Summertime is gone — but the livin' is still easy at serene Silverbell Lake.
"I caught three channel cat so far," says Maurice Bruton, showing off the catfish he pulled from the lake on the Northwest Side.
Bruton checks his line, reels in a bit and sits back in the shade of a lakeside tree.
"It's God's country right here," he says, "especially if you like fishing."
The 13-acre lake — in Christopher Columbus Park at 4600 N. Silverbell Road — attracts lots of local anglers with its large-mouth bass, sunfish, trout and other species in addition to catfish.
It's also popular with folks who like to take a leisurely float in a small boat on a brilliant autumn day.
The lake's setting is just far enough off Silverbell Road to make it seem a little less urban than some urban lakes — and the site also offers great views of the Catalina Mountains across the valley.
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Get to the water
For one route to the lake, take Grant Road west of Interstate 10 to Silverbell Road and follow Silverbell Road northwest 2.8 miles to the park entrance.
Rules and regs
● Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Admission is free.
● You'll need an urban fishing license if you want to cast a line. Licenses are available from any Arizona Game and Fish Department office or fishing license dealers.
● No swimming or wading in the lake.
● Don't feed the waterfowl.
● Dogs must be on leashes.
