Lake Bacurato (Baccarac)

Original name of the lake is Lic Gustavo Diaz Ordaz (Lake Bacurato). But mostly popular name is lake Baccarac which is given from the namesake Baccarac lodge hotel on this lake. It is a natural lake located in the western part of Mexico at a distance of 90 miles from Los Mochis. At first view, this is a completely ordinary lake, no different from others. But you cannot imagine what a find it is for fishermen. But more about that later.

What is Lake Baccarac in basic parameters?

• Length is 25 miles
• Average width is 5 miles
• Surface area: about 30,000 acres at full pool

World-class bass fishing at Baccarac

Baccarac is where Mexico’s trophy-bass story really began. When Florida-strain largemouth were poured into this 30,000-acre impoundment of the Río Sinaloa in 1978 and a lakeside lodge followed in the early 1980s, the warm, fertile water turned them into giants — and the legend was born. Today it remains one of the best big-bass lakes on the planet: hundred-fish days are routine, four- to eight-pounders are simply the norm, and nine- and ten-pound trophies are caught every week. The lake record stands at 19.10 pounds, and with 20-pound fish reportedly turning up in local tilapia nets, plenty of anglers believe a new world record is swimming somewhere in its arms. If you are building a Mexican bass trip, Baccarac sits alongside Sinaloa’s other two heavyweights, El Salto and Comedero.

Getting to Baccarac and the lodges

This is a remote corner of northern Sinaloa, tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Madre near the village of Bacubirito, so almost everyone comes on an organised package. The nearest airport is Los Mochis, though many anglers fly into Culiacán or Mazatlán instead; from there it is a two- to five-hour drive up to the water depending on the route. The lakeside lodges — Lake Baccarac Lodge chief among them — put you right at the water’s edge with cabins, boats, guides, gear, meals and your Mexican fishing licence all taken care of. Aim for the cooler, drier months of winter and spring for the most comfortable conditions, though Baccarac rewards anglers for much of the year.

History of the lake

In 1978, Lake Baccarac was heavily supplied with the large bass from Florida. Billy Chapman Sr. took over the supply of the lake with this kind of fish. In 1983, he received rights from the Mexican authorities and built a resort area near the Baccarac in the village of Bacubirito.

Since then, a large number of fishermen, especially from Mexico and the United States, often come here to catch the biggest bass.

By the way, the record for fishing was set in 1993. One of the fishermen caught the bass of 19 pounds!

Wild nature on the Baccarac

The main attraction and wildlife of Lake Baccarac is the big bass. But there are also carps and various types of catfish. Of course, most tourists come here to catch the coveted bass. Perhaps someone will manage to break the record and capture bass weighing more than 19 pounds and we will find out about this lucky man.

Weekend and holiday on the lake

Lake Baccarac is a specific place. Lovers and fishery professionals go here. On the shore of the lake, there is an excellent hotel that welcomes guests from September to June. This is due to the specific climate of the lake. In other months it is either more rainy or dry. Nibble is not the best at this time.

Lake Baccarac Lodge is a wonderful hotel that creates all the right conditions for comfortable relaxation and fishing on the lake. Since 2005 this house welcomes up to 28 people at a time. For example, 4 nights of accommodation and 3 days of fishing will cost you 1250 US dollars.

Here you can enjoy delicious seafood and national Mexican cuisine. There are also 15 boats that can be rented for fishing. Check the cost and conditions on the hotel website.

Do not forget that you will need a Mexican license for fishing. Information about licenses is available on Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission website.

By the way, if you take a decision to stay at Lake Baccarac Lodge, then you will be given a license, the cost of which is included in the accommodation package. This is very convenient since you do not have to spend precious time on registration and purchase of this license.

What places around to visit?

This lake is quite remote from cultural attractions. For the most part, this is a place of wildlife and the most suitable place for successful fishing. Therefore, viewing the sights is better to plan a separate trip, or set aside time on a trip and go to another part of immense Mexico.

This does not mean that there is nothing to see. Moreover, there are so many beautiful and panoramic views. You can ride a bike or go hiking. There are not the most convenient roads for taxis, but narrower paths.

Conditions for life

This is a paradise for fishermen and all who love wildlife. The best place to stay for a few days or weeks is the Lake Baccarac Lodge hotel mentioned above.

And if you are thinking about buying property in this area, it is better to make a choice in favor of the territories right on the coast. After all, this area near Lake Baccarac is little developed and has more wild landscape than comfortable conditions for life.

A great area is like Mazatlán, Sinaloa. There are decent apartments or houses for every taste. Here is such a gorgeous house worth 604,500 US dollars. At your disposal will be a sports club with a swimming pool, several parking spaces and a view of the golf course. Not a house, but a dream, right?

The best way to get to Lake Baccarac

From Mexico

To get to the lake, you must first go by plane to Los Mochis or Culiacan, Mexico. And after the flight, you expect a 2-hour van ride straight to the lake.

If you made a choice to stay at Lake Baccarac Lodge, you can prearrange a service and a van will meet you at the airport and deliver to your destination.

From the USA

You can take a charter flight from Phoenix in Arizona or El Paso in Texas. The plane will land just 10 minutes from the lake. All the necessary information is on the sites of each airport.

By the way, the cheapest flight option on a charter flight is to book it from the nearest border cities. For example, Phoenix and El Paso are great. You can learn more details on the Lake Baccarac Lodge website.

Helpful links

• Lake Baccarac Lodge –http://www.lakebaccaraclodge.com/
• Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission –http://www.sportfishinginmexico.com/licences/
• El Paso International Airport –http://www.elpasointernationalairport.com/
• Phoenix Airport –https://www.phoenix-airport.com/

Frequently asked questions about Lake Baccarac

Is Lake Bacurato the same as Lake Baccarac?

Yes. The lake’s official name is Presa Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, or “Bacurato”; “Baccarac” is the popular name taken from the lodge on its shore.

Where is Lake Baccarac?

In the municipality of Sinaloa de Leyva in northern Sinaloa, in the Sierra Madre foothills, roughly 90 miles from Los Mochis.

Is Lake Baccarac good for bass fishing?

It is one of the best trophy largemouth bass lakes in the world. Hundred-fish days are routine, four- to eight-pounders are normal, and the lake record is 19.10 pounds.

How big is Lake Baccarac?

About 30,000 acres at full pool, roughly 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, formed by damming the Río Sinaloa.

When was Baccarac stocked with bass?

Florida-strain largemouth bass were introduced in 1978, and a fishing lodge was established on the lake in the early 1980s, launching its world fame.

How do you get to Lake Baccarac?

Fly into Los Mochis (the closest airport), Culiacán or Mazatlán, then drive two to five hours to the lakeside lodge depending on your route.

Where do you stay at Lake Baccarac?

At a lakeside fishing lodge such as Lake Baccarac Lodge, which provides waterfront cabins, boats, guides, gear, meals and licences.

When is the best time to fish Baccarac?

The cooler winter and spring months are the most popular and comfortable, though the lake produces good fishing for much of the year.