Phoenix might be in the middle of the desert, but anglers need not worry. There are numerous lakes scattered throughout the city and around the outskirts, many of which are regularly stocked and allow fishing by the public. So grab your pole, your favorite bait, and a wide-brimmed hat, and scout some of these Phoenix fishing holes.
Alvord Lake
A winding lake in Cesar Chavez Park, Alvord Lake is 25 acres of water reaching a depth of eighteen feet. The lake is stocked with catfish, so chicken liver might be a good bait choice, but there are also trout, bass, and sunfish. Just keep in mind that you can only keep four catfish per trip, so make sure you keep track.
During the summer months, you might want to hit Alvord Lake in the early morning. The park opens at 5:30 a.m., so you can get in a good couple hours of fishing before the sun can heat it up. Boating is also permitted, but you aren’t allowed to fish from boats, so keep your rod and reel on land.
Cortez Lake
This is a smaller lake if you want to go fishing with kids or if you don’t want to do a lot of walking. At less than three acres, it’s the perfect spot to park and fish, so bring a lawn chair and a cooler of drinks. Shade trees provide a welcome respite from the hot Phoenix sun, but keep in mind that this park can get busy during the summer.
The fish in Cortez lake include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, carp, and catfish. Fly fishing is a common pastime at this lake if you’re interested in catching trout, but since boating is not permitted here, you’ll want to claim a space on the bank.
Papago Ponds
If you’re looking for a little variety in your Phoenix fishing spots, Papago Ponds might be the perfect solution. There are three separate ponds, each under three acres and ideal for fly fishing. Red ear sunfish, largemouth bass, grass carp, and catfish can all be found here, and you can lounge in the shade of enormous palms while you lounge on the sandy beach between casts.
The only downside is that Papago Ponds close at 7 p.m., so you’ll need to wrap it up early if you head out for evening fishing. Since the park opens at 6 a.m., however, you can always go in the morning and pack it in before lunch.
Canyon Lake
Located about 20 miles outside Phoenix, Canyon Lake is the perfect fishing day-trip destination. It provides nearly 1,000 acres of fishing paradise, and the lake is stocked with everything from catfish to bluegill, to trout. The flanking canyon walls ensure beautiful vistas everywhere you look.
Since this is a little bit outside the city of Phoenix, you might want to make a day of it. There are boat rentals if you feel like getting off-shore, and plenty of hiking trails to explore with the family.
