NEWS RELEASE
Dec. 30, 2024
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will conduct required maintenance on the outlet valve at the Lynx Lake dam over the winter due to a mechanical failure that caused the valve to remain in the open position. In order to complete this work safely and expose the valve, the lake will be drained of 30 feet of water. This will leave the lake at 30 feet deep. The department is monitoring conditions and there are no expected negative effects to fish and wildlife in the lake.
The lake was last lowered to the outlet in 1974. AZGFD will perform the work on the valve before snowmelt and rainwater will fill the lake to previous levels.
Fishing will be allowed in the lake while it is draining and maintenance work is done. However, visitors are encouraged to take caution, as the soft, muddy shoreline can be hazardous. Due to the reduced water levels, the boat ramp will be closed and the launching of vessels behind vehicles will not be available. Hand launching of smaller vessels like kayaks will remain an option.
The restrooms on the north shore are temporarily closed. Visitors should use the vault toilets available on the southern shore.