Located at the northern end of Peoria and about 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant covers approximately 10,000 acres and is located in a beautiful mountainous setting that offers numerous recreational opportunities. It is managed by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and is Arizona's second largest lake.
Utilized as a holding reservoir, its water comes from two sources: The Central Arizona Canal and the Aqua Fria River. Residents from nearby cities flock there to experience the leisure and recreation offered by this large lake and regional park. At the Visitor's Center, guests can learn all about the development of the area and the naturally occurring wildlife. Step out onto the balcony surrounding the Visitor Center to get a beautiful view of Lake Pleasant and an up-close look at Waddell Dam.
In Lake Pleasant you will find a marina with all types of watercraft. Supplies are available at a store in the marina and you can spend your time water skiing, swimming, and fishing in the lake. In the surrounding mountains there are numerous hiking trails where you can view many of the birds and animals that have learned to live in this environment. The various sites within the park are available for day use at a reduced fee and camping is allowed for up to two weeks at one time.
The lake is regularly stocked with several species of edible fish. You can find sunfish, crappies, tilapia, carp, channel cats and several species of bass. The fish are suitable as a fresh food source and will provide a lot of family fun when fishing right from the shoreline. Be sure to ask the local rangers or inquire at the park entrance about where the best fishing spots may be for the time you will be at the lake.
In some parts of the lake the shore is gently sloping to the water and fishing and swimming are easy there. In other places there can be a drop off of 50 to 75 feet and it is only possible to approach the shoreline in a boat. Care must be taken that you don't hit any of the rocks that are hidden just under the water in several locations in the lake.
On the way to the Lake Pleasant Regional Park there is a dirt race track that is used for regularly scheduled races and there is the glider school and airport where it is possible to experience the thrill of touring the area in a glider plane.
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