Bear Canyon Lake On The Mogollon Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

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

Bear Canyon Lake is a remote 60-acre mountain lake on Arizona's Mogollon Rim, northeast of Payson in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Surrounded by ponderosa pine, aspen and spruce at roughly 7,560 feet, the narrow canyon lake is best known for rainbow trout fishing, kayaking, float tubing and primitive camping. Vehicle access ends above the shoreline, requiring visitors to carry fishing and boating gear approximately one-quarter mile to the water. That limited access, combined with undeveloped campsites and few amenities, gives Bear Canyon Lake a quieter, more backcountry character than nearby Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.

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

Bear Canyon Lake Arizona Overview

Bear Canyon Lake is a narrow, canyon-bound reservoir with approximately 60 surface acres of water and a maximum depth of roughly 50 feet when full. Its remote location and limited development distinguish it from the more heavily visited recreation lakes elsewhere along the Mogollon Rim.

• Approximately 60 surface acres
• Maximum depth around 50 feet when full
• Elevation approximately 7,560 feet
• Remote Mogollon Rim forest setting
• Rainbow trout fishing
• Electric-motor-only boating
• Kayaking, canoeing and float tubing
• Primitive dispersed camping
• Approximately one-quarter-mile walk from parking to the lake
• No marina, boat ramp or developed lakeside services

Things To Do At Bear Canyon Lake

• Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout from shore, float tube or lightweight boat.
• Kayaking: Explore the narrow canyon lake during calm weather.
• Float Tubing: Reach deeper trout water without carrying a full-size boat.
• Primitive Camping: Camp in the surrounding forest with few developed amenities.
• Hiking: Walk shoreline trails and nearby Mogollon Rim routes.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer, birds and other forest wildlife.
• Photography: Capture forest, canyon, lake and seasonal fall-color scenery.
• Scenic Driving: Explore Forest Road 300 and surrounding Rim Lakes roads.
• Lake Hopping: Visit Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Knoll Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake.

Wildlife And Scenery Around Bear Canyon Lake

The mixed forests and canyon terrain surrounding Bear Canyon Lake provide habitat for elk, mule deer, squirrels, raptors, songbirds and other Mogollon Rim wildlife. Aspen, ponderosa pine and spruce create a heavily forested setting that is especially attractive during fall color changes.

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

Bear Canyon Lake and camping area are surrounded by aspen trees, tall pines and blue spruce that run right to the edges of the lake. This indeed is a place to relax and unwind in cool refreshing high-mountain country air, away from the stress of the big city. Although visitation can be moderately heavy during peak summer weekends, the entire area oozes of solitude and tranquility.

When you get there, park where you want and set up camp if you plan on camping. Getting to the lake from the parking area is about a quarter mile hike, so carrying a boat may be inconvenient. It may be wise to take a float tube or fish from shore. Bear Canyon Lake is at a high elevation, so summer high temperatures are often in the high 70s or low 80s.

Season. Opens in May. Access is limited from November to May due to heavy snow. Even in summer, nights can be chilly and temperatures gradually cool as autumn approaches.

Fishing At Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake is primarily a trout-fishing destination. Arizona Game & Fish stocks rainbow trout in suitable years and conditions, making spring through fall the primary fishing season. Shore anglers can reach productive water from trails around portions of the lake, while float tubes and lightweight boats provide better access to deeper canyon water.

• Rainbow Trout: The primary stocked sportfish and main target for most anglers.
• Shore Fishing: Available from accessible sections of the rocky and forested shoreline.
• Float Tubing: A practical way to reach deeper water without carrying a heavy boat.
• Kayak Fishing: Well suited to the lake's narrow shape and electric-motor restriction.
• Spring: Cooler water and trout stocking can create good fishing opportunities.
• Summer: Trout may move deeper as surface temperatures rise.
• Fall: Cooling water and lighter crowds can improve fishing conditions.

Stocking schedules are tentative and can change because of water conditions, weather and hatchery operations. Anglers should check the current Arizona Game & Fish stocking schedule and fishing regulations before each trip.

Best Areas To Fish At Bear Canyon Lake

• Shoreline Near The Main Access Trails: Convenient for anglers carrying limited gear from the parking areas.
• Deeper Canyon Water: Worth targeting during warmer weather when trout move into cooler water.
• Quiet Cove Areas: Productive for float tubes and kayaks where wind and boat disturbance are reduced.
• Rocky Shoreline Structure: Depth changes along the canyon walls can provide feeding areas for trout.
• Dam-Side Water: Deeper water near the dam can be productive when trout move away from shallow shoreline areas.

Boating, Kayaking And Float Tubing At Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake is best suited to lightweight watercraft. Electric motors are permitted, but gasoline-powered motors are not allowed. Because there is no traditional boat ramp and the lake sits below the parking areas, visitors must carry or transport watercraft by foot to the shoreline.

• Electric motors only
• No gasoline-powered boat motors
• No developed boat ramp
• Kayaks and canoes are well suited to the lake
• Float tubes are popular with trout anglers
• Inflatable boats can be easier to carry to the shoreline
• Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
• Watch for afternoon winds and thunderstorms

Primitive Camping And Amenities At Bear Canyon Lake

Camping around Bear Canyon Lake is primitive and undeveloped rather than a traditional developed campground experience. Campsites are dispersed in designated areas near the lake access roads, and visitors should arrive prepared to be largely self-sufficient.

