Baby Tarpon Fly Fishing in Rio Lagartos, Yucatán 2025.

Fly Fishing for Tarpon in Río Lagartos, Yucatán, Mexico.

Welcome to one of the top tarpon fisheries in North America. Nestled within the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, our protected estuary system offers world-class fly fishing for both giant tarpon and baby tarpon—just minutes from the dock.
From May through October, the summer season delivers consistent action for both giant and baby tarpon, with pods of up to 500 fish cruising the warm, food-rich shallows. The giants can reach over 100 lbs, and the baby tarpon are aggressive and acrobatic—perfect for sight casting and explosive surface eats.
Winter and spring (November–April) still provide productive baby tarpon fly fishing, especially in the early morning when the winds are calm. We offer half-day winter trips with the option to extend in the afternoon if conditions are right.

Why Fish With Us

Local Expertise on Every Tide
We’ve spent decades fishing these waters. From baby tarpon in the estuary to permit on the flats and giant tarpon offshore—our local knowledge gives you the edge, no matter the conditions.
Custom Trips, Any Skill Level
Whether it’s your first time with a fly rod or your fiftieth, we’ll match the trip to your goals. Walk, wade, or boat—every day is custom-fit to your pace, target species, and skill level.
Proven Experience & Trusted Service
Since 1995, we’ve guided thousands of anglers through the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and beyond. Our reputation is built on professionalism, consistency, and unforgettable days on the water.

Rio Lagartos has some of the best Tarpon Fishing in North America.

We have one of the premiere rookeries and fishing grounds in the Ria Lagartos Bio Reserve estuary protected by barrier islands.

Stay Right on the Water at Ria Maya Lodge — Rio Lagartos, Yucatán, Mexico.

Wake up steps from the dock at Ria Maya Lodge, the only fly fishing lodge in Rio Lagartos, Yucatán with true waterfront rooms overlooking the estuary. Located in the heart of town, Ria Maya is home base for Rio Lagartos Adventures and the perfect place to launch your baby tarpon or birding tour.
Whether you’re here to fly fish for baby tarpon or soak in the scenic Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, you’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience of a modern waterfront lodge designed with anglers in mind.

Why Ria Maya Lodge?

On-Site Restaurant – Fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine, and panoramic views of Rio Lagartos harbor
Whether you’re targeting giant tarpon in the summer or chasing baby tarpon year-round, you’ll be right where the action starts. From sunrise fly fishing trips to sunset dinners on the deck, Ria Maya Lodge offers everything you need for a memorable Yucatán fly fishing adventure.

Unbeatable Location – Just steps from the boats, with no traffic or street noise between you and the water

3 Waterfront Rooms – All with second-story estuary views, two double beds, and modern amenities

Full Amenities – Private bath, cable TV, internet, and refrigerator in every room

Relax Between Trips – Spacious deck and dock areas to unwind, enjoy the sunset, or plan your next outing

We have baby tarpon in large quantities all year round.

We say the fishing is best during this time because the weather is most cooperative and winds and weather patterns are the best for flyfishing. It is not for a lack of fish at other times.

Chase Giant Tarpon in the Shallow Waters of Rio Lagartos, Mexico

From late July through October, giant tarpon return to the warm, food-rich estuaries of Rio Lagartos, one of the most consistent big tarpon fisheries in the Yucatán Peninsula. If you dream of hooking into triple-digit fish in shallow water, this is where you want to be.
Our guides specialize in putting fly anglers in front of pods of 50 to 500 tarpon — often within 30 minutes of the dock. These fish average 60–120 lbs and test every ounce of your gear and grit.

Why Fish Rio Lagartos for Giant Tarpon?

One of the top giant tarpon destinations in Mexico

Sight-cast in 3–6 feet of water in a vast protected biosphere

Prime season: late May through October

Fish with seasoned guides who know where the giants roll

Stay minutes from the launch and be casting by sunrise.
We recommend a minimum 4-night / 3-day package, but longer stays increase your chances of hitting prime weather and tide windows. Many anglers pair their tarpon days with sessions for baby tarpon, jack crevalle, or snook when the wind kicks up.
This is fly fishing for tarpon at its purest. No crowds. No drama. Just you, the fish, and the flats.

Year-Round Baby Tarpon Fly Fishing in Rio Lagartos

If giant tarpon are the heavyweight title fight, baby tarpon are the nonstop action — and Rio Lagartos is one of the best places in the world to chase them on the fly.
We target resident baby tarpon in the 5–30 lb range, often in calm, shallow water, perfect for sight fishing and explosive topwater eats. The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is packed with remote mangrove lagoons, backwater creeks, and open flats where baby tarpon roll, bust bait, and jump on flies all year long.
Why Baby Tarpon in Rio Lagartos ?

Consistent year-round fishery — great from January through December

Peak season: May through October (prime conditions + big numbers)

Protected estuary full of clean water and minimal pressure

Custom trips available for beginners or seasoned tarpon hunters

Perfect for walk-and-wade or shallow-draft boat fishing.

Bonus shots at snook, jacks, and more….

Whether you’re learning to strip set or trying to put a dozen tarpon in the air before lunch, this is a high-action fishery with incredible scenery, expert guides, and real connection to the fish and water.

Be Our Guest — Explore More Than Fishing

Not everyone comes to Rio Lagartos to fish—and that’s what makes it special. Whether you’re joining an angler or seeking a unique nature experience, Rio Lagartos Adventures offers guided tours through one of Mexico’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Flamingos, Crocodiles, and Birdlife
Located in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, we’re surrounded by over 40,000 resident flamingos and nearly 400 species of birds. From spoonbills to herons, you’ll witness the incredible wildlife that thrives in this coastal sanctuary.
Private, Guided Nature Tours
Our English-speaking guides are professional and highly knowledgeable. Every tour is designed for maximum wildlife viewing and photo opportunities—never rushed, never shared.
Choose Your Start Time
We recommend early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and boat traffic. Reservations are required to ensure a personalized, low-impact experience.
Trusted Since 1995
We’ve been sharing this place with nature lovers for nearly 30 years. Come see why we’re a top-rated tour operator in the Yucatán.
Let’s Plan Your Next Day on the Water
Whether you’re chasing your first fish or your next trophy, we’re here to make it easy and unforgettable. Reach out to book a guided trip, ask a question, or just talk fishing — no pressure, no gimmicks, just real advice from folks who do this every day.

A list of equipment for Baby Tarpon and Snook

9 ft rod – # 8 to #10WF floating line with a short belly ( Rio tropical outbound short)

Leaders no longer than 9 ft with a shock tippet in 52 to 60 LB.

Reel with a capacity of fly line + 100 yards of 20 LB. backing

Hook size 1/0 to 3/0

Poppers, Gurglers, Black death, Purple death, bait fish imitations in blue and white.

We have best 21 foot Pangas well adapted for sport fishing & Flyfishing ( no comercial fishing boat).