Pena Blanca Lake

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