Pena Blanca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

YouTube video
Bass fishing on Pena Blanca Lake in Southern Arizona with Frog Master Colin Parish.

Pena Blanca Lake is a peaceful fishing spot in southern Arizona, located just north of the Mexico border in the scenic Coronado National Forest. This small, quiet lake is surrounded by trees and rolling hills, making it a relaxing place to fish and enjoy nature. It’s perfect for both new and experienced anglers looking to escape the city. You can catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and even catfish here. The Arizona Game and Fish Department regularly stocks trout in the cooler months, making winter and spring awesome times to visit. Whether you’re casting from a boat or along the shore, the lake has plenty of fishing spots. The calm water and quiet atmosphere make it great for fishing with family, friends, or even solo. If you’re looking for a fun and easygoing place to spend a day outdoors, Pena Blanca Lake has everything you need for a relaxing fishing adventure.

Lake Details

Pena Blanca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • Pena Blanca Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the southern Arizona hills. With its calm water, beautiful views, and steady fish population, it’s a great place to relax and reel in some fish. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and great for a weekend fishing getaway.
  • Lake Detailed Specifications:
    Pena Blanca Lake covers about 49 acres and sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. It’s not a large lake, but it offers plenty of shoreline and open water for fishing. The average depth is around 12 to 15 feet, with some deeper areas near the dam.
  • Fish Species Types:
    You can catch several types of fish at Pena Blanca Lake:
    Rainbow Trout (stocked seasonally), Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish. Trout are more common in the winter and spring, while bass and sunfish are best during warmer months.
  • Fishing Conditions:
    The water at Pena Blanca Lake is usually calm and clear, with lots of brush, rocks, and shady coves. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish, especially in spring and fall. The weather can get warm in the summer, so plan your trips around cooler parts of the day.
  • Boating Regulation:
    Boats are allowed, but there’s a no-wake rule, so only slow speeds are permitted. Small fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks are perfect here. Make sure to have a valid Arizona fishing license.
  • Fishing Techniques:
    Use PowerBait, worms, or spinners for rainbow trout. For bass, try soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures near structure. Bluegill and sunfish bite well on worms or small jigs close to the shore. Catfish like stink bait or cut bait in the deeper spots.
  • Pena Blanca Lake is the kind of place where you can enjoy nature, watch the wildlife, and catch a few fish all in one peaceful trip. It’s a quiet little lake with a big heart for fishing fans of all ages.
  • 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 Pena Blanca Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Pena Blanca Lake, Lake Pena Blanca
  • Lake Information
  • 49 acres
  • Avg Depth: 12-15 feet
  • Website:
  • Fs.usda.gov
  • Visitarizona.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

  • Boat ramp
  • Picnic tables
  • Shoreline fishing spots
  • Hiking trails
  • Vault toilets
  • Parking areas
  • Scenic viewpoints
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Non-motorized boat access
  • Trash bins
  • Fish cleaning area (bring your own tools)
  • Informational signs and trail maps

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

You’ll need a valid Arizona fishing license if you’re 10 years old or older.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks rainbow trout in fall, winter, and early spring. Those are the best seasons for trout.

Yes, but only electric motors or non-wake boats are allowed. Canoes, kayaks, and small boats are perfect.

There are no official campgrounds right at the lake, but nearby areas in the Coronado National Forest allow dispersed camping.

For trout, try PowerBait or worms. For bass, use soft plastics or crankbaits near rocks and brush.

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