Big Lake, AZ

When mid-summer fishing doldrums set in at White Mountain lakes and streams because of water quality, Big Lake typically continues to produce decent fishing action. Because of its size, productivity and visitor amenities, Big Lake is considered one of the White Mountains' best fishing lakes. As with most trout waters in Arizona, catch rates are best in spring, during late April and May after the winter ice thaws, and gets better later in the summer and into fall until freezing over again in late November. Big Lake is located in Apache County and managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Situated at 9,000 feet (2,700 m) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Big Lake is located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Springerville and Eagar, accessed by paved road via Highways 260 and 261, and is approximately one hour’s drive from Pinetop using Highways 260 and 273 and Forest Road 113. Access is restricted in the winter when roads are closed due to snow, generally December to early April. In January, the normal high temperature is 44F with a normal low temperature of 14F. In July, the normal high temperature is 73F with a normal low temperature of 45F.

Primary fish species here include rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, with an occasional Apache trout, Arizona’s official state fish. Each year, the Department stocks an average of 200,000 fingerling (three inch) and 50,000 subcatchable (six inch)trout. Most of these are rainbows. Catchable-sized Apache trout are sometimes stocked during hot summer months as water conditions deteriorate at other lakes.

There are several visitor amenities here that the Forest Service maintains, including over 200 fee-camping sites, two boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, picnic tables, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and a visitor center open during the summer. A concessionaire operates a small convenience store where you can purchase fishing licenses, food, gas and fishing supplies, or rent a boat.

Fishing from a boat is generally more successful in the summer and fall than fishing from the shoreline. Boaters should try trolling spinners and flies. To attract cutthroats, use lures that resemble crayfish or their movement. Brook trout will hit flies. Big Lake is well known for producing large brookies in October and November.