For an arid region, there are a surprising number of ponds and lagoons in the Phoenix area. For the most part, where there's water, there are fish. And in many cases, we're not just talking about sunfish or carp. Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park, Cortez Park Lake, Desert West Park Lake, Encanto Park Lake and Papago Park Ponds. What makes these lakes so special is the partnership between the city of Phoenix and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Phoenix manages and maintains the parks, facilities and lakes.
Fish are stocked every other week for 10 months of the year. During the peak summer period from July 15 to Sept. 15, no fish stockings are made due to high lake temperatures. The Urban Fishing Program is recognized nationally as one of the best in the country. There are currently 16 designated Urban Fishing lakes in eight cities. Providing convenient, accessible, affordable, quality fishing opportunities in urban neighborhoods and providing fishing clinics and educational programs are primary goals of the program.