9 BEST LAKES NEAR YUMA FOR PICNICS, SWIM AND FISHING

There are many pretty lakes near Yuma, whether you are looking to cool off with a swim in the summer or want to picnic with your kids or enjoy water sports with them.

Thanks to their excellent location, these lakes in Yuma are also blessed with excellent ecosystems and wildlife, creating an abundant home for animals and birds.

You can spot many of them on your trip, including Mule deer, pronghorns, coyotes and foxes, hares and desert tortoises, and many types of snakes and birds.

There are plenty of trails for hikers and bikers, and also campgrounds if you prefer outdoor activities around the lake over water sports.

No matter what you prefer, these pretty Yuma Lakes will offer you a fantastic getaway with your family.

Check this guide to the best lakes near Yuma AZ, to know all about them.

For knowing all about the beautiful lakes in the Grand Canyon State, check this guide to 35 Prettiest Arizona Lakes For Swimming, Boating, Fishing and Picnics.

If you want more details about exploring Yuma, check this guide to 35 Awesome things to do in Yuma, Arizona, here.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BEST LAKES NEAR PHOENIX?

While many lakes near Flagstaff, AZ, and the best William AZ lakes rely heavily on rains and melting snow in the higher elevations, the lakes near Yuma are seasonal.

Spring is the most popular month to visit all the lakes near Yuma, especially in April and May, if you want to enjoy all the water activities.

The landscapes around the lakes near Yuma also transform into a magical paradise thanks to the sudden blooms of Arizona wildflowers, making this season ideal for hiking and camping.

Summer is also a popular season for visiting lakes as temperatures in Yuma become unbearably hot, but note that some of these lakes may dry up, so check before you go.

Fall is my favourite month, though, as the burst of golden, orange, and yellow and colder temperatures before the snow are incredibly beautiful. 

Plus, you can avoid crowds to a great extent and also secure good deals on hotels and tours.

Winter is also a great time for snow recreation, family tubing, and snow-skiing, although not all are open to visitors. 

Check before you plan a trip to any of these lakes near Yuma, no matter the time of the year, for permitted activities, camping availabilities, weather, and road closures.

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BEST LAKES NEAR YUMA

REDONDO LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  12 miles
• Driving Duration – 20 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Boating

Redondo Lake is one of the closest lakes near Yuma AZ. It is a small community lake spanning 11 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 14 feet. 

Open 24 hours, it is ideal for a quick fishing getaway from the city or an impromptu trip with your kids during the holidays.

For anglers, there is a fishing pier from where you can enjoy fishing as it is regularly stocked by the fishing department.

You can fish Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Sunfish, Channel Catfish and White Amur.

Only single electric motor boats are allowed that you can launch from the ramp. It is an excellent lake for enjoying canoeing and kayaking and equipment can be rented nearby.

Redondo Lake is 1.5 miles east of Laguna Dam Road (Avenue 7E) on County 6th Street.

FORTUNA LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  20 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Kayaking, Hiking, and Boating

If you are looking for recreational fishing, one of the best lakes near Yuma in Arizona is Fortuna Lake.

It is a small community fishing lake spanning 9 acres, similar to Redondo Lake.

Arizona Fishing Department regularly stocks largemouth bass, flathead and channel catfish, bluegill, tilapia, crappie and carp.

You can launch a single electric motor. Kayaking and Canoeing are other popular activities.

There are large shaded areas for relaxing.

Although it is a designated BLM Campground, it is a primitive camping site where there are no facilities on site.

SQUAW LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  20 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

You can add a stop to visit Squaw Lake if you visit Mittry Lake. Squaw Lake is another reservoir located along the Colorado River.

There is a designated BLM-managed campsite near the lake, and you can access camping for a small fee. You can access boat ramps, restrooms, and picnic tables here.

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Swimming are popular in Squaw Lake, apart from fishing largemouth bass, flathead and channel catfish, and bluegill.

Note that skiing and wakeboarding are not allowed.

You can also enjoy hiking and biking around the trails around the lake.

MARTINEZ LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  35 miles
• Driving Duration – 50 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

Sitting on the Lower Colorado River, about 60 miles north of the city, Martinez Lake is one of the most developed lakes near Yuma in Arizona.

Spring is the best time to visit Martinez Lake, which can be accessed via Martinez Lake Resort nearby, as the water levels will be higher, and suitable for wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, and boating.

