Maricopa Lake in Maricopa County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Maricopa County, Arizona, this is Maricopa Lake. Height above sea level is 1,122 feet. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Maricopa County list holds plenty of bigger water. Youngtown lies 0.2 miles from the water. The big place round here is Surprise, 3.1 miles distant. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Maricopa Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Nearby survey and observation records mention sonora sucker and bluegill. Treat it as evidence of what swims in the area. Treat Maricopa Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 54°F in December to roughly 92°F in July. The water stays warm and open throughout. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Maricopa Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. The nearest car park is 150 yards from the water. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Viewpoint Lake is 1.6 miles off. Where Maricopa Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.