Saguaro Lake

Arizona · Maricopa

610 acres mapped (USGS NHD)
10.7 km shoreline
County: Maricopa
Shoreline outline: USGS NHD

The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.

Photos

Overview

Saguaro Lake is the fourth reservoir on the Salt River, formed by Stewart Mountain Dam and set among saguaro-studded cliffs about halfway between Phoenix and Sunflower off State Route 87. It's one of the closest big lakes to the Phoenix metro area. That makes it a favorite for boating, paddling, scenic cruises and year-round fishing. Its facilities are managed by Tonto National Forest.

Fishing

According to Tonto National Forest, more than 2,200 fish-habitat structures have been installed to improve fishing on the lake. Fish surveys show 12+ lb bass and 30 lb carp in the depths. Bluegill come in a range of sizes, and walleye, black crappie, smallmouth bass, bigmouth buffalo and yellow bass turn up now and then. Golden algae fish kills were documented here in 2017–2019 and in 2022.

Species

Species listed for the lake include rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, walleye, tilapia, yellow perch and carp (Wikipedia, citing AZGFD's Arizona Fishin' Holes). USGS GAP species data on this page lists more.

Techniques

Focus on the installed fish-habitat structures and the canyon-wall shoreline for bass.

Seasons

Tonto National Forest, citing Bassmaster Magazine, says the best trophy-bass windows are October to December and February to mid-April.

Hotspots

The upper (east) end of the lake is the more secluded stretch (Tonto NF).

Regulations

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/ (2025–2026 booklet, amended Jan. 2026). Statewide limits plus any special regulations for this water are listed there; confirm before you fish.

Licensing

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

Access

Motorized boats launch at Tonto NF's Saguaro del Norte Day Use & Motorized Boat Launch, which takes trailers under 28 ft, and at Saguaro Lake Marina's launch ramp. Butcher Jones is a day-use beach and picnic area for non-motorized boating and swimming only. Boating requires a Tonto Daily Pass plus a Watercraft Sticker, or a Tonto Discovery Pass. Day passes are $8 from a vendor or $12 at the on-site fee machine, and the watercraft sticker is $4 per motorized craft. On most weekends and holidays from April to October, the lake reaches capacity early and no more boats are let in.

Boat ramps & launches

Saguaro del Norte motorized launch (Tonto NF) and the Saguaro Lake Marina launch ramp.

Marinas & rentals

Saguaro Lake Marina, at 14011 N Bush Hwy in Mesa, has covered and uncovered wet slips, dry storage, fuel, pump-out, a service center, a ship's store (with bait), restrooms and showers, and boat rentals. Call (480) 986-5546.

Amenities

Saguaro del Norte has 38 picnic units with tables, grills and ramadas, plus a sheriff's aid station. Butcher Jones has a beach, mesquite-shaded picnic sites and a nature trail. The east end has boat-access camping.

Activities

80-minute narrated Desert Belle cruises (running since 1964), boating, paddling, swimming at Butcher Jones, picnicking and hiking.

Water facts

Reservoir on the Salt River formed by Stewart Mountain Dam. Dam-end elevation about 1,506 ft. Approximate mapped area 2.5 km² with about 10.7 km of shoreline (USGS NHD). HUC8 15060106. County: Maricopa.

Nearby services

Saguaro Lake Marina's ship's store has snacks, ice, bait and supplies.

Safety & advisories

Boat traffic runs counterclockwise around the lake. Wake rules apply at the east end, and the bay in front of Butcher Jones and Saguaro del Norte is closed to motorized craft. Motors louder than 82 decibels are prohibited. Glass containers aren't allowed in the Saguaro Lake area, and leave no trash behind. Golden algae has caused fish kills here.

Likely species (watershed)

Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Buffalo, Brown Trout, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Longfin Dace, Mosquitofish, Smallmouth Buffalo, Speckled Dace

Likely species come from USGS Aquatic GAP ranges for the whole watershed (HUC8). They show what may be here, not a count of this water.

Nearby waters

Verde River · 12.8 km (AZ)
Gilbert Estates Phase Two Water Retention Basin · 28.3 km (AZ)
Queen Creek · 36.6 km (AZ)
Tonto Creek · 36.7 km (AZ)
Theodore Roosevelt Lake · 39.5 km (AZ)