Question about Phoenix area lakes (Tempe: rental, how much, homes)

[Jim Mac]

I'm totally unfamiliar with your area, so I hope this question isn't stupid. Where does the water come from feeding the lakes in your area? From rivers and streams? Is there a big fluctation in the water levels of the lakes?

[observer53]

By lakes in the area, do you mean lakes in subdivisions or parks or urban lakes like Tempe Town Lake, or the lakes formed by dams on the rivers outside the Phoenix area (Lake Pleasant on the northwest, Saguaro, Bartlett, Canyon and Roosevelt to the northeast)?

[Captain Bill]

We purchase the water for the lakes at Val Vista Lakes from SRP. the other man-made lakes also purchase their water.

[Jim Mac]

Originally Posted by observer53

By lakes in the area, do you mean lakes in subdivisions or parks or urban lakes like Tempe Town Lake, or the lakes formed by dams on the rivers outside the Phoenix area (Lake Pleasant on the northwest, Saguaro, Bartlett, Canyon and Roosevelt to the northeast)?

Yes, I'm talking about these lakes and Alamo Lake. And does the water level fluctuate much on these lakes? Arizona is one state we're thinking of retiring to, and I love fishing, especially bass fishing. The Tuscon area doesn't appear to have any fishing there, except small ponds. Thanks.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Jim Mac

Yes, I'm talking about these lakes and Alamo Lake. And does the water level fluctuate much on these lakes? Arizona is one state we're thinking of retiring to, and I love fishing, especially bass fishing. The Tuscon area doesn't appear to have any fishing there, except small ponds. Thanks.

I don't think the water levels in those lakes fluctuate too much. I'm not counting Alamo Lake, as it's quite a bit further away. My guess would be that it's not as deep as the others, as well.

I'm not a fisher-person, but I know that people do go fishing on the lakes to the northeast, and Pleasant. Maybe not Saguaro as much.... there's more water skiers and jet skiers there than at the ones further up.

[Jkgourmet]

If fishing is a priority, I can't say I'd recommend the Phoenix area. Yes, there are lakes and the urban fishing program is excellent; however, it's slow fishing. Meaning: on average, you might catch 1 fish per 1-2 hours depending on the lake, time of year and your skill. Also, unless you enjoy getting your fishing done and over with by 11am, you're really going to find it really slow from April to October.

The urban lake program stocks trout and catfish. You will find some bass in all the lakes.

When you ask a AZ bass fisherman for his favorite fishing spots, the most common response is a pond on one of the golf courses or some other non-public, not necessarily legal location.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

If fishing is a priority, I can't say I'd recommend the Phoenix area. Yes, there are lakes and the urban fishing program is excellent; however, it's slow fishing. Meaning: on average, you might catch 1 fish per 1-2 hours depending on the lake, time of year and your skill. Also, unless you enjoy getting your fishing done and over with by 11am, you're really going to find it really slow from April to October.

The urban lake program stocks trout and catfish. You will find some bass in all the lakes.

When you ask a AZ bass fisherman for his favorite fishing spots, the most common response is a pond on one of the golf courses or some other non-public, not necessarily legal location.

I don't think the OP is thinking urban lakes, but the larger ones outside the metro area (especially since he mentioned Alamo, which really isn't in that group). Any bass fishermen who have fished those lakes have any recommendations?

[locolobo13]

Can't speak for all the lakes. Lake Pleasant is usually near full in the late spring as it gets water from runoff. As the summer wears on the level goes down. I can't remember how much. When we used to go there regularly it was noticable from one month to another.

Lake Levels/River Flow

Daily Water Reports

Not sure where to find historic levels.

[Jim Mac]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

If fishing is a priority, I can't say I'd recommend the Phoenix area. Yes, there are lakes and the urban fishing program is excellent; however, it's slow fishing. Meaning: on average, you might catch 1 fish per 1-2 hours depending on the lake, time of year and your skill. Also, unless you enjoy getting your fishing done and over with by 11am, you're really going to find it really slow from April to October.

The urban lake program stocks trout and catfish. You will find some bass in all the lakes.

When you ask a AZ bass fisherman for his favorite fishing spots, the most common response is a pond on one of the golf courses or some other non-public, not necessarily legal location.

Thanks. Yes, fishing is a priority. We're wondering if a move to AZ for retirement is feasible. But it seems the best fishing areas are in the mountains where it's too cold and too much snow. We want to get away from the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by Jim Mac

Thanks. Yes, fishing is a priority. We're wondering if a move to AZ for retirement is feasible. But it seems the best fishing areas are in the mountains where it's too cold and too much snow. We want to get away from the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

Which explains exactly why we are considering moving out of AZ. I wish I could tell you where this magical place is, with acceptable weather year round, modest priced homes, reasonable property and personal taxes, and good fishing holes. All I CAN tell you is that we are looking at NC, TN, FL, GA, TX, VA, SC and AR.

Still searching for nirvana - but we are beginning to suspect it requires two homes - or one home and a seasonal rental for 3-6 months a year.