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Arizona · Fishing
Arivaca sits in the rolling grasslands and oak-studded hills of southern Arizona, about 60 miles southwest of Tucson, and the fishing here is built around a handful of small impoundments rather than rivers or streams.
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Arivaca sits in the rolling grasslands and oak-studded hills of southern Arizona, about 60 miles southwest of Tucson, and the fishing here is built around a handful of small impoundments rather than rivers or streams. Arivaca Lake is the most established of the four spots, a modest reservoir managed by Arizona Game and Fish that holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Aguirre Lake, Round Hill Tank, and Bear Grass Tank round out the options — these are smaller stock tanks and seasonal impoundments that can fish well after wet periods but may be low or dry during drought years. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so expectations should be set accordingly: this is relaxed, accessible warmwater fishing in a remote and scenic corner of the state, not a trophy destination. The appeal is the setting as much as the catch — birding along the shoreline at Arivaca Lake is genuinely excellent, and the area sees far fewer visitors than lakes closer to Tucson. If you're driving down from the city, the last stretch on Arivaca Road is unpaved in sections, so check conditions before you go.
Arivaca Lake is stocked and managed by Arizona Game and Fish and holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. It is not designated as a gold-medal or wild-trout water, so it fishes as a typical warmwater impoundment rather than a cold-water fishery.
They can be, but their water levels are heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall. After a good monsoon season they may hold fish, but during dry stretches they can be too low to be productive. Check recent Arizona Game and Fish reports or local conditions before making either one the main purpose of a trip.
Calabasas
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Arivaca Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Round Hill Tank
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Aguirre Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Rancho Seco Tank
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Bear Grass Tank
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Hollywood Tank
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Bird Nest Tank
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive windows, especially in warmer months when midday temperatures push fish into deeper or shaded water. Bass in particular tend to feed more actively in low-light conditions, so arriving at Arivaca Lake around sunrise is a reasonable strategy.
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years of age or older. Arivaca Lake falls under standard Arizona Game and Fish statewide regulations, but you should verify current rules on the AZGFD website before your trip since bag limits and any site-specific rules can change.
Light to medium spinning gear covers most situations here — small to medium soft plastics, spinners, and live or cut bait for catfish are all practical choices. Bring more water than you think you need since there are no services at the lake, and sun protection is essential given the exposed shoreline and southern Arizona sun.
