Show Low Lake
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Show Low Lake, located in the town of Show Low in Arizona’s White Mountains, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and supports bass, catfish, and sunfish, making it a favorite among anglers. With boat rentals, fishing piers, campgrounds, and hiking trails nearby, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities in a scenic forest setting.
Why Visit Show Low Lake
Show Low Lake is valued for its accessibility and range of amenities, making it ideal for families and visitors seeking a convenient outdoor experience. Its location near town, combined with excellent fishing and recreation opportunities, makes it one of the most visited lakes in the White Mountains.
Location & Description. Show Low Lake is located in Show Low, Arizona and has the best Walleye fishing in Arizona. It has yielded the last five state records including the existing state record of 16 pounds, 2 ounces. The lake is located adjacent to Show Low Lake Road, about 1 mile from Highway 260. Show Low Lake is open all year. See the Show Low Weather Chart.
Lake Size. The lake features 100 water surface acres at an average depth of about 33 feet with a maximum depth of approximately 50 feet. It sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
Fish Variety. Fish species include Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill and Green Sunfish.
Fishing at Show Low Lake is one of the primary reasons visitors come to this popular White Mountains destination, offering year-round opportunities for trout, walleye, bass and catfish.
Fishing at Show Low Lake
Show Low Lake is one of the best-known fishing lakes in Arizona’s White Mountains, especially for anglers targeting walleye, rainbow trout, bass and catfish. The lake has produced multiple Arizona state-record walleye and remains a popular year-round fishing destination. Shore fishing can be productive because much of the shoreline is accessible, while boat anglers can troll, cast or work deeper water depending on the season. Nearby Rainbow Lake and Fool Hollow Lake are also popular fishing choices.
- Best fish species: Walleye, rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and green sunfish.
- Best trout methods: PowerBait, nightcrawlers, spinners and trolling small lures in spring.
- Best catfish season: Summer and early fall evenings using chicken livers, nightcrawlers or prepared catfish baits.
- Best walleye areas: The upper end of the lake near Show Low Creek can be productive in spring.
Boating at Show Low Lake
Boat motors are restricted to electric or a maximum of 10 HP for gas motors.
Camping, Hiking & Amenities
Amenities includes a boat ramp and restroom nearby. A campground with 75 camping sites is available with 7 of them having electrical hookups. There are also two group sites that accommodate from 75 to 150 people. Campers will love the playground for children and picnic ramadas for day use. Drinking water is available and there is a fee-based dump station and shower building and several barrier-free restrooms in the campground. Fees for campground sites vary. A small store rents boats, sells licenses, bait, tackle, drinks and snacks. For more information and reservations, call (888) 537-7762.
Best Time to Visit Show Low Lake
- Spring: A strong season for trout, walleye and catfish activity, especially near the upper end where Show Low Creek enters the lake.
- Summer: Popular for boating, camping, family recreation and evening catfish fishing in cooler White Mountains weather.
- Fall: Cooler temperatures, lighter crowds and good fishing conditions make fall a pleasant time to visit.
- Winter: Show Low Lake is open year-round, though cold weather and snow may affect comfort and access conditions.
Directions to Show Low Lake
From Show Low, take Show Low Road, one mile from Highway 260
Show Low Lake FAQs
Where is Show Low Lake Arizona?
Show Low Lake is located in Show Low, Arizona, about one mile from Highway 260 in the White Mountains.
What fish are in Show Low Lake?
Show Low Lake has walleye, rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and green sunfish.
Is Show Low Lake good for walleye fishing?
Yes, Show Low Lake is one of Arizona’s best-known walleye lakes and has produced multiple state-record walleye.
Can you boat on Show Low Lake?
Yes, boating is allowed, but motors are restricted to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.
Can you camp at Show Low Lake?
Yes, Show Low Lake has a campground with tent and RV sites, group sites, restrooms, showers, drinking water and a dump station.
Related Show Low Interest
Show Low Arizona
Average Temps-Weather Show Low
Show Low RV Campgrounds
Show Low Map & Directions
Show Low RV Parks
Nearest Lodging. The nearest hotels are Show Low Hotels. Also see White Mountains Bed and Breakfast Inns and White Mountains RV Parks.
More Information. (888) 537-7762
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