Holding up a Tarpon caught on the fly in Xcalak Mexico

Overview

Experience the Best of Mexican Fly Fishing: La Maya Riviera

Embarking on a fly fishing adventure in the stunning flats of La Maya Riviera, Mexico, offers anglers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while targeting some of the most sought-after species in saltwater fishing. Our hosted trips are designed to take you beyond the busy Cancun scene and immerse you in a serene environment where you can pursue bonefish, tarpon, and permit against the breathtaking backdrop of crystal-clear waters and vibrant landscapes. Imagine standing on sun-drenched flats, casting into inviting waters, and experiencing the thrill of landing these incredible fish.

The journey begins the moment we pick you up in Cancun. From there, we travel south to the true heart of Mexico, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind. This scenic drive not only sets the tone for your trip but also offers a glimpse into the vibrant local culture. As you navigate through lush landscapes and charming towns, the anticipation builds for the fishing experiences that await. Our guides are not just fishing experts; they are passionate about sharing the region’s rich history and traditions, ensuring your journey is as enriching as your time on the water.

The flats of La Maya Riviera are renowned for their biodiversity, making them a dream destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a novice, you’ll find numerous opportunities to connect with nature and challenge yourself. Bonefish are a major highlight of our trips, known for their speed and agility. These fish provide an exhilarating challenge as they dart across the flats, making them a favorite among sight casters. The shallow waters are perfect for spotting these fast swimmers, allowing you to experience the thrill of hooking bonefish in their natural habitat. Their rapid runs and clever evasive maneuvers will keep you engaged and on your toes, promising an action-packed day on the water.

Another highlight of our trips is the chance to pursue tarpon, often referred to as the “silver king.” These magnificent fish offer an adrenaline rush like no other, with their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs providing an unforgettable challenge. Our local knowledge and expertise will guide you to the best spots where tarpon congregate, increasing your chances of landing one of these iconic species. The excitement of battling a tarpon and witnessing its impressive display is an experience that every angler should have.

Permit fishing is another aspect that sets our trips apart. Often considered the ultimate prize in saltwater fly fishing, permit are both challenging and rewarding. Their selective feeding habits can make them elusive, but with our expert guidance, you’ll learn techniques that can improve your chances of hooking this coveted fish. The satisfaction of landing a permit is a dream for many anglers, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve that goal.

To enhance your fishing experience, we recommend using #6-12 wt fly rods, depending on the conditions and your target species. The versatility of these rods allows you to adapt to various fishing situations, whether you’re casting for speedy bonefish, battling a leaping tarpon, or pursuing the elusive permit. Our guides will assist you in selecting the appropriate gear and provide insights into effective casting techniques, ensuring that you’re fully prepared to tackle the challenges of the flats.

We take pride in offering personalized and immersive experiences that go beyond the act of fishing itself. Our small group sizes guarantee that you receive dedicated attention and tailored guidance, making your trip as enjoyable as possible. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their expertise and love for the sport, offering tips on casting, local fishing techniques, and the rich marine ecosystem you’ll be exploring. We believe that every fishing trip should be memorable, and we are committed to making that a reality for you.

In conclusion, an incredible fly fishing experience awaits you in La Maya Riviera, where stunning scenery and abundant marine life create the perfect backdrop for your next fishing adventure. Book your trip today and discover the magic of fishing in the heart of Mexico. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a big catch or simply soaking in the beauty of your surroundings, we guarantee an unforgettable experience awaits you. Join us, and let’s make lasting memories together on the beautiful flats of La Maya Riviera!

In Mahahual  the November average high-temperature is 33°C (92°F), and the average low-temperature is 24°C (80°F). The average heat index (a.k.a. ‘feels like’, ‘apparent temperature’), which combines air temperature and relative humidity, in May is appraised at 31°C (87.8°F).

2025

Airport & Hotel pickup in Cancun

January 9th, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 13th.

March 7th, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 11th.

May 2nd, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 6th.

September 12th, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 16th.

November 7th, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 11th.

       

 

2026

Airport & Hotel pickup in Cancun

January 9th, travel to destination, returning to airport on the 13th.

(a private group of 4 or more? contact us for personal trip dates)

 

Call or text 760-873-0010 for details and pricing, we can also extend to 6 days of fishing and 7 nights at a very affordable rate.

