Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ecuador (Complete Guide)

Ecuador boasts some of the best fishing in Central America. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in Ecuador helps anglers plan a fishing trip of a lifetime.

The best times to fish in Ecuador are during the warm-water season from December to April for species like marlin and tuna, and the cool-water season from May to November for species like grouper and snapper.

Month	Ecuador Fishing Location
January	Start the year off in the offshore waters of Salinas, targeting the peak of the Black Marlin season.
February	Find Sailfish aplenty near San Cristobal Island’s reefs in the Galapagos.
March	Try your luck with Snapper on the Esmeraldas coast.
April	Manta’s offshore areas are teeming with Blue Marlin.
May	Hit the nearshore waters of Santa Elena for abundant Roosterfish.
June	Dive into the Machala offshore for Bigeye Tuna.
July	The Santa Cruz Island channels in the Galapagos are prime for Wahoo.
August	Focus on Floreana Island’s beaches in the Galapagos for Mahi-Mahi.
September	The inlets around Manabi are brimming with Snapper.
October	Isabela Island’s backcountry waters in the Galapagos host large Jack Crevalle populations.
November	Look to the nearshore waters of Esmeraldas for plentiful Grouper.
December	End the year on a high note, chasing Yellowfin Tuna off the coast of the Galapagos Islands.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Ecuador. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Galapagos Islands Fishing: Best Times

The Galapagos Islands offer year-round fishing opportunities, but for peak game fish activity, including species like marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi, the best period is generally from December to June. However, species like wahoo and grouper are more abundant during the cooler months, from May to November.

Marlin: The peak season for marlin, including the striped, blue and black species, is typically from December to April.

Sailfish: While sailfish can be caught year-round in the Galapagos, the prime season tends to be from January to March.

Grouper: Grouper are usually abundant from May to July in the Galapagos.

Wahoo: This fast-swimming species is most plentiful from September to November.

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado): Mahi-Mahi can be caught year-round, but the prime season is usually from December to June.

Tuna (Yellowfin and Bigeye): Tuna are typically abundant all year round, with peaks from May to November.

Snapper: Snapper, including red and cubera snapper, are abundant from May to August.

Tarpon: Tarpon are not typically found in the open waters of the Galapagos. They are more common in the brackish and freshwater areas of mainland Ecuador.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing (Flats & Backcountry) in Ecuador

Santa Elena Peninsula Flats: Home to abundant bonefish, the best time to fly fish here is from December to April.

Esmeraldas Mangroves: This location is known for its tarpon, with prime fishing times being from May to November.

Guayas River Estuary: Fly fishers will find snook here, particularly during the warm months from December to April.

Galapagos Islands Shallows: A haven for species like the Pacific Bonito, fly fishing is best from May to November.

Manabi Coastline: Known for its roosterfish, the best time for fly fishing is from December to April.

Machala Flats: These flats offer plenty of snapper, with the best fly fishing times being from May to November.

San Lorenzo Estuaries: This location is renowned for its Jack Crevalle, especially from December to April.

Azuay Highlands Streams: Trout thrive in these cool, high-altitude waters, best fished from May to November.

El Oro River Mouths: Renowned for the Sierra Mackerel, fly fishing here is excellent from December to April.

Santa Cruz Island Flats (Galapagos): This location offers an abundance of bonefish and is best for fly fishing from May to November.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing (Inshore) in Ecuador

Salinas Bay: Known for its abundant grouper, the best time for fishing in these inshore waters is from May to November.

Esmeraldas Inshore: Inshore waters here are rich with tarpon, best targeted from December to April.

Manta Coastline: Mahi-Mahi are plentiful along this coast, with the prime fishing time being from May to November.

San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) Inshore: This area is famous for its large yellowfin tuna, best caught from December to April.

Santa Elena Inshore: The inshore waters here teem with roosterfish, ideal for fishing from May to November.

Guayaquil Estuaries: Known for the diverse species such as snook, the best time to fish here is from December to April.

Manabi Inshore: This location is home to many snapper, best targeted inshore from May to November.

Azuay Inshore Lakes: Trout thrive in these lakes, making them an excellent location for fishing from December to April.

Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos) Inshore: This location is great for targeting Pacific Bonito, with peak times from May to November.

Machala Inshore: The inshore waters here are rich with Sierra Mackerel, best targeted from December to April.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing (Nearshore) in Ecuador

Salinas Nearshore: Renowned for its Marlin, the best time to fish in these nearshore waters is from December to April.

Esmeraldas Nearshore: Nearshore waters here are abundant with grouper, best targeted from May to November.

Manta Nearshore: Mahi-Mahi are plentiful along this coast, with the best fishing time being from December to April.

Guayaquil Nearshore: Known for its rich population of snook, the best time to fish nearshore here is from May to November.

Manabi Nearshore: These waters are home to large populations of snapper, best targeted from December to April.

