Arizona lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking and outdoor recreation

Black Canyon Lake On The Mogollon Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

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

Black Canyon Lake Arizona on the Mogollon Rim surrounded by ponderosa pine forest

Black Canyon Lake is a high-elevation fishing and recreation lake on Arizona's 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 lake is best known for stocked rainbow trout, shoreline fishing and small electric-powered boats. Black Canyon Lake is primarily a day-use destination, while nearby Black Canyon Rim Campground provides developed camping for tents, trailers and RVs. Seasonal forest-road access, changing weather and limited services make advance trip planning especially important.

Lake Overview
Fishing
Boating
Camping
Things To Do
Wildlife And Scenery
Best Time To Visit
Planning Your Trip
Directions
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 rainbow 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.

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.

Arizona fishing regulations and stocking schedules can change. Check current Arizona Game & Fish information before every trip.

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
Some sites accommodate larger trailers and motorhomes
Picnic tables
Campfire rings with grills
Drinking water
Accessible vault toilets
Trash service
Campground host
No electric hookups
No individual water hookups
Pets permitted when properly controlled

Campground operations, water 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 are also frequently reported around Black Canyon Rim Campground and may occasionally be seen traveling toward the lake for water.

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 this one of the best fishing periods.
Summer: Mild high-country temperatures make the lake popular for fishing, paddling and day trips.
Fall: Cooler weather, changing foliage and lighter weekday use create pleasant fishing and sightseeing conditions.
Winter: Snow and road conditions commonly restrict access to the lake and nearby recreation areas.

Opening and closing dates vary with weather and road conditions, so check current Forest Service information rather than relying on fixed annual dates.

Planning A Trip To Black Canyon Lake

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

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 To Explore

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. See Payson Area Hotels with the closest town to the lake being Heber-Overgaard. Also see 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 located 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.

How high is 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 stocking periods.

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?
Yes. Arizona Game & Fish stocks rainbow trout when water, weather and hatchery conditions permit.

Do I need an Arizona fishing license?
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 and older fishing publicly accessible waters.

Do I need a trout stamp?
No separate trout stamp is currently required for general Arizona trout fishing.

Can you boat on Black Canyon Lake?
Yes. Kayaks, canoes, float tubes and small fishing boats are permitted.

Are gasoline boat motors allowed?
No. Current federal recreation information restricts Black Canyon Lake boating to electric motors.

Is there a boat ramp?
Yes. Black Canyon Lake has boat-launch access for small fishing boats and paddle craft.

Can you camp at Black Canyon Lake?
Overnight camping is not permitted directly around the lake, but Black Canyon Rim Campground is approximately 2.5 miles away.

How many campsites are at Black Canyon Rim Campground?
Black Canyon Rim Campground currently has 20 campsites accommodating tents, pop-up campers and a variety of trailers and RVs.

Does Black Canyon Rim Campground have drinking water?
Yes. Drinking water is listed as a campground amenity when normal seasonal services are operating.

Are RV hookups available?
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 and day-use recreation. Winter access is often limited by snow and road conditions.