What the Tempe Town Lake Fishing Festival Offers
The Tempe Town Lake Fishing Festival is an annual event held on the lake itself, drawing anglers and families who want to fish together, learn new techniques, and connect with other people who fish. The festival typically runs for one day in spring, with exact dates announced each year by the City of Tempe Parks and Recreation Department. You can fish from the shore or bring a boat, and the event welcomes beginners and experienced anglers alike.
The festival centers on catching largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish — the species that live in Tempe Town Lake year-round. Organizers stock the lake with additional fish before the event to increase catch rates, especially for families bringing children. Vendors set up booths along the shoreline selling tackle, bait, and fishing gear, and local fishing guides often offer tips on technique and where fish are holding that day.
Key Takeaways
- The festival takes place on Tempe Town Lake in spring, with one-day dates that change each year — check the City of Tempe Parks and Recreation website for the current year's schedule.
- You can fish from shore or bring your own boat, and the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish before the event begins.
- Arizona fishing licenses are required for anyone 10 years old and up, and you can purchase a one-day license on the spot or online before you arrive.
- Bait and tackle vendors operate during the festival, so you can buy what you need the morning of the event if you do not have gear at home.
- Parking is available at multiple access points around the lake, though lots fill early on festival day — arriving by mid-morning is wise.
When the Festival Happens and How to Find the Date
The Tempe Town Lake Fishing Festival runs once per year, typically in April or May, though the exact date shifts from year to year. The City of Tempe Parks and Recreation Department announces the date on their official website and through their social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). You can also call the Parks and Recreation office directly at the main Tempe city line to confirm the date for the current year.
The festival usually starts at sunrise or early morning and runs through mid-afternoon, giving you a full morning and early afternoon to fish. Arriving early — by 7 or 8 a.m. — means better parking, less crowded shoreline, and a chance to fish the quieter hours when fish are most active. If you arrive later in the day, you will still have time to fish, but you may find the best spots occupied and parking farther from the water.
Arizona Fishing License Requirements
Anyone 10 years old and up must have a valid Arizona fishing license to fish at the festival. Children under 10 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. Arizona offers several license options: a one-day license (valid for one calendar day), a five-day license (valid for five consecutive days), or an annual license (valid for one year from the date of purchase).
You can buy a one-day license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website before the festival, or you can purchase one in person at the lake on festival day — vendors and the Parks and Recreation staff typically sell licenses at the event. The one-day license costs less than $15 and is the most common choice for festival attendees. Bring your ID and be ready to provide your date of birth when you purchase.
What to Bring and What to Rent or Buy
If you own a fishing rod and reel, bring them — you will have everything you need. If you do not fish regularly, you do not need to buy gear before the festival. Tackle vendors set up booths selling rods, reels, line, hooks, and lures, and bait vendors sell live bait (usually worms and shiners) and prepared bait. Prices are higher than at a tackle shop, but the convenience on festival day is worth it for many people.
Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks. Wear shoes with good grip in case the shoreline is wet or muddy. If you are bringing a boat, make sure it is registered with Arizona and that you have your boating safety certificate if required by state law. Parking near the boat launch fills quickly on festival day, so arrive early if you plan to launch.
Where to Fish and How Access Works
Tempe Town Lake has multiple public access points around its perimeter, and the festival uses several of them. The main festival area is usually centered on the south shore near the Tempe Beach Park parking lot, but you can fish from any public access point on the lake. Shore fishing is free and requires no reservation — you simply show up and find a spot. If you bring a boat, you can launch from the public boat ramp at Tempe Beach Park, though a day-use fee applies (typically $5 to $10).
The lake is roughly 2 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, so there is plenty of shoreline. Fish tend to hold near structure — downed trees, rocks, and the edges where shallow water meets deeper water. The south shore near the dam and the north shore near the inlet are popular spots because they have good structure and deeper water nearby. If you are new to the lake, ask other anglers where they are catching fish — most people are happy to share information at community events like this.
Fish Species and What Works
Tempe Town Lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish (bluegill and other panfish). Bass are the most sought-after species and respond well to artificial lures — small crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures work in spring when water temperatures are warming. Catfish bite on live bait (shiners or shad) and prepared stink baits, and they are active throughout the day. Sunfish bite readily on small hooks baited with worms or crickets and are ideal for children because they bite consistently and fight hard for their size.
Spring conditions mean water temperatures in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, which is prime time for all three species. Bass are moving shallow to spawn, catfish are active after winter, and sunfish are feeding heavily. If you are fishing with children, focus on sunfish in shallow water near the shore — they bite fast and provide the satisfaction of frequent catches. If you are targeting bass, work the deeper edges and structure with lures or live shiners.
Parking, Facilities, and What to Expect on Festival Day
Tempe Beach Park is the main hub for the festival, with a large parking lot, restrooms, picnic areas, and a concession stand. Parking is free, but the lot fills by mid-morning on festival day. Additional parking is available at nearby lots around the lake, though some require a short walk to the water. The Parks and Recreation Department may set up a shuttle or direct traffic to overflow parking if the main lot is full.
Restrooms are open during the festival, and there are shaded picnic areas if you want to take a break. The lake has a 5 mph speed limit, so it is calm and safe for families. Dogs are allowed on leash in most areas of the park, so you can bring your dog if you want. The atmosphere is relaxed and community-focused — you will see families, retirees, and serious anglers all fishing side by side, and it is common for people to help each other land fish or share tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register or pay to enter the festival?
No registration or entry fee is required. The festival is open to the public, and you simply show up and fish. You only need a valid Arizona fishing license (or be under 10 and supervised by someone with a license). Parking is free at Tempe Beach Park.
Can children fish without a license?
Children under 10 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by an adult who has a valid license. Children 10 and older need their own license. A one-day license for a child costs the same as for an adult.
What if I have never fished before?
The festival is beginner-friendly. Vendors sell all the gear you need, and many experienced anglers at the event are willing to offer advice. Start with sunfish in shallow water using a simple rod, reel, and worm — they bite readily and teach you the basics of casting and fighting a fish.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, you can keep fish within Arizona's daily bag limits. For largemouth bass, the limit is five per day. For catfish, the limit is 25 per day. For sunfish, the limit is 50 per day. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh if you plan to take fish home.
What if the weather is bad on festival day?
The festival typically proceeds rain or shine, though the City of Tempe may reschedule if conditions are dangerous (high winds, lightning). Check the Parks and Recreation website or call ahead if severe weather is forecast. Bring rain gear if rain is possible.