.
- Because you can combine destinations.
- Because you can encounter big fish.
- Because you can disconnect from the rest of the world.
Bottom line: More consistency, better numbers, and more legit shots at giants
Between November and April, Mexico is not just an option.
It’s an opportunity.
Ready for prime season?
We’ll help you build the perfect trip to any of these lakes.
Promoter of fishing in Mexico, co-founder and director of marketing and opening of fishing spots and specialist in digital marketing for adventure tourism and fishing.
