The second-largest dam in Zacatecas state, built primarily for irrigation but widely used by families for weekend fishing, picnicking, and informal camping along its shoreline, roughly 80 km northwest of the capital in Fresnillo municipality.
Presa Leobardo Reynoso, also known locally as Primero de Mayo, is the second-largest reservoir in Zacatecas state, holding close to 96 million cubic meters of water across more than 4,600 hectares in Fresnillo municipality. It sits roughly 80 km northwest of Zacatecas city, combining the highway run to Fresnillo with local roads to the shoreline; there is no scheduled public transport, so a car is necessary.\n\nThe dam was built for irrigation and supports agriculture for hundreds of families in the Fresnillo area, but its shoreline has become a popular informal destination for fishing, particularly for bagre (catfish) and bass, along with weekend picnicking and light camping. This is not a swimming beach in any developed sense - there are no lifeguards, changing rooms, or treated water - and visitors should treat it as a scenic lakeside outing rather than a substitute for a beach day.\n\nWater levels fluctuate with the season and with regional rainfall, so the shoreline's exact extent and accessibility vary through the year; the dry season generally offers more stable, walkable banks. Visitors should bring all food, water, and fishing gear, since there are no services on-site, and check recent water-level reports before planning a fishing trip specifically.
| Distance | About 80 km northwest of Zacatecas city, combining the Fresnillo highway run with local roads to the reservoir |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Car via Federal Highway 45 to Fresnillo, then local roads to the reservoir; no scheduled public transport |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Year-round, busiest on weekends and during the dry season when water levels are more stable |
| Address | Presa Leobardo Reynoso (Primero de Mayo), Fresnillo, Zac. |
Amenities
- Shoreline fishing spots
- Informal camping areas
- Picnic space
- No developed swimming facilities
Good to know
- Best for
- Anglers and travelers wanting a scenic lakeside stop rather than a swimming destination
- Water
- Reservoir water used for irrigation; not treated or intended for swimming
- Facilities
- Informal shoreline access, basic camping spots, no lifeguards or changing facilities
Location
Presa Leobardo Reynoso (Primero de Mayo), Fresnillo, Zac.
23.1728, -103.2169 View on map
Highlights
- Fish for bagre and bass along the shoreline of Zacatecas' second-largest reservoir
- Picnic or camp informally on the reservoir banks away from any commercial development
- See a working agricultural landscape that supports hundreds of Fresnillo-area farming families
- Combine with a same-day visit to Fresnillo's historic center and the Santuario de Plateros
Tips for visiting
- Bring all food, water, and fishing gear; there are no services on-site.
- Water levels vary seasonally, so check recent conditions before a dedicated fishing trip.
- This is not a swimming destination - treat it as a scenic and fishing stop rather than a beach.
- Combine with Fresnillo and Plateros, both within a short drive, to make better use of the trip out.
When to visit
Year-round, though the dry season offers more stable water levels and easier shoreline access.
Accessibility
The shoreline is unpaved and uneven, with no adapted facilities, making it difficult for wheelchair users or travelers with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at Presa Leobardo Reynoso?
It is not set up for swimming - there are no lifeguards, treated water, or beach-style facilities. Most visitors come for fishing, picnicking, or informal camping instead.
How far is the reservoir from Zacatecas city?
About 80 km northwest, combining the highway drive to Fresnillo with local roads to the shoreline. There is no public transport to the reservoir itself.
What can be caught fishing here?
Bagre (catfish) and bass are the main species pursued by anglers along the shoreline.