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Pena Blanca Lake
This medium-sized lake fills nearly 50 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon in the foothills of the Atascosa and Pajarito Mountains. It is surrounded by grassy, oak-dotted hills, some of which are topped with bluffs of limestone.
Pena Blanca Lake is a popular recreation spot for visitors from neighboring Nogales, Arizona and nearby communities in Mexico. On weekends, and some weekdays, during the peak summer season, this area can be quite crowded. On holidays, especially Easter, it becomes extremely crowded.
Pena Blanca Lake was created in 1957 when the Arizona Game and Fish Department constructed a dam. This is a mountain lake located at 4,000 feet elevation. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish within the lake. With the newly renovated fishing docks in Fall 2023, anglers interested in Rainbow trout will enjoy the freshly stocked lake each fall and late winter. The 2023/2024 stocking schedule is available via this Google document.
The area offers a boat ramp, fishing piers, a lakeshore trail, and picnic areas.
Download the Peña Blanca Lake Visitor Guide in English.
Descarga la guía del visitante en español a Peña Blanca Lake.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Levels of contaminants, including mercury, may be present in the lake and current levels are unknown as the lake is not routinely monitored. This advisory does not limit the use of this body of water for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Boat ramp, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | Day-use: $8 per vehicle
Weekly: $10 per vehicle
Buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes. |
| Restrictions: | A valid Arizona fishing license (available online and at outdoor stores around the state) is required for all anglers 10 years of age and older. Current regulations are Rainbow Trout (4), Largemouth Bass (6), Sunfishes (Unlimited), and Channel Catfish (4), in any combination and statewide possession limits are twice (2x) the daily bag limit for each species. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of fish, which may be possessed at one time by any one person. Using live bait fish is prohibited. Boats are limited to one 10 hp motor or less. |
| Closest Towns: | 68 miles south of Tucson and 17 miles northwest of Nogales in Peña Blanca Canyon. |
| Information Center: | Nogales Ranger District (520) 281-2296 |
General Information
Directions: Turn 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.Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Paved boat launch ramp, barrier-free fishing dock, floating fishing piers.
Day Hiking
Lakeshore Trail #41 takes hikers on an easy .97-mile walk from the boat dock to the dam.
Picnicking
Boating - Motorized
Swimming
- Swim at your own risk.
- There is no designated swimming area and no lifeguard on duty.
- Swimming is prohibited near the boat ramp.
- Levels of contaminants, including mercury, may be present in the lake and current levels are unknown as the lake is not routinely monitored. This advisory does not limit the use of this body of water for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses.
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parking: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes |
| Fee charged for some activities: | Yes |
| Accessible: | Yes |
| Boat ramp: | Yes |
Location
