Parker Canyon Lake in Arizona is a popular fishing destination that offers a variety of fish species and activities for visitors. The lake is well-known for its abundance of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The best time to fish for trout is from March to May and September to November, while bass and catfish are more active during the summer months.
Apart from fishing, visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and picnicking in the nearby Coronado National Forest. The lake also has facilities for kayaking and boating.
For fishing tips, anglers are advised to use lures and baits that imitate the natural food sources of the fish. For trout fishing, using powerbait and worms can be effective, while bass fishing is best done with spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Fishing in the early morning or late afternoon can also increase chances of catching fish.
The best time of year to visit Parker Canyon Lake is during the spring and fall, when temperatures range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making early morning and late evening fishing more comfortable. In winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, making ice-fishing possible.
Featured Fish - Apache Trout
iving in lakes and streams, this fish will eat insects, invertebrates and small minnows. They are typically targeted using very light spinning or fly tackle using nymphs, wet or dry flies, worms or salmon eggs. These fish may also strike small spinner baits or spoons but some areas where these fish can be found have enacted policies where anglers may only use artificial lures so check all regulations before targeting these fish. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
The body coloration is golden-yellow or olive yellow, with a golden belly, and Parr marks (vertical bars) can be seen on juveniles, but these marks typically disappear in larger individuals. Spots can be seen in an even distribution of pronounced, moderate-sized, rounded or oval black spots on the sides of the body and on top of the head. These spots may sometimes extend below the lateral line and onto the dorsal and caudal fins. The top of the Apache trout’s head and back is typically dark olive to brown and a black stripe appears to go through each eye because of the presence of two small black dots on either side of the pupil. Below the lower jaw, there is a dash of color that will range from yellow to darker gold. The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are tipped with a white to orange color and the adipose fin is usually bordered with a black margin.