A LITTLE HISTORY
About Lake Pleasant, Arizona
Lake Pleasant began with the original Waddell Dam in 1927. When New Waddell Dam was finished in the early 1990s, the lake grew to nearly 10,000 acres when full, making it one of Arizona's largest and most popular lakes. It stores water from the Central Arizona Project and the Agua Fria River, so water levels and shorelines shift throughout the year.
Northwest of Phoenix near Peoria, Lake Pleasant offers open water, desert mountain views and dozens of coves for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing for bass, catfish and crappie. Wind can build quickly, so launch early and stay near shore. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about an hour from the lake.
Where to paddle
- –South lake, near the main entrance
- –Big parking lot
- –Paddle to Scorpion Bay and nearby coves
- –Watch for boat traffic
- –4-lane Castle Creek ramp, north end
- –Quieter northern shoreline
- –Shoreline day use allowed
- –Inside the Agua Fria Conservation Area
- –Made for kayaks and paddleboards
- –Seasonal, check the schedule first
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Lake Pleasant
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Pleasant
One of Arizona’s largest and most popular lakes for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing and camping, with open water, desert mountain views and plenty of coves. Wind and storms can build quickly, so check conditions, launch early and stay near shore when needed.
Fishing at Lake Pleasant
Common catches include white bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish and black crappie. You’ll need a valid fishing license.
Camping at Lake Pleasant
Primitive shoreline camping isn’t allowed. Reserve at Roadrunner Campground (71 developed tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups), Desert Tortoise Campground (74 sites, including walk-in tent sites) or Pleasant Harbor RV Resort.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Lake Pleasant
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're at Lake Pleasant in about an hour.
SALES
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