Parker Canyon Lake

Photos

Overview

Parker Canyon Lake is an oak-ringed lake at the base of the Huachuca Mountains, 25 miles south of Sonoita through the Canelo Hills grasslands. AZGFD built the dam in 1966. The canyon is named for William Parker, who settled there with his family in 1881. Coues' white-tailed deer are often seen along the shore, and the lake is a birding hotspot (USFS).

Fishing

AZGFD manages Parker Canyon as a high-quality bass lake. It stocks 12-inch rainbow trout from October through March, and channel catfish when possible (USFS). The marina says stocking starts in October and continues through winter. The lake also has bluegill, green and redear sunfish, and black and yellow bullhead (Wikipedia).

Species

Largemouth bass, stocked rainbow trout (Oct–Mar), channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, black bullhead and yellow bullhead.

Seasons

Trout are stocked October through March.

Regulations

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/. Confirm statewide limits and any special rules for this water before you fish; this page is not a legal source.

Licensing

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older (AZGFD).

Access

The lake is at 9000 S. Parker Canyon Road, Elgin, and the road is paved all the way from Highway 83. Day use is $8 per vehicle or $10 per week, paid at the kiosk or by envelope (not at the store). Federal passes are accepted. The lake is open year-round.

Boat ramps & launches

The lake has a boat ramp (Wikipedia).

Marinas & rentals

The privately run Parker Canyon Lake Marina Store, (520) 678-5957, rents pontoons, fishing boats, pedal boats, paddleboards and kayaks from 8am–5pm on a first-come basis. It sells red worms, nightcrawlers and fishing poles. Summer hours are typically 8–5.

Amenities

Lakeview Campground (first-come, $20 per night, $10 with eligible federal passes, dry camping) and the reservable Rock Bluff Group Site for up to 50 people. Vault toilets and picnic tables. Potable water is available at the store when it's open.

Activities

The 5-mile Lakeshore Trail #128 circles the lake (0.2 miles of it paved). Also boating, camping, and birding (osprey, herons, kingfishers, migrating songbirds and hummingbirds).

Water facts

Reservoir in Parker Canyon, a tributary of the Santa Cruz River in the San Rafael Valley, about 5 miles north of the Mexico border. Elevation: about 5,400 ft (marina). County: Cochise.

Nearby services

Sierra Vista Ranger District: 4070 S. Avenida Saracino, Hereford, (520) 378-0311.

Nearby waters

• Patagonia Lake · 38.5 km (AZ)

More in Cochise

• Buckeye Wash (AZ)