Lakes

Map

View a Map of White Mountain Area Lakes (JPG).

Becker Lake

Becker Lake

Located about two miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, Becker lake is considered a trophy rainbow trout lake. There are also brown trout that migrate from the Little Colorado River. It has a water-surface area of about 107 acres when full, but gas motors are limited to a maximum 10 horsepower. Two trails offer hiking through wildlife areas, but camping is not permitted.

Big Lake

Big Lake

Considered large for a White Mountains lake, Big Lake is one of the more popular with a surface area of 532 acres when full. Trout is plentiful, and there is a store with boat rentals and four campgrounds ringing the lake (both tent and RV spaces). It is located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, about 26 miles southwest of Eagar, Arizona.

Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake

Located about two miles north of Big Lake, Crescent Lake is at about 9,000 feet elevation, surrounded by lush forests and rolling meadows. With calm wind, it is an ideal place for fly fishing, but boat fishing is also good when trout is the target. There is a concession store on-site offering boat rentals during the season. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower, and camping is prohibited. Big Lake is near enough and offers camping spots for tents and RVs.

Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake

This lake operated by county parks is the perfect lake for kids that love to fish large-mouth bass, crappie, or the less common trout. Just two miles from Show Low, Fool Hollow Lake has 150 acres of surface water, where gas-driven boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower. There are 31 tent camp sites and 92 RV sites with water and electrical hook up.

Hawley Lake

Hawley Lake

A scenic lake located on the Fort Apache Reservation, it is a favorite of photographers. With 260 acres of water surface, the high mountain peaks and thick forest backdrop will leave you in awe. Though approximately 8,200 feet elevation, it is open year-round in spite of cold temperatures and snow-covered grounds. You will enjoy great trout fishing and ice fishing in the winter. About 30 miles east of Show Low, there are cabins for rent and a campground operated strictly under tribal regulations.

Luna Lake

Luna Lake

Luna Lake is located three miles from Alpine, Arizona, and is the easternmost lake of the White Mountains. Here you will primarily fish for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Gas motors are permitted but limited to 10 horsepower. There are 40 campsites and a small store near the dam for bait, snacks, and boat rentals.

Lyman Lake

Lyman Lake

Lyman is the largest lake of the White Mountains region and boasts more than 1,500 acres of water surface. You can enjoy power boating without motor-size restrictions, though the west end is a designated no-wake zone, for the safety of swimmers. There are both tent camping and RV sites, as well as cabin and yurt rentals. This lake is situated at the lowest elevation of the White Mountains at 6,000 feet, making it a good choice year-round, though winters can be quite cold.

Rainbow Lake

Rainbow Lake

Much of the land surrounding Rainbow Lake is privately owned, with only a small parcel of land near the dam for public access. It is located within the Pinetop-Lakeside town limits, but has a wide range of fish species including trout, bass, catfish, and some northern pike. Gas-powered boats must be 10 horsepower or less, and boat rentals are available at Rainbow’s End Resort near the lake. The Lakeside Campground can be found near the dam.

Reservation Lake

Reservation Lake

At 280 acres and an elevation of more than 9,000 feet, Reservation Lake is one of the most popular in the White Mountains region. Situated 19 miles south of Arizona 260, it is access via Arizona 273 and FS 116. Expect the last nine to be rough in rainy weather. This is a seasonal lake, and only open between April and November. You can fish for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Shore fishing is better than most lakes, but trolling and fly fishing is better yet. There is a local store, campground, cabin rental, and boat rental.

Show Low Lake

Show Low Lake

A small 100-acre lake, it has an average depth of 33 feet, where you will find rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and trophy-sized Walleye. More than 75 campsites and a free dump station make up the campground, and a convenience store sells fishing supplies, snacks, and drinks and also rents boats.

Woodland Lake

Woodland Lake

This very small lake has only 18 acres of water-surface and is located in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. Part of Woodland Lake Park, it closes daily at 8 p.m. There is no camping permitted, but is the ideal place for a family picnic. There are numerous recreational facilities, including a volleyball court, children’s playground, ball fields, and a floating fishing dock. Picnic facilities have covered ramadas, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms. If you enjoy hiking, close, easy trails provide an opportunity to nature watch.