Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz, Arizona For Fishing & Camping

Fish Species

• Bullfrogs
• Catfish (Channel)
• Catfish (Flathead)
• Crappie
• Largemouth Bass
• Rainbow Trout
• Sunfish

Patagonia Lake is located near Patagonia, AZ, nestled in the hills near Nogales, south of Tucson and is the centerpiece of Patagonia Lake State Park. It is conveniently located near a number of top Arizona attractions, including Kartchner Caverns and Tombstone, Arizona. The lake spans over 250 acres and is 2.5 miles long. With plenty of serene wilderness, it has become a popular southern Arizona site for fishing, camping, boat rental, picnicking, hiking, and birding. Located inside the park is the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, the first major state natural area in Arizona. Patagonia Lake itself was created by the damming of Sonoita Creek.

For anglers' sake, the east half of the lake is designated a no wake area. Fishing docks for handicapped anglers are located at the Patagonia Marina and behind the Sonoita Creek visitor center. The lake is perfect habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish and is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter. Special events include an annual mariachi festival in March. Bird tours and interpretive programs are also available on request.

Average Depth: 90ft.
Elevation: 4,050ft.