Arivaca Lake

Overview

Arivaca Lake is a remote 90-acre reservoir at about 3,800 feet, surrounded by grassland and rocky outcrops outside Arivaca, about 50 miles south of Tucson along the scenic Ruby Road. AZGFD acquired the site in 1969 and completed the current dam in 1970. It's best known for birding, but also offers fishing and canoeing.

Fishing

Species listed for the lake are largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish (Wikipedia, citing AZGFD). The lake has had major fish kills from oxygen depletion, including a total kill in 1999. Before that, it was known for consistently producing largemouth bass over 10 pounds.

Species

Largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish.

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

Reached by Ruby Road. The site is primitive, with a single-lane boat ramp and a toilet (AZGFD).

Boat ramps & launches

One single-lane ramp (AZGFD).

Activities

Birding (neotropic cormorant, belted kingfisher, Mexican jay, ospreys, hawks and eagles), canoeing, fishing and hiking (AZGFD).

Water facts

Area: 90 acres. Elevation: about 3,800 ft (AZGFD). County: Pima.

Safety & advisories

Summer temperatures can top 100°F, so bring plenty of water and bug repellent (AZGFD). The site is remote, with minimal facilities.

Nearby waters

• Peña Blanca Lake · 21 km (AZ)
• Patagonia Lake · 38.4 km (AZ)

More in Pima

• Rose Canyon Lake (AZ)
• Sahuarita Wash (AZ)
• Sabino Creek (AZ)