Rainbow Lake

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 3, 2026.

Rainbow Lake in Lakeside Arizona

Located in the heart of Arizona’s White Mountains near Pinetop-Lakeside, Rainbow Lake is a scenic, high-country destination known for its excellent fishing, peaceful waters, and year-round outdoor recreation. At an elevation of about 6,700 feet, the lake offers anglers the opportunity to catch regularly stocked rainbow trout along with bass, catfish, and sunfish. Rainbow Lake Arizona fishing can be quite good at times, especially following stocking of rainbow trout. Boating is popular with kayaks, canoes, and small electric-powered boats, while a public boat ramp and fishing pier provide convenient access to the water. Rainbow Lake is one of several popular destinations in the White Mountains Lakes region. Surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and mountain scenery, the lake is also ideal for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and relaxing lakeside recreation, making it a favorite destination for visitors seeking a cool escape from Arizona’s desert heat.

Why Visit Rainbow Lake

Visitors are drawn to Rainbow Lake, one of the White Mountains Arizona lakes, for its quiet atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and easy access to the many outdoor activities found throughout the White Mountains region. Whether spending the day fishing from a boat, paddling along the shoreline, or enjoying nearby hiking trails and campgrounds, the area offers a laid-back mountain experience that appeals to families, anglers, and nature lovers alike. The nearby communities of Pinetop-Lakeside provide cabins, dining, and supplies, while additional lakes, streams, and forest trails are just minutes away, allowing visitors to turn a simple lake visit into a full outdoor getaway. With its combination of scenic beauty, accessible recreation, and refreshing alpine climate, Rainbow Lake remains one of the most enjoyable and convenient destinations in Arizona’s high country.

Top Things To Do at Rainbow Lake AZ

• Trout fishing (stocked rainbow trout)
• Kayaking, canoeing & small motor boating
• Lakeside picnicking & wildlife viewing
• Birdwatching along shoreline vegetation
• Camping nearby in Pinetop-Lakeside

Fishing at Rainbow Lake

Rainbow Lake is a popular White Mountains fishing destination near Pinetop-Lakeside, especially during spring and early summer when rainbow trout are stocked. Because much of the shoreline is privately owned, fishing from a boat is often the best way to reach productive water. Anglers can target rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish and northern pike.

• Best trout season: Spring and early summer, especially after rainbow trout stockings.
• Best fishing access: Boat fishing is often better than shore fishing due to limited public shoreline access.
• Common methods: Trolling for trout, casting spinnerbaits and lures for bass, and fishing nightcrawlers or chicken livers for catfish.
• Fish species: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish and northern pike.

Location & Description. Mormon settlers created Rainbow Lake in 1903 by damming Walnut Creek which spawned the town of Lakeside, Arizona. The land surrounding the lake is privately owned limiting public access to a small parcel of land next to the dam. The lake is open to the public at that spot. The elevation of the lake creates great, cool refreshing weather during the spring, summer and early fall. This a popular Pinetop-Lakeside fishing and boating destination. See the Pinetop-Lakeside AZ Weather Chart.

Lake Size. The water surface of Rainbow Lake is about 116 acres with an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 14 feet.

Fish Variety. Fish species include Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Green Sunfish and illegally introduced Northern Pike. Catchable size rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and early summer.

Fishing. Since much of the shoreline is privately owned, the lake is best fished from a boat. Spring and early summer is the best time to fish for trout since those are the trout stocking periods. Trolling works well for trout. Casting with spinner baits, lures and plastic worm rigs works well for largemouth bass and northern pike. Fishing the bottom using nightcrawlers and chicken livers works well for channel catfish. State fishing licenses with trout stamps are required for anglers 14 and older. There is a daily bag limit of six trout for licensed anglers and three trout for unlicensed anglers age 13 or less.

Boating at Rainbow Lake

Boating. Boats are restricted to electric or a maximum of 10 HP gas motors.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities

Camping, Hiking & Amenities. At the public access there is a public boat ramp, a paved parking lot and fishing pier, but no restrooms. The Lakeside Campground is just a few hundred yards from the dam on Highway 260, a quarter mile west of Porter Mountain Road in Lakeside AZ. The campground has 82 camping sites, vault toilets, potable water and firewood for sale. Call (877) 444-6777 for information and campsite reservations. Boat rentals are available from Rainbow's End Resort next to the public access area. Visitors will also find cabin rentals at Lazy Oaks where guests have the complimentary use of its two private fishing piers.

Best Time to Visit Rainbow Lake

• Spring: One of the best seasons for trout fishing as stocked rainbow trout become active and temperatures begin to warm.
• Summer: A popular time for boating, kayaking, camping nearby and escaping the desert heat in the cooler White Mountains.
• Fall: Cooler weather, lighter crowds and scenic mountain conditions make fall enjoyable for fishing, paddling and relaxing near the lake.
• Winter: Winter is quieter, but cold weather and changing conditions can limit some lake recreation.

Directions to Rainbow Lake

Directions. To reach public access, in Pinetop-Lakeside turn south on Rainbow Lake Road or Lakeview from Highway 260.

Nearest Lodging. Pinetop Hotels are the nearest hotel and motel accommodations. Also see White Mountains Bed and Breakfasts.

Rainbow Lake FAQs

Where is Rainbow Lake Arizona?
Rainbow Lake is located in Lakeside, Arizona in the White Mountains near Pinetop-Lakeside.

What fish are in Rainbow Lake?
Rainbow Lake has rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, green sunfish and northern pike.

Can you boat on Rainbow Lake?
Yes, boating is allowed on Rainbow Lake, but motors are restricted to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.

Is there public access to Rainbow Lake?
Yes, there is public access near the dam, including a boat ramp, paved parking area and fishing pier. Much of the surrounding shoreline is privately owned.

Is Rainbow Lake good for camping?
Rainbow Lake does not have camping directly at the public access area, but Lakeside Campground and other Pinetop-Lakeside lodging and camping options are nearby.

More Information. Call (877) 444-6777 for lake information and campsite reservations.

Arizona Lakes