Fishing Near Flagstaff Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 12, 2026.

Fishing near Flagstaff offers a high-country alternative to Arizona's desert lakes, with cool mountain weather, ponderosa pine scenery and several productive fisheries within an easy drive of town. Upper Lake Mary provides opportunities for northern pike, walleye and channel catfish, while Ashurst Lake is best known for trout and Kinnikinick Lake offers a quieter cold-water fishing experience. Water levels, seasonal road access and stocking can change throughout the year, so anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish and Coconino National Forest conditions before heading to the lake.

• Best Fishing Lakes
• Fish Species
• Best Fishing Seasons
• Fishing License
• Lake Access & Boating
• Fishing Tips
• FAQ

Why Fish Near Flagstaff

Flagstaff's high elevation gives anglers cooler summer weather than Arizona's lower desert reservoirs, making the area especially attractive from late spring through fall. Several lakes are surrounded by Coconino National Forest scenery and can be combined with camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and boating.

The variety of fisheries is another advantage. Anglers can target predatory species such as northern pike and walleye at Upper Lake Mary, focus on stocked trout at Ashurst Lake, or seek a quieter trout experience at Kinnikinick Lake.

Best Fishing Lakes Near Flagstaff

Upper Lake Mary

Upper Lake Mary is one of the most popular and diverse fisheries near Flagstaff. Anglers target northern pike, walleye and channel catfish, with additional opportunities for trout and other species. The long reservoir also provides developed boating access and is one of the best choices for anglers who want to fish from a boat.

Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake is one of the area's better trout destinations and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Large holdover trout can provide excellent spring fishing. Northern pike and green sunfish have also been introduced illegally and are not managed as desirable sport-fish populations at Ashurst.

Kinnikinick Lake

Kinnikinick Lake offers a more remote high-country fishing experience southeast of Flagstaff. Trout are the primary attraction, with brown trout and tiger trout providing good opportunities during cooler periods. The lake is especially appealing to anglers looking for a quieter setting away from busier recreation areas.

Mormon Lake

Mormon Lake is a highly variable fishing destination because its water level depends heavily on precipitation and runoff. During drought the lake can become extremely shallow or even dry. Fishing is only practical when sufficient water is present, so always check current conditions before making Mormon Lake your fishing destination.

Fish Species Near Flagstaff

• Rainbow Trout: A major stocked sport fish at several Flagstaff-area waters, particularly Ashurst Lake.
• Brown Trout: Found in selected high-country fisheries, including Kinnikinick Lake and Ashurst Lake.
• Tiger Trout: Stocked in selected waters including Kinnikinick Lake.
• Northern Pike: A major sport fish at Upper Lake Mary and also present as an unwanted introduced species at Ashurst Lake.
• Walleye: An important target species at Upper Lake Mary.
• Channel Catfish: Found in Upper Lake Mary and selected other Flagstaff-area waters.

Best Times To Go Fishing Near Flagstaff

Spring Fishing

• One of the best periods for trout as lakes reopen and water temperatures begin to rise.
• Ashurst Lake can produce excellent fishing for stocked rainbow trout and larger holdover trout.
• Northern pike become active around the spring thaw.
• Check forest-road status because snow and mud can delay access to remote lakes.

Summer Fishing

• Generally the easiest season for lake and forest-road access.
• Early morning and evening usually provide the most comfortable fishing conditions.
• Upper Lake Mary offers opportunities for northern pike, walleye and channel catfish.
• Afternoon monsoon storms can develop quickly, so watch the weather when fishing from shore or a boat.

Fall Fishing

• Cooling water can improve trout and predatory-fish activity.
• Fall can be especially productive for brown and tiger trout at Kinnikinick Lake.
• Crowds generally decrease after the summer recreation season.
• Cold nights become increasingly common later in the season.

Winter Fishing

• Access to some lakes can be limited or closed by snow and seasonal forest-road closures.
• Ice may form, but anglers should never assume it is safe to walk on.
• Check current Arizona Game and Fish reports and Forest Service road conditions before traveling.
• Winter fishing opportunities vary substantially from year to year.

