A Complete Guide to Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel Island
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At 3 km long and around 2.5 km wide, ‘Lagoa de Fogo’ is one of the largest bodies of water in all of the nine islands in the Azores archipelago. The lake is located in the center of the island of São Miguel, where it rests in the central caldera of the Água de Pau Massif. This is the youngest volcano on the island and formed around 15,000 years ago. The last recorded eruption of the Água de Pau Massif occurred back in the 1500s and since that time has remained dormant.
This is a popular spot for the experienced hiker to visit and travel the 11km trail that takes you to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking locations on the island, at an altitude of around 300 feet. The exotic vegetation, both native and endemic to the island, is rather remarkable. You can observe several endemic species to the region, including numerous birds who enjoy using the dense forests and freshwater ravines as their home.
Today, the stunning lake is protected by the Portuguese Government, which bans construction from unfolding around the lake to keep this historic lagoon immaculate and pristine. On the island of São Miguel, it is possible to sport fish in some lakes, lagoons, and streams, particularly here at Lagoa do Fogo.
The rainbow trout or ‘Oncorhynchus Mykiss’ is the species favored by fishermen. It was introduced in the Azores more than 100 years ago. Its presence in Lagoa do Fogo is secured by the periodic repopulation of stocks that have been raised or farmed in the nurseries that are administered by the Regional Directorate for Forest Resources. 
This entity is responsible for the management of fish species and the regulation of fishing activities, which oversees the annual production of approximately 15,000 rainbow trouts on the island of São Miguel. These fish are destined exclusively for the repopulation of the lakes, lagoons, and streams found throughout the island.
The fishing season of the ‘Oncorhynchus Mykiss’ at Lagoa do Fogo begins in May and ends in October. To guarantee that the ecological necessities of the species are assured and their habitats protected, there are rules concerning fishing in the lakes, lagoons, and streams. These regulations are namely: where you can fish, the periods in which fishing is suspended to enable replenishing stocks, the minimum sizes of fish allowed to be caught, the maximum number of fish to be captured, what kinds of baits and fishing practices can be used, etc. 
To find this trail take regional road 1-1 on the southern side of the island. In this area near the main beach, you will see a bridge in the middle of a curve and a cemented road (Rua Caminho do Lugar da Praia) that ascends steeply. Walk up this road about 1.3 km, and you will find a fork in the path and an information panel indicating the beginning of the trail. 
The hike takes on average 4 hours to complete, and it is one of the best scenic trails on the island. This is a popular nature reserve for the region and it’s definitely an authentic island experience. The nighttime has become increasingly popular for stargazers to come here, to this serene region to observe the unobstructed night sky and admire the various constellations and stars. 
