Puerto Rico Lakes

Want to learn more about Puerto Rico lakes?  Keep on reading for the full information.  Puerto Rico is an unusual island in the Caribbean, in that it has an insane number of natural rivers, but not one natural lake. You would think with such a mountainous interior that lakes would abound, but in fact there is not. However, there are 15 lakes in Puerto Rico – all are man-made and are reservoirs for potable water.

They have been formed by damming the main rivers to produce hydroelectric power and water for irrigation. Hydroelectricity accounts for less than 1% of the electricity generated, as most electric power uses petroleum as the energy source.

After all of these years, I’m not 100% sure about what can and can’t be done on these lakes, but boating, fishing and kayaking are all common activities and there are often . If there are any rules, regulations, permits, limits, etc. that one should be aware of, we admit that we have no clue, so have at it until someone tells you otherwise. It may take a while to figure it out, and you may not want to go through the hassle, but each one has it’s own personality and are always worth a look-see….

Carraizo

A reservoir located between the municipalities of Trujillo Alto, Caguas and Gurabo about 45 minutes to an hour from the Metropolitan area in San Juan. The lake is supplied by the waters of the Río Grande de Loíza, Río Gurabo, Río Cagüitas, Río Cañas and others streams in the area.  This is a great lake for fishing and typically you will catch about 80% Peacock Bass and 20% Largemouth Bass.

Cerillos

Located about four miles (6 km) northeast of Ponce. The lake was finished in 1992 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The main purposes of the reservoir are flood control, water supply, and recreation. There is a variety of fish available for fishing such as Largemouth Bass, Sun Fish, Catfish and Tilapias.

Carite

This lake is located near the Carite Forest in Cayey. Lago Carite is located in the municipality of Guayama. The lake was created in 1913 and serves as a reservoir for irrigation, and potable water. It can be used for fishing and recreation.

Dos Bocas

Dos Bocas is located in Arecibo. It is close to many other tourist attactions la Cueva del Ventana and Camuy Caves. On weekends there is a ferry boat that will take you to restaurants located on the shores for a nice lunch. Have done this several times and more information can be found in some of our previous postings:

• • So Many Things to Do in Arecibo Puerto Rico

Guajataca

Located between the municipalities of San Sebastián, Quebradillas, and Isabela; created in 1929. The lake receives flow from the Guajataca River and can be used for fishing. It is also the location of Camp Guajataca, the island’s main camping grounds of the Boy Scouts of America. The lake area is 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the island and provides year round recreational opportunities and outdoor activities including fishing for bass, tilapia and catfish, kayaking, nature watching and relaxing in general. Fishing can be good at Lake Guajataca, you can catch different typies of fresh water fish, such as, Peacock Bass (Tucunare), Large Mouth Bass (Lobina), Sunfish, Perch (Chopas), Catfish (Barbudo), Tilapias (Tilapias) and Threadfin Shad (Cetin sardina de agua dulce) the last being baitfish.

La Plata

Found in the town of Toa Alta, this lake has recreation areas and is available for kayaking and fishing or on a boat. Also, you can spend a day at one of the gazebos where there are barbecues. The recreation area is managed by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales and also has bathrooms and parking.

Las Garzas

Las Garzas can be found in the town of Adjuntas and was built between 1936 and 1941, You can kayak, and fish. It has a path in which you can cross over the Lake by a suspension bridge.

 Caonillas

Found in the town of Utuado, this lake has recreation areas and is available for kayaking and fishing. Also, you can spend a day at one of the gazebos where there are barbecues. The recreation area is managed by the Departamento de Recursos Naturales  (787) 814-7005 – and also has bathrooms and parking.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

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