Arivaca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

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Fishing For Bass At Arivaca Lake, Az. – These Fish Are THICK!!

Arivaca Lake is a small, quiet fishing spot tucked away in southern Arizona, not far from the Mexico border. Surrounded by desert hills and full of natural beauty, this peaceful lake is perfect for folks who want a calm day of fishing without a lot of noise or crowds. The lake is known for its healthy population of largemouth bass and bluegill, and it’s a fun spot for both boat and shore fishing. Because it’s off the beaten path, it’s a great place to unplug, relax, and enjoy the fresh air. Arivaca Lake is managed to protect wildlife, so gas-powered boats aren’t allowed—just electric motors or paddles—which helps keep the water calm and clean. The lake is open year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to catch fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Arivaca Lake offers a simple, relaxing place to cast your line and enjoy a beautiful Arizona day.

Lake Details

Arivaca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • Arivaca Lake is one of Arizona’s best-kept fishing secrets. Tucked into the desert hills, this small lake offers a quiet, peaceful place to fish, surrounded by nature. It’s perfect for anglers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some true desert solitude with great fishing.
  • Lake Detailed Specifications:
    Arivaca Lake covers about 90 acres and sits at an elevation of 3,750 feet. It’s fairly shallow, with an average depth of 10 to 12 feet and a maximum depth of around 25 feet. The lake is surrounded by trees, brush, and desert grasslands.
  • Fish Species Types:
    This lake is home to a few great warmwater species, including: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish
    Channel Catfish (occasionally), Largemouth bass are the most popular catch at Arivaca, and they can grow pretty big here!
  • Fishing Conditions:
    Water levels at Arivaca Lake can change depending on rainfall. The water is often a little murky, which is great for bass fishing. The lake has lots of brush and structure for fish to hide in, especially near the shoreline and in coves.
  • Boating Regulation:
    Only electric motors or non-motorized boats (like kayaks, canoes, or float tubes) are allowed. This keeps the lake quiet and peaceful. Gas-powered boats are not allowed. Make sure you have a valid Arizona fishing license before heading out.
  • Fishing Techniques:
    Bass love to hide in brushy areas and shallow water here. Try using plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures early in the morning. For bluegill and sunfish, small jigs or live worms work great. Shore fishing is super popular and often very productive.
  • Arivaca Fishing Lake may be small, but it offers a big reward—peace, quiet, and some solid fishing. It’s a great place to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and spend the day doing what you love: fishing.
  • For the most current information on fishing conditions, regulations, and amenities, it’s advisable to consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department‘s official resources or contact local authorities directly.
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Top Fish at Arivaca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Arivaca Lake, Lake Arivaca
  • Lake Information
  • 90 acres
  • Avg Depth: 10-12 feet
  • Max Depth: 25 feet
  • Website:
  • Azgfd.com
  • Visitarivaca.com
  • Azcampguide.com
  • Fishing License: A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

Lake Amenities

  • Gravel boat launch
  • Shoreline fishing access
  • Picnic tables
  • Primitive camping spots
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Parking lot
  • Vault toilets
  • Fishing pier (limited space)
  • Shade trees
  • Informational signs
  • Kayak and canoe access
  • Hiking trails nearby

Fish Types

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

SunFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Sunfish:
    Sunfish are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Sunfish Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Gear & Tackle

Directions

FAQs

Yes, anyone over the age of 10 needs a valid Arizona fishing license.

No, only electric motors or non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes are allowed.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for catching bass and sunfish. Mornings and evenings are especially active.

Yes, there are primitive camping spots nearby. Bring your own water and supplies, as there are no hookups.

Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and jigs work great for bass. For bluegill and sunfish, try worms or small jigs near the shore.

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