Season-by-Season Fly Fishing Guide to Cabo: When to Cast Your Line
Cabo San Lucas boasts year-round fly fishing opportunities, but each season brings its own unique mix of fish species, weather patterns, and ideal techniques. To maximize your chances of success, understanding the seasonal variations is key. Let’s explore what each season has to offer fly anglers in Cabo.
Spring (March – May):
- Prime Time for Roosterfish: This is the peak season for targeting roosterfish, one of Cabo’s most iconic gamefish. Their distinctive dorsal fins and powerful runs make them a thrilling challenge for fly anglers.
- Other Species: Dorado (mahi-mahi) also start to show up in good numbers, offering acrobatic fights and spectacular aerial displays. You might also encounter jack crevalle, sierra mackerel, and ladyfish.
- Conditions: Water temperatures are warming up, and baitfish are plentiful. Expect calm seas and favorable weather conditions.
- Fly Recommendations: Large baitfish patterns, poppers, and streamers in bright colors work well for roosterfish. Dorado are attracted to flashy flies and poppers.
Summer (June – August):
- Dorado Dominate: Summer is the peak season for dorado, with large schools roaming the waters. Their voracious appetites and eagerness to take a fly make them a favorite target for fly anglers.
- Tuna Time: Yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna also become more prevalent during the summer months, offering the chance for a truly epic battle on a fly rod.
- Conditions: Water temperatures are at their warmest, and baitfish are abundant. Expect some afternoon thunderstorms and occasional tropical storms.
- Fly Recommendations: Flashy baitfish patterns, poppers, and streamers are ideal for dorado. For tuna, use larger, streamlined flies that mimic flying fish or squid.
Fall (September – November):
- Marlin Magic: Fall is the prime time for billfish, including striped marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish. While challenging to catch on a fly, landing one of these majestic creatures is an unforgettable achievement.
- Other Species: Dorado and tuna are still around in good numbers, and roosterfish remain a possibility.
- Conditions: Water temperatures start to cool slightly, but the fishing remains excellent. Hurricane season is winding down, but it’s wise to check weather forecasts before heading out.
- Fly Recommendations: For marlin, large, brightly colored teasers and baitfish patterns are used. Dorado and tuna will still respond to the same flies as in summer.
Winter (December – February):
- Whale Watching & Fishing: Winter is a great time for whale watching in Cabo, but the fishing can also be productive.
- Target Species: Striped marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna are still possible catches. You might also encounter sierra mackerel, ladyfish, and jack crevalle.
- Conditions: Water temperatures are cooler, and the winds can pick up. Dress in layers and be prepared for choppy seas.
- Fly Recommendations: Use smaller baitfish patterns and streamers during the winter months.
No Matter the Season…
Cabo’s diverse ecosystem and year-round fishing opportunities ensure that there’s always something exciting to target on a fly rod. By planning your trip according to the season and species you’re most interested in, you’ll increase your chances of a successful and memorable fly fishing adventure.
Book your fly fishing charter in Cabo today and experience the thrill of the catch!
Reach out to us at tagsportfishing@gmail.com