27 Best Fishing Lakes and Streams Near Flagstaff and Coconino County

Recommendation: Willow Springs Lake offers a fantastic first stop; wide surface; reliable stocking schedules; smooth launch service; parking plentiful; distance left to shore short after the lot; plus several accessible coves for beginners; thats useful for young anglers; A light hike or easy hiking route opens access to calm parts of the shoreline; vehicle access to the launch is straightforward; watching wildlife along land edges adds value for family trips; this site comes with national forest land surrounding; ideal for young anglers seeking a safe outing.

Lake Mary region presents a broader surface; stocking updates on rotation; parking ample; a boat ramp plus multiple landings; distance left to shore 0.3–0.9 mile depending on approach; various launch options exist; small craft access; surface mirrors weather patterns; unlike crowded shorelines, this area offers quiet coves with gentle slopes; hiking routes deliver flexible access; national forest land remains a constant backdrop; drive times from gateway towns vary by season; young anglers benefit from shallow margins.

Mormon Lake region yields a wide surface; stocking cycles confirmed; parking across several pullouts; distance left to shore moderate; launch ramps support multiple routes; various access points; surface wind can create choppiness; hiking routes exist within reach; unlike calmer spots, this area features lively water on windy days; national land protections ensure steady access; anglers of all ages find pockets ideal for beginner to mid‑level casting.

If you need a quick plan, start with Hart Prairie access for a fast payoff; parking near trailheads; surface tendencies keep margins shallow in late season; stocking notices posted by national service; hiking options offer a short, satisfying hike; distance left to shore 0.2–0.4 mile; kids and young anglers benefit from calmer margins; the launch points remain clean; drive time from gateway towns remains modest; wildlife watching adds a plus to the overall trip.

Unlike dense city routes, these zones deliver quiet mornings; watching light on water entices anglers; stocking comes on a regular cadence; national land management provides seasonal access; parking rules stay simple; distance left to shore guides hiking distance; vehicle shuttles help cover multiple spots; drive routes loop through forest land, offering a wide range of surface experiences for national anglers.

Upper Lake Mary: Practical Tips for Access, Gear, and Regulations

Park in the main day-use lot off Lake Mary Road; take the short, flat path to the western shoreline for quick water access.

During winter, access shifts; opens at sunrise, but check notices before leaving; visiting during shoulder seasons eases parking, reduces crowds; snow or ice may block sections; boots with traction recommended; pack a compact dry layer and a flashlight for after-dark returns.

Gear setup favors a 6 to 12 lb line; a 6 to 7 ft rod works for bass; for larger bites, use heavier jigs or spoons; options include spinners, jigs, plus soft plastics; winter retrieves lean toward slower, methodical motions; waders help when exploring shoreline pockets; keep a compact net for landing; rentals available from local shops if you want to skip hauling gear.

Spot ideas include weed edges along the left bank; deeper points that lead to drops; undercut cover along the water’s edge; look for surrounding structure such as submerged logs or rocks; cast toward the cover, then vary speed to locate bites; bass often key on this pattern when water runs cooler during winter.

Rentals from local outlets let you explore a larger area without bringing every item; for a longer outing, a drive toward Havasu offers bigger water to sample; Ashurst access points provide additional options; picnicking spots along the shore deliver a paradise-like backdrop for a midday stop.

Regulations from the national authority require a valid license; bag limits apply; some zones restrict motorized craft; check current rules before visiting; live bait may be restricted; camping and picnicking allowed in designated zones only; plan to leave the area cleaner than you found it; area opens at sunrise; verify open times during winter, since conditions vary.

Best seasons and target species at Upper Lake Mary

Recommendation: plan a week from late March through early May; rainbow trout offer sure action; brown trout appear as water warms; spring conditions favor willow-lined coves; plan closer shoreline spots.

tips share a light setup: 4-6 lb line; spinning reel; artificial lures; small spoons; soft plastics; temperature around 50-60°F yields best bite. photography opportunities emerge at dawn; reflections on waters create striking shots; share your best shot from willow shadows.

Area notes: ashurst access is several miles away; paved parking boosts day-use visits; willow edges frame coves; dogtown vicinity marks a popular base; stoneman trails feed southeastern overlook; plantings around shores support habitat, helping fish populations and photography prospects. Camera buffs imagine a million reflections. Region contains various lakes; anglers benefit from a network of options. Visiting with a couple yields flexible plans; Boatsetter offers boat rental options. help is available from guides nearby.

Season	Target species	Best weeks	Notes
Winter	Rainbow trout	Late December through February	Cool waters; lures: small spoons; baits close to mid-depths; early morning bite
Spring	Rainbow trout; Brown trout	Mid-March through May	Stocking pulses; slow retrieves; cast near willow edges; keep line tight
Summer	Rainbow trout; various warm-water fish	June through August	Early mornings; topwater lures; shallow coves; watch boat traffic
Fall	Rainbow trout; Brown trout	September through November	Post-stocking windows; deeper pockets; slow retrieves; use scent

Where to park, launch boats, and access points around Upper Lake Mary

Park at the paved lot along Lake Mary Road on the west shore; direct access to the main ramp; tidy tie-up zones; convenient trailer parking for mid-spring outings.

Trailer length limit follows posted signs; accessible spaces exist for most trailer configurations; expect crowding on weekends during late mid-spring; plan for early arrival to secure space.

Two official access points exist: the west ramp; the east public launch; including a small pier near the day-use area for sure.

Paddling routes run along the blue water toward sheltered coves; views from the west shore offer refreshing breezes; a distant saguaro silhouette marks the southern edge of the basin; sunblock essential on bright days; maintain safe speeds for others.

