Pima County is inviting members of the public to come out for a one-time-only opportunity to fish Pond 1 for bluegill, bass and catfish at Agua Caliente Park ahead of a planned restoration of Pond 1.
From Jan. 2 to 31, 2019, anglers can bring their poles to the 101-acre park, 12325 E. Roger Road, which is managed by for Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.
Officials are recommending that fishing enthusiasts use top-water lures or weedless lures and are asking that grass carp not be taken. Fish samples have been tested for heavy metals and are within safe limits for consumption.
Agua Caliente Park features a seasonal warm spring and ponds that are home to an exceptionally rich mix of plants and animals. Water conservation is the focus of the multi-stage process to restore the pond and address its long-term sustainability.
Agua Caliente’s spring has not produced measurable flows of water since 2014 and has required continuous groundwater pumping to keep the pond full. The pond is too shallow as the result of erosion and sediment build-up, which has contributed to the spread of invasive cattails. Seepage from the pond’s bottom has caused significant and recurring water loss.
Beginning in summer 2019, the goal is to renovate Pond 1 by:
- Dredging the pond to increase depths.
- Reducing water loss from the bottom with a polymer-amended soil lining.
- Replanting cattails in containers and increasing the water depth at the pond’s edge to control the spread of cattails.
Parking is limited at the park and no parking is allowed on Roger Road. Park hours are 7 a.m.-sunset.
For more information, visit www.pima.gov/AguaCaliente.