Catching Fish at Roper Lake State Park near Tucson

Roper Lake State Park, located just two hours northeast of Tucson, Arizona, is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. Known for its scenic beauty and well-stocked lake, it offers a perfect escape for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day on the water or hope to reel in a trophy-worthy catch, Roper Lake is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts living in or visiting the Tucson area. This guide will help you get the most out of your fishing trip.

Adventure Guide to Catching Fish at Roper Lake State Park

Roper Lake's Stocked Fish Population
Roper Lake is regularly stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, sunfish, and channel catfish. During cooler months, rainbow trout are added to the mix, drawing in visitors for winter fishing. The lake is small, offering easy access to prime fishing spots both along the shore and via boat, ensuring excellent opportunities regardless of experience or preference. Boats are restricted to electric motors, maintaining calm waters ideal for fishing.
Shaded Fishing Areas
Several areas around the lake feature picnic tables, shade structures, and fishing docks, making it an excellent spot for families or anglers who want a comfortable setup for an extended day of fishing. The dock on the west side of the lake is especially popular due to its accessibility and high activity of fish, particularly during early morning or evening hours. Stocking schedules, available on the Arizona Game and Fish website, help anglers plan their outings efficiently.
On-Site Rentals
If you don’t have a boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the park, allowing greater access to deeper fishing spots away from the shore. These rentals provide extra versatility for those looking to fish from the water while enjoying beautiful mountain views.

Local Insights

Fishing here is an excellent family activity. The lake's small size and visible shorelines make it easy to monitor kids while fishing. Licenses are required for anglers aged 10 and up and can be obtained online or at local outfitters.

Visitor Tips

Best times to visit: Early morning or evening are ideal when fish are most active, particularly in warmer months.
What to bring: Fishing gear, bait (nightcrawlers and artificial lures work well), sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Getting there: From Tucson, take I-10 E to US-191 N and then AZ-366 W. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Susan Schwaderera year ago

Arizona has wonderful state parks & campgrounds. We loved Roper Lake State Park. Not as busy as others and had spacious sites with lake views. Loved hearing the red-winged blackbirds and coots call. We had decent wi-fi here. We had 50 amp power and water, but no sewer hook-up. Sani-dump was available. We had site 17. Site was spacious with mountain and lake views. Our site was clean and raked with a picnic ramada. Rangers were helpful. There were a number of hiking trails which provided elevated views of the area. Or you could follow the level trail around the lake. This was our second visit and we look forward to returning.

Scott Mills6 years ago

The first thing we went to when arriving at the park was the hot spring. It was my first experience with a hot spring. The water was warmer then expected. We went on the hike near the spring. There are some pretty views of the lake and the mountain. We were able to do the hike easily with our 7 and 5 year old kids.

Zoltan Foldesa month ago

Very clen and well taken care of. Our second stay. Continuing improvements with 2 new modern and level dump stations. Very clean showers and bathroom at the Hacienda camp loop where we stayed.

William Wade6 months ago

This place is a fun place to go for the weekend. Plenty of things to do. Fishing, canoeing, take your boat out, playing in the lake or kicking back on your tube. Hacienda campground just got their bathrooms redone. They’re in the process of doing the other one. Rv Sites have electric and water. I really enjoy this place.

Philip Tavison10 months ago

Great RV and campsite State Park. Although the Park is undergoing some upgrading it does not diminish the beauty and scenic views of the Park. With the snow capped Mount Graham as it's southern view scale makes for a wonderful backdrop. Roper Lake has day use camp sites with toilet facilities makes for a better experience. One can fish year round for bass, catfish, bluegill and seasonal trout.

Fishing

Catching Fish at Roper Lake State Park near Tucson