Arizona Fishing License Requirements

Arizona residents and nonresidents age 10 and older generally need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish public waters. Children under age 10 can fish without purchasing a state fishing license. Regulations, bag limits and special rules can vary by water, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish fishing regulations before your trip.

Flagstaff Fishing Lake Access & Boating

Access conditions vary considerably among Flagstaff-area lakes. Upper Lake Mary has developed boating facilities and allows a broad range of watercraft, while Ashurst and Kinnikinick have more restrictive motor rules. Forest roads leading to some lakes can close during winter or become muddy after storms.

• Upper Lake Mary: Developed boating access and no general motor-size limit on the lake.
• Ashurst Lake: Boats are limited to a single motor of 10 horsepower or less or a single electric motor.
• Kinnikinick Lake: Boats are limited to a single motor of 10 horsepower or less or a single electric motor.
• Mormon Lake: Boating and fishing depend on having sufficient water in the lake.

Camping Near Flagstaff Fishing Lakes

Camping can turn a Flagstaff fishing trip into a convenient high-country getaway. Developed Forest Service campgrounds are available near several area lakes, including Ashurst Lake and the Lake Mary recreation corridor. Campgrounds and forest roads may operate seasonally, and reservations, fees and fire restrictions can change.

Check current Coconino National Forest campground and road information before traveling, especially in spring, winter or during periods of wildfire restrictions.

Check Current Fishing & Lake Conditions

Fishing conditions near Flagstaff can change quickly with stocking schedules, water levels, snow, forest-road closures and seasonal weather. Before leaving town, check Arizona Game and Fish for current fishing reports, stocking information and regulations, and check Coconino National Forest for road and recreation-site status.

Water level is especially important at Mormon Lake, while seasonal road access can affect Ashurst, Kinnikinick and other backcountry waters.

Flagstaff Fishing Tips

• Check stocking reports and lake conditions before choosing a fishing destination.
• Target trout during cooler periods and early in the morning during summer.
• Use wire leaders when targeting northern pike because of their sharp teeth.
• Verify bait restrictions before using live or preserved baitfish.
• Carry rain gear during summer monsoon season.
• Check forest-road conditions before visiting Ashurst, Kinnikinick or other remote waters.
• Do not assume winter lake ice is safe for walking or fishing.
• Carry water, sun protection and warmer clothing because high-country weather can change quickly.

Flagstaff Fishing FAQ

What are the best fishing lakes near Flagstaff?

Upper Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake and Kinnikinick Lake are three of the principal fishing destinations near Flagstaff. Mormon Lake can also provide fishing when sufficient water is present.

What fish species are found near Flagstaff?

Depending on the lake, anglers can find rainbow trout, brown trout, tiger trout, northern pike, walleye and channel catfish, along with several additional species.

What is the best lake for fishing near Flagstaff?

Upper Lake Mary is one of the most versatile choices because it offers several fish species and developed boating access. Ashurst Lake is a better choice for anglers primarily interested in trout.

When is the best time to fish near Flagstaff?

Spring through fall generally provides the best combination of fishing opportunities and lake access. The ideal season depends on the lake and species being targeted.

Do I need an Arizona fishing license?

Arizona residents and nonresidents age 10 and older generally need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish publicly accessible state waters. Children under age 10 do not need a state fishing license.

Can you fish Mormon Lake?

Yes, but only when sufficient water is present. Mormon Lake is shallow and can shrink dramatically or even dry during drought, so check current conditions before visiting specifically to fish.

Can you ice fish near Flagstaff?

Ice can form on high-elevation lakes, but conditions are highly variable and access roads may close during winter. Never assume lake ice is safe; check current Arizona Game and Fish and Forest Service conditions before traveling.

Are there campgrounds near Flagstaff fishing lakes?

Yes. Camping is available near several fishing areas, including Ashurst Lake and the Lake Mary recreation corridor. Campground seasons, fees, reservations and road access vary.

Arizona Lakes