IntermediateBoth

Lake Pleasant

Arizona, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested3–61 m (10–200 ft) depthBoth entry

Lake Pleasant at a glance

Lake Pleasant is an intermediate both dive site in Arizona, United States with depths of 3–61 m (10–200 ft). Typically most favorable Dec · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Favorable window now· until 18:00 · sunset 17:42

Wind forecast for this hour · 12:00 · run 1 h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Heavy boat and PWC traffic in warm months; large seasonal water-level swings; summer thermocline with cold dark water below; submerged structures and old dam debris; rattlesnakes/cactus on shore approaches.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Mon

5 kn wind (5 kn wind)

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4 kn wind (4 kn wind)

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4 kn wind (4 kn wind)

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5 kn wind (5 kn wind)

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8 kn wind (8 kn wind)

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4 kn wind (4 kn wind)

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6 kn wind (6 kn wind)

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:17 · Sunrise 6:43 · Sunset 17:42 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo wind · updated 26 Oct, 10:27 GMT-7

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near Lake Pleasant

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Crayfish

Best time: November-March for the best visibility and least boat traffic.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

January, 90% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 9 knots
February, 81% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 10 knots
March, 81% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
April, 81% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
May, 87% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
June, 90% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
July, 92% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
August, 91% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 10 knots
September, 91% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 10 knots
October, 96% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 9 knots
November, 96% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 8 knots
December, 99% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 7 knots, historically most favorable

December has typically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Rough labels: “Commonly seen” usually means two or more recorded sightings near this site in public dive logs (GBIF), “Occasionally seen” one; “Seasonal” and “Rarely seen” come from dive-guide research. Not a measured rate.

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km (16 mi). Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

The Phoenix area's primary dive lake, a 10,000-acre reservoir in Lake Pleasant Regional Park reaching about 260 feet when full. Established dive areas include Vista Point, Sunset Ridge, the protected beginner cove east of the 10-Lane boat ramp (~30 ft), and the submerged Old Waddell Dam; shore dives commonly reach 60-100+ ft and boat dives can exceed 200 ft, making it a regional technical-diving venue. Winter visibility can hit 40-60 feet while summer drops to 5-10 feet.

boatshorewall

Heavy boat and PWC traffic in warm months; large seasonal water-level swings; summer thermocline with cold dark water below; submerged structures and old dam debris; rattlesnakes/cactus on shore approaches.

How deep is Lake Pleasant?

Lake Pleasant ranges from 3 to 61 metres deep (10–200 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a freshwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Lake Pleasant a shore dive or a boat dive?

Lake Pleasant can be dived from shore or by boat. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Lake Pleasant?

Lake Pleasant is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 3 to 61 metres (10–200 feet). Access is from shore or by boat, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Lake Pleasant?

November-March for the best visibility and least boat traffic. None; lake level fluctuates seasonally (CAP storage), changing entries and depths. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Lake Pleasant?

Divers at Lake Pleasant in United States commonly report sightings of Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Crayfish, and White crappie. Largemouth bass, Bluegill, and Crayfish are recorded as common sightings, while Channel catfish and White crappie are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Lake Pleasant?

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