The population of cutthroat trout concentrates in weedier bays during mid-spring; caught fish commonly reach 12–16 inches; anglers report increased action after late morning; artificial stocking helps keep the action reliable.

From this access, a starting point for other paddling destinations; a short visit can pair with another paddling route, a scenic return drive featuring views toward distant ridges; a paddling partner named william may join the outing.

Mid-week trips tend to be quieter; going mid-week reduces crowds; schedule a dawn start for calmer water; late morning warmth requires sunblock; water refill points are sparse along the shore; check weather before departure; visibility remains clear with blue skies; note conditions can shift quickly in mid-spring.

Completely plan time; including gear setup; launch, retrieval; allocate much time for parking checks; parking limits may require a short wait; most days stay within posted hours; check on-site notes for temporary closures; activity levels shift with the season.

Visit early for best chances to catch a cutthroat; blue water, mid-spring breezes, refreshing scenery make this west-side route a reliable option for paddlers; sunblock ready; most itineraries stay within a couple of hours; completely flexible scheduling lets you adjust to the week’s crowd.

Permits, limits, and seasonal rules for Flagstaff-area waters

Get azgfd license online before launch; mary notes that a couple water bodies carry tighter limits; william confirms the official date table; tuscon resources provide cross-border context; september changes affect access; ponderosa country creeks stay cool in summer; plan a spectacular morning on a lower spot with a beach and wide bank.

• Permits and licensing: azgfd license required for anglers 10+; nonresident licenses available; carry proof; prices vary; verify on azgfd.gov.
• Limits and quotas: bag limits, possession restrictions differ by reach; consult the official tables for each waterway; violations bring penalties; check updates before leaving home; mary and william recommend confirming on the site.
• Seasonal rules: many waterways offer year-round access; some segments experience winter closures or monsoon restrictions; september entries may adjust restrictions; verify the current calendar on azgfd.gov; higher elevations stay brisk during summer mornings.
• Access and etiquette: use designated launch ramps; choose a spot with stable footing on the bank; beware bridge approaches; keep tracks clear of erosion; west-region spots include dogtown campground; dogs require leash; dispose of trash properly.
• Practical tips: maintain distance from other anglers; launch during cooler hours; stay on established paths; respect signs at low-water points; consider a stay at a nearby campground for a quiet base.
• Where to read updates: azgfd official portal provides current limits; tuscon field office offers regional notes; mary, william, and a couple of local guides monitor changes; plan ahead for september excursions; consult the maps for ponderosa zones and saguaro-adjacent pockets; a million details are summarized in the published notices.

Recommended gear setups for high-desert lake fishing

Start with a 6’9″ to 7’2″ medium-light spinning rod; 8–12 lb braided main line; 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader; 1/8–3/16 oz jigs; a selection of soft plastics in blue, green pumpkin; a shallow-to-mid diving crankbait for blue waters; a small topwater plug for early light. Please keep spare reels, spare spools, pliers, a compact first-aid kit in a weatherproof box inside the vehicle.

Bass tactics target rocky points overlooking acres of waters; smallmouth favor cold pockets along blue-tinted coves; brook trout occasionally show up in springs-fed pockets; crappie respond to subtle jig heads in 1/16–1/8 oz; another option is tiny tubes.

motorized boats require pre-checks before launch; spare prop, lower unit oil, kill switch in reach; drought shifts depth contours; weedlines shift; known hotspots exist along the shoreline; motor stays ready. Public access rules apply around mogollon country. Always verify current regulations before launch.

Rig options: morton rings enable quick trailer swaps; crappie rigs use 1/16–1/8 oz jig heads; consider tubes, swimbaits, mini spoons; keep spare swivels, split rings, small hooks; built to resist sun exposure; after a drought, color tweaks change like blue, chartreuse, natural greens.

Early starts pay off; pack a compact camping kit; keep a refreshing bottle nearby; come prepared for quick weather shifts; public spots along mogollon woods banks offer breezy shade; when bass bite slows, switch to crappie tubes or brook trout-inspired patterns; plenty of opportunities exist across acres of waters; once the bite slows, adjust depth range to 8–12 ft.

Weather, safety, and local advisories for Upper Lake Mary anglers

Check the forecast before heading out; sudden wind shifts, lightning risks, or snow flurries can strike quickly at Upper Lake Mary; likely afternoon buildups occur when the sun heats the basin.

Put on a PFD at all times; file a float plan with a friend or family member; confirm launch hours via the local kiosk; avoid boating after dark if visibility drops.

Local advisories include seasonal fire restrictions; volatile winds on the south shore; water level changes within the basin; nearly all notices are posted at the kiosk; stay within marked channels to protect shorelines.

Fish within the local limit; carp thrive here; crappie present; check the information board for size rules before a trip; brown pine silhouettes frame the south views at dawn.

Access from Sedona via the mountain corridor; i-40 exits lead to the lower stretch toward the border of the recreation area; morning calm typically lasts until late morning; south views expose pines against blue sky; the lower section also tends to stay calmer in the early hours.

Canoeing remains feasible in designated zones; picnicking spots along shore require waste be carried out; snow may dust trails after a storm; always dress for cold water temperatures; border area signs define limit on vehicle parking hours.

For information, search the official site; a local guide offers natural ideas for what to watch during visiting; paradise vibes accompany a quick trip; francisco travelers visiting the area can plan a stop via Sedona; code restrictions apply to campfires; keep equipment within your reach while boating, with a full safety checklist.