Ashurst Lake Near Flagstaff, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Ashurst Lake is a scenic high-country lake about 23 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, offering fishing, camping, boating and wide-open views toward the San Francisco Peaks. The lake is especially known for rainbow trout and northern pike, while its relatively remote setting appeals to campers, paddlers, wildlife watchers and visitors seeking a quieter alternative to some of the busier lakes near Flagstaff. Ashurst Lake sits within the Coconino National Forest and is reached from Lake Mary Road by Forest Road 82E. Weather, road conditions, campground services and lake levels can vary by season, so visitors should check current conditions before traveling.

• Lake Overview
• Fishing
• Boating And Paddling
• Camping And Facilities
• Things To Do
• Wildlife And Scenery
• Best Time To Visit
• Planning Your Trip
• Directions
• Area Map
• FAQ

Ashurst Lake Overview

Ashurst Lake lies in open high-country terrain southeast of Flagstaff and offers a different landscape from the heavily forested mountain lakes farther east. Its broad shoreline, grasslands and distant views of the San Francisco Peaks create excellent scenery for fishing, photography and wildlife viewing.

• Approximately 23 miles southeast of Flagstaff
• Located in the Coconino National Forest
• Known for rainbow trout and northern pike fishing
• Small-boat, canoe and kayak access
• Nearby developed camping
• Boat-launch access when lake and road conditions permit
• Wide views of the San Francisco Peaks
• Wildlife and waterfowl viewing
• Generally quieter setting than many developed recreation lakes
• Seasonal access affected by snow, mud and forest-road conditions

Things To Do At Ashurst Lake

• Fishing: Cast for rainbow trout and northern pike from shore or boat.
• Camping: Stay near the lake and enjoy cool Northern Arizona evenings.
• Boating: Explore the lake with a small fishing boat when conditions permit.
• Canoeing And Kayaking: Paddle the shoreline during calm weather.
• Photography: Capture sunsets, waterfowl and distant San Francisco Peaks views.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer, birds of prey and waterfowl.
• Mountain Biking: Explore nearby forest roads and backcountry routes.
• Hiking: Walk shoreline areas and nearby forest roads where public access is permitted.
• Stargazing: The remote setting provides dark skies away from central Flagstaff.
• Lake Hopping: Combine Ashurst Lake with Upper Lake Mary, Mormon Lake or Kinnikinick Lake.

Fishing At Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake offers one of the more distinctive fishing opportunities near Flagstaff because anglers can pursue both cold-water trout and northern pike. Rainbow trout may be stocked when conditions support the fishery, while northern pike have established a long-standing population in the lake.

• Rainbow Trout: Stocked trout can provide seasonal action from shore and small boats.
• Northern Pike: Ashurst Lake is a recognized northern pike fishery and produced Arizona's state-record pike.
• Shore Fishing: Much of the lake can be reached from open shoreline areas when water levels permit.
• Boat Fishing: Small boats, canoes and kayaks help anglers reach deeper and less accessible water.
• Spring Fishing: Cooler water can produce good trout and pike activity.
• Fall Fishing: Cooling temperatures can improve fishing before winter conditions arrive.
• Fishing License: A valid Arizona fishing license and current state regulations apply.

Northern pike have sharp teeth, so anglers targeting them often use heavier line or a bite-resistant leader. Always review current Arizona fishing regulations before using live bait because bait restrictions may apply.

Boating And Paddling At Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake is well suited to small boats, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. Its open setting can produce strong afternoon winds, so boaters and paddlers should monitor changing weather and remain close enough to shore to return safely.

• Small fishing boats are commonly used on the lake.
• Canoes and kayaks provide quiet access to shoreline and open-water areas.
• A boat-launch area serves visitors when water and road conditions allow.
• Check current Forest Service motor restrictions before launching a powered boat.
• Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.
• Watch for rapidly increasing wind and thunderstorms.
• Do not rely on calm morning conditions lasting through the afternoon.

Wildlife And Scenery At Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake's open grasslands, shoreline habitat and nearby forest support a variety of Northern Arizona wildlife. Visitors may see elk, mule deer, coyotes, raptors, ravens, shorebirds and seasonal waterfowl. The lake also provides broad views toward the San Francisco Peaks, making sunrise, sunset and changing-weather photography especially rewarding.

• Observe wildlife from a safe distance.
• Never feed wild animals.
• Keep food and trash secured at campsites.
• Use binoculars or a telephoto lens rather than approaching animals.
• Keep dogs controlled around wildlife and nesting birds.
• Pack out all trash and fishing line.

