Best Times & Seasons to Fish Near Puerto Vallarta (Guide)
Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding coastal Mexican waters offer some of the best fishing in North America. Knowing the best and worst times to fish near Puerto Vallarta will make a huge difference in your success and experience.
The best time to fish near Puerto Vallarta for marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, yellowfin tuna, and largemouth bass is from May through October. November through March is best for mahi mahi and wahoo near Puerto Vallarta.
| Fish Species | Best Seasons to Fish Near Puerto Vallarta |
| Striped Marlin | Year-round availability; best fishing early mornings & late afternoons until sunset. |
| Blue & Black Marlin | June through December is best; best fishing early mornings & late afternoons until sunset. |
| Pacific Sailfish | Fishing is typically best from June to December near Puerto Vallarta. Daytime only. |
| Mahi Mahi (Dorado) | September through February is best. Mahi bite best in the cooler months in Puerto Vallarta. |
| Wahoo | Fishing is typically best from October to February near Puerto Vallarta. |
| Roosterfish | Roosterfish action is best from March through October with the peak seemingly in August. |
| Yellowfin Tuna | Tuna fishing is best from March through June during the spring warming months. |
| Grouper | Grouper fishing is best from May through August during the warmest months. |
| Largemouth Bass | Year-round availability; best fishing early mornings & late afternoons until sunset |
Puerto Vallarta is the right place to go for anglers, who like fishing adventures. Here, fishing is always productive. So, every angler will find it interesting to fish in the area.
If you visit Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be able to enjoy fishing in the waters of Banderas Bay. The bay is large and provides anglers with great fishing opportunities. There are many interesting fishing spots in the area where anglers can catch many fish species.
Fishing in Puerto Vallarta is very diverse. It’s worth noting that the area attracts anglers of all experience levels. Here, you can enjoy sea fishing as well as freshwater fishing. You can go fishing offshore and inshore.
Puerto Vallarta attracts so many anglers every year due to its fishing spots. There are a lot of comfortable hotels in the area where anglers can stay during their fishing trip.
Best Time to Fish Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta provides anglers with easy access to Banderas Bay. It’s possible to enjoy fishing here throughout the year. You can catch some species of fish all year round.
However, there are fish species that you can catch only seasonally. The season is high when fish migrate into the bay. So, some fish species are active at certain times of the year.
Anglers need to get ready for their fishing adventures ahead of time. It’s crucial for you to know when it’s best to target different species of fish in Puerto Vallarta.
Let’s say that you are interested in catching Yellowfin Tuna. In this case, you should go fishing during the spring months. Or, maybe, you would like to target such fish species as dorado, roosterfish, and wahoo?
If so, visit Puerto Vallarta between October and February. Wahoo is the most active in the summer. It’s possible to catch such fishing species as blue marlin and sailfish all year round.
That’s why it’s so important for anglers to plan their fishing trips in advance. Anglers should always study the best fishing times for the species of fish that they are going to target.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish the Sea of Cortez, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Mazatlan, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Tulum, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Puerto Vallarta Species Breakdown: Best Time
Puerto Vallarta impresses anglers with the abundance of fish. No matter when you choose to go fishing in Puerto Vallarta, you will be able to catch some species of fish each month.
Different species of fish are active during different times of the year. Now, we will provide the list of the most common species of fish and describe their bite times, seasons, etc.
Marlin
Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for those anglers, who like to fish for marlin. It’s possible to enjoy marlin fishing in the area all year round. Here, you can target different species of marlin such as black marlin, blue marlin, and striped marlin. Striped marlin is active all year round.
It’s recommended to target black marlin as well as blue marlin between June and December. The best times of day to fish for marlin are early morning and from the afternoon till sunset. Banderas Bay is known as the best fish to target marlin near Puerto Vallarta.
Roosterfish
Roosterfish fishing is incredibly popular in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas. It’s important to know that Roosterfish gives a preference to warmer coastal waters.
Anglers should use live bait to catch roosterfish. It makes sense to target roosterfish on the sandy beaches. However, you should go to deeper waters if you would like to catch big boosters. The season to fish for roosterfish starts in March and lasts till October.
Grouper
Would you like to try inshore fishing in Puerto Vallarta? If so, you will have a good chance to catch grouper. When targeting groupers, you should fish with natural bait.
Grouper is a predator that looks like a bass. You should aim to target grouper in the fishing spots near reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas. It’s possible to fish for grouper any time of the year, but fish is the most active during the summer months.
Jack crevalle
Jack crevalle is a very good fighter. Catching this fish is a very interesting activity that provides fishermen with positive emotions. That’s why so many anglers prefer to catch this fish.
