Coronado National Forest - Parker Canyon Lake

Area Status: Open

This medium-sized 132 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 stocked rainbow trout and resident bass, sunfish, and catfish. To make landing those wily lunkers a bit easier, 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. On the terrestrial side, 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.

Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Bass, Catfish, Panfish; Types of fishing available include: Motorized boat; Fishing pier and boat launch available

At a Glance

Rentals & Guides:	A small concession-operated marina \& store is open every day except Wednesdays, from March through Oct. During winter months, it is closed Tuesday through Thursdays. You can purchase groceries, fishing supplies, licenses. Boat rentals for either electric motor powered or row boats are also available.
Fees	There is an $8 day use fee for recreation at the lake or a valid Coronado Forest Pass, $10 per week or $40 per year. Any Interagency Federal Pass is valid as well: Interagency Annual, Senior, Access or Millitary Pass. The Every Kid Outdoors, 4th Grade Pass is also Valid. Fee is due on arrival, payable cash, check or money order to USDA Forest Service.
Open Season:	Year round
Restrictions:	A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp (available at outdoor stores around the state) is required for all anglers 14 years of age and older. Six trout is the daily bag limit and the possession limit. Using live bait fish is prohibited. Boats are limited to one 10 hp motor or less.
Closest Towns:	25 miles southeast of Sonoita in the scenic Canelo Hills.
Water:	Drinking Water
Restroom:	Restroom
Operated By:	Sierra Vista Ranger District
Information Center:	Sierra Vista Ranger District 520-378-0311

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.

Accessibility:

Handicap access to most facilities.

General Notes:

A small concession-operated marina and store is open every day except Wednesdays, from March through October. During winter months, it is closed Tuesday through Thursdays. You can purchase groceries, fishing supplies, licenses. Boat rentals for either electric motor powered or row boats are also available.