If you’re looking to catch brook, cutthroat, apache and rainbow trout, Big Lake is the fishing location for you. In addition to its fantastic amenities and large size, Big Lake offers a huge number of fish. Stocked with approximately 40,000 trout every year, big lake covers 532 water surface acres and averages about 16 feet deep. Because this location isn’t open all year, you’ll need to plan your trip sometime from mid-April to mid-November, depending on the weather.
Big Lake is located in the White Mountains in northern Arizona at an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level. Take care if you are not adapted to high altitudes, as the air is thin and afternoon thunderstorms are common. If you are fishing in July or August, start fishing early and seek shelter in the afternoons.
Before a day of fishing, you can rent boats and stock up on bait and tackle at the nearby fishing store. A fishing license is required if you are 14 years of age or older.
Gas motorboats under ten horsepower or less and electric boats are allowed on the lake. Canoes and kayaks are also good options, and the shore fishing is excellent. Anglers have success using flies, lures, or natural bait. Fall is the best time to catch brook trout and cutthroats, who like the cooler weather.
The daily bag limit is six trout, and there is a cleaning station near the store with running water to clean your catch, as well as a campsite with RV hookups if you decide to stay overnight.
Big Lake Fish:
Big Lake boat ramps:
The following boat ramps provide access to Big Lake.