Jack crevalle can be found in lagoons and fishing spots near reefs. The best time of the year to target jack crevalle in Puerto Vallarta is between January and May.
Dorado
Dorado is also known as mahi mahi fish and dolphinfish. Dorado impresses anglers with its aggressive bite. The fish is active in Puerto Vallarta all year round, so you can catch it each month.
It’s possible to fish for dorado with and without a charter. Anglers, who give a preference to dorado fishing, usually get the best results during the fall and winter months.
Largemouth bass
Even anglers, who prefer freshwater fishing, can get a great fishing experience in Puerto Vallarta. Do you like to fish for largemouth bass? Keep in mind that you’ll have an opportunity to catch largemouth bass during a fishing trip. The fish is active all year round.
Mackerel
Some local anglers choose to catch mackerel when fishing in Puerto Vallarta. Take advantage of inshore fishing to catch mackerel in the area. It would be better to target mackerel in the spring. Go to Banderas Bay to enjoy fishing mackerel.
Sailfish
Anglers, who give a preference to sport fishing, often choose to target sailfish in the Puerto Vallarta area. Take advantage of a fly fishing technique to catch sailfish.
Oftentimes, sailfish are found near the deep reefs. Sailfish actively feed during the daytime. The high season to catch sailfish begins in June and lasts until December. It’s a great idea to catch sailfish on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Yellowfin Tuna
Puerto Vallarta offers great opportunities for anglers, who prefer to target yellowfin tuna. The chance to catch a big fish is always high here.
Trolling is a great way to catch yellowfin tuna. The best time of the year to fish for yellowfin tuna is spring. Try to catch the fish near Islas Marietas.
Wahoo
Those anglers, who are interested in catching predators, should aim to catch wahoo during a fishing trip. This fish is very strong and it moves very quickly. It goes without saying that you’ll find it interesting to fight it.
The season to fish for wahoos in the Puerto Vallarta area starts in October and lasts until February. Many anglers prefer to target wahoo in El Morro.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Puerto Vallarta
These Puerto Vallarta-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, 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 | Type of Fishing Offered |
| High Tides Fishing | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Super Panga Tres Estrellas | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Calypso Charters | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Fishing Are Us – Lucky 1 | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Nuevo Vallarta Fishing – Sea Ray | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Shark’s Sport Fishing | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Nuevo Vallarta Fishing – Flipper IV | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Burton lll Sport Fishing | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
| Lucina III Fishing Charters & Tours | Inshore, Offshore, Billfish |
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Baja California, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish near Cancun, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cabo San Lucas, please read this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Cozumel, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Mexico, please check out this helpful article.
Best Time of Day to Fish Puerto Vallarta
Actually, it’s possible to fish in the Puerto Vallarta area at any time of the day. However, the best times of day for fishing in Puerto Vallarta are sunrise and sunset.
Traditionally, anglers get the best results during these hours. So, it would be better to go fishing during these times of the day.
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 to create your combo.
Puerto Vallarta Fishing & Tidal Impacts
You need to know that fishing times in Puerto Vallarta depend a lot on tides. It’s a good idea to fish the area before low tides and after high tides.
Local anglers choose to go fishing an hour before low tides. Also, it’s a great time to fish the area a few hours after tides.
It’s also important to note that different species of fish react to the tides differently. That’s why you have to know the preferences of fish that you target and plan your fishing trip accordingly.
Storms & Puerto Vallarta Fishing
Anglers are highly recommended to avoid fishing during storms and rainstorms in Puerto Vallarta. Storms pose the risk to anglers. It’s also important to note that storms have a negative impact on the activity of fish.
Fish are usually not active and don’t bite well during storms as well. That’s why it’s so important for anglers to study the weather forecast carefully before going fishing in Puerto Vallarta.
Keep in mind that fishing is often very productive after storms. The tides are high after storms and the ideal conditions for fishing are created. That means that fishing after storms provide anglers with good opportunities.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Puerto Vallarta?
It’s a good idea to visit the area in the winter months as well. Puerto Vallarta fishing in the winter is also very productive.
Among the fish species that you can catch during the winter months are dorado, sailfish, striped marlin as well as wahoo. That means that anglers can get good results when targeting these species of fish.
Night Fishing in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta makes it possible for anglers to enjoy night fishing adventures. Fishing at night is incredible in the area.
During the overnight fishing trips, anglers can catch such fish species as marlins, tunas, and sailfish. It’s important to note that anglers often catch big fish when fishing at night.