Your Host

Sierra Trout Magnet

Your Host will be David D’Beaupre, the owner of the STM Fly Shop in Bishop, California. David has lived and guided in the southern Mayan Coast of Mexico throughout the last 20 years, at one time he lived in the area for 2 consecutive years. He will pick you up and drop you off from the airport in Cancun, take you to the best restaurant experiences during the trip, and be with you throughout the day with different guides to help with whatever you need to help you catch these unforgettable saltwater fish. Not only does he know the language, culture, and his way around like a local, he is absolutely ecstatic about sight fishing to the exotic and reel screaming fish of the Caribbean salt flats. You will have the best possible experience the area has to offer.

The Lodging

Our lodging will be an amazing hotel right on the beach boasting its own beachfront with fishing opportunities right out the front door. Located a few steps from Mahahual Beach, the Caribean style lodging has such accommodations such as two restaurants on the property, free private parking, and a bar with some local drinks in the evening, and coffee and breakfast in the morning. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, drinking water tank to refill your bottles, and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a fresh water hose for cleaning salty gear, and provides a sun porch with outdoor chairs, as well as a fully equipped gym.

The hotels rooms complement the location and are worthy of the tropical experience. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries, hot water, very cold air conditioning, a television, and all built with local jungle wood. All rooms have two beds and plenty of storage.

The Fishing

Depending on the current conditions our guides will pick us up, or we will leave at either 7 or 8a.m. in a large vehicle capable of transporting 6-7 people. We will have the rented vehicle that carries us from Cancún the entire stay if needed to suit different schedules. From there we take a short drive to where the guides and their boats are waiting for us in the fishing town at the end of the road in the town of Xcalak. The expansive flats of Chetumal Bay, our main fishing location are not far from here.. Along the way we usually stop “out front” before following the canal into the bay to survey the rolling Tarpon action for a possible shot at one of the most exciting game fish in the world. The Chetumal bay flats are home to a very strong population of bonefish, excellent numbers of Permit, as well as resident juvenile tarpon, jack crevalle, triggers, snook, barracuda, and some small sharks, and occasional dolphin.  The local guides we utilize are masters of knowing the fishes habits, and excellent at sighting the slightest movement on the saltwater flats. They have amazing eyes and will usually spot fish long before the angler, perfect for you to get your line in order and be ready for the shot. You will get the opportunity to fish from the boat as well as wade some beautiful hard-bottomed sandy flats. A lunch and beverages are provided and quickly consumed to return to the fishing. After the sun is high and visibility fades in the late afternoon we will eventually head back to our tropical hotel to clean up, have a hot or cold shower, and then meet up and head to dinner to discuss the day and ready ourselves for the next.

Xcalak and Chetumal Bay are rated as some the best fishing destinations in the world. As any seasoned fly angler knows, it’s not completely about the fishing, it’s the amazing locations the sport of fly fishing lead us to. The area is the portrait of beautiful tropical scenery and a tranquil state of mind in this remote tropical paradise on the Caribbean. At times, in the boat, we well be very close if not right on the border of Belize.

The reef protected beaches of Mahaual and Xcalak, along with Chetumal bay offer some of the finest sight casting to Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon in a tropical paradise. These areas are much less used and fishing pressure is much lighter compared to its much more well known fishing destinations to the north and south. We will have chances to feel the reel burning runs of saltwater species each day we are out  there! Fishing is done from the 23-26 foot pongas, and skiffs. Fishing from the specialized flats boats allows us to be above the fish to sight them better for a longer shot, stepping off the boat and wading allows us to creep up closer to them under their radar to get a more accurate shot.

What You Will Need

-Personal Items- Passport, Drivers License, ATM Card, Cash, Credit Cards, RX prescription, Sunscreen, Basic First Aid items(I will have a first aid kit), Sports Tape, Lip Block with Sun protection, Insect Repellent, Zip Lock Baggie if needed.

-Clothing- Lightweight Long Sleeves, Quick Drying Pants and Shorts, Sun Hats, Buffs, Sun Gloves, Lightweight Rain Jacket.

-Footwear- Flats style Booties or Surf Booties or Laced Wading Boots, Comfortable Lightweight Shoes or Flip Flops as well during non-fishing times.

-Saltwater Fly Fishing Gear- Polarized Glasses, Glasses Cleaner, Line Clippers, Hook Sharpener, Wading Pack, Hemostat, Fly Rods 7-10wt with Floating Lines, Fly Reels, Boat Bag, Tippet Material, Line Cleaner and Pad.

Flies for the Flats of Mexico