• Primitive dispersed camping
• No campsite utility hookups
• No drinking water
• Vault toilets
• No showers
• No developed picnic tables at individual campsites
• No campground trash service
• No marina or campground store
• No reservations for dispersed camping
• Campfire restrictions may prohibit fires during dry conditions

Bring all drinking water and supplies, and pack out everything you bring into the area. During Forest Service fire restrictions, the undeveloped nature of the camping area can result in stricter campfire limitations.

Best Time To Visit Bear Canyon Lake

• Spring: Access improves after snowmelt, although forest roads can remain muddy or temporarily closed.
• Summer: The most dependable season for fishing, kayaking, camping and escaping lower-elevation heat.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, changing foliage and lighter crowds create excellent conditions for fishing and camping.
• Winter: Snow commonly restricts access, and forest roads may be closed or impassable.

Rather than relying on fixed annual opening dates, check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest road conditions before traveling. Summer nights can also become quite cool at this elevation.

Planning A Trip To Bear Canyon Lake

• Check current forest-road conditions before leaving home.
• Review current fire restrictions.
• Check the Arizona Game & Fish stocking schedule and fishing regulations.
• Bring all drinking water needed for the trip.
• Pack out all garbage and fishing line.
• Use lightweight fishing and boating equipment when possible.
• Expect to carry gear approximately one-quarter mile to the shoreline.
• Bring warm clothing even during summer.
• Carry rain protection during monsoon season.
• Expect limited or unavailable mobile-phone service.
• Fill your fuel tank before exploring remote forest roads.
• Do not rely on stores or marina services at the lake.

Bear Canyon Lake And Rim Lakes Map

Directions To Bear Canyon Lake From Payson

From Payson, travel northeast on Arizona State Route 260 toward the Mogollon Rim. Near the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff, turn onto Forest Road 300, also known as Rim Road, and continue east for approximately 12 miles. Turn north onto Forest Road 89, continue about two miles and follow Forest Road 89A toward the primary Bear Canyon Lake parking and access areas.

Forest roads may be rough, muddy, snowy or temporarily closed because of weather, wildfire or maintenance. Check current road conditions before traveling, particularly during spring, fall and winter.

Nearby Mogollon Rim Lakes

• Woods Canyon Lake: A developed 55-acre lake with trout fishing, boating, camping, marina services and easier shoreline access.
• Willow Springs Lake: A larger Rim lake offering trout fishing, boating, kayaking and convenient Highway 260 access.
• Knoll Lake: A scenic high-country lake with fishing, camping and forest recreation farther east along the Mogollon Rim.
• Chevelon Canyon Lake: A more remote fishing destination requiring additional effort to reach the shoreline.

Bear Canyon Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Bear Canyon Lake Arizona?
Bear Canyon Lake is located on the Mogollon Rim northeast of Payson, Arizona, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

How large is Bear Canyon Lake?
Bear Canyon Lake covers approximately 60 surface acres when full.

How deep is Bear Canyon Lake?
The narrow canyon lake reaches a maximum depth of roughly 50 feet when full.

How high is Bear Canyon Lake?
Bear Canyon Lake sits at approximately 7,560 feet above sea level.

Is Bear Canyon Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Bear Canyon Lake is best known for rainbow trout fishing and is stocked when Arizona Game & Fish schedules and lake conditions permit.

Can you boat on Bear Canyon Lake?
Yes. Kayaks, canoes, float tubes and lightweight boats are permitted, but powered boats are restricted to electric motors.

Is there a boat ramp?
No traditional boat ramp serves Bear Canyon Lake. Watercraft must generally be carried from the parking area to the shoreline.

How far is the lake from the parking area?
The primary lake-access trails are approximately one-quarter mile from parking to the shoreline.

Can you camp at Bear Canyon Lake?
Yes. Primitive dispersed camping is available in designated areas near Bear Canyon Lake, but the area does not provide developed campground amenities.

Is drinking water available?
No dependable drinking-water service is provided, so visitors should bring all water needed for their stay.

Are restrooms available?
Vault toilets are generally available in the camping and parking area, but services can vary with seasonal conditions.

Are campfires allowed?
Campfires may be permitted when restrictions are not in effect. Because Bear Canyon Lake is considered an undeveloped recreation area, fire restrictions can prohibit campfires during dry conditions.

What is the best time to visit Bear Canyon Lake?
Summer and early fall generally provide the most dependable road access, while spring access depends on snowmelt and winter access is often restricted by snow.

What other lakes are near Bear Canyon Lake?
Nearby Mogollon Rim lakes include Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Knoll Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake.

More Information
Seasonal access, fire restrictions, fishing rules, and campground guidelines can change without notice.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Black Mesa Ranger District
2748 East AZ 260
Overgaard, Arizona 86933

Relevant Reading

Woods Canyon Lake
Willow Springs Lake
Knoll Lake

Arizona Lakes