On the other hand, night fishing has its own drawbacks. It’s crucial to know that fishing at night can be hard. Anglers often need to overcome various challenges during night fishing trips. So, night fishing is not recommended for beginners.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
What is great about surf fishing is that this method is cheap. Nevertheless, fishing from shore is very productive and offers a lot to anglers. You can take advantage of this fishing method to catch a variety of fish species such as mackerel, jacks, needlefish, snappers, and many others.
Top Fishing Spots in Puerto Vallarta (& Best Fishing Seasons)
It’s crucial for anglers to fish in the area at the right time and in the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the best fishing spots in Puerto Vallarta.
We’ll briefly describe these fishing spots and try to find out what makes them special. This will help you realize the best seasons as well as the best times to enjoy fishing in these spots.
Marietas Islands
Islas Marietas is a very popular fishing spot near Puerto Vallarta. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking natural surroundings, see the abundant wildlife, enjoy deep-sea fishing and catch a variety of fish species.
Among the species of fish that you can catch here are blue marlin, sailfish, stripes, tuna as well as wahoo. The chances to catch a trophy fish are always high here. Anglers can visit this fishing spot all year round.
Corbetena
Corbetena is located in the western part of Puerto Vallarta. A lot of professional anglers come to this fishing spot every year. Here, anglers can always get a great fishing experience. It’s a great place to target such species of fish like bonito, marlin, tuna, sailfish, and wahoo.
You should go to Corbetena if you are interested in trophy fishing. It makes a lot of sense to visit this fishing spot during the summer months when many fish species actively feed. So, anglers can catch them easily.
El Faro
El Faro has gained huge popularity among professional anglers. It’s the place where you can catch different fish species including marlin, tuna as well as sailfish, and wahoo.
However, anglers should visit this fishing spot during certain times of the year only. The reality is, fishing is the most productive here during the summer months.
Manzanillo
It’s a great idea to fish near Manzanillo. Here, anglers can enjoy fishing adventures and target yellowfin tuna as well as sailfish. The best time of the year to fish in this place is between August and September.
Laguna Cajon de Pena
Laguna Cajon de Pena is a place to visit for anglers, who give a preference to freshwater fishing. The lake is situated in the southern part of the Puerto Vallarta area. It’s also important to note that the lake is surrounded by mountains and provides anglers with great picturesque views.
So many anglers choose to target the largemouth bass in Laguna Cajon de Pena. It’s impossible to fish for the largemouth bass all year round. The best times of day to enjoy fishing are early mornings and late evenings.
Booking Charters in Puerto Vallarta: Best Times
A lot of fishing charters are available in Puerto Vallarta and in its surrounding areas. Boats are spacious, comfortable, and fully equipped. So, anglers will have everything that’s needed to get the most out of a fishing trip. However, the local guides recommend anglers bring all the necessary fishing equipment and gear for a fishing trip.
Best season to go
When is the season to go fishing in the Puerto Vallarta area? Actually, you need to take into account many important factors to get the answer to this important question.
First and foremost, you need to go to Puerto Vallarta when your favorite fish species are the most active. It makes a lot of sense to go fishing when the season is high and fishing opportunities are excellent. Also, you need to take into account the prices of hotels and fishing charters.
Many fish species are the most active in the summer. However, it’s also important to note that Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination as well. So, the prices of hotels and fishing charters can go up during the peak fishing season.
It’s a good idea to go to Puerto Vallarta between October and February. During these months, the prices are lower but fishing opportunities are excellent. Spring, fall, and winter are great times to fish in the area because many fish species are active.
Morning vs. afternoon
You can fish the area either in the morning or afternoon. It’s necessary to choose the best time of day to go fishing in Puerto Vallarta with the season of the year and fish species in mind.
It would be better to fish in the morning in the summer. The water cools down and this has a positive impact on the activity of fish.
On the other hand, the afternoon is the best time of the year to fish in the spring, fall, and winter. The water is cold in the morning and it warms up later during the day. So, fish is the most active in the afternoon.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
There are different charters available for fishermen in the Puerto Vallarta area. Anglers can book half-day, full-day, and multi-day charters.
Pick a trip that meets your fishing preferences as well as budget in the best possible way. Your choice mainly depends on how much time you would like to spend on fishing.
Let’s say that you want to fish either in the morning or in the evening. In this case, it would be better to book a 1/2 day fishing trip.
Would you like to spend the whole day fishing? If so, a full-day fishing trip is worth considering.
For a complete breakdown of how good fishing in Puerto Vallarta is, check out this article.
