Wonderful Lake Dominguez is located in state Sinaloa, 3 miles from the colonial town of El Fuerte. The common name of the lake is El Sabino. Here everyone will find something to do for the soul and rest from the city rush. If you have not been here yet, then you should definitely include this lake in the main list of the best places to travel!
The Lake Dominguez characteristics
- Length is 13.1 miles
- Width is 1411 feet at the narrowest and 17952 feet at the widest place
- Surface area: about 5,200 hectares (roughly 12,800 acres)
| Official name | Presa Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez — known to anglers as El Sabino |
| Where | On the Río Álamos, about 15 km west of El Fuerte, in northern Sinaloa (~95 km from Los Mochis) |
| Built | 1965–1967, for irrigation and water storage |
| Size | About 5,200 hectares (roughly 12,800 acres) |
| Fishing | Largemouth bass (lobina), catfish and tilapia — best from November to May |
| Paired with | Nearby El Mahone (Presa Miguel Hidalgo) — the two lakes of El Fuerte |
Bass fishing at El Sabino
El Sabino is another of the friendly, lower-key members of Sinaloa’s famous bass circuit. The reservoir holds plenty of largemouth bass, along with good catfish and tilapia, and because it sees far fewer travelling anglers than headline lakes like El Salto and Comedero, the fishing feels wonderfully unhurried. Its great charm is the human side: many of the local guides come from families who have fished these waters for generations, and they will put you on bass while sharing the lake’s rhythms. As across the region, the cooler, drier months from November to May are the prime window, with boats, tackle, simple restaurants and lodging all close at hand.
Two lakes, one magical town
The best reason to come is that El Sabino does not stand alone. Just down the road lies its twin, El Mahone (Presa Miguel Hidalgo), and both sit within easy reach of El Fuerte, one of Sinaloa’s Pueblos Mágicos. That means a single base in El Fuerte’s colonial streets — with its old fort, boutique hotels and the El Chepe railway up into the Copper Canyon — lets you fish two good bass lakes and ride one of the world’s great train journeys on the same trip. Fly into Los Mochis, about an hour and a half away, and the whole El Fuerte fishing-and-rail country opens up.
History of the lake
The history of Lake Dominguez dates back to the middle of the 20th century. First of all, it is associated with a major flood in 1955, which overtook the inhabitants of the settlement. Initially, the lake was a source of fresh water for cattle and was not wild and untouched. However, the flood caused the dam to build on the lake and give it a protective function from the following catastrophes.
Since then, the lake has gradually become much better. A large number of hydraulic works and research activities are carried out here.
Wild nature
After a major flood occurred, the lake was not the only water protection system. Fisheries began to develop actively. The volume of the dam creates the most favorable conditions for fishing.
Who can I catch here? There is a wide variety of mollusks and fish. For example, among the fish in the lake are catfish and perch. And also crabs and shrimps are very popular. One catch can reach 60 kg, this is fantastic!
Do not forget to purchase a license for fishing. Read the information on the site of Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission.
How to spend time on Lake Dominguez
On the lake, there are wonderful places for a picnic. Stunning views and landscapes is an excellent opportunity to organize a photo session and capture good moments. Unfortunately, there are no campgrounds. But you always have the opportunity to stay for a few days with tents.
Also here is the best place for fishing, sports, and outdoor activities.
Parks near Lake Dominguez
The coast of the lake does not differ in many interesting places. Here, bright landscapes, but wild. To get closer to the culture and history of the local people, visit the amusement park on the Fuerte River – Tirolesa La Galera. And don’t forget to visit History Museum. Here you will find amazing photos and learn unusual facts about the crafts and lifestyle of Sinaloa State. The park and museum are 2.78 miles from the lake. Public transport rarely goes here, so go to your destination by taxi.
Beautiful cities around
Definitely, you should visit the city of El Fuerte. This is an old colonial city. It is small, cozy but with a surprisingly warm and soulful atmosphere. It was founded in 1564 by the Spanish conquerors. Therefore, here you can meet the representatives of the Spanish peoples.
There is the green park of Montecarlos. On the territory, there are two football fields and picnic lawns. The park is open to visitors 24 hours and has free admission.
Be sure to visit the ceremonial center of Teuoko and Iglesia de Dolores. This is an observation point, which offers a magnificent view of the city. All attractions are within walking distance of the city center, so they are easy to find.
Life in the lake area
The best choice to spend a few days is to stay in the city of El Fuerte. There are cheap hostels and guesthouses, and there are also more expensive options. Prices for a single room for one night start at 650 pesos.
There are no campsites on the coast of the lake. At the same time to get from El Fuerte quickly and conveniently.
If you want to link your life forever with this place, then why not? Nature, clean air, good infrastructure – so you need to have a quality life!
Homes are not distinguished by luxury and wealth. Mostly housing modest and democratic. Such a small and cozy house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fenced area can be purchased for just 72 600 US dollars.
How to get to Lake Dominguez
For locals
The lake is 52 miles from the city of Los Mochis of the state of Sinaloa. You should take the northeast train and get off at the first stop of El Fuerte. From the city to the coast of Lake Dominguez you have to take a taxi and you will reach the lake in 25 minutes.
Also from Los Mochis to El Fuerte can be reached by bus for 30 pesos. The bus leaves from the street Avenida Independencia and from the place next to America Hotel. The trip will be about 1.5 hours.
For foreign tourists
Tourists from other countries need to first get to Federal Airport of Valle del Fuente. Then by bus from the airport to the city center of El Fuerte. And from there take a taxi to the coast of the lake.
Exact information on the fare on the bus and timetable can be found on the information desk of the airport.
Helpful links
These links will be useful for you to plan your trip and route.
- El Fuerte Museum –https://www.elfuerte.gob.mx/turismo/museo.php
- Federal Airport of Valle del Fuerte –https://ru.flightaware.com/live/airport/MMLM
- Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission –http://www.sportfishinginmexico.com/licences/
Frequently asked questions about El Sabino
Where is El Sabino (Presa Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez)?
On the Río Álamos, about 15 km west of the town of El Fuerte in northern Sinaloa, roughly 95 km from Los Mochis.
Why does it have two names?
Its official name is Presa Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez; anglers and locals usually just call it El Sabino.
Is El Sabino good for bass fishing?
Yes — it holds plenty of largemouth bass plus catfish and tilapia, and is a quieter, friendly stop on the Sinaloa bass circuit.
When was El Sabino built, and how big is it?
It was built between 1965 and 1967 on the Río Álamos and covers about 5,200 hectares (roughly 12,800 acres).
When is the best time to fish El Sabino?
The cooler, drier months from November to May are the prime season for bass.
Can you fish El Sabino and El Mahone on the same trip?
Yes. El Sabino and El Mahone (Presa Miguel Hidalgo) are the two lakes of El Fuerte, close together, and lodges often fish both.
How do you get to El Sabino?
Fly into Los Mochis, about 90 minutes away, then continue to El Fuerte; the lake is roughly 15 km from town.
Where do you stay near El Sabino?
Most visitors stay in the boutique hotels of El Fuerte or at a lakeside fishing lodge, with local guides arranging boats and licences.
