Lake El Cuchillo, translated “The Knife”:

One of the newest lakes located in the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon, it is approximately 50 miles south of the United States border. This beautiful 40,000 acre impoundment is located on the San Juan River and rests within the confines of a newly created state park. As such, the Mexican government has designated this lake for recreational purposes only. Therefore, no commercial fishing will be allowed on El Cuchillo.

For the “South of the Border” fishing enthusiast this represents a milestone for Mexican lakes, because it means that no netting will be allowed. I know, you say you’ve heard that story before. Well, so have we, but in this case, we have seen the specific document issued by the state of Nuevo Leon.

So at least for the present and the foreseeable future… no commercial fishing or netting will be allowed. This, in and of itself, is huge, but, here is the rest of the story.

El Cuchillo has also been designated a “catch and release” fishery with a “slot limit” and a “possession limit” in place. And, there are fisheries management and enforcement personnel in place. Again, this is a milestone for our friends to the South.

The lake was impounded in 1989 and was opened for fishing in 1994. The fishery has been aggressively stocked with Florida Strain largemouth bass. The abundant forage base is Shad, Sunfish and “protein packed” Tilapia. This blend of forage accounts for weight gains of from 1.5 to 2 pounds per year in many Mexican lakes.

“The Knife” is already producing significant daily numbers and trophy bass over 10 pounds. The lake record, caught in December of 2001, is reported at 14 pounds and 6 ounces.

Although it was several years after construction before El Cuchillo reached “pool level” the impoundment now has minimal fluctuations in water levels. As is the case with most Mexican lakes, El Cuchillo is not an irrigation or power generating reservoir. Water from El Cuchillo is used for residential and industrial consumption in and around the city of Monterrey, Mexico, located approximately 65 miles to the west. Thus, low water conditions would normally be a result of drought rather than a “drawdown”.

Are you a diehard structure fisherman?

Do you like pitching to the wood?

Want to crank the rocks?

Whether you like to drag a worm; Carolina a lizard; pitch a jig; slow roll or burn a spinner bait; do some deep crankin'; play wacky; flutter a soft stick bait; smoke a buzz bait or twitch a top water…you get the picture… the El Cuchillo kids are ready to come out and play!

You will be fishing with a local and experienced Mexican guide familiar with El Cuchillo bass and their haunts. He will attend to your needs completely and professionally while always doing everything possible to put you on the fish. The boats presently in use are new 17’ Nitro Bass Boats powered by 90 hp Mercury Motors. The boats are fully equipped with bow mounted trolling motors, dual batteries, electronics, safety equipment and, for sure, plenty of ice cold beer, soft drinks and bottled water.

As you can see, this destination is truly unique in many ways. In fact, due to the moderate climate, our fishing packages are available for booking year round.

Let me re-emphasize a few points affecting the fishing for this great new destination:

• No Commercial Fishing (NO NETS)
• “Catch and Release” “Slot Limits” “Possession Limits”
• “Enforced”
• Florida Strain Genetics
• Abundant “High Protein” Forage Base
• Minimal Water Fluctuation

Lake El Cuchillo is certainly destined to become one of the Premier Mexican Bass Lakes. And getting there makes it even better. El Cuchillo is located approximately 1.5 hours from the Monterrey airport where there are numerous commercial flights arriving daily from hubs like Dallas and Houston. Primary airlines are Continental and American. You may also fly into McAllen, Texas, which is approximately a 2.5 hour drive to the lake. However, it should be noted that there may be some delays at the border check points.

 

Call Toll Free at 877-755-4950 so we can begin planning your next … fishin’ expedition!