Plan your visit
Plan your visit

Fishing

Fishing on Pecan Lake

Catch and release from the grass shoreline, during regular opening hours.

An angler holding a large golden koi at the lake shore before releasing it

Before you cast

The lake is stocked with catfish, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Fishing is catch and release only, from the grass shoreline, with barbless hooks that are provided at the front desk and returned before you leave.

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for every angler and is checked at entry. Some exceptions to fishing hours may apply for special events.

What it costs

Fishing entry is per person, at any age, and is catch and release.

The fish

What is in the lake

  • Largemouth bass

    The sport fish of the lake; they hunt the flathead minnows that patrol the edges in shoals.

  • Catfish

    The biggest catch in the lake, feeding along the bottom.

  • Black crappie

    A member of the sunfish family and an easy catch with the right bait.

  • Bluegill

    Stocked in the lake alongside the catfish, bass and crappie.

What to bring

Bring your own tackle

The gardens do not supply the following.

  • A fishing pole

    A few are available to rent.

  • Fishing line
  • Swivels
  • Bait

    Live or dead bait only. Our fish love hot dogs, worms and cheese.

  • A valid Arizona fishing license

    Required for every angler and checked at entry. Licenses are sold by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Rules

Pecan Lake fishing rules

Rules are subject to change. Please be considerate of other visitors and of staff.

  1. Fishing entry is required for everyone who fishes.
  2. Fishing is open during regular opening hours only. Some exceptions may apply for special events.
  3. Adult supervision is required for all age groups.
  4. All fishing rules of the Arizona Game and Fish Department apply.
  5. Barbless hooks only. They are provided.
  6. Catch and release only.
  7. Anglers bring their own supplies: fishing pole, line, swivel, bait and so on.
  8. One pole per angler in the water at a time.
  9. Fish from the grass shoreline. Do not get in the water. Waders and boats are not allowed. No fishing from bridges.
  10. To keep the lake’s ecosystem in balance, only live or dead bait is allowed. No casting of lures, no artificial bait, no hormone bait.
  11. Our fish love hot dogs, worms and cheese.
  12. Do not leave litter at the fishing site.
  13. If you catch a fish, take a picture. A weigh station at the lake tells you more about your catch.
  14. Return every loaned barbless hook to the front desk before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fishing entry separate from general garden admission?
Yes, general admission, fishing entry and canoe rental are each priced separately at $10, $10 and $16 per person. That means you can pay just for fishing without necessarily paying for full garden admission, depending on how you plan your visit. It’s worth deciding ahead of time which activities you want so you know the full cost.
Can I fish from a canoe instead of the shoreline?
No, all fishing must be done from the grass shoreline, and canoes are not permitted for fishing. Canoes are intended purely for paddling around the lake and viewing the mill, waterwheel and gardens from the water. If you want to fish, plan on shoreline fishing entry rather than a canoe rental.
Where can I eat after a day of fishing?
Hide Out 206, Your Pie and Caldwell County BBQ are all a short walk from the lake. Whether you want a casual drink and snack, a pizza, or a full barbecue meal, there’s an option nearby. It’s an easy way to wrap up a morning or afternoon of fishing.
Can I combine fishing with a walk through the themed gardens?
Yes, many visitors fish for a while and then walk the self-guided tour through gardens like the English, Japanese and Southwest gardens in the same visit. Since fishing entry and garden admission are priced separately, you can decide to add the garden walk on the day or plan for both from the start. It makes for a full day out at Pecan Lake.
Where do I get my fishing license if I don’t already have one?
Licenses aren’t sold on-site at the gardens, so you’ll need to arrange one in advance through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for every angler and is checked at entry, so it’s not something you can skip. Getting it ahead of time will save you from being turned away at the gate.
The millhouse and waterwheel seen past an olive tree, a topiary-lined garden path leading up to it
The lake under a willow, with the buildings on the far bank

Bring a pole

Hooks are provided, the license is yours to bring, and the catfish are waiting.

Plan your visit