Essential Yearly Fishing Chart for Puerto Vallarta Anglers

Jonny Ocean
2 days ago
3 min read

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta offers a rich experience throughout the year, but knowing when and where to fish can make all the difference. This guide provides a clear, month-by-month fishing chart to help anglers plan their trips and maximize their catch. Whether you are targeting marlin, sailfish, dorado, or roosterfish, understanding the seasonal patterns will improve your chances of success.

Eye-level view of a fishing boat near Puerto Vallarta coastline with calm waters and clear skies — Fishing boat near Puerto Vallarta coastline, ideal for seasonal fishing

How to Use the Yearly Fishing Chart

The yearly fishing chart breaks down the best months for catching specific species in Puerto Vallarta. Use this chart to:

Plan your fishing trips around peak seasons
Choose the right bait and tackle for the target species
Understand local weather and ocean conditions that affect fish behavior

Monthly Fishing Overview

January to March: Early Season Opportunities

These months mark the start of the fishing season with cooler water temperatures. Anglers can expect:

Sailfish: Peak season begins in January and continues through March. These months offer some of the best sailfish action in the region.
Roosterfish: Active nearshore, especially around rocky points and river mouths.
Snapper and Grouper: Found near reefs and rocky bottoms, good for bottom fishing.

Tips:

Use live bait such as sardines or small mackerel for sailfish.
Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for roosterfish.

April to June: Transition to Warm Waters

Water temperatures rise, bringing more species into the area.

Marlin: Blue and black marlin start appearing in April, with May and June being prime months.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Begin to show up in late May, increasing through June.
Tuna: Yellowfin tuna become more common offshore.

Tips:

Trolling with artificial lures or live bait works well for marlin.
Look for floating debris or weed lines where dorado gather.

July to September: Peak Warm Season

This period is the hottest and often the most productive for offshore fishing.

Dorado: Peak season, especially in July and August.
Marlin: Continue strong through September.
Sailfish: Still present but less abundant than earlier in the year.
Wahoo: Appear in late summer, prized for speed and fight.

Tips:

Use fast trolling techniques for wahoo.
Dorado respond well to bright-colored lures and live bait.

October to December: Late Season and Inshore Focus

As the water cools slightly, fishing shifts closer to shore.

Roosterfish: Peak inshore action, especially near estuaries and beaches.
Snapper and Grouper: Excellent bottom fishing opportunities.
Sailfish: Return in smaller numbers.
Bonito and Sierra Mackerel: Abundant nearshore, great for light tackle fishing.

Tips:

Use poppers and jigs for roosterfish.
Bottom fishing with cut bait yields good results for snapper.

Understanding Weather and Ocean Conditions

Puerto Vallarta’s fishing success depends on weather patterns and ocean currents:

Rainy Season (June to October): Brings nutrient-rich runoff, attracting baitfish and larger predators.
Dry Season (November to May): Offers calmer seas and clearer water, ideal for trolling and sight fishing.
Wind Patterns: Afternoon winds can affect boat handling and fish behavior; plan trips for early morning when winds are lighter.

Equipment and Bait Recommendations

Matching your gear to the season and target species improves your catch rate:

Light Tackle: Best for roosterfish, snapper, and inshore species.
Medium to Heavy Tackle: Needed for marlin, sailfish, and dorado.
Bait: Live sardines, mackerel, and squid work well year-round. Artificial lures like skirted trolling lures and poppers are effective during peak seasons.