News

Even with national forest closures, some lakes still remain open for anglers this weekend

Posted June 25, 2021

PHOENIX — Though conditions remain very dry and several major wildfires continue to burn in our state, some lakes remain open and many have been stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with trout or catfish for anglers to enjoy this weekend. Lakes that are currently accessible are:

• Show Low as well as Show Low Creek in the Pinetop/Show Low area
• Goldwater, Lynx, Granite Basin, Watson and Fain lakes in the Prescott area
• Mormon Lodge Pond south of Flagstaff and Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff
• Riggs Flat, Frye Mesa, Dankworth Pond and Roper State Park in the Safford area
• Rose Canyon, Patagonia, Pena Blanca as well as all Community Fishing Program waters in the Tucson area
• All Community Fishing Program waters in the Phoenix metropolitan area
• Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Bartlett lakes as well as Lake Pleasant
• Colorado River and associated reservoirs
• Alamo Lake

For stocking information please visit azgfd.gov to view the summer stocking schedule.
https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/stockschedule/. Stockings will adhere to this schedule to the extent possible given access limitations and water quality conditions.

As of June 25, outdoor recreationists should be aware that the Coconino, Kaibab and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests are in Stage 3 restrictions (full closure). The Tonto National Forest is also in Stage 3 (closure) restrictions, but some lakes (Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro, portion of lower Salt River), roads and developed recreation sites remain open – see the Tonto National Forest news release for open areas. The Prescott National Forest is also in Stage 3 (closure) restrictions, but some lakes (Lynx, Goldwater, Granite Basin) and roads remain open – see the Prescott National Forest closure order for open areas. At this time, the Coronado National Forest is open, but keep checking their website for updates.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has closed state-owned and managed lands to entry for recreational purposes in all 15 counties in the state. This includes state trust lands outside of incorporated municipalities and most Game and Fish wildlife areas. Some Arizona state parks will remain open under Stage 2 fire restrictions – see the Arizona State Parks website).

Outdoor recreationists are advised to contact or visit the website of the land management agency with jurisdiction over the area they are planning to visit before heading out since fire restrictions may change on a daily basis

Other useful resources:

Current wildfire information in Arizona: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Fire restrictions in Arizona: https://dffm.az.gov/fire-restrictions-and-closures-across-arizona