Apache Indian Reservation
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. Click here for a complete listing of Reservation Lakes in the White Mountains.
For more information on fishing on the reservation, please visit the White Mountain Apache Tribe at http://www.wmatoutdoors.com/fishingtips.shtml
Big Lake Recreation Area/Apache-Sitgreaves Forest
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 http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf.
Greer and Alpine
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.
Alpine, located 30 miles south of Eagar, is home to Luna Lake, a high mountain body of water filled with trout and pike.
Lyman Lake State Park
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. http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/lyman.html.
Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low
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.
Rim Lakes Rec Area/Apache-Sitgreaves 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.
