Lake 15 km northeast of Linares
A big reservoir east of Linares with a renovated state park: palapas, a food corridor, and black bass fishing.
Presa Cerro Prieto, officially the José López Portillo dam, holds back the Río Pablillo about 18 kilometers east of Linares. It was built in 1980 and began operating in 1984, with a capacity of roughly 300 million cubic meters, and it is one of the reservoirs that send water to Monterrey through the Linares–Monterrey aqueduct. That also means its level rises and falls with the rains: in dry years the shoreline retreats a long way, and after good rains the reservoir fills again.
On its shore, the Nuevo Parque Estatal Cerro Prieto is the place to spend a day by the water. In 2026 the state government expanded its shaded areas to 48 palapas, added signage and a food corridor, and released black bass into the reservoir to revive sport fishing, with the idea of bringing back tournaments. Local fishermen's clubs are based here.
People come to fish, swim, grill under the palapas and go out on boats or jet skis. It is an easy half-day trip from Linares, and a good contrast to the town's plazas and sweets shops.
What to see and do
Fish for black bass, recently restocked in the reservoir; ask the fishermen's club about tournaments.
Spend the day under a palapa in the state park, with grills and a food corridor.
Go out on a boat or jet ski when the water level allows.
Watch the sunset over the water before driving back to Linares.
Getting there
The dam is about 18 kilometers east of Linares, roughly a 30-minute drive; follow the signs to Presa Cerro Prieto. There is no regular public transport to the park, so go by car or taxi. Water levels vary a lot from year to year, so check recent conditions if you plan to fish or boat.
15 km northeast of Linares
Directions from Linares on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather warm
Presa Cerro Prieto shares the climate of Linares, 15 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Make Linares your base
Presa Cerro Prieto is an easy trip from Linares, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Linares
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Hualahuises
· Town · 11 km away
A tiny town ringed by Linares, known for its suspension bridges over a clear river, wooden toys and baseball gloves. -
Cañón de Santa Rosa
· Nature reserve · 29 km away
A scenic mountain drive on Highway 58 from Linares to Iturbide, along a stream, with the Jaures 'water volcano' spring.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.