Best Time To Visit Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake can provide a very different experience in each season. The best time to visit depends on whether fishing, camping, paddling or simply enjoying the scenery is the priority.

• Spring: Cool temperatures and improving fishing, although roads can remain muddy after snowmelt.
• Summer: Most dependable season for camping, paddling and escaping lower-desert heat.
• Fall: Cooler weather, fewer visitors and good opportunities for fishing and photography.
• Winter: Snow, mud and seasonal road conditions can limit vehicle access and campground services.

Summer thunderstorms and strong winds can develop quickly, so check the forecast before boating, paddling or setting out on longer outings.

Camping And Facilities At Ashurst Lake

Developed camping is available near Ashurst Lake during the primary recreation season. Campground services, water availability, fees and opening dates are seasonal and may change because of weather, staffing, fire restrictions or road conditions.

• Developed campsites near the lake
• Picnic tables at individual sites
• Campfire rings or grills where permitted
• Vault toilets
• Seasonal drinking water when available
• Space for tents, vans and smaller recreational vehicles
• No expectation of full RV hookups
• Seasonal campground fees
• Fire restrictions may limit campfires or charcoal use
• Winter and early-spring access may be affected by snow or mud

Check current Coconino National Forest campground status and fire restrictions before traveling. Do not assume that water, campground hosts or other services will be available outside the main season.

Planning A Trip To Ashurst Lake

• Check current Forest Service road and campground conditions.
• Review Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
• Bring drinking water even when seasonal campground water is expected.
• Check current fire restrictions before using a grill or campfire.
• Expect limited services at the lake itself.
• Fill the fuel tank and buy supplies in Flagstaff before leaving town.
• Bring warm layers because high-country nights can be cold.
• Pack rain protection during summer monsoon season.
• Carry sun protection because the shoreline offers limited shade.
• Expect wind on the open lake, especially later in the day.
• Pack out all trash, fishing line and food waste.

Directions To Ashurst Lake From Flagstaff

From Flagstaff, travel southeast on Lake Mary Road for approximately 19 miles. Turn east onto Forest Road 82E and continue roughly four miles toward Ashurst Lake. The total driving distance is approximately 23 miles from Flagstaff.

The final approach uses forest roads that can become muddy, rough or snow-covered. Check current Coconino National Forest road conditions before traveling during winter, early spring or after heavy storms.

More Ashurst Lake And Flagstaff Area Information

• Upper Lake Mary
• Mormon Lake
• Kinnikinick Lake
• Flagstaff Area Lakes And Fishing
• Flagstaff Arizona Travel Guide

• Also see Upper Lake Mary
• Also see Mormon Lake
• Also see Kinnikinick Lake

Ashurst Lake Area Map

Map courtesy of Coconino National Forest

Ashurst Lake FAQ

Where is Ashurst Lake?
Ashurst Lake is approximately 23 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, off Lake Mary Road and Forest Road 82E in the Coconino National Forest.

Is Ashurst Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Ashurst Lake offers fishing for rainbow trout and northern pike and is one of the better-known pike waters near Flagstaff.

Are there northern pike in Ashurst Lake?
Yes. Arizona Game & Fish identifies Ashurst Lake as northern pike water, and the Arizona state-record northern pike was caught there.

Are rainbow trout stocked at Ashurst Lake?
Rainbow trout may be stocked when lake and fishery conditions are suitable. Check the current Arizona Game & Fish stocking schedule before planning a trip specifically for stocked trout.

Can you boat on Ashurst Lake?
Yes. Small boats, canoes and kayaks are commonly used. Check current Forest Service motor restrictions before launching a powered boat.

Is there a boat ramp?
A boat-launch area serves Ashurst Lake when water levels, road access and seasonal conditions permit.

Can you camp at Ashurst Lake?
Yes. Developed camping is available near the lake during the primary recreation season, with basic facilities rather than full-service RV hookups.

Does Ashurst Lake have drinking water?
Seasonal campground drinking water may be available, but visitors should confirm current service status and bring backup water.

How far is Ashurst Lake from Flagstaff?
The lake is approximately 23 miles southeast of Flagstaff.

What is the best time to visit Ashurst Lake?
Spring through fall generally provides the best access for fishing, camping, boating and paddling. Winter access can be affected by snow and mud.

Is Ashurst Lake windy?
Yes. Its open high-country setting can become windy, especially later in the day, so paddlers and small-boat operators should monitor weather conditions carefully.

What other lakes are near Ashurst Lake?
Upper Lake Mary, Mormon Lake and Kinnikinick Lake are among the nearby Flagstaff-area lakes that can be combined with an Ashurst Lake trip.

Arizona Lakes