Dankworth Pond

Overview

Dankworth Pond State Park is a scenic 15-acre desert fishing pond about 3 miles south of Roper Lake State Park near Safford. The same-day entrance fee covers both parks. Nearby are the Dos Arroyos Trail and the Dankworth Village Heritage Education Site, a replica Indian village.

Fishing

Arizona State Parks says largemouth bass are the main target, with "double-digit" catch days not unusual and the occasional fish over 5 pounds. AZGFD stocks rainbow trout from late October through March (albino rainbows were stocked in 2020), and bluegill and green sunfish keep kids busy.

Species

Largemouth bass, rainbow trout (stocked late October–March), bluegill and green sunfish.

Techniques

Arizona State Parks recommends drop-shotting soft plastics for bass, topwater lures near the reeds, flipping jigs into the reeds, and large trout-imitating swimbaits. For panfish, use a 2–3 inch piece of nightcrawler or mealworms on a #6–#8 hook under a bobber near cover, adjusting depth if you get no bites in 30 minutes.

Seasons

Trout are stocked late October through March. Bass bite all year.

Hotspots

The reeds lining the lake and the metal fishing structures (Arizona State Parks).

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 park is open year-round, 6 a.m.–8 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle with one adult or $20 with 2–4 adults. There's no boat launch, so you'll need a small trailer to get close to the water's edge. Gas-powered boats are prohibited, and minnows can't be used as bait. Address: 8600 US-191, Safford. Phone: (928) 428-6760.

Amenities

A fishing dock, a picnic area with tables, grills and shade ramadas, and an accessible restroom.

Activities

Fishing, kayaking, birding and the Dos Arroyos Trail.

Water facts

Area: about 15 acres (Wikipedia). County: Graham.

Nearby waters

• Roper Lake · 3.9 km (AZ)
• Chandler Tank · 15.7 km (AZ)
• Riggs Flat Lake · 24.5 km (AZ)

More in Graham

• Oak Creek (AZ)
• Chandler Tank (AZ)
• Roper Lake (AZ)
• Riggs Flat Lake (AZ)