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Pena Blanca Lake

Average User Rating:
3.25/5,
Tags. Please type in a Lake Name, Species of Fish etc:
  • Pena Blanca Lake, a 45 surface-acre impoundment just 18 nikes north and west of Nogales, is still home for some of the southern Arizona's finest crappie fishing-at least for those anglers who know how to properly prospect for the speckled beauties (again, anglers should practice catch-and-release due to elevated mercury readings).

    Trout are also voracious when they hit the small lake's water. Because they spend so little time in lake, the Arizona Game and Fish Department emphasized that it is safe to consume the trout.

    The source of the lake's mercury contamination was later discovered to be an old mining operation upstream. Mercury was often used in the amalgamation process, and residue had migrated into the lake. though the site of the contamination has been cleaned up, the lake's level remain high. -G.J. Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

    This medium-sized body of water fills 49 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon in the Pajarito Mountain foothills. It is surrounded by grassy, oak-dotted hills, some of which are topped with bluffs of limestone. Peña Blanca Lake is a popular recreation spot for visitors from neighboring Nogales, Arizona and nearby communities in Mexico as well. On weekends, and even weekdays, during the peak summer season, this area can be quite crowded. On holidays, especially Easter, it becomes extremely crowded. Peña Blanca Lake was built in 1957 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It provides water-related recreation year round, although its location so close to the Mexican border can be a bit deceptive. Frequently, people who come here during the winter expecting warm, balmy weather are surprised at how cool it can be. This is a mountain lake located at 4,000 feet above sea level and its climate reflects that fact. - Coronado National Forest
  • GPS:
    Latitude: 31° 24' 1.22"N Longitude: 111° 05' 15.64"W
    Phone Numbers for more information::
    Safford Coronado National Forest Safford Ranger District (928) 428-4150
    Road Conditions:
    Paved
    Land Ownership:
    Coronado National Forest
    Ranger Station/District:
    Safford Coronado National Forest Safford Ranger District (928) 428-4150
    Entrance Fees/Permits:
    No unless its changed by the Coronado National Forest
    Elevation:
    Pena Blanca Lake is 4000 ft feet, Desert/ sonoran terrain
    Max Surface Acres:
    45
    River Lake Impounds:
    Sonoita Creek
    Average Depth:
    65 ft
    Bag Limit:
    As posted
    Boat/Engine Restrictions:
    Gasoline engines are restricted to 10 hp or less
    Boats to Rent:
    No
    Swimming:
    No
    Camping:
    Yes
    Barrier free Access:
    No
    Trailer Spaces:
    Yes
    Electricity:
    No
    Launching Area:
    Yes
    Water Skiing:
    No
    Cleaning Stations:
    No
    Marinas:
    No
  • urn west off Interstate 19 approximately 8 miles north of Nogales at the Peña Blanca–Ruby Road (AZ Hwy 289) exit. Follow this road about 9 miles to Peña Blanca Lake Recreation Area. Turn right (north) on the paved road that leads to the lake and the boat launching ramp

Recent User Reports and Reviews

  1. Jeff k
    4/5,
    ""
    Date:
    Mar 9, 2017
    The lake is full and water quality problems have improved and trout stocking is underway finally. The winter trout schedule can be found here. As the weather warms anglers are reminded of the recent change in the largemouth bass regulations at this lake. For details of those changes please see the current fishing regulations here: 2017 Fishing Regulations. Additionally all mercury advisories against the eating of warmwater fish caught at Pena Blanca Lake remains in effect. Future testing will determine if and when these advisories will be lifted. Gasoline engines are restricted to 10 hp or less and boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters.
  2. Jose
    3/5,
    ""
    Date:
    Feb 17, 2017
    The lake is full and water quality problems have improved and trout stocking is underway finally. As the weather warms anglers are reminded of the recent change in the largemouth bass regulations at this lake. For details of those changes please see the current fishing regulations here: 2017 Fishing Regulations. Additionally all mercury advisories against the eating of warmwater fish caught at Pena Blanca Lake remains in effect. Future testing will determine if and when these advisories will be lifted. Gasoline engines are restricted to 10 hp or less and boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters.
  3. Report
    3/5,
    ""
    Date:
    Feb 4, 2017
    Water quality problems continue to be a problem at Pena Blanca Lake and trout stocking is still on hold. All trout scheduled for stocking at Pena Blanca Lake will be sent to Patagonia Lake. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be immediately released alive. Additionally all mercury advisories against the eating of warmwater fish caught at Pena Blanca Lake remains in effect. Future testing will determine if and when these advisories will be lifted. Gasoline engines are restricted to 10 hp or less and boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters.

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