Spring in the Rim Country is around the corner and unknown to the "outside world" Central Arizona has some terrific fishing' holes. Many spots are accessible by car! Here we present some of the best fishin' lakes - all are nearby Pine & Strawberry.
A note about MOGOLLON RIM LAKES:
Ice cover can be expected on most higher mountain lakes and streams during winter months. Ice should be considered unsafe at all times. The gates on interior forest roads are closed during most winters. Contact the US Forest Service's Black Mesa Ranger District office at 928-535-7300 for up to date information about road conditions.
CHEVELON LAKE: The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. Forest roads from the south are closed. Forest road 169 north is open to Forest road 169B but Forest road 169B to the lake is snow packed and inaccessible to vehicles, except snowmobiles. This lake should fill and spill this year, providing good early spring fishing at the inflows and also in the creek below the dam.
BEAR CANYON LAKE: The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. The lake is inaccessible by motor vehicle, except snowmobiles. Forest Road 300 is closed.
BLACK CANYON LAKE: The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. The lake is inaccessible by vehicle, except for snowmobiles. Forest Road 300 is closed.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE: The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. The lake is inaccessible by vehicle, except for snowmobiles. Forest Road 149 is closed.
WOODS CANYON LAKE: The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. The lake is inaccessible by vehicle, except for snowmobiles. Forest Road 300 is closed.
LOWER LAKE MARY: Stocked on March 4 with 1,000 rainbows, which is the first installment of 15,000 trout heading to this lake. The lake size is about 50 surface acres now, but snow melt should increase its size by the prime spring fishing season. Biologists are expecting good things.
UPPER LAKE MARY: The lake is almost full (four feet down).
ASHURST LAKE: The lake is full.
KINNIKINICK LAKE: Access conditions unknown. Road is likely closed.
MARSHALL LAKE: Access conditions unknown. Road is likely closed.
LONG LAKE: The lake did have open water a few weeks ago, 3ut access may be questionable. Water level is good. Lake was stocked last year. This lake was producing some nice trout and pike last fall, so might be worth a try this spring once the snow melts and the roads are passable.
BLUE RIDGE LAKE RESERVOIR: Blue Ridge Lake Reservoir is definitely full and spilling, but the road won't be open for some time yet. We suspect that other mountain lakes along the Rim are spilling over as well - this is going to be a good fishing year in the high country.
