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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.

On busy days, once Boat Parking is at capacity, vehicles towing boats will be turned away at the entrance.

View and download a map.

General Information

Open Season: Year Round

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required.

Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov. Only accepted at the Picnicking Sites.

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.

Group events (including fishing tournaments) require a permit. Contact the Mesa Ranger District Office 480-610-3300.

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.

Be prepared for delays in boat access during summer weekends.
The bay in front of Butcher Jones and Saguaro del Norte is closed to motorized watercraft.
The eastern end of the lake is closed to any wake from watercraft (please observe buoys).
Motors generating a noise level of greater than 82 decibels are prohibited.
Direction of travel on the lake is counter clockwise.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Forest Service enforce lake regulations.
No trash service.
If you PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT!
Glass containers are not permitted.

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.

Picnic Sites

Tonto Pass: $8 per day
Tonto Fee Machine Pass: $12 per day
Tonto Forest Passes are Honored: $80/annual; $60/senior/access annual

Boat Launches

Tonto Pass + Watercraft: $12 per day
Tonto Fee Machine Pass + Watercraft: $16 per day
Tonto Forest Passes are Honored: $80/annual; $60/senior/access annual

Front view of the Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)