Sian Ka'an Fly Fishing
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the most productive saltwater flats in the Mexican Caribbean. Its shallow flats, lagoons, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters provide habitat for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook, making the region internationally known for saltwater fly fishing.Ascension Bay is located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and is the area we fish on our guided trips. Boca Paila is another well-known fishing area within Sian Ka'an, but we do not operate a separate Boca Paila charter. Anglers looking to experience Sian Ka'an fly fishing with us fish the flats and backcountry waters of Ascension Bay.
Fly Fishing in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka'an protects an enormous area of coastal habitat along the southern Caribbean coast of Mexico. The reserve includes shallow bays, flats, lagoons, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters that create excellent habitat for many of the species saltwater anglers travel to the Yucatan to pursue.Permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook are the primary gamefish associated with the area's flats fishing. Much of the fishing is sight-casting in shallow water, with anglers and guides searching for moving or feeding fish before making a presentation with fly or light tackle.
Within Sian Ka'an there are several distinct fishing areas. Ascension Bay is the area we fish, offering an extensive flats system and opportunities to target all four of the region's primary gamefish.
Ascension Bay Fly Fishing
Ascension Bay is one of the best-known saltwater flats fisheries within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Its extensive shallow flats, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters provide opportunities to sight-fish for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.Permit and bonefish can be targeted throughout the year, while tarpon and snook add additional opportunities across the bay's varied habitat. Anglers can fish with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both depending on experience, conditions and the species being targeted.
Our guided Sian Ka'an fishing trips take place in Ascension Bay, with full-day trips available for anglers staying throughout the Riviera Maya.
Learn more about Ascension Bay Fly Fishing, including species, seasons, trip information and reservations.
What About Boca Paila?
Boca Paila is another well-known fishing area within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and is frequently associated with fly fishing in the region. Its lagoons, mangrove shorelines and shallow waters provide habitat for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.Boca Paila and Ascension Bay are separate fishing areas within Sian Ka'an. Our guided trips fish Ascension Bay rather than Boca Paila, so anglers looking to fish with us in Sian Ka'an should plan on an Ascension Bay trip.
If you found us while searching for Boca Paila fly fishing, our Ascension Bay Trips offer the same style of Caribbean flats fishing for the region's primary gamefish.
Fish Species in Sian Ka'an
The waters of Sian Ka'an support all four of the primary flats species anglers pursue in the Mexican Caribbean: permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook. The variety of flats, lagoons, mangroves and backcountry habitat allows anglers to encounter several species during the same day of fishing.Permit and bonefish are two of the signature species in Ascension Bay and can be targeted throughout the year. Tarpon and snook are also found throughout the fishery, particularly around mangrove shorelines, channels and protected backcountry waters.
Anglers hoping for a Grand Slam target bonefish, permit and tarpon during the same day, while adding a snook completes a Super Grand Slam.
Permit Fishing | Bonefish Fishing | Tarpon Fishing | Snook Fishing
Sian Ka'an Fly Fishing Seasons
Fly fishing in Ascension Bay and the Sian Ka'an region is available throughout the year, with permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook all providing opportunities during different seasons and conditions.Permit and bonefish can be targeted year-round in Ascension Bay. Tarpon and snook are also available throughout the year, although weather, tides, wind and water conditions can influence where and how each species is targeted on a particular day.
Rather than choosing a trip based only on the calendar, anglers should consider the species they most want to target and the conditions during their visit..
See our Riviera Maya fishing seasons guide for a month-by-month look at permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook fishing throughout the region.
Planning a Sian Ka'an Fly Fishing Trip
Anglers looking to experience Sian Ka'an fly fishing with us fish Ascension Bay on a full-day guided trip. Trips are available for anglers staying throughout the Riviera Maya and can be fished with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both.Because Ascension Bay is a large and diverse fishery, your guide can adjust the day's approach based on the species you'd like to target, your experience level and the conditions. Permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook are all possible, with sight-fishing on the flats being a major part of the experience.
For complete information about trip times, what's included, rates and booking, visit our Ascension Bay fly fishing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sian Ka'an contains several areas known for saltwater flats fishing, including Ascension Bay and Boca Paila. Our guided trips within Sian Ka'an fish Ascension Bay, where anglers can target permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.
Yes. Ascension Bay is located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. It is an extensive shallow-water fishery known for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.
Yes. Boca Paila is another fishing area within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Boca Paila and Ascension Bay are separate fishing areas, and our guided Sian Ka'an trips fish Ascension Bay rather than Boca Paila.
Permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook are the primary flats species associated with Sian Ka'an. Our Ascension Bay trips provide opportunities to target all four species across shallow flats, mangrove shorelines and backcountry waters.
Yes. Ascension Bay offers fly fishing throughout the year. Permit and bonefish can be targeted year-round, while tarpon and snook also provide opportunities throughout the year depending on conditions.
Yes. We offer full-day Ascension Bay fishing trips for anglers staying throughout the Riviera Maya. Trips can be fished with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both depending on your experience and the species you'd like to target.
