Boating and Fishing

Overview

The City of Tucson has three lakes which can be used for boating and fishing.
Archer Lake at Christopher Columbus Park is for model boats only (no boating, no fishing).

Fishing and Boating Locations

Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park

  • 4600 N Silverbell Rd
  • Park hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Size: 13 acres. Maximum depth 7 feet

Kennedy Lake at John F. Kennedy Park

  • 3600 S La Cholla
  • Park hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Size: 10 acres. Maximum depth 12 feet

Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford Lakeside Park

  • 8300 E Stella Rd
  • Park hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Size: 14 acres. Maximum depth 35 feet

Rules and Regulations

Please follow the Arizona Game and Fish rules and regulations listed below as well as rules and regulations posted at each site.

  • Boats must be 14 feet or under in length.
  • Canoes/kayaks may extend up to 17 feet.
  • Paddle boards are allowed.
  • All motorized watercraft must be properly licensed.
  • Boating activities must be held in daylight hours. 
  • No gas-powered motorboats of any type are allowed in city lakes, except under certain circumstances with the permission of the director. 
  • Boats in lakes must be equipped with necessary safety equipment in order to comply with Arizona Game and Fish Department safety rules and regulations. 
  • Swimming, wading, glass containers, and littering are prohibited.
  • Live baitfish are prohibited.
  • Gasoline motors are prohibited.
  • Feeding ducks and geese is prohibited.
  • No campfires or open fires are allowed along the lakeshores or any other portion of a park without the permission of the director. 
  • Fishing is permitted at Silverbell, Kennedy, and Lakeside Lakes, which are managed jointly with Arizona Game & Fish Department under the Community Fishing Program.
  • Persons fishing are required to adhere to regulations adopted by the Arizona Game & Fish Department.  
  • Fishing is not permitted at Reid Park irrigation reservoir.  

Arizona Game and Fish Fishing Information, Rules and Regulations (AZGF)
Arizona Game and Fish Boating Information, Rules and Regulations (AZGF)