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Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is set in the Sonoran Desert and is rimmed with canyon walls. As the name implies, the shores of the lake are studded with majestic Saguaro cactus. Try the upper reaches of the lake (east-end) for more seclusion. Boat access camping at the east end of the lake. Tour-boat trips are available on the Desert Belle: (480) 984-2425. Over 2200 fish-habitat structures were installed to enhance fishing on the lake. According to Bass Master Magazine, the best time for trophy bass is October to December and February to mid April. There are large bass in the lake; fish census show that 12+ lb. bass and 30-lb. Carp exist in the depths. Bluegill comes in a variety of sizes. Occasional species caught: Walleye, Black Crappie, Small-mouth Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo and Yellow Bass.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Once Boat Parking is at capacity, vehicles towing boats will be turned away at the entrance. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | America the Beautiful Passes are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites. For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required. |
| Permit Info: | Group events (including fishing tournaments) require a permit. Contact the Mesa Ranger District Office 480-610-3300. |
| Open Season: | January |
| Restrictions: | On most weekends and holidays April - October, Saguaro Lake reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day and additional boats are not allowed in.
CAUTION: Lake-levels fluctuate daily, based on irrigation demand and power generation. Rocks and other obstacles often are near the water surface. Be aware that motor boating involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the associated risks. |
| Closest Towns: | Apache Junction, Mesa, Fountain Hills |
| Water: | Available at Saguaro Lake Marina & various recreation sites around lake |
| Restroom: | Available at Saguaro Lake Marina & various recreation sites around lake |
| Passes: | America the Beautiful Passes are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites. For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required. Campground fees at various sites around Saguaro Lake might be separate from the Tonto Daily and Discovery pass. Please call Mesa Ranger District 480-610-3300 for specific details or visit individual websites. |
| Information Center: | Mesa Ranger District 480-610-3300 |
General Information
Directions:From Mesa, travel 27 miles north on State Hwy. 87 to Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn right. Follow FR 204 for 4 miles to the Lake.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fish Species: Rainbow Trout; Largemouth, Smallmouth and Yellow Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel Catfish; Walleye; Tilapia; Yellow Perch; Carp
| Fish Species | Rainbow Trout; Largemouth, Smallmouth and Yellow Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel Catfish; Walleye; Tilapia; Yellow Perch; Carp |
| Fees: | $4 Watercraft Sticker per watercraft in addition to Tonto Daily or Annual Pass |
|---|---|
| Permit required?: | Y |
Boating - Motorized
Boating Launching Site on Lake: Saguaro del Norte: 2 paved boat ramps
| Launch Ramps | 2 paved boat ramps |
| Fees: | $4 Watercraft Sticker per watercraft in addition to Tonto Daily or Annual Pass |
|---|
Boating - Non-Motorized
Boating Launching Site on Lake: Saguaro del Norte: 2 paved boat ramps
| Launch Ramps | 2 paved boat ramps |
| Fees: | $4 Watercraft Sticker per watercraft in addition to Tonto Daily or Annual Pass |
|---|
Waterskiing
Water-skiing season April through October (or longer with wetsuits)
| Fees: | $4 Watercraft Sticker per watercraft in addition to Tonto Daily or Annual Pass |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Saguaro and Canyon Lakes are the most popular and are very busy during the warmer months. As a result, they are limited in the number of boats allowed in them. Consider arriving early to secure a spot. |
Related Information
Location