Lake Mary (Arizona)

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Mary
image_lake = UpperLakeMary13.jpg
caption_lake = Upper Lake Mary
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Coconino County, Arizona
coords = coord|35|4|22.1|N|111|31|27.2|W|region:US-AZ_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = Walnut Creek
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area = convert|600|acre|abbr=on
depth = convert|38|ft|abbr=on
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = convert|6895|ft|abbr=on
islands =
cities =

Lake Mary may refer to one of two reservoirs in northern Arizona, southeast of Flagstaff. The name may also be used to refer to the two lakes as a whole. The pair of lakes impound the intermittent Walnut Creek upstream from Walnut Canyon. Recreational facilities at both lakes are maintained under the authority of the Coconino National Forest.

Upper Lake Mary

Upper Lake Mary, the further upstream of the two lakes, is formed by a small earthen dam on Walnut Creek. The lake is long and narrow, with a maximum length of about 5 miles (8 km), and a maximum width of about 2,000 feet (610 meters). During dry seasons the lake will narrow and shorten.

The lake serves primarily as a recreation facility and offers a number of outdoor activities. Boat ramps provide access for power boats and the lake is a popular destination for water skiing as the lake does not have a limit on engine size. [cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/upper-lake-mary-boat.shtml|title=Upper Lake Mary|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=United States Forest Service]

Boating Facility Features

* Paved Access
* Any Motor Size
* Launching area (north ramp: 4 lanes; south ramp: 4 lanes)
* Waterskiing
* Parking Areas with 20 Trailer Spaces (north ramp) and 16 Trailer Spaces (south ramp)

Upper Lake Mary is also stocked with several fish species for angling, including crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, northern pike and walleye. Largemouth bass, yellow bass and yellow perch are sometimes reported to be found in the lake, as well.cite web|url=http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_north.shtml|title=North Central Arizona|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department]

Lower Lake Mary

Lower Lake Mary is the second reservoir in the system, located just downstream of the upper lake. It is the smaller of two lakes, reaching a maximum length of 3 miles (5 km) during wet seasons. At its maximum capacity, the lake fills the valley from the small earthen dam at its head to the foot of the dam holding back Upper Lake Mary. During dry seasons, however, the lake has a tendency to dry up completely, except for small pools along the dam. [cite web|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/mormon_lake/lowermary-boat.shtml|title=Lower Lake Mary|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=United States Forest Service]

Due to its tendency to dry up, the lake does not have the water sports appeal of its upstream sibling. The lake is regularly stocked with fish, including rainbow trout, sunfish and channel catfish. During particularly wet years when the lake remains full for an extended period of time, northern pike may be stocked, as well.

Both lakes are also home to populations of elk and deer. The waters themselves attract various bird species including great blue heron and the bald eagle. During the warmer summer months, the region becomes a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Boating Facility Features

* Paved and Dirt Access
* Boats to Rent
* Licenses for Sale
* Groceries
* Tackle and Equipment
* Any Motor Size
* Primitive Launching Area (1 lane)
* Parking Area with 5 Trailer Spaces
* Restrooms

External links

* [http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/BoatingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/FishingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Fishing Locations Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish.shtml Where to Fish in Arizona Species Information]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml Arizona Lake Levels]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/video/LowerLakeMary.shtml Video of Lower Lake Mary]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/video/UpperLakeMary.shtml Video of Upper Lake Mary]

References

*Citation |first=Information and Education Division|title=Arizona Fishin' Holes|place=Phoenix, AZ|publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department|year=2007