Phoenix Community Fishing Lakes & Urban Ponds

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 4, 2026

Phoenix community fishing lakes make it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy fishing without leaving the Valley. Through the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Community Fishing Program, stocked lakes and ponds are located in city parks throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Peoria, Surprise and other Greater Phoenix communities. Many of these waters offer nearby parking, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths and other park amenities, making them convenient places for a family fishing outing.

• Community Fishing Program
• Fishing Licenses & Regulations
• Fish Stocking
• Phoenix Area Fishing Lakes & Ponds
• Urban Fishing Tips
• FAQ

Arizona Community Fishing Program

The Arizona Community Fishing Program brings regularly managed fishing opportunities to neighborhood parks across the Phoenix metropolitan area and throughout Arizona. These waters are generally much smaller than Arizona's major reservoirs, but their convenient locations make them especially popular with families, beginning anglers and anyone looking for a quick fishing trip close to home.

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Arizona generally requires a valid fishing or combination license for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older who fish public waters. Youth under age 10 do not need an Arizona fishing license. License options, bag limits and special regulations can change, so anglers should review the current Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing regulations before fishing a community lake.

Fish Stocking In Community Lakes

Arizona community fishing waters are stocked according to season and local conditions. Rainbow trout are typically stocked during the cooler winter season, while channel catfish are commonly stocked during spring and fall. Sunfish may also be stocked in selected waters. Stocking dates and species can vary, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department stocking schedule before planning a trip.

Phoenix Area Community Fishing Lakes & Ponds

The Community Fishing Program includes lakes and ponds throughout Greater Phoenix. Current participating waters include the following. Because participating waters and regulations can change, confirm current information with Arizona Game and Fish before visiting.

Phoenix Community Fishing Waters

• Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park
• Cortez Lake
• Desert West Lake
• Encanto Lake
• Papago Ponds
• Roadrunner Pond
• Steele Indian School Park Pond

Gilbert Community Fishing Waters

• Water Ranch Lake
• Freestone Pond
• McQueen Pond
• Discovery Ponds
• Gilbert Regional Park Pond

Mesa Community Fishing Waters

• Riverview Lake
• Red Mountain Lake
• Greenfield Pond

Tempe Community Fishing Waters

• Evelyn Hallman Pond
• Tempe Town Lake
• Kiwanis Park Lake

Chandler & Scottsdale Community Fishing Waters

• Desert Breeze Lake in Chandler
• Veterans Oasis Lake in Chandler
• Chaparral Lake in Scottsdale

Peoria, Glendale, Surprise & Avondale Waters

• Rio Vista Pond in Peoria
• Pioneer Community Park Lake in Peoria
• Paloma Park Lake in Peoria
• Bonsall Pond in Glendale
• Surprise Community Park Lake
• Friendship Park Pond in Avondale
• Festival Fields Pond in Avondale

Other Greater Phoenix Community Waters

• Pacana Park Pond in Maricopa
• Copper Sky Lake in Maricopa
• Mansel Carter Oasis Lake in Queen Creek

Tips For Fishing Phoenix Community Lakes

Community lakes are designed to provide convenient fishing close to home, but conditions can vary considerably by season and by individual park. A few simple steps can improve the experience.

• Check the stocking schedule: Fishing can improve soon after trout or catfish stockings.
• Fish cooler hours: Early morning and evening are generally more comfortable during warm weather.
• Review lake-specific rules: Bag limits, boating rules and special tackle restrictions can vary by water.
• Bring simple tackle: Light spinning gear works well for trout, sunfish, catfish and other common community-lake species.
• Consider park amenities: Many community waters are located near playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths and restrooms, making them convenient for family outings.

Phoenix Community Fishing FAQ

What is the Arizona Community Fishing Program?

The Arizona Community Fishing Program is a partnership between the Arizona Game and Fish Department and participating communities that provides managed fishing opportunities in city park lakes and ponds throughout Arizona.

Where can I fish in the Phoenix area without driving to a large reservoir?

Community fishing lakes and ponds are located throughout Phoenix and surrounding cities including Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Avondale, Queen Creek and Maricopa.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Phoenix community lakes?

Arizona generally requires anglers age 10 and older to have a valid fishing or combination license when fishing public waters. Youth under age 10 do not need an Arizona fishing license.

What fish are stocked in Phoenix community lakes?

Commonly stocked species include rainbow trout during cooler weather, channel catfish during spring and fall and sunfish in selected waters. Individual lakes may also contain bass, white amur and other fish.

When are Phoenix community lakes stocked?

Stocking varies by species, season and water conditions. Rainbow trout are generally stocked during winter, while channel catfish are commonly stocked in spring and fall. Check the current Arizona Game and Fish stocking schedule for specific waters and dates.

Are Phoenix community lakes good for families?

Yes. Many community fishing waters are located in city parks with amenities such as parking, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking paths and restrooms, making them convenient for family outings.

Can I fish at Tempe Town Lake?

Yes. Tempe Town Lake is included among the Phoenix-area Community Fishing waters. Anglers should review current license requirements and lake-specific regulations before fishing.

Where can I find current rules and bag limits?

Arizona Game and Fish publishes current regulations, stocking schedules and individual Community Fishing water information. Always check the latest rules before fishing because bag limits and special restrictions can vary by lake.

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Arizona Lakes