Two of my favorite things to do in Arizona are canoeing and fishing. Yes, contrary to popular belief, there is water in Arizona. I’ve been fishing on several of the bigger lakes in southern Arizona but the one lake I really enjoy is tiny Arivaca Lake. This 90-acre lake is an hour and a half drive south of Tucson and has some of the most spectacular rock formations I have ever seen. These rugged cliffs stand tall, quietly watching those who dare venture into their isolated domain. Early morning hours will find blue herons gliding silently over the surface in search of breakfast and the shrill cry of a Harris or Red-tail hawk can be heard in the distant.
Birdwatchers come from all over Arizona to visit Arivaca Lake and are rarely disappointed. In addition to the hawks, several types of eagles have been seen skimming the lake looking for prey. Deer, bobcat and coyote all use the lake as a water source and if you’re lucky, you just might see these beautiful animals drinking at the waters edge.
Lake Arivaca is perfect for a small boat or canoe with 10 horsepower motors now being allowed. I have a 14-foot canoe (minus the motor) and there are some days when it’s hard for me to even get out of the water. I use a metal frame stadium seat that clips to the plastic molded seat in the canoe and the added back support and padding is really comfortable. Just paddle out, find some shade, drop anchor and pop open a beer.
Almost forgot about the fishing. Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish are all found in the lake. I’ve tried different types of lures but always go back to the worms. Since traces of mercury have been found it is recommended that you don’t eat the fish. Just torment them a little and toss em back (just kidding).
There is a hiking trail that runs along the shore and offers a great view of the surrounding countryside. Just be careful where you step as rattlesnakes can also be found near the lake. If you do hike please remember that much of the land adjacent to the lake is private property and will have cattle roaming around.
And as the isolation of the lake is what attracts many birdwatchers and fishermen, it is that isolation of the area that also attracts human smugglers. Called Coyotes, these vermin take the life savings of Mexican nationals and will sometimes dump their passengers out in the middle of nowhere. If you do see any immigrants and feel the need to offer food and water, please be careful and remember, giving aid is allowed but putting them inside of your vehicle is illegal and you could be arrested for smuggling. If medical attention is required, call 9-1-1 or try to find the Border Patrol.
Remember this is Arizona and the temperature often dictates what’s allowed. Bring plenty of water and that is no joke. People have died in this desert simply because they didn’t carry water. Sunscreen is a given along with hiking boots and hat. As always, don’t forget your camera.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Amado Road exit on Interstate 19 south, head west to Arivaca. Turn south out of Arivaca on FR 216 about a mile then east on FR 39 about 5 miles to a road that turns left (east) to the lake.
Birdwatchers come from all over Arizona to visit Arivaca Lake and are rarely disappointed. In addition to the hawks, several types of eagles have been seen skimming the lake looking for prey. Deer, bobcat and coyote all use the lake as a water source and if you’re lucky, you just might see these beautiful animals drinking at the waters edge.
Lake Arivaca is perfect for a small boat or canoe with 10 horsepower motors now being allowed. I have a 14-foot canoe (minus the motor) and there are some days when it’s hard for me to even get out of the water. I use a metal frame stadium seat that clips to the plastic molded seat in the canoe and the added back support and padding is really comfortable. Just paddle out, find some shade, drop anchor and pop open a beer.
Almost forgot about the fishing. Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish are all found in the lake. I’ve tried different types of lures but always go back to the worms. Since traces of mercury have been found it is recommended that you don’t eat the fish. Just torment them a little and toss em back (just kidding).
There is a hiking trail that runs along the shore and offers a great view of the surrounding countryside. Just be careful where you step as rattlesnakes can also be found near the lake. If you do hike please remember that much of the land adjacent to the lake is private property and will have cattle roaming around.
And as the isolation of the lake is what attracts many birdwatchers and fishermen, it is that isolation of the area that also attracts human smugglers. Called Coyotes, these vermin take the life savings of Mexican nationals and will sometimes dump their passengers out in the middle of nowhere. If you do see any immigrants and feel the need to offer food and water, please be careful and remember, giving aid is allowed but putting them inside of your vehicle is illegal and you could be arrested for smuggling. If medical attention is required, call 9-1-1 or try to find the Border Patrol.
Remember this is Arizona and the temperature often dictates what’s allowed. Bring plenty of water and that is no joke. People have died in this desert simply because they didn’t carry water. Sunscreen is a given along with hiking boots and hat. As always, don’t forget your camera.
DIRECTIONS: Take the Amado Road exit on Interstate 19 south, head west to Arivaca. Turn south out of Arivaca on FR 216 about a mile then east on FR 39 about 5 miles to a road that turns left (east) to the lake.
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