You can fish for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, Bullhead, Catfish, Tilapia, Sunfish, Carp and Bullfrogs.

MITTRY LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  20 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

Mittry Lake is located in Yuma County, about 18 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona, on the east side of the Colorado River between Laguna and Imperial Dams. 

It is one of the top lakes near Yuma AZ, and popular among families, RVs and outdoor lovers.

Although it covers only about 750 acres and is barely 10 feet deep at most, Mittry Lake is one of the best fishing lakes near Yuma.

Because Mittry Lake is home to largemouth bass, flathead and channel catfish, bluegill, tilapia, crappie and carp, making it one of the top fishing lakes near Yuma for anglers of all expertise levels and also for sportfishing.

There are plenty of places to tube, kayak, and go boating, apart from fishing.

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area offers many habitats, providing abundant opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and hunting.   

Bird-watching is my favourite activity here.

You’ll spot at least a dozen types, including American coot, common moorhen, western least bittern, pied-billed grebe, night-heron, great blue heron, snowy egret, and osprey.

You can spot mule deer, javelina, bobcats, desert bighorn sheep and wild burros.

There are no facilities or designated areas for camping, but camping is allowed. There is no fee for camping or fishing.

HOW TO REACH?

From Yuma, take Highway 95 north to East Imperial Dam Road, then turn left toward the lake, following wildlife area signs to reach Mittry Lake.

FERGUSON LAKE

• Distance from Yuma –  33 miles
• Driving Duration – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

One of the hardest-to-access lakes near Yuma is Ferguson Lake.

Thanks to its remote location, you can enjoy the splendid landscapes and most of the lake for yourself and is the best lake if you want to avoid the crowds.

One of the ways to reach here is via boating, and due to its secluded location, it attracts more camping and RV travelers rather than families looking for a quick getaway.

If you are up for the adventurous drive on the gravel road(it is best to rent a high-clearance vehicle), you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and wakeboarding. 

There are also hiking and biking trails around the lake, besides camping.

SENATOR WASH RESERVOIR

• Distance from Yuma –  24 miles
• Driving Duration – 35 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

You can make a quick stop at Senate Wash Reservoir, one of the best lakes near Yuma, located close to Squaw Lake.

There are exclusive areas for fishing, with largemouth bass, flathead and channel catfish, bluegill, tilapia, and crappie regularly stocked throughout the year.

If you want to have a secluded area of the lake, primarily for yourself, head to the north end of the lake.

Apart from no restrictions on boating, you can also enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding in Senate Wash Reservoir. 

It is one of the off-streams reservoirs in Arizona, however, note that water levels in the reservoir fluctuate throughout the year, so check before you go.

IMPERIAL RESERVOIR

• Distance from Yuma –  16 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, and Boating

The Imperial Reservoir is one of the vast reservoirs across the Colorado River, forming one of the beautiful lakes near Yuma. It is located next to Senate Wash Reservoir.

While many drive to the dam for beautiful views of the dam and the pretty drive itself, you can also enjoy boating, camping, and rent kayaks and canoeing.

Like Senate Wash Reservoir, check the water levels before visiting Imperial Reservoir as the water fluctuates throughout the year.

WEST WETLANDS POND

• Distance from Yuma –  3 miles
• Driving Duration – 8 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, and Boating

One of the small lakes near Yuma is located in the West Wetlands Park, a public park at the northwest edge of the city along the Colorado River within the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.

It is one of the top relaxation places among locals who frequent it here for walks, jogging, running, and picnics.

West Wetlands Pond is a small, 1.3 acres community fishing pond and a popular hangout spot among anglers.  

If you want an urban fishing lake near Yuma, West Wetlands Pond is a great option.

Although swimming and wading are prohibited in West Wetlands Pond, you can rent a small boat, kayak or canoe.

The park is a fantastic spot for a relaxing day with your kids and pets.

There are plenty of shaded picnic areas with tables, ramadas, walking trails, restrooms, and playgrounds. 

There are many green spaces and gardens, including the pretty Humming Bird Garden, which attracts many hummingbirds and other birds during spring. 

The park blossoms with spring flowers and provides beautiful views that you can enjoy on one of the many walking trails.

LAKES NEAR YUMA MAP

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