This is really a beautiful lake. It is located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, 100 miles north-east of Mazatlán, which is the main city in the state of Sinaloa. If you want to see beautiful landscapes, be far from city noise and go fishing well, then without a doubt, this is the place for you!
The Comedero characteristics
- Length is 10 miles
- Width is 996 feet at the narrowest and 31680 feet at the widest place
- One of Sinaloa’s largest reservoirs — roughly twice the size of nearby El Salto, and up to about 300 ft (90 m) deep
| What it is | Presa José López Portillo, better known as Lake Comedero — a big mountain bass reservoir in the Sierra Madre of Sinaloa |
| Where | Near Cosalá, roughly 100 miles north-east of Mazatlán and about 98 km south-east of Culiacán |
| Size | Around twice the size of El Salto, up to ~300 ft (90 m) deep and about 10 miles long; built in the 1980s |
| Famous for | Trophy largemouth bass — one of the best lakes anywhere for numbers of big fish, with a record near 19 lb |
| Best season | Prime topwater action from about March to mid-June; good fishing much of the year |
| Stay | Lakeside fishing lodges such as Lake Comedero Lodge and Papachal Lodge |
Mexico’s heavyweight bass lake
If El Salto is the lake of single giants, Comedero is the lake of sheer numbers. Bigger, deeper and wilder than its famous neighbour — roughly twice the surface area and dropping to around 300 feet against a backdrop of the Sierra Madre — it is widely rated the best lake in the world for numbers of trophy bass, the kind of place where six- to twelve-pound largemouth come in waves and fish of twelve to fifteen pounds are a real possibility, with a lake record close to nineteen pounds. Built in the 1980s and stocked with Florida-strain bass, it is also one of the great topwater lakes on earth: in the right week the surface erupts on every other cast. Sinaloa’s third musketeer, Lake Bacurato, completes the trophy-bass circuit.
Getting to Comedero and when to go
Comedero’s magic comes partly from its remoteness, so getting there takes a little more effort than El Salto. Most anglers fly into Mazatlán or Culiacán and then drive up toward Cosalá and on to the dam, the last stretch on mountain roads that are part paved, part dirt. Almost everyone comes on a package through one of the lakeside lodges — Lake Comedero Lodge or Papachal Lodge among them — which sort out the boats, guides, meals and your Mexican fishing licence, so all you have to carry is a rod. The headline season for explosive topwater fishing runs from about March into mid-June, though the lake gives up good bass through much of the year. Time it well and you can pair the trip with the silver-mining Pueblo Mágico of Cosalá on the way in.
Lake history
In the 1980s, the construction of Lake Comedero was completed. As you understand, this is an artificial reservoir created for specific purposes. First of all, this rather large lake has become a part of a large irrigation system. At the ridge of the Sierra Madres mountain system, it provides a hydroelectric power station, which is the main generator of energy for the nearby territories.
Wild nature on Lake Comedero
First of all, Lake Comedero is a place that, like a magnet, attracts fishermen from all over the world. Here are amazing nature and not less amazing bass catch. In addition to the bass, there are many other species of fish, such as tilapia and perch.
Do not forget about the license for fishing. More information about the National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission website.
Lake Comedero is one of the best lakes to catch big bass up to 15 pounds of weight. During the day, one boat can catch as many as 60 such fish. Perfect fishing!
The climate of Lake Comedero is very mild and warm all year round. Therefore, fishing will be successful at any time. Most of the fishermen come for a good fish catch from September to May. At this time, the weather is mostly sunny and pleasant. Lake Comedero should be on the list of each avid anglers to fish at least once.
How to spend time on the lake
Lake Comedero is not rich in objects of architecture and landmarks. But even without them, it is no less attractive to tourists. Not far from the lake dam there is a great place to come here and live in a mobile home. In other matters, you can just have a picnic and then go fishing. You cannot worry about the left things, as local inhabitants will look after them.
