Fishing Patagonia Lake
AKA: Patagonia Reservoir
By Rick Seaman
Popular Fish Species Patagonia Lake, AZ
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Patagonia Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Patagonia Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Flathead Catfish Fishing
This year good populations of flathead catfish can be found in Patagonia Lake. The state record flathead catfish is over 75 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river end of the lake around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Channel catfish also reside here.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout and bluegill at Patagonia Lake in Arizona.
Patagonia Lake Fishing Video
Located 15 miles north of Nogales, AZ, Patagonia Lake is a 260-acre lake offering a bass fishing destination to Southern Arizona anglers. Crappie, catfish, bluegill and stocked rainbow trout also swim these waters. An excellent boat launch ramp and marina make it an easy lake for boaters wishing to go fishing, water skiing or just sight seeing. Some of the lake shoreline is easily accessed for fishing from the bank. Small watercraft like canoes, kayaks and inflatable's can be launched from various locations around the lake.
Patagonia Lake, AZ Fishing
Patagonia Lake in Arizona is a haven for anglers, offering a diverse array of fish species. Among the prominent fish species inhabiting the clear waters of Patagonia Lake, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and rainbow trout stand out as key players, providing a multifaceted fishing experience for enthusiasts.
Bass Fishing At Patagonia Lake
Largemouth bass, often the star attraction for anglers, thrive in the submerged structures and rocky points of Patagonia Lake. Renowned for their size and aggressive strikes, largemouth bass present a challenging yet rewarding pursuit. The thrill of landing a trophy-sized largemouth bass against the backdrop of Arizona's natural beauty makes Patagonia Lake a premier destination for bass fishing.
Bluegill Fishing
Bluegill, with their distinctive coloring and panfish appeal, add to the diverse fishery of Patagonia Lake. These sunfish are often found near the shoreline and submerged vegetation, providing accessible opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Bluegill readily take bait such as worms, small jigs, and crickets, offering a delightful angling experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Crappie Fishing
Crappie, another popular panfish species, populate the deeper waters of Patagonia Lake. Their schooling behavior and penchant for structure make them an intriguing target for anglers looking to hone their skills. Techniques such as jigging and using live minnows near underwater brush and drop-offs prove effective in enticing crappie strikes. The challenge lies in locating the schools and presenting the bait at the right depth.
Catfish Fishing
Catfish enthusiasts will find ample opportunities in Patagonia Lake, where channel catfish and flathead catfish thrive. Night fishing for catfish is a common practice, with anglers using stink baits, cut bait, or live bait to attract these bottom-dwelling predators. The excitement of battling with a robust catfish in the moonlit waters of Patagonia Lake adds a unique dimension to the fishing experience, creating lasting memories for those who venture out after dark.
Trout Fishing
Rainbow trout are stocked in Patagonia Lake during the cooler months. This cold-water species adds a seasonal variation to the fishery, enticing anglers with the prospect of hooking into acrobatic trout. Traditional trout fishing methods, such as using spinners, spoons, or powerbait, can prove effective in enticing strikes from these cold-water inhabitants.
Beyond these key species, Patagonia Lake is home to a variety of other fish, including sunfish, carp, and more. The lake's diverse habitats, ranging from rocky shorelines to submerged vegetation and drop-offs, contribute to a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Whether anglers are targeting specific species or enjoying the serendipity of a mixed bag, Patagonia Lake offers a well-rounded fishing experience.
From the thrill of largemouth bass fishing to the tranquility of bluegill angling and the strategic pursuit of crappie and catfish, the lake offers a multifaceted experience for anglers of all preferences and skill levels. The ever-changing seasons and stocking programs ensure that Patagonia Lake remains a dynamic destination for those seeking a rewarding fishing adventure in the heart of Southern Arizona.
Patagonia Lake, located in southern Arizona, is a renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and picturesque fishing experience. Nestled amidst rolling hills and surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Patagonia Mountains, the lake offers a serene setting for anglers to cast their lines.
Patagonia Lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it an exciting destination for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is known for its excellent bass fishing, with largemouth bass being the primary species targeted by anglers. Other fish species found in the lake include crappie, sunfish, catfish, and rainbow trout. This diversity provides anglers with a range of fishing opportunities and techniques to explore.
Bass fishing at Patagonia Lake in Arizona is an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers. The lake is renowned for its excellent largemouth bass fishing, attracting anglers from near and far. The calm waters of Patagonia Lake provide the perfect habitat for bass, allowing them to grow to impressive sizes. Anglers can employ various techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, and crankbaits to entice these prized game fish. Patagonia Lake's bass population offers thrilling opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers alike, making it a must-visit destination for bass fishing enthusiasts in Arizona.
Primary fish species residing in Patagonia Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Patagonia Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed at Patagonia Lake, with both motorized and non-motorized watercraft allowed. Anglers can launch their boats from the lake's boat ramps and explore the expansive waters in search of their favorite fishing spots. Whether you prefer cruising in a motorboat, paddling in a kayak, or leisurely drifting in a canoe, boating on Patagonia Lake enhances the fishing experience and allows anglers to reach deeper areas of the lake.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Patagonia Marina
Rentals: Canoes, rowboats, paddle boats and pontoon boats.
520 287-2804
Marinas
Patagonia Marina
Patagonia Lake Rd
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
520 287-2804
Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Patagonia Marina
Patagonia Lake Rd
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Concrete boat launch ramp, paved parking and a dock.
520 287-2804
Fishing Guides On Patagonia Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.
Camping facilities at Patagonia Lake offer a convenient option for anglers who want to extend their stay. The lake features a campground with both tent and RV sites, equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Camping near the lake allows anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, waking up to the sound of nature and having easy access to early morning or late evening fishing opportunities.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Patagonia Lake State Park Campground - 520 287-6965
Patagonia RV Park Campground - 520 394-2491
Patagonia Lake AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake State Park
400 Patagonia Lake Rd
Nogales, AZ 85621
520 287-6965
Rick Seaman is a bass fishing enthusiast with over five decades of bass fishing experience, a retired bass tournament fisherman and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing. It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it" .
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Patagonia Lake in Arizona.
ARIZONA
Information about camping and fishing lakes in AZ.
Patagonia is a bass, trout and catfish oasis in the Southern AZ desert.
