Black Canyon VS. Lucky Peak, Which Reservoir is Better?

While I spent a good amount of last summer paddle boarding Lucky Peak recreation area. I had yet to check out Black Canyon Reservoir in Emmett. That is until this weekend. What a prime spot with a lot of similarities and differences to Lucky Peak. Here are some comparisons to consider when selecting your next fun filled water day destination.

Black Canyon Reservoir

Located northeast of Emmett, on State Route 52 between Emmett and Horseshoe Bend. It took about 40 minutes from I-84 and Meridian Road. The Reservoir was formed by Black Canyon Diversion Dam, part of the Boise Project and is in Gem County. Black Canyon is a 1,100-acre reservoir with 12 miles of shoreline. There are well maintained restrooms, boat ramps, camping, parking, picnic tables, swimming, sandy beach, volleyball, and accessible facilities for fishing. It is clean water and recommended fishing water that flows from the Payette River.
Here are the fish that are likely to be caught in the Black Canyon Recreation Area:
Bluegill / Pumpkinseed / Sunfish, Bullhead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch,
Mountain Whitefish, Smallmouth Bass, White Crappie.

Lucky Peak

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Lucky Peak Lake is located in the foothills of southwestern Idaho on the Boise River, 10 miles southeast of the city of Boise and for me about 20 minutes from I-84 and Meridian Rd. The green belt trail also connects Boise with Lucky Peak Lake. Lucky Peak Reservoir in Ada, Boise and Elmore Counties is 2,766.3 acres. It flows through Boise River. The dam and reservoir area are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Idaho Parks and Recreation also helps with the park and recreation area maintenance. They control flood risk reduction, water storage, and recreation. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, water-skiing, picnicking, sandy beach, park, disc golf or enjoying a relaxing picnic. This reservoir is well-know for quality Kokanee and Rainbow Trout fishing, though some anglers choose to focus on Smallmouth Bass. You can also find, Yellow Perch, and Mountain Whitefish.

Sources:
Recreation.gov - Black Canyon & Lucky Peak
Idaho.gov - Black Canyon & Luck Peak

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