There is no large choice of entertainment on the lake that many tourists are used to. All outfitters are currently serving the Comedero, working in nearby small villages. However, the dam has a small area suitable for parking house on wheels or camping with locals who can keep an eye on things while fishing on the lake. As a rule, it is never easy to launch a full-sized bass boat on Comedero Lake, and a four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
Beautiful cities around
A beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting is Cosala. It is a small town and the capital of the state of Sinaloa was founded in 1562. Only about 7 thousand people live here. Despite not being crowded, the city is a rich heritage.
There are many picturesque architectural monuments, reminiscent of the old mining town. Be sure to visit the museum of the 16th century dedicated to mining and the history of the city.
From the natural sights without a doubt, visit Wando Hondo. Just 10 minutes’ walk from Cosala and you will find yourself in a stunning location with waterfalls, mountains, and rivers.
You can get from Cosala to the lake in just 30 minutes by taxi or by car. You can learn more about the sights of the city by clicking on the link at the end of the article.
Life and area
The most comfortable conditions are provided by Lake Comedero Papachal Lodge. This hotel hospitably welcomes guests and provides luxury accommodations.
The hotel can buy a package with several options from 1595 US dollars. It all depends on how many days you decide to stay. These packages include accommodation, meals, fishing permits and guides to help you navigate the lake. Moreover, at an additional cost of 50 US dollars, you can order a round trip transfer from the airport of Mazatlán.
Options for housing to buy should be considered in Mazatlán. Because there are mostly villages and the best houses you will find in a large city center.
Houses and apartments have prices above average, but it is worth it. See what a wonderful house can be purchased for 349,000 US dollars. House in a modern style with a pool, garden, and a large area. This comfort and beauty in one bottle. The area itself is quite calm and therefore great for family life.
The best way to get to Lake Comedero
The first thing you need to take a flight to Mazatlán. Flights depart daily at a convenient time. You can reach Lake Comedero for 4 hours from the airport of Mazatlán.
First, you need to get from Mazatlán by a good road to the village of Cosala and then drive about 20 minutes by a dirt road to the coast of the lake.
Of course, since this is a mountainous area, it’s best to take a taxi. Public transport will not take you here. You can order a taxi directly at the airport. Or you can take a bus to the center of Mazatlán, and there already choose a taxi for your taste. Take a taxi costs $ 1 for 0.5 miles.
For tourists from other countries
You should also get to Mazatlan Airport, and take this route. However, you can fly either from Mexico City Airport or try to find a direct flight from your country to Mazatlán.
Links
These links will help you if you need certain information. It will be easier for you to build a route optimally if you are well aware of all the details of the trip.
- Mazatlán International Airport –http://www.mazatlanairport.com/
- Lake Comedero Lodge –https://www.lakecomederolodge.com/
- Lake Comedero Papachal Lodge –
https://www.elpapachal.com/ - Sights of Cosala –https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=ab5b774757384194a83157633271e40a
Frequently asked questions about Lake Comedero
Where is Lake Comedero?
In the Sierra Madre mountains of Sinaloa, near Cosalá — roughly 100 miles north-east of Mazatlán and about 98 km south-east of Culiacán.
Is Lake Comedero good for bass fishing?
It is one of the best trophy largemouth bass lakes in the world, especially for the sheer number of big fish, with a lake record close to 19 pounds and excellent topwater action.
When is the best time to fish Comedero?
The prime topwater season runs from about March to mid-June, although the lake fishes well for much of the year.
How big and deep is Lake Comedero?
It is around twice the size of nearby El Salto, about 10 miles long and up to roughly 300 feet deep, set in the Sierra Madre.
How do you get to Lake Comedero?
Fly into Mazatlán or Culiacán, then drive up toward Cosalá and the dam on part-paved, part-dirt mountain roads. The lakeside lodges usually arrange the transfer.
Where do you stay at Lake Comedero?
At one of the lakeside fishing lodges, such as Lake Comedero Lodge or Papachal Lodge, which provide boats, guides, meals, accommodation and licences.
What fish are in Lake Comedero?
Largemouth bass are the main draw, alongside tilapia and catfish; like El Salto, the lake was stocked with Florida-strain bass.
Comedero or El Salto — which is better?
El Salto is easier to reach and famous for single giants; Comedero is bigger, wilder and best for numbers of big bass and topwater fishing. Many anglers fish both on the same trip.