Galapagos Islands Nearshore: Here, the waters teem with yellowfin tuna, ideal for fishing from May to November.

Santa Elena Nearshore: This area is famous for its roosterfish, best caught from December to April.

Machala Nearshore: The nearshore waters here are rich with tarpon, best targeted from May to November.

San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) Nearshore: This location offers abundant Pacific Bonito, with peak fishing times from December to April.

Floreana Island (Galapagos) Nearshore: Known for its Sailfish, the best time to fish in these nearshore waters is from May to November.

Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos) Nearshore: This location is great for targeting Wahoo, with peak times from December to April.

Azuay Nearshore Lakes: Trout are abundant in these waters, making them an excellent location for fishing from May to November.

Isabela Island (Galapagos) Nearshore: Here, the nearshore waters are home to large populations of Amberjack, best targeted from December to April.

Santa Isabel Nearshore: This area is famous for its large population of Jack Crevalle, best caught from May to November.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing (Offshore) in Ecuador

Salinas Offshore: Renowned for its Black Marlin, the peak fishing time in these offshore waters is from December to April.

Manta Offshore: Blue Marlin are abundant in the offshore waters here, best targeted from May to November.

Esmeraldas Offshore: Swordfish are plentiful offshore here, making December to April the prime time for fishing.

Galapagos Islands Offshore: Known for its rich biodiversity, Yellowfin Tuna is especially abundant here and best fished from May to November.

Manabi Offshore: The offshore waters here are home to plentiful Wahoo, best targeted from December to April.

Santa Elena Offshore: This area is famous for Sailfish, with the best fishing times being from May to November.

Machala Offshore: The offshore waters here are rich with Bigeye Tuna, best targeted from December to April.

San Cristobal Island (Galapagos) Offshore: Abundant with Striped Marlin, the peak fishing times are from May to November.

Floreana Island (Galapagos) Offshore: Known for its Mahi-Mahi, the best time to fish in these offshore waters is from December to April.

Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos) Offshore: This location is great for targeting Roosterfish, with peak times from May to November.

Isabela Island (Galapagos) Offshore: Home to large populations of Jack Crevalle, these waters are best fished from December to April.

Fernandina Island (Galapagos) Offshore: Known for its Snapper, the best fishing times in these offshore waters are from May to November.

Santa Isabel Offshore: This area is famous for Cubera Snapper, best caught from December to April.

Genovesa Island (Galapagos) Offshore: This location offers abundant Grouper, with peak fishing times from May to November.

Santiago Island (Galapagos) Offshore: The offshore waters here are rich with Sierra Mackerel, best targeted from December to April.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Ecuador

These Ecuador-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Cowboy Fishing Charters	Ayampe, Ecuador

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Marlin

The best time for fishing striped marlin in Ecuador is typically from May to November. Early morning or late afternoon is the recommended time of day. Some top locations for striped marlin fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the Galapagos Islands, the coastal areas of Manta, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Blue Marlin

The best time for fishing blue marlin in Ecuador is typically from May to November. Early morning or late afternoon is the recommended time of day. Some top locations for blue marlin fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the Galapagos Islands, the Manta coastal areas, and the Esmeraldas nearshore regions.

Black Marlin

The best time for fishing black marlin in Ecuador is typically from December to April. Early morning or late afternoon is the recommended time of day. Some top locations for black marlin fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the Galapagos Islands, the coastal areas of Manta, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Swordfish

Fishing for swordfish in Ecuador is best during December to April. Swordfish are often caught at night or during early morning hours. Some top locations for swordfish fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastal areas of Manta, the Galapagos Islands, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Wahoo

The best time to catch wahoo in Ecuador is generally from September to November. It’s ideal to fish during the early morning or late afternoon. Some great locations for wahoo fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastal areas of Manta, the Galapagos Islands, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Yellowfin Tuna

The best time for fishing yellowfin tuna in Ecuador is generally from May to November. It’s recommended to fish during the early morning or late afternoon. Some top locations for yellowfin tuna fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastal areas of Manabi, the Galapagos Islands, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Bigeye Tuna

The best months to catch bigeye tuna in Ecuador are typically from May to November. It is recommended to fish during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of success. Some prime locations for bigeye tuna fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the Galapagos Islands, the coastal areas of Manabi, and the nearshore regions of Esmeraldas.

Mahi-Mahi

The best months for fishing mahi-mahi in Ecuador are generally from December to June. Early morning and late afternoon are great times to fish for them. Some top locations for mahi-mahi fishing in Ecuador include Manta’s coastal waters, the offshore areas near Salinas, the Galapagos Islands, and the coastal regions of Manabi.

Sailfish

The best time to catch sailfish in Ecuador is typically from January to March. It’s ideal to fish for them during the early morning or late afternoon. Some excellent locations for sailfish fishing in Ecuador include the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastal areas of Manta, the Galapagos Islands, and the waters near Santa Elena.

