Lake Salto is a beautiful lake in Sinaloa state with a rugged coastline, located 55 miles from the northern part of Mazatlan at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain. If you love nature, fishing and outdoor activities far from the hustle and bustle, then you should definitely go here.
| What it is | Presa Aurelio Benassini, better known as Lake El Salto — a bass-fishing reservoir on the Elota River in Sinaloa |
| Where | In the Sierra Madre foothills, about 90 minutes north-east of Mazatlán, near the colonial town of Cosalá |
| Size | Roughly 24,000 acres with about 45 miles of shoreline; created in 1986 |
| Famous for | World-class trophy largemouth bass — lake record 18.8 lb, and more 10-pound fish than almost anywhere on earth |
| Best season | Roughly November to May, with early summer also strong when the lake drops and the fish concentrate |
| Stay | Full-service fishing lodges, most famously Anglers Inn International |
The world’s best big-bass lake
If you ask serious bass anglers where to go for the fish of a lifetime, an astonishing number will say one word: El Salto. When the Elota River was dammed in 1986, the new reservoir was stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass and a buffet of tilapia and shad to feed on — and in that warm, food-rich water the bass grow at a barely believable two pounds a year. The result is a fishery that has, in recent seasons, produced more ten-pound-plus largemouth than any lake in the world, with a lake record of 18.8 pounds and double-digit fish landed by guests every week. Most of the fishing is done with spinning and light tackle on a strong catch-and-release ethic, which is exactly why the giants keep coming: the lake’s big girls are caught, photographed and released to fight another day.
Anglers Inn and planning your trip
El Salto built its legend hand-in-hand with Anglers Inn International, the lakeside lodge that set the benchmark for Mexican bass trips — boats and expert guides, comfortable rooms, hearty food and your Mexican fishing licence all arranged for you. Getting there is easy: fly into Mazatlán and it is only about ninety minutes by road, off the Mazatlán–Culiacán highway near kilometre 118 on the turn toward Cosalá. Aim for the cooler, drier months from about November to May for the most comfortable weather, though the hot early summer can be electric when the falling water crowds the bass together. Even non-anglers can enjoy the trip by pairing the lake with the cobbled streets and silver-mining history of nearby Pueblo Mágico Cosalá. Chasing Mexican bass elsewhere? The same magic runs through Sinaloa’s Lake Comedero and Lake Bacurato, and Tamaulipas’s Lake Guerrero.
The lake characteristics
- Length is 5 miles
- Width is 515 feet at the narrowest place and 15840 feet at the widest place
- Square is 27 000 acres
History of Lake Salto
Lake Salto is an artificial pond with fresh water. The construction of the lake was begun in 1990 at the beginning of the 20th century on the Elota River. The main purpose of the reservoir is to generate additional energy to create electricity for nearby areas. In Mexico, hydraulic stations are a very valuable and inexpensive source of energy.
Wild nature
You can not imagine how many different rare and common animals you can find on the lake. More than 30 percent of all mammals in Mexico are concentrated here.
On Lake Salto can be found:
- Brown bear
- Puma
- Wolves
- Coyotes
- Whitetail Deer
Among the representatives of birds, both harmless and predatory species live here.
Bird watching lovers are sure to see.
- Weft
- Black eagles
- Blue Heron
- Hawks
As you can see, the wildlife of Lake Salto is diverse and at the same time dangerous. Therefore, take memorable photos, but be careful and watch out for safety when meeting predators.
How to spend time on Lake Salto
First of all, Lake Salto is the best place for fishing enthusiasts. Sports fishing began to take place here immediately after the appearance of the lake. Each fishing boat accounts for up to 80 kg of perch catch! Do not forget about the license for fishing. In Mexico, everything is strictly and required documentation of the possibility of fishing. Details are available on Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission website.
On the coast of the lake, you can stay in a tent at the campsite or in the fishing club El Salto Lodge. It is a cozy fishing base that provides the best opportunities for efficient fishing. Night stay with the fishing day costs 278 US dollars per person. The price includes boat rental, a double room, three meals a day and a license for fishing. And when you buy 3 days for two, you will pay a little more than 1000 US dollars.
