The Picadas reservoir is located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the south-west end of the Community of Madrid, in the first foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. It was built in 1952 on the bed of the Alberche, which, in its 177 km of route, is retained in three other large reservoirs. It is managed by the Tajo Hydrographic Confederation, in whose basin the river is integrated.

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Its surroundings, populated by extensive pine forests, constitute an important leisure area. On the right bank of the reservoir, next to the M-501 road, there is a recreational area, which is called La Depuradora. Fishing is permitted at certain points along its banks.

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Fishing in Picadas is mainly done by the barbel. The carp, Royal and Common, are also hunted. We can also find black bass mainly in the pillars of the bridges, under rocks or in the vegetation near the shore.