Peña Blanca Lake was built in 1957 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It
provides water-related recreation year round, although its location so close to
the Mexican border can be a bit deceptive. The mountain lake located at 4,000 feet above sea level and its climate
reflects that fact. The body of water fills 49 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon in the Pajarito Mountain
foothills. It is surrounded by grassy, oak-dotted hills, some of which are
topped with bluffs of limestone. Peña Blanca Lake is a popular recreation spot
for visitors from neighboring Nogales, Arizona and nearby communities in Mexico
as well.
Whenever you choose to visit Peña Blanca Lake, youll find a number of
recreational opportunities to enjoy. In the winter, fishing for stocked trout is
the best. Warm water species such as catfish, bass and bluegill challenge
anglers year-round. The lake is also open to boats with power sources limited to
single electric trolling motors. Birdwatching, photography and hiking are some
of the other activities that are quite popular here and one of the best ways to
enjoy them is on the Peña Blanca Trail #41. This mostly level pathway follows
the shoreline for the majority of its two mile route which goes most of the way
around the lake.
LOCATION/DIRECTION:
- From Tucson, travel south on I-19 towards Nogales. Turn
right on SR 289 (Ruby Road). Follow signs to lake and boat ramp (10
miles).
RAMP/ACCESS: Ramp is cement with slight slope.
PHYSICAL INFORMATION:
- Average Acreage -45
- Average Depth - 65 ft.
- Elevation - 4000 ft.
*Because trout is the only species of fish currently in the lake anglers must have a trout stamp to fish.
Currently there are no boat launching facilities available for launching boats. Small boats that can be carried to the lake shore and float tubes are possible and those wanting to use such watercraft should use caution as there is a lot of debris floating in the lake. Shoreline anglers should have no trouble finding a place to fish(5/20/2010)