Hotel El Salto Lodge. Photo by @hunters_sportingguide_official 
Amaing big bass natural tree sculpture. Photo by @juandondepescar
Beautiful cities around
Lake Salto is located in a mountainous area and in the vicinity there are no interesting cities filled with wonders of architectural construction and just good places for walking.
So if you have time, go to the city of Culiacan. It is a large Mexican city, founded in 1531. Here, every tourist will find entertainment for their needs.
Visit the Botanico Culiacan Garden. You will find a huge number of rare wild plants and will be stunned by their beauty. This is a fantastic place with a picturesque landscape and a unique atmosphere. The garden is open to the public from 7 am to 8 pm. Specify the cost of an entrance on the website or already on arrival in the botanic garden.
Special attention is given to Ernesto Millán Escalante Park. The green and spacious park is suitable for family walks and relaxing with friends. You can ride a catamaran or ride a slide in the water park and swim in the pool. The park is open for you from 7 am to 7 pm. The cost of entry check with the administration of the park on the site.
Good conditions for life
Tourists who love silence and wild nature will surely love this place with their souls and will want to stay on their own. In this case, look at the housing in Culiacan. It is the capital of the state of Sinaloa with excellent infrastructure and transport interchange.
In addition, the houses and apartments in Culiacan are good both externally and functionally. For example, this modern house with several floors can be purchased for 225000 US dollars. For such a gorgeous house with panoramic windows is a great price.
Housing opportunity in Culiacan for 225 000 US dollars 
Big wardrobe 
Great bathroom 
Ideal kitchen 
For cook lovers 
Swimming pool in the courtyard
The best way to get to Lake Salto
For foreign tourists
Your first priority is to take a flight to Mazatlan International Airport. Since the territory of the lake is wild nature and landscapes, public transport will not be able to get to the coast from the airport. You should book a taxi and in about 1-1.5 hours you will reach your destination. The cost of a taxi is about 0.5 dollars per 1 km.
For locals
Locals can get to Salt Lake from any nearby town. In any case, public transport goes bad and you have to use a taxi.
Useful links and contacts
- El Salto lodge –http://www.elsaltofishing.com/
- Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission –http://www.sportfishinginmexico.com/licences/
- The Botanico Culiacan Garden –http://www.botanicoculiacan.org/
- Ernesto Millán Escalante Park – parqueeme.culiacan.gob.mx
Frequently asked questions about Lake El Salto
Where is Lake El Salto?
In the state of Sinaloa, in the Sierra Madre foothills about 90 minutes north-east of Mazatlán, near the town of Cosalá.
Is Lake El Salto good for bass fishing?
It is widely considered one of the best trophy largemouth bass lakes in the world, with a lake record of 18.8 pounds and more ten-pound-plus fish in recent years than almost anywhere else.
When is the best time to fish Lake El Salto?
The popular season runs roughly November to May for comfortable weather, while the hot early summer can be outstanding for numbers when the lake is low and the bass are concentrated. There is fishing year-round.
What is Anglers Inn?
Anglers Inn International is the famous full-service fishing lodge on Lake El Salto, providing boats, guides, meals, accommodation and licences for visiting anglers.
How do you get to Lake El Salto?
Fly into Mazatlán, then drive about 90 minutes on the Mazatlán–Culiacán highway to around kilometre 118 and the turn toward Cosalá.
How big is Lake El Salto, and when was it built?
It covers roughly 24,000 acres with about 45 miles of shoreline, and was created in 1986 when the Elota River was dammed and stocked with Florida-strain bass.
What fish are in Lake El Salto?
Largemouth bass are the star attraction, alongside tilapia and catfish; the tilapia and shad are the forage that lets the bass grow so fast.
Do you need a licence, and is it catch and release?
Yes, a Mexican sport-fishing licence is required (the lodges arrange it), and El Salto runs on a strong catch-and-release ethic that keeps the trophy fishery healthy.
