Padre Reservoir in Yavapai County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  This water sits in Yavapai County, Arizona. It sits at 5,377 feet above sea level. At roughly 5 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The closest town, Paulden, is 35 miles away. Then Williams, 35 miles, and Peach Springs, 38 miles. Within a short drive: Field Dam at 12 miles, Stone Lake about 15 miles, Red Lake at 16 miles, C Lake about 19 miles and Watson Lake at 20 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Padre Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. County-wide records name green sunfish, desert sucker and sonora sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Padre Reservoir a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 37°F and July at about 73°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Plan any trip to Padre Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. This one is mapped as intermittent, so a wasted trip is a real risk in a dry year. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Failing this one, try Field Dam, 12 miles away. Treat access at Padre Reservoir as something to verify.