Fishing Schedule
Permitted Use Days
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation appreciates your continued support as we work to protect the Agua Fria Conservation Area.
The department recognizes that the area is a popular fishing location during certain seasons. To provide limited access when conditions allow, the park may designate specific permitted use days for shoreline boat launching.
Motorized vehicles may be allowed access under the following conditions:
- Vehicles must have high clearance and four-wheel drive capability.
- Small trailers or watercraft may be towed to the shoreline launch area.
- Access is permitted only when water levels are suitable for launching.
- The riverbed crossing must be safely passable.
- Traffic barriers must remain in place to keep vehicles on designated roadways.
- Weather conditions must be safe.
- Park staff must be available to manage the area.
Access is temporary and limited, and may change depending on water levels, weather, and safety conditions.
Before Visiting
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Check the park’s Alert Section for current conditions and closures.
- Contact the park for the most up-to-date access information.
- Follow all posted signs and staff directions when visiting the conservation area.
These measures help protect sensitive habitat while allowing limited recreational access when conditions permit.
Rules for Use
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors—and to protect the natural resources of the Agua Fria Conservation Area—please follow these guidelines.
Bald Eagle Closure Areas
Access is not permitted within designated Bald Eagle closure areas while the seasonal closure is in effect.
Closure areas are marked with:
- Buoys
- Fencing
- Posted signage
Entering a closed area may result in fines, citations, or other penalties, and may lead to additional restrictions at the Agua Fria Boat Ramp.
Parking Areas and Hours
Upper Parking Area
- Open daily for day-use activities only (no camping).
- Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
Middle Parking Area
- Open seasonally January through March.
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lower Parking Area and Boat Launch
- Access is limited and depends on water levels and staffing availability.
- This area is typically accessible for a short period during spring when conditions allow.
- The lower parking area is intended primarily for motorized and non-motorized watercraft launching.
Visitors who are not launching watercraft are encouraged to park in the upper or middle parking areas due to limited parking near the launch site.
Trail and Shoreline Access
- Non-motorized travel only is permitted on designated trails or along the riverbed outside of eagle closure areas.
- Shoreline access west of the boat launch area is not permitted.
Boating
The portion of the lake within the Agua Fria Conservation Area is a No Wake Zone. Boaters must operate vessels at slow speeds that do not create a wake.
Additional Rules
- Shooting is not permitted in this area.
- Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed at the boat launch area. OHVs may park in the upper or middle parking areas (park entry fee required).
- Pack it in, pack it out. Please remove all trash and belongings when leaving the area.
Seasonal Bald Eagle Closure
Bald Eagles are sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season. Activities such as courtship, nesting, incubation, and raising young require quiet and protected habitat. To protect nesting eagles, portions of the Agua Fria Conservation Area are closed each year.
- The seasonal Bald Eagle closure typically runs from December 15 through June 15.
- During this time, the lower arm of the Agua Fria is closed to all entry.
Closure areas are identified on the maps provided below.
These protections help ensure Bald Eagles can successfully nest and raise their young in this important habitat.