When you think of fishing, you may think of packing your gear and planning a road trip to one of Arizona’s great lakes or a trip to the White Mountains. However, if you have limited time but still want to enjoy a fishing adventure with your family, try one of Tucson’s urban lakes.

“Tucson has three urban lakes that are well-suited for families and kids,” said Eric Swanson, Urban Fishing Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish. “Silverbell Lake, Kennedy Lake, and Lakeside Lake. There’s also a lake in Sahuarita that a lot of Tucsonans visit. We have about 18,000 people, including kids, who participate in the Tucson area.”

Mike Stevens fishes regularly with his children at Silverbell Lake, a 13-acre lake located at Christopher Columbus Park in northwest Tucson. “Urban fishing is a great way to enjoy your hobby without having to drive several hours away,” said Stevens. “Silverbell is a great place to fish because it’s open early in the morning. I can take my family there on a Saturday and not waste my time driving somewhere.”

The urban lakes in Tucson are open sunrise to 10:30 p.m., and Sahuarita Lake is open during daylight hours. These lakes include a wide variety of fish, including channel catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and carp.

Fish are regularly stocked at all of Arizona’s 20 urban lakes, guaranteeing fishing fun for the family. “September begins our 10-month stocking season, said Swanson. “We stock fish every other week.”

You can even take your family boating on the lakes. Canoes up to 17 feet and boats 14 feet and under are permitted (gasoline motors are prohibited).

Keep in mind that an urban fishing license is required. Licenses can be purchased at local sporting goods stores for $18.50. If purchasing a license in November or December, the license is half price. Seniors 70 years are older who have been Arizona residents for at least 25 years qualify for a pioneer license, which is free. The pioneer license can be picked up at the Arizona Game and Fish regional office (555 N. Greasewood Rd, Tucson).

Getting There

Kennedy Lake is located at J. F. Kennedy Park in southwest Tucson, north of Aio Way between La Cholla Boulevard and Mission Road. (520) 791-5909

Lakeside Lake is located at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park in east Tucson, northwest corner of Stella Road and Sarnoff Drive. (520) 791-5930

Silverbell Lake (pictured below) is located at Christopher Columbus Park in northwest Tucson, east of Silverbell Road between Camino del Cerro and Grant Roads. (520) 791-5890

Sahuarita Lake is located at Sahuarita. Take Sahuarita Road exit (exit 75) off Interstate 19 (Nogales Highway) and head 1 mile east to La Villita Road. Take La Villita Road 1.2 miles north to the north shore of the lake. (520) 648-1972

For more information about fishing in Arizona, visit www.fishinaz.com or the Arizona Game and Fish’s website, www.azgfd.gov.

© 2008 Good News Tucson