If you are feeling like going trout fishing in Mexico, and wonder where and if you may find them, you should read this article first. Although Mena Fly Fishing is all about tarpon fishing, Mexico offers excellent locations for fly fishing enthusiasts, whether you’re looking for scenic landscapes, thrilling adventures, and a chance to catch trout. With pristine rivers and high-altitude lakes, the country boasts some of the best spots to fish for trout. In this guide, we’ll explore the top destinations for trout fishing in Mexico and what makes them special.
Where can Trout be found in Mexico? Top Locations for Trout in Mexico
Trout is a very diverse specie, there is an approximately 14 different types, all with different colors and names, but the ones that can be found in Mexico are the “Mexican native trout” or “Mexican rainbow trout”, which are largely regarded as subspecies of the rainbow trout. They have historically extended from Alaska to Mexico and are always on the west of the mountain ranges that make up the continental divide.
1. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Michoacán and Estado de México)
Nestled in the highlands, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is more than just a sanctuary for butterflies—it’s also a gem for trout fishing. The rivers and streams running through these forests host vibrant trout populations. The remote, peaceful setting offers a memorable fishing experience. Since the Cupatitzio River’s water provides the ideal habitat for trout, there is a trout hatchery inside the park’s boundaries, unfortunately, they are regrettably sold to park visitors and eateries. The river originates in the headwaters of Michoacán and flows through Uruapan, Michoacán’s National Park. However, in a safer place in the higher areas of the Sierra Madre Occidental, just behind Mazatlan (in front of the tip of Baja California), a variety of scattered and isolated trout were also discovered.
- Best time to fish: November to March
- Type of trout: Rainbow Trout
- Fly fishing tips: Use small nymphs and dry flies to attract trout in clear waters.
2. Sierra Madre Occidental (Durango and Chihuahua)
One of the main Mexican known locations, is in the northern hemisphere, more specifically in the state of Durango. Although the location is remote, and a little bit hard to find, if you ask the locals, you’ll get to the leading dirt roads. One particularly known is “Rio Cupatitzio” one of the principal areas where this fish can be seen. It is located in a subway stream that emerges from a crystalline pool called “Las Rodillas de Los Diablos”. The Sierra Madre Occidental range is a hot spot for some of the best fly fishing in Mexico. Here, the mountain streams and rivers are abundant with trout. Many anglers consider the rivers in this region ideal for fly fishing due to their accessibility and the variety of fish.
- Best locations: Río Verde and Río Pescado
- Trout variety: Rainbow and Brown Trout
- Fly fishing tip: Use streamers to imitate small fish, which attract large trout in deeper waters.
3. Nevado de Toluca National Park (Estado de México)
The cold streams and high-altitude lakes around the Nevado de Toluca volcano are perfect for trout. Many fly fishers head here to enjoy the scenery and catch trout near the crater’s lagoons, Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna.
- Best time to fish: Spring and summer
- Fly fishing tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal, as the fish are more active during cooler hours.
4. Huasca de Ocampo (Hidalgo)
Huasca de Ocampo is a popular weekend destination for Mexico City residents, and it’s known for recreational trout fishing. The calm lakes here are regularly stocked with trout, making it a great spot for beginners and families.
- Best time to fish: Year-round
- Fly fishing style: Use brightly colored flies to attract stocked trout.
Unfortunately, no matter where they are found, due to the hunting and selling of the few specimens that remain safe, they are in grave danger of extinction. But do not be discouraged there are still a lot of amazing spots that Mexico has to offer for fishing other species, like San Felipe, by far one of the richest locations in the world for young tarpon.
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