Parker Canyon Lake

Description:

• Parker Canyon Lake is located 25 miles southeast of Sonoita in the rolling hill country surrounded by distant mountains. It offers a number of recreational possibilities for those willing to drive the long but well maintained dirt roads that lead to it. For those who like to fish, Parker Canyon Lake offers both warm and cold water species, including stocked Rainbow Trout and resident Bass, Sunfish and Catfish. There is a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp at the lake, as well as a lakeside paved area and a graveled path along some of the best Catfish shoreline. There is also a concessionaire operated country store at the lake shore where you can pick up some last minute supplies, buy a fishing license or rent a boat.

  Bird watchers and just plain nature lovers will also find much to enjoy at Parker Canyon Lake. A five mile trail leads around the lake shore. Bald Eagles and Osprey are regularly sighted in this area, as are spring warblers and hummingbirds in season. On the terrestrial side, Coues Whitetail deer can frequently be seen browsing among the oaks and grasses that surround the lake and in the two campgrounds near its shore. Coatimundi, javelina and roadrunners make occasional appearances as well.