Friendship Pond is a bank-fishing stop on the west side of Avondale’s Friendship Park. Enter from West McDowell Road, park on the pond side of the complex and walk over with a light setup. Check the signs before casting, especially if you plan to keep a fish.
Use the McDowell Road entrance
Set your navigation to 12325 W McDowell Road, Avondale, AZ. From the entrance roundabout, look for marked public parking on the west side, toward the pond and playgrounds. The Visit Avondale park guide identifies free public parking and restrooms on that side. Follow the paved park paths toward the pond, then choose a firm, level spot on the bank. If you need a step-free route all the way to a casting position, ask Avondale Parks at 623-333-2400 about the current route and restroom access.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department pond record lists 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The City of Avondale Parks and Recreation page lists general community park hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Plan to leave by 10 p.m. and follow posted hours. Check the city’s Friendship Park improvements page and call the city before a late visit or if you need to know whether work affects the lot or paths.
Check the pond limits before fishing
Arizona generally requires anglers 10 and older to have a valid fishing or combination license. Check the current state license rules for exemptions. The pond’s daily limits are two catfish, two trout, one bass at least 13 inches long, five sunfish and one white amur at least 30 inches long. Other species follow statewide limits. Boating, swimming, wading and glass containers are prohibited. Read the signs when you arrive.
Pick a bank spot and have a backup
Walk the bank before setting up. Choose a spot where you can land and unhook a fish from dry ground, with room behind you to cast clear of people on the path. A small tackle bag and one rod are easier to move if the bank gets crowded. Pack water and sun protection, and take discarded line and hooks with you. If you are choosing a day around trout or catfish, use the state’s tentative stocking schedule as a planning aid.
For another shore-fishing trip, compare the parking and bank approaches at Desert West Lake and Alvord Lake. Browse the Arizona guide index or Destinations for more trip ideas, or visit the Outdoor Adventures shop before heading out.
For a second Avondale shore-fishing option, see Festival Fields Pond for the Lower Buckeye Road approach and the parking lot beside the pond.
Compare nearby public banks, fishing piers and backup stops in the Greater Phoenix community fishing planner.
Compare this stop with nearby public banks and parking approaches in the West Valley bank-fishing planner.
Map of the park approach
The map uses the park’s McDowell Road street address. Follow the park signs to the west-side parking area and continue to the pond on foot.
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