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Parker Canyon Lake
This medium-sized 130 acre lake is located in the Canelo Hills west of the Huachuca Mountains.
It offers a number of recreational possibilities for those willing to drive the long, paved roads that lead to it. For those who like to fish, Parker Canyon Lake offers both cold and warm water species, including rainbow trout, longmouth bass, sunfish, and channel catfish. There is a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp at the lake, as well as a lakeside paved area and a graveled path along some of the best catfishing shoreline. There is also a concessionaire-operated country store at the lakeshore where you can pick up some last minute supplies, buy a fishing license, or rent a boat. Bird watchers and just plain nature lovers will also find much to enjoy at Parker Canyon Lake. A five mile trail leads around the shoreline never getting more than a few steps from the water. The Parker Lakeshore Trail offers excellent vantage points from which to enjoy the ducks and other waterfowl that are invariably bobbing on the lake’s clear waters. Some of those points even have benches and interpretive signs. Bald eagles and osprey are regularly sighted in this area, as are spring warblers and hummingbirds in season. Coues whitetail deer can frequently be seen browsing among the oaks and grasses that surround the lake and in the two campgrounds near its shores. Coatimundi, javelina, and roadrunners, three animals that are about as southwestern as you can get, make occasional appearances as well. Parking for vehicles, motor homes, boat trailers.
Accessible by passenger car. Fish available include trout, bass, catfish, and panfish. You can fish from a boat or a fishing pier. Boat ramp available.
Download the Parker Canyon Lake Visitor Guide in English.
Descarga la guía del visitante en español a Parker Canyon Lake.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Levels of contaminants, including mercury, may be present in the lake and current levels are unknown as the lake is not routinely monitored. This advisory does not limit the use of this body of water for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses. |
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| Rentals & Guides: | Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and paddle boats are available for rent at the marina. |
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | Day-use: $8 per vehicle Weekly: $10 per vehicle. Buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on site with cash, credit or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes. |
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Restrictions: | A valid Arizona fishing license (available on-site at the marina, online, or at outdoor stores around the state) is required for all anglers 10 years of age and older. Current regulations are Rainbow Trout (4), Largemouth Bass (6), Sunfishes (Unlimited), and Channel Catfish (4), in any combination and statewide possession limits are twice (2x) the daily bag limit for each species. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of fish, which may be possessed at one time by any one person. Using live bait fish is prohibited. Boats are limited to one 10 hp motor or less. |
| Closest Towns: | Sonoita, AZ |
| Information Center: | Parker Canyon Lake & Marina (http://www.parkercanyonlake.com/) |
General Information
Directions:From Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 to State Route 83 (exit 281) and turn south 50 miles through Sonoita to Parker Canyon Lake.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:| No. of Accessible sites | Handicap access to most facilities. |
Group Camping
Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:Rock Bluff Group Site
Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov for the Rock Bluff Group Site.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:- Floating fishing pier and paved boat ramp.
- Fishing supplies and licenses available at marina when open.
- Levels of contaminants, including mercury, may be present in the lake and current levels are unknown as the lake is not routinely monitored. This advisory does not limit the use of this body of water for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses.
| Fish Species | Trout, Catfish, Bass |
| Fishing Mode | Boating (one 10 hp motor or less). |
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Lakeshore trail
Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are available to rent from the marina when open. Visit www.parkercanyonlake.com.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are available to rent from the marina when open. Visit www.parkercanyonlake.com.
Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:- Swim at your own risk.
- There are no designated swimming areas and no lifeguards on duty.
- Swimming is prohibited at the boat ramp.
- Levels of contaminants, including mercury, may be present in the lake and current levels are unknown as the lake is not routinely monitored. This advisory does not limit the use of this body of water for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses.