White Mountain Fishing
Whatever your skill level--from the recreational fisherman to the serious angler, you'll find the babbling brooks, crisp, fresh mountain air, and cool waters of the White Mountains the perfect setting for an afternoon or week of fishing.
Arizona fishing regulations require licenses for individuals 14 years of age and older. A resident fishing license with trout stamp is required, and can be obtained at most sporting goods and some hardware stores. Special use licenses for urban areas and one-day licenses are also available. Many of the more popular lakes and streams are stocked regularly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. |
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| Pinetop-Lakeside
and Show Low
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| Apache
Indian Reservation
For more information on fishing on the reservation, please visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe at http://www.wmatoutdoors.com/fishingtips.shtml |
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| Greer
and Alpine
Alpine, located 30 miles south of Eagar, is home to Luna Lake, a high mountain body of water filled with trout and pike.
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| Lyman
Lake State Park
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| Big
Lake Recreation Area/Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
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| Rim
Lakes Recreation Area/Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
These 6 lakes along the western edge of the White Mountains are some of the most popular areas for visitors from the Phoenix/Tucson area, due to their proximity to these major urban areas, developed campgrounds, and easy accessibility. Stocked regularly during the summer months with trout, these lakes in the tall ponderosa pines are ideal for a quick escape to the mountains. |
Most
of the popular lakes in the region provide boat rental facilities and
tackle stores, where you can find everything from snacks and bait to the
latest tips on what the "big ones" are biting on!
Within
the communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, you'll find popular
lakes that boast a multitude of amenities. These improvements allow the
family to enjoy fishing in a mountain lake while having such facilities
as picnic areas, children's playgrounds, grills, ramadas, restrooms, and
hiking trails on site. Fools Hollow Lake, located just minutes outside
Show Low, and Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, and Cooley Lake, all located
along State Route 73 connecting Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low, are
literally minutes from the lodging, dining, shopping, and other
facilities in these towns.
Some
of the best fishing in Arizona can be found in the pristine waters of
the Reservation. Located minutes from the Hon-Dah casino along State
Route 260, fishermen can find native Apache Trout in such popular
destinations as Hawley Lake, A-1 Lake, and Sunrise Lake. Visitors or
residents wishing to fish in the mountain lakes of the Apache Indian
Reservation require special fishing licenses, available for sale on the
reservation. 
A
short drive south of Springerville/Eagar, you'll find the mountainside
communities of Greer and Alpine. At elevations in excess of 8,000 feet,
many residents of the urban communities of Phoenix and Tucson find the
destination of the White Mountains as an escape from the summer heat.
Fishing spots along the Little Colorado river in Greer can be found
alongside trails that wind up into the mountains, or out the back porch
of the lodges and cabins in the mountain town.
Located
just minutes between St. Johns and Springerville, this 1,180-acre park
encompasses the shoreline of the man-made reservoir. As one of the
largest lakes in northeastern Arizona, there are no size restrictions on
boats, thus allowing for speed boats and water skiing. Walleye, channel
catfish, and largemouth bass can be caught in the lake. The park
features improved campgrounds and hookups, and its group ramadas are
popular locations for local residents. Paved boat ramps, restrooms,
showers, and a small herd of buffalo that reside in the park make the
park a unique destination for residents and visitors. The west end of
the lake is buoyed off and restricted as a no wake area (5 mph). This
allows the angler a chance at a variety of fish without the proximity of
speedboats and water-skiers. Special interpretive programs, tournaments,
and fireworks are available throughout the summer months. 
The
Big Lake Recreation Area is home to one of the largest newly developed
recreation facilities, featuring improved campgrounds, hookups, fish
cleaning area, and shower facilities. Located a half-hour drive from
Springerville/Eager, special handicap facilities are available, as well
as a general store where supplies and boat rentals can be found. For a
complete listing of the facilities and other recreation areas, please
visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at