Grouper

If you’re looking to catch grouper in Ecuador, your best bet is from May to November. Aim to fish during the cooler times, like early morning or late afternoon, at top spots like the offshore waters near Salinas, around the Galapagos Islands, the coastal waters of Manabi, and the nearshore region of Esmeraldas.

Cubera Snapper

Ecuador’s best time to fish for Cubera Snapper is from December to April. Early morning or late afternoon fishing is most successful in areas like the offshore waters of Salinas, the coastal region of Manabi, the nearshore waters of Esmeraldas, and around the Galapagos Islands.

Tarpon

Catching tarpon in Ecuador can be a big adventure, and your best chance is usually between December and April. Try fishing in the early morning or late afternoon in places like the rivers and estuaries near Esmeraldas, the coastal lagoons of Manabi, or the mangrove-lined waters around Guayaquil.

Roosterfish

Roosterfish are fun to catch in Ecuador; the best months to find them are between May and November. The early morning or late afternoon are great times to try to catch them in places like the nearshore waters of Salinas, the coastal region of Manabi, the Esmeraldas coast, and around the Galapagos Islands.

Jack Crevalle

If you’re chasing for Jack Crevalle in Ecuador, the best time to catch them is between December and April. Try fishing in the early morning or late afternoon at popular spots like the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastal areas of Manabi, around the Galapagos Islands, and the nearshore waters of Esmeraldas.

Sierra Mackerel

The prime months for catching Sierra Mackerel in Ecuador are December through April. Fishing during dawn or dusk will give you the best chance, and you can find these fast swimmers in the offshore waters of Salinas, around the Galapagos Islands, along the Manabi coast, and near Esmeraldas.

Bonefish

Fishing for bonefish in Ecuador is a thrilling adventure, and the best time to do it is from May to November. These fish like to eat in the morning and late afternoon, so that’s the best time to try to catch them. You’ll have the most luck finding bonefish in the flats and backcountry waters near Santa Elena, the shallow areas around Manabi, the coastal waters of Esmeraldas, and even in the Galapagos Islands.

Barracuda

Barracuda are exciting fish to catch and can be found in Ecuador’s waters, especially from December to April. The early morning or late afternoon are the best times to catch them because they usually hunt for food. Some great places to find barracuda in Ecuador are the offshore waters near Salinas, the coastlines of Manabi, nearshore areas around Esmeraldas, and the Galapagos Islands.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Guatemala, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Panama, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Aruba, check out this guide.

Best Fishing in Ecuador on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Salinas: As one of Ecuador’s prime fishing spots, Salinas is known for its high population of black marlin during the winter months.
Manta: Renowned for its abundant swordfish, Manta makes for an exciting winter fishing destination.
Galapagos Islands: In winter, you can find a variety of species in the Galapagos, including the large yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.
Esmeraldas: If you’re interested in grouper, Esmeraldas offers excellent fishing opportunities in winter.
Guayaquil: This city is a great location to fish for estuarine species like tarpon during the winter.
Machala: Located on the southern coast, Machala is a good spot for fishing a variety of species in winter, including snapper.

Spring

Salinas: Known for its fishing opportunities, Salinas offers abundant marlin during the spring, a fantastic challenge for any angler.
Manta: Manta is a go-to location in spring if you are after the elusive wahoo, a fast and powerful fish.
Galapagos Islands: Here in spring, you can find large quantities of yellowfin tuna, one of the most exciting catches for any fisherman.
Esmeraldas: This location is well-known for its high snapper population, making Esmeraldas an excellent place to fish in spring.
Guayaquil: If you’re interested in fishing for estuarine species, head to Guayaquil in spring when tarpon are plentiful.
Machala: Situated on the coast, Machala is a great spot to fish for grouper during the spring months.

Summer

Salinas: In summer, Salinas offers a great opportunity to catch sailfish, making it an exciting destination for fishing.
Manta: Known for its diverse marine life, Manta is a great place to fish for mahi-mahi during the summer months.
Galapagos Islands: You can find abundant striped marlin in the Galapagos Islands, making it a popular location for summer fishing.
Esmeraldas: This location is known for its high population of snapper, making Esmeraldas an ideal place to fish during the summer.
Guayaquil: Famous for its estuaries, Guayaquil is the go-to place for estuarine species like tarpon in the summer.
Machala: Located near the coast, Machala offers a great opportunity to fish for species like grouper during summer.

Fall

Salinas: Known for its high marlin population, Salinas is a prime location for fishing in Ecuador during fall.
Manta: You can find many wahoo and swordfish in Manta, making it an exciting location for fall fishing.
Galapagos Islands: These islands are a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with a rich variety of species including yellowfin tuna and dorado available in fall.
Esmeraldas: Esmeraldas offers abundant grouper and snapper, making it a worthwhile destination for fall fishing in Ecuador.

For the best times to fish in Uruguay, check out this guide.