The fly fishing peninsula? The lagoons east of Cancun? The Mayan Fishing Train? The king tarpon of Campeche? The fishing and alligator territory in Yucatan? The permit of Xcalak? The Tarpon Island?
All these questions are answered by taking a look at our list of the best fly fishing spots in Mexico. But, as my grandfather used to say, “let’s start from the beginning.” The first thing we need to know is where, what, and when to fish in the Mexican Caribbean.
The Yucatan Peninsula consists of the states of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located), Yucatan (where Merida is located), and Campeche (where the city of the same name is located). In these states, there are great fishing spots. Here you can fish for permit, juvenile tarpon, tarpon, snook, and bonefish, and their fishing season is from March to November.
The large lagoons, flats, rivers, and mangroves of this region create perfect conditions for fly fishing. To these elements, we must add a new one: the Mayan Fishing Train. The new Mayan Train connects all fishing spots efficiently and safely, making the Yucatan Peninsula the best-connected fishing hub in the world. So, let’s start our tour of fishing spots, which will go from Quintana Roo, through Yucatan, and end in Campeche.
1st Stop: Xcalak
Quintana Roo.
Mayan Train Station: Chetumal / Airport
(3 hours from the station)
Xcalak is located in the region known as Costa Maya. It is a Protected Natural Area on the other side of the Bay of Chetumal, 149mi away and 100mi from Bacalar. It can be reached by ferry or road. Xcalak has a series of lagoons known by some as the flats of Xcalak, which create one of the most favorable places in the world for fly fishing for permit, juvenile tarpon, tarpon, and snook.
2nd Stop: Chetumal
Quintana Roo.
Mayan Train Station: Chetumal / Airport
The Bay of Chetumal is a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, known as one of the best areas for permit fishing in the world. Chetumal opens the way for travelers to explore museums, a bay full of surprises, a manatee sanctuary, and a coral treasure.
3rd Stop: Ascension Bay
(Punta Allen)
Quintana Roo.
Mayan Train Station: Tulum / Airport
(2 hours from the station)
Many international anglers consider Ascension Bay the best fishing spot in the Yucatan Peninsula. Here you can aim for a Grand Slam, which consists of catching three of the following four species in one day: tarpon, snook, permit, and bonefish. Ascension Bay is located 34mi (2 hours) south of Tulum. It is a small fishing village where you can kayak, snorkel, dive, take boat rides, and practice sport fishing.
4th Stop: Cancun
Quintana Roo.
Mayan Train Station: Cancun / Airport
Few people know that Cancun has one of the best fly fishing areas in the country. The Cancun-Isla Blanca region is a small peninsula east of Cancun and north of Isla Mujeres. Most of it is a nature reserve surrounded by lagoons such as Cacmuchuch, Makax, Cocalitos, Los Patos, and Boca Iglesia, among others. It is an incredible oasis of Caribbean nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, perfect for fly fishing.
5th Stop: Holbox
Quintana Roo.
Mayan Train Station: Nuevo Xcán
(1 hr 15 min from the Mayan town of Chiquilá, and from there a 30-minute ferry to the island)
Holbox Island definitely has some of the largest tarpon in the entire peninsula. Off the northern coast, the giant migratory tarpon traverses the entire island during its season. Fishing in Holbox is considered one of the most spectacular in the world for trophy “silver kings” (giant tarpon). To the south, there are miles of lagoons filled with juvenile tarpon and snook.
6th Stop: Rio Lagartos and San Felipe
Yucatan
Mayan Train Station: Valladolid
(1 hour 34
minutes from the station)
RÃo Lagartos is a fishing village on the coast of the RÃa Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Its geographical features and biodiversity make it an extraordinary place. For fishing, it has a very shallow lagoon system, with depths ranging from 1.6 to 10 ft and approximately 50mi in length, among mangroves and dunes. These features create a special, fun, and exclusive environment for fly fishing.
7th Stop: Celestun
Yucatan
Mayan Tain Station: Umán
(1 hr 10 min from the station)
In Celestún, you will fish in a place surrounded by sea, rivers, mangroves, cenotes, and springs, all within a jungle setting that makes up the RÃa Celestún Biosphere Reserve. This is an unparalleled setting for fly fishing for spotted trout and snook. In Celestún, you can catch: snook, spotted trout, tarpon, juvenile tarpon, bonefish, mojarra, snapper, jacks, among many others.
8th Stop: Tarpon Island
(Isla Sábalo - Isla Arena)
Campeche
Mayan Train Station: Umán
(a 43 miles from Celestún)
Did you know that Isla Arena is called Tarpon Island? Can you imagine fishing among endless mangroves? How about getting in touch with the nature of the Celestún Biosphere? Well, all this is offered by fly fishing on Tarpon Island. Tarpon Island is a village of very friendly fishermen. Until recently, the village had no electricity. Everything is still very rustic, with cabins for overnight stays, and the nights are spectacular. It’s a paradise for anglers who want to disconnect, fish, chat, and fish again.
9th Stop: Campeche
Campeche
Mayan Train Station: San Francisco de Campeche
How about fishing in a city that was walled against pirates and is in the middle of the Mayan jungle? Come to one of the best spots for fly fishing for juvenile tarpon and giant tarpon in the world. You will fish in a spectacular place within the Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by jungle, wetlands, mangroves, and sea.
With this list of fishing spots, the Yucatan Peninsula proves to be a paradise for fly fishing fly fishing devotees. From Xcalak to Campeche, and through Cancun, each spot offers a unique and unforgettable experience, all connected by the efficient Mayan Train. Get ready to enjoy the best fly fishing in Mexico. Pure summer vibes!
Promotor de la pesca en México, Co-fundador y CFO de Nomonday fishing in México
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.
