Built in 1928, Scott Reservoir is an irrigation impoundment on Porter Creek near Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. The least developed of the "in town" lakes, trees surround Scott Reservoir, giving it a secluded feel. Locals know you can catch big catfish at Scott Reservoir in the fall. Scott Reservoir lies just outside the town limits on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. To get there, drive 1.4 miles (2.3 km) north on Porter Mountain Road from Highway 260, then make a right turn across from the Chuck Wagon Steak House. The lake is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Porter Mountain Road. Scott Reservoir covers 80 acres (32 ha) with an average depth of 10 feet (3.0 m), and lies at 6,720 feet (2,050 m) altitude. It is usually somewhat turbid, which helps control algae blooms and aquatic weeds. This, coupled with a good perennial stream flowing in, means there are no real water quality problems. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in spring, early summer and fall, and it is occasionally stocked with channel catfish. There are also a few largemouth bass. Fish for trout in spring and early summer using a boat or float tube at the upper end of the lake where fish tend to congregate. Troll spinners or fish with night crawlers off the bottom. For stocked trout, try night crawlers or Power Bait. For catfish in the summer, try chicken liver or water dogs. Catch large catfish in the fall using waterdogs. Bass fishing is slow to average at this lake. Statewide fishing regulations apply and a trout stamp is required for anglers fishing for trout. The daily bag limit is six trout, six bass and 25 catfish for licensed anglers. Trout bag limits are halved for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14. Only electric boat motors are allowed on this lake. Fish species: Rainbow Largemouth Bass Sunfish Catfish (Channel)

Our bait recommendations

Here's the baits that our Pros love for this lake.