Join us to build and place native tree fish habitat structures into Peña Blanca Lake on Thursday, April 2nd and Friday, April 3rd, 2026. We will meet at the boat ramp at 9:00am and will work until about 4 pm on both days. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for a single day; participation on both days is not required.
Volunteers will help stage and load small native trees and anchors onto the AZ Game & Fish Department boats. The work will be fairly simple with a low energy demand.
What to Bring? Volunteers should bring their own water, snacks, food and appropriate sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. Closed toed shoes and clothes appropriate for April weather are required.
Why? This habitat project will add some much needed structure to Pena Blanca Lake. Diverse bottom structure is a key component of a thriving warmwater fishery. This structure will have numerous benefits for fish species in the lake, helping to improve sizes of Largemouth Bass and recruitment of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. They will also provide locations around which fish will congregate, likely leading to improved catch rates and angler satisfaction.
Location: Main Boat Ramp, Pena Blanca Lake, Coronado National Forest, 85621. Paved access to the lake is available via State Route 289 west from Interstate 19, north of Nogales.
Peña Blanca Lake area offers a boat ramp, fishing piers, a lakeshore trail, and picnic areas.
Questions? Contact Sean Deery sdeery@azgfd.gov or (520) 388-4451.
