Arizona lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking and outdoor recreation

Black Canyon Lake Arizona On The Mogollon Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 7, 2026

Black Canyon Lake Arizona with a kayaker and fisherman on the Mogollon Rim

Black Canyon Lake Arizona is a high-elevation fishing and recreation lake on the Mogollon Rim, approximately 15 miles southwest of Heber-Overgaard in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Surrounded by ponderosa pine and recovering forest affected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire, the 78-acre lake is best known for rainbow trout fishing, kayaking, float tubing and small boats powered only by electric motors. Black Canyon Lake is primarily a day-use destination, while nearby Black Canyon Rim Campground provides developed camping. Seasonal forest-road access, rapidly changing mountain weather and limited services make advance trip planning especially important.

Lake Overview
Fishing
Fish Species
Boating
Camping
Things To Do
Wildlife And Scenery
Best Time To Visit
Visitor Tips
Directions
Nearby Lakes
FAQ

Black Canyon Lake Arizona Overview

Black Canyon Lake sits at approximately 7,000 feet on the Mogollon Rim southwest of Heber-Overgaard. The lake covers roughly 78 surface acres and is surrounded by a mixture of mature ponderosa pine, open forest and areas still recovering from the Rodeo-Chediski Fire. Access is by forest roads, and winter snow commonly limits vehicle access.

Approximately 78 surface acres
Elevation approximately 7,000 feet
Located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Approximately 15 miles southwest of Heber-Overgaard
Stocked rainbow trout fishery
Electric-motor-only boating
Shoreline fishing access
Boat-launch access
Day-use recreation at the lake
Developed camping nearby at Black Canyon Rim Campground
Seasonal forest-road access

Ponderosa pine forest and Mogollon Rim scenery near Black Canyon Lake Arizona

Fishing At Black Canyon Lake

Black Canyon Lake is primarily managed as a rainbow trout fishery. Arizona Game & Fish stocks trout when water, weather and hatchery conditions permit, making spring through early summer especially popular with anglers. Fishing is available from accessible shoreline areas as well as from kayaks, float tubes and small electric-powered boats.

Fish Species In Black Canyon Lake

Fish found or stocked in Black Canyon Lake include rainbow trout, largemouth bass and green sunfish. Rainbow trout are the primary managed sportfish, while fish populations and stocking schedules can change with lake and environmental conditions. Anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish information before visiting.

Rainbow Trout: The primary managed sportfish and the main target for most anglers.
Largemouth Bass: Non-native bass have been reported in the lake but are not the primary managed fishery.
Green Sunfish: Another non-native species that may be encountered.
Shore Fishing: A shoreline path provides access from the parking area along portions of the lake.
Boat Fishing: Electric-powered boats provide access to deeper and less accessible water.
Float Tubing: A practical option for anglers targeting trout away from shore.
Fly Fishing: Small nymphs, streamers and dry flies can be effective when trout are feeding actively.
Bait Fishing: Worms and prepared trout baits can be effective where current regulations permit.

Boating At Black Canyon Lake

Black Canyon Lake is best suited to kayaks, canoes, float tubes and small fishing boats. Current federal recreation information restricts boating to electric motors, helping keep boat traffic relatively low and well suited to anglers and paddlers.

Electric motors only
No gasoline-powered motors
Kayaks and canoes are well suited to the lake
Float tubes are popular with trout anglers
Small aluminum fishing boats can be used
Boat-launch access is available
Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device
Check wind and thunderstorm forecasts before launching

Camping Near Black Canyon Lake

Overnight camping is not permitted directly around Black Canyon Lake, but Black Canyon Rim Campground provides developed camping approximately 2.5 miles southwest of the lake. The campground sits beneath mature ponderosa pines and accommodates tents, pop-up campers, trailers and many RVs.

20 developed campsites
Tent and RV camping
Sites for a variety of trailers and motorhomes
Picnic tables
Campfire rings with grills
Vault toilets
No electric hookups
No individual water hookups
Pets permitted when properly controlled

Campground operations, drinking water, trash service, host availability, fire restrictions and road access can change seasonally. Check current Recreation.gov and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest information before traveling.

Things To Do At Black Canyon Lake

Fishing: Fish for stocked rainbow trout from shore or a small boat.
Kayaking: Paddle the lake using quiet, non-gas-powered watercraft.
Float Tubing: Reach deeper trout water without launching a full-size boat.
Camping: Stay at nearby Black Canyon Rim Campground.
Hiking: Follow the shoreline path and explore nearby Mogollon Rim trails.
Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, mule deer, birds and wild horses in the surrounding forest.
Photography: Photograph the lake, recovering forest and high-country scenery.
Scenic Driving: Explore Forest Road 300 and the Rim Lakes area.
Lake Hopping: Visit Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon and other nearby Mogollon Rim lakes.

Wildlife And Scenery Around Black Canyon Lake

Black Canyon Lake lies within high-elevation ponderosa pine country that supports elk, mule deer, squirrels, raptors and many other Mogollon Rim species. Wild horses may also be encountered in portions of the surrounding forest, including areas near Black Canyon Rim Campground and roads leading toward the lake.

Observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Never feed wild horses or other wildlife.
Keep pets under control.
Store food securely at campsites.
Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close views.
Watch for animals crossing forest roads.
Pack out fishing line and other trash.

Best Time To Visit Black Canyon Lake

Spring

Trout stocking, cool water and improving road access make spring one of the most popular fishing periods, although lingering snow can delay access in some years.

Summer

Mild high-country temperatures make summer popular for fishing, kayaking, float tubing and day trips. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly during Arizona's monsoon season.

Fall

Cooler weather, changing foliage and lighter weekday use can provide pleasant conditions for fishing, paddling and sightseeing.

Winter

Snow and forest-road conditions commonly restrict vehicle access to Black Canyon Lake and nearby recreation areas during winter.

Seasonal access varies with weather and road conditions, so check current Forest Service information rather than relying on fixed annual opening and closing dates.

Black Canyon Lake Visitor Tips

Check current forest-road conditions before traveling.
Confirm seasonal lake and campground access.
Review current Arizona fishing regulations and stocking information.
Use only electric-powered boats.
Bring plenty of drinking water for lake day use.
Check current fire restrictions before camping.
Bring warm layers even during summer.
Prepare for afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season.
Expect limited services near the lake.
Bring food, fuel and supplies before entering remote forest roads.
Do not camp directly at the lake.
Pack out all trash and fishing line.

Directions To Black Canyon Lake

Location and travel routes map to Black Canyon Lake Arizona on the Mogollon Rim

From Heber-Overgaard: Travel west on State Route 260 toward Forest Lakes. Turn south onto Forest Road 300, also known as Rim Road, and continue approximately 2.4 miles. Turn east onto Forest Road 86 and follow signs toward Black Canyon Lake.

From Payson: Travel northeast on State Route 260 toward Forest Lakes and Heber. Turn south onto Forest Road 300 and continue to Forest Road 86, then follow Forest Road 86 toward the lake.

Forest roads may become muddy, snowy or temporarily impassable after storms. Check current road conditions before traveling.

Nearby Mogollon Rim Lakes

Woods Canyon Lake: A developed 55-acre lake with trout fishing, boating, camping and marina services.
Willow Springs Lake: A larger and easily accessible Rim lake popular for trout fishing, boating and kayaking.
Bear Canyon Lake: A remote lake offering trout fishing, paddling and primitive camping.
Knoll Lake: A forest lake with fishing, paddling and developed camping farther east along the Rim.
Blue Ridge Reservoir: Also known as C.C. Cragin Reservoir, a narrow canyon lake popular for kayaking and rainbow trout fishing.

Nearest Lodging. Heber-Overgaard is the closest community with lodging and visitor services. Additional accommodations are available in the Payson area, including Payson Area Cabins and Payson Area Bed and Breakfast Inns.

Black Canyon Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Black Canyon Lake Arizona?

Black Canyon Lake is on the Mogollon Rim approximately 15 miles southwest of Heber-Overgaard in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

How large is Black Canyon Lake?

Black Canyon Lake covers approximately 78 surface acres.

What is the elevation of Black Canyon Lake?

The lake sits at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level.

Is Black Canyon Lake good for fishing?

Yes. Black Canyon Lake is managed primarily as a rainbow trout fishery and is especially popular during spring and early summer when conditions are favorable for trout fishing.

What fish are in Black Canyon Lake?

Rainbow trout are the primary managed sportfish. Largemouth bass and green sunfish have also been reported in the lake.

Is Black Canyon Lake stocked with trout?

Arizona Game and Fish may stock rainbow trout when water, weather and hatchery conditions permit. Check current stocking information before visiting.

Do I need an Arizona fishing license?

Anglers should review current Arizona Game and Fish licensing requirements and fishing regulations before fishing Black Canyon Lake.

Can you boat on Black Canyon Lake?

Yes. Kayaks, canoes, float tubes and small fishing boats are permitted. Black Canyon Lake is especially well suited to quiet paddle craft and small fishing boats.

Are gasoline boat motors allowed at Black Canyon Lake?

No. Black Canyon Lake is restricted to electric motors; gasoline-powered boat motors are not permitted.

Is there a boat ramp at Black Canyon Lake?

Yes. Boat-launch access is available for small fishing boats and paddle craft.

Can you camp at Black Canyon Lake?

Overnight camping is not permitted directly around the lake. Black Canyon Rim Campground provides developed camping approximately 2.5 miles away.

Does Black Canyon Rim Campground have RV hookups?

No. Black Canyon Rim Campground does not provide electric or individual water hookups.

What is the best time to visit Black Canyon Lake?

Spring through fall generally provides the best access for fishing, paddling and day-use recreation. Winter access can be limited by snow and forest-road conditions.

Is Black Canyon Lake open during winter?

Winter access depends on snow and forest-road conditions. Vehicle access may be restricted or impractical during periods of heavy snow, so check current Forest Service conditions before traveling.