Horsethief Basin Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horsethief Basin Lake |
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View across lake from eastern shore
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 Horsethief Basin Lake
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Bradshaw Mountains, Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°9′40.75″N 112°17′35.39″W / 34.1613194°N 112.2931639°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | United States Forest Service |
| Surface area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Average depth | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Surface elevation | 6,000 ft (1,800 m) |
Horsethief Basin Lake is a beautiful reservoir (which is like a man-made lake) located high up in the Bradshaw Mountains in central Arizona, United States. It's part of the huge Prescott National Forest. You can find this lake near the small town of Crown King in Yavapai County. It's a popular spot for fishing, with different kinds of fish like Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish.
Contents
History of Horsethief Basin
Horsethief Basin Lake and the surrounding area have an interesting history. In the 1930s, during a tough time called the Great Depression, the U.S. government started programs to help people find jobs and build useful things.
Building the Resort
The Horsethief Basin Resort began as a park built by the City of Phoenix. This happened between 1936 and 1937. Two important government programs helped with this project:
- The Public Works Administration (PWA) helped fund large construction projects.
- The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided young men with jobs. They worked on conservation projects like building parks and trails.
These groups worked together to create the resort facilities.
Changes in Ownership
For many years, the City of Phoenix managed the resort. However, in 1966, the city sold its part of the resort buildings to private owners. The land itself then went back to being managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Today, it is part of the Prescott National Forest.
Recreation Residences
There are also special areas in Horsethief Basin where people have USFS Recreation Residences. These are small cabins or homes built on land leased from the U.S. Forest Service.
Activities at the Lake
Horsethief Basin Lake is a great place for outdoor fun.
Fishing at the Lake
The dam at the reservoir is open for people to walk on and fish from. Many anglers (people who fish) enjoy spending time here.
Boating on the Water
You are also allowed to use boats on Horsethief Basin Lake. It's a nice way to explore the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Fish Species in the Lake
Horsethief Basin Lake is home to several types of fish. Some of these fish are naturally found here, while others are added (stocked) by wildlife agencies to improve fishing.
- Largemouth Bass: These are popular sport fish known for their fighting spirit.
- Sunfish: This group includes fish like Bluegill, which are often caught by younger anglers.
- Channel Catfish: These fish are often stocked in the lake. They are known for their whiskers and good taste.
- Tiger Musky: These are a special hybrid fish, also stocked in the lake. They are a challenge to catch because of their size and strength.[Category:1937 establishments in Arizona]]
