Sugar Lake – El Azúcar (Presa Marte R. Gómez )

Sugar Lake is located in the western part of Tamaulipas. If you want to discover all the secrets of the lake, live to see its wildlife and just visit a beautiful place, then go on a trip right now!

The lake characteristics

• Length is 13.25 miles
• Width is  0.66 miles at the narrowest and 13.3 miles at the widest place
• Square is 58240 acres

Sugar Lake’s sweet bass fishing

Sugar Lake has long had a reputation for some of the sweetest largemouth bass fishing in Mexico. Fed by the Río San Juan and its sister rivers, the reservoir is a classic bass factory — flooded timber, thick hydrilla beds and rocky points giving Florida-strain largemouth everything they need to pile on weight, with ten-pound fish caught regularly. Its great trump card is location: lying barely half an hour south of the Texas border across from Roma, it has always been an easy hop for anglers from the Rio Grande Valley, who usually come through an established lakeside camp that handles boats, guides and the Mexican licence. If border-water bass is your thing, it pairs naturally with the giants of nearby Falcon and Lake Guerrero.

Duck hunting and birdlife

There is more to Sugar Lake than bass. The shallow margins and the surrounding Río San Juan wetlands draw huge numbers of wintering waterfowl, which has made the reservoir one of the better-known duck-hunting destinations in north-eastern Mexico. From late autumn the flooded flats fill with ducks, and a number of the lakeside camps run guided hunts alongside their fishing operations — some visitors come specifically to combine a morning in a duck blind with an afternoon chasing bass. For those who would rather watch than hunt, the same wetlands are a fine spot for birding, with herons, egrets, ospreys and a procession of migratory species working the water.

History of lake

The history of SugarLake (or another lake name is El Azúcar) begins in the distant 20th century. Like many Mexican states, areas of Tamaulipas were often prone to flooding. To prevent this threat from occurring, the Mexican authorities decided to build a dam. And in 1936, an ordinary lake became an important defender of the state from natural disasters.

By the way, the constructed dam Martha R. Gomez became the third largest dam in Mexico.

Wild nature

Sugar Lake is a valuable place for anyone who truly loves untouched places. There is no abundance of buildings here because most of the coast is wild woodland. On the shores of the lake grow majestic deciduous trees and lush bushes. From birds, you can meet wild ducks.

By the way, this lake is a favorite place for many tourists. This is the most popular lake for fishing. And there is a big perch here. The place is popular among Americans, Mexicans, and guests from other countries.

How to spend time on Sugar Lake

As mentioned above, this is a super fishing spot. Sometimes local and visiting fishermen organize sports competitions in perch fishing. This is really an impressive sight.

Of course, Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission strictly monitors the safety and legality of fishing on the lake. Therefore, everyone who wants to get the coveted perch catch should be licensed. It is not difficult. Check out the permission information on their website.

In addition to fishing, here you can go cycling or walk on the picturesque shores. By the way, many tourists say that there are gorgeous sunsets and clear water! In any season, you can swim and sunbathe.

Parks and reserves on Sugar Lake

Most places for walking and recreation are not located near the lake but in coastal cities. Ciudad Camargo has many parks for tourists of all ages. Here Unidad Deportiva “Pedro Haro” is a place for sports and outdoor activities. In the park, there is a large stadium for playing football.

In general, there is a friendly atmosphere for walks and a picnic. In addition, the park is open around the clock with free admission. You can find out how to get to the city from the coast in the next section of the article.

Beautiful cities around

To the northeast of El Azúcar is the great city of Ciudad Camargo. The city has green parks, entertainment centers and open areas for families. For example, the park Taqueria Los Compadres. It works around the clock, providing free access to all guests. This is a good green place where you can have fun with friends, as well as with children and family members.

A 15-minute walk from Taqueria Los Compadres is Union Park (Parque Union). This is a small square where there are several historical monuments of architecture and convenient places for a picnic. The park is also free to enter and is open 24 hours a day.

Getting to Ciudad Camargo directly from the lake is most convenient by taxi. Since buses run rarely and not always clear on schedule. Taxi costs a little less than 0.5 US dollars for 1 km.

Good conditions for life

To make your trip to El Azúcar as comfortable as possible and leisure was at its best, you should stay at BassUnit. This is a favorite haven of fishermen all over the world. There are  only 12 quality rooms. The camp has a clean pool and a sports complex.

In addition, you will be provided with a boat with a qualified guide, who will accompany you all the fishing. Prices and other information are available on request only.

If you have thought and thoroughly want to live near the lake, then do not deny yourself this. Most housing options are available at Ciudad Camargo. All houses are very spacious, with a convenient location and affordable prices.

Such a brick house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is for sale at a price of 70400 US dollars. Blooming gardens, green trees – this area is perfectly suitable for measured life.

The best way to get to Sugar Lake

For foreign tourists

The nearest airport to the lake is Reynosa International Airport. There are both domestic and international flights. You should get from the airport to Ciudad Camargo by bus. The schedule is at the information desk at the airport terminal. After arriving in the municipality, you should take a taxi and drive to Sugar Lake.

For locals

Locals will also have to take a taxi from nearby cities and municipalities. Taxi is not very expensive within 0.5 US dollars per 1 km of road.

Useful links and contacts

• Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission – http://www.sportfishinginmexico.com/licences/
• BassUnit – https://bassunit.com/
• Reynosa International Airport –
  http://www.aeropuertosmexico.com/content/view/269/371/index.html

Frequently asked questions about Sugar Lake

Where is Sugar Lake (Presa Marte R. Gómez)?

On the Río San Juan near Camargo in Tamaulipas, only about 35 minutes south of the Texas border, across from Roma and Rio Grande City.

Why is it called Sugar Lake?

It is a translation of its local nickname, El Azúcar (“the sugar”); the reservoir is also known as Presa del Azúcar.

Is Sugar Lake good for bass fishing?

Yes — it is regarded as one of the best largemouth bass lakes in the region, with flooded timber and hydrilla holding Florida-strain bass, and ten-pound fish caught regularly.

Can you go duck hunting at Sugar Lake?

Yes. The reservoir and its Río San Juan wetlands are a noted waterfowl destination, and several lakeside camps run guided duck hunts in winter alongside the fishing.

How big is Sugar Lake, and when was it built?

It is a large reservoir of roughly 58,000 acres, created when the Marte R. Gómez dam on the Río San Juan was completed in 1946.

How do you get to Sugar Lake?

It sits near Camargo, about 35 minutes from the border at Roma, Texas. Most visitors fly into the Rio Grande Valley (McAllen) or to Reynosa and then drive, usually as part of a lodge package.

Where do you stay at Sugar Lake?

At one of the lakeside fishing and hunting camps, such as Campo El Mirador or Bassunit, which provide boats, guides, meals and licences.

When is the best time to visit Sugar Lake?

The cooler months and the spring prespawn are best for bass, while winter brings the duck migration for hunters and birdwatchers.