White Mountains Arizona Lakes For Fishing, Boating & Camping
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
The White Mountains of Arizona are home to some of the state's best high-country lakes for fishing, boating, camping and family recreation. From trout lakes near 9,000 feet to larger reservoirs suited for power boating, the region offers a surprisingly diverse selection of waters surrounded by pine forests, mountain meadows and high-country scenery.
Popular destinations include Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake, Becker Lake, Show Low Lake and several smaller fishing waters. Some provide campgrounds and boat rentals, while others are managed primarily for fishing or quiet recreation. Summer temperatures are generally much cooler than the Phoenix area, making the White Mountains especially popular with anglers, campers, paddlers and families. See our White Mountains weather and climate guide when planning your trip.
- Best Time To Visit
- Most Popular Lakes
- Compare White Mountains Lakes
- Best Fishing Lakes
- Camping & Boating
- Lake Rules & Permits
- FAQ
Best Time To Visit White Mountains Lakes
Spring
Spring brings improving access as mountain snow melts and is an excellent season for trout fishing as lakes reopen and seasonal stocking programs begin. Weather can still change quickly at higher elevations, and some campgrounds and forest roads may remain closed early in the season.
Summer
Summer is the busiest season for White Mountains lakes, with cooler high-country temperatures attracting anglers, boaters, campers and paddlers. Campgrounds and popular recreation areas can be especially busy on weekends and holidays, while afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer monsoon season.
Fall
Fall offers cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and attractive mountain scenery. Fishing can remain productive as water temperatures decline, although campground services and other seasonal facilities may begin closing as colder weather approaches.
Winter
Winter brings snow, freezing temperatures and limited access to many high-elevation lakes. Roads, campgrounds and recreation facilities may close seasonally, so check current conditions before traveling to the White Mountains during winter.
The White Mountains are especially well known for trout fishing, with rainbow, brook, cutthroat and other trout species available in different waters throughout the region. Many lakes also support bass, catfish, crappie, walleye and sunfish. Boating, swimming, camping and motor restrictions vary by lake, so visitors should check current regulations for the specific destination before traveling.
Most Popular Lakes In The White Mountains
- Becker Lake (Trophy trout & fly fishing)
- Big Lake (High-elevation trout fishing)
- Crescent Lake (Fly fishing & trout)
- Fool Hollow Lake (Camping & family recreation)
- Hawley Lake (Trout fishing & scenery)
- Luna Lake (Fishing near Alpine)
- Lyman Lake (Power boating & camping)
- Rainbow Lake (Pinetop-Lakeside recreation)
- Show Low Lake (Walleye & trout fishing)
- Woodland Lake (Pinetop-Lakeside family recreation)
Becker Lake
Located about 2 miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, Becker Lake is a well-known trout fishing destination within the Becker Lake Wildlife Area. The lake covers about 107 acres at full capacity, and the surrounding wildlife area includes the Lakeview Trail and River Walk Trail for hiking and wildlife viewing. Camping is not permitted at the lake. Read more about Becker Lake.
Big Lake
One of the best-known fishing destinations in the White Mountains, Big Lake is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at roughly 9,000 feet elevation. Anglers pursue several trout species, and the Big Lake Recreation Area includes multiple campgrounds, boat access and seasonal visitor services. The lake is about 26 miles southwest of Eagar. Read more about Big Lake.
Crescent Lake
Located about two miles north of Big Lake at roughly 9,000 feet elevation, Crescent Lake is a high-country trout fishing destination surrounded by open meadows and forested terrain. Fly fishing and fishing from small boats are popular, particularly during calmer weather. Seasonal services may include a concession store and boat rentals, while boats are limited to 10 HP. Camping is available nearby in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Read more about Crescent Lake.
Fool Hollow Lake
Located near Show Low, Arizona, Fool Hollow Lake is one of the region's most convenient family recreation destinations. Fishing opportunities include trout and warm-water species, while the surrounding Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. The park is open year-round, although water levels and boat-ramp availability can vary. More information about Fool Hollow Lake.
Hawley Lake
Hawley Lake is a scenic high-elevation lake on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. It is popular for trout fishing, camping and cool-weather recreation. A valid White Mountain Apache Tribal permit is required for fishing, boating, camping and other recreational activities on reservation lands, so check current tribal regulations and access conditions before visiting. Read more about Hawley Lake.
Luna Lake
Luna Lake is located about 3 miles east of Alpine, Arizona, near the New Mexico border. The high-country lake is best known for trout fishing, including rainbow and cutthroat trout, and its open meadow setting provides a different landscape from many of the heavily forested lakes farther west. Gas-powered boat motors are limited to 10 HP. Camping and seasonal visitor services are available near the lake. Read more about Luna Lake.
Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake is one of the largest lakes in northeastern Arizona, covering about 1,500 acres when full. Unlike many smaller high-country lakes, Lyman Lake has no boat or motor-size restriction, making it popular for power boating, water skiing, paddling and fishing. Lyman Lake State Park also offers camping, cabins, yurts, hiking and swimming. Read more about Lyman Lake.
Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is located in Pinetop-Lakeside and supports a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, catfish and northern pike. Much of the shoreline is privately owned, so public access is concentrated near the dam and designated recreation areas. Gas-powered boats are limited to 10 HP. Boat rentals are available at Rainbow's End Resort, and Lakeside Campground is nearby. Read more about Rainbow Lake.
Show Low Lake
Show Low Lake is a relatively small but deep lake near Show Low, known for both trout and warm-water fishing. Anglers pursue rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and especially walleye, with the lake having produced exceptionally large walleye over the years. The recreation area includes camping, boat access and seasonal visitor services, making it convenient for both day trips and overnight stays. Read more about Show Low Lake.
Woodland Lake
Woodland Lake is a small community lake in Pinetop-Lakeside surrounded by Woodland Lake Park. The lake and park are popular for fishing, kayaking, walking, picnicking and family recreation. Amenities include a floating fishing dock, playground, sports facilities, covered ramadas, picnic tables and trails around the lake. Camping is not permitted at Woodland Lake Park. Read more about Woodland Lake.
Which White Mountains Lake Should You Visit?
The best White Mountains lake depends on the type of recreation you have planned. Anglers looking primarily for trout often choose Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake or Hawley Lake, while families may prefer Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake or Woodland Lake for easier access and nearby recreation facilities.
- For trout fishing: Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake and Hawley Lake.
- For power boating: Lyman Lake offers the greatest flexibility for larger motorized boats.
- For kayaking: Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake and Crescent Lake.
- For camping: Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake and Lyman Lake.
- For families: Fool Hollow Lake, Woodland Lake and Show Low Lake provide convenient recreation opportunities.
- For high-country scenery: Big Lake, Hawley Lake and Crescent Lake offer especially scenic mountain settings.
Best White Mountains Lakes For Fishing
The White Mountains are one of Arizona’s best regions for lake fishing, especially for trout anglers looking for cooler temperatures and scenic mountain settings. Many lakes are stocked seasonally, while others are known for trophy trout, bass, catfish, walleye or quiet fly-fishing conditions.
- Best for trout fishing: Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake and Hawley Lake.
- Best for family fishing: Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake and Woodland Lake.
- Best for fly fishing: Becker Lake and Crescent Lake are especially popular with fly anglers.
- Best variety of fish: Rainbow Lake, Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Lyman Lake offer multiple warm-water and cold-water species.
Best White Mountains Lakes For Camping & Boating
Several White Mountains lakes offer campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas and easy access for family recreation. Boat and motor rules vary by lake: some waters allow only electric motors or smaller gas motors, while others, including Lyman Lake, accommodate larger powerboats. Always check current lake-specific boating rules and water levels before launching.
- Best camping lakes: Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake and Lyman Lake.
- Best boating lakes: Lyman Lake allows larger power boating, while Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake are good for smaller boats.
- Best kayaking lakes: Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Crescent Lake offer scenic paddling conditions.
- Best picnic lakes: Woodland Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake and Rainbow Lake are convenient for shorter visits.
White Mountains Lake Rules, Permits & Current Conditions
Fishing, boating, camping and access rules differ among White Mountains lakes. Arizona fishing regulations apply on many public waters, while lakes on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation require White Mountain Apache Tribal permits. Boat motor limits, campground availability, seasonal road access, fire restrictions and water levels can also change. Before traveling, check current information from the agency or tribe that manages the lake.
- Arizona public waters: Check current Arizona Game and Fish fishing and boating regulations.
- Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Check campground, road, fire and seasonal access conditions.
- Arizona State Parks: Check current conditions at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area and Lyman Lake State Park.
- Fort Apache Indian Reservation: Obtain required White Mountain Apache Tribal recreation permits before visiting tribal lakes.
- Boat ramps: Low water levels can temporarily limit or close ramps even when a lake remains open.
White Mountains Arizona Lakes FAQ
What are the best lakes in the White Mountains Arizona?
Popular White Mountains lakes include Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake, Lyman Lake and Woodland Lake.
Which White Mountains lakes are best for trout fishing?
Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake and Hawley Lake are among the most popular White Mountains lakes for trout fishing.
Can you camp at White Mountains lakes?
Yes. Camping is available at or near several lakes, including Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake and Lyman Lake. Campground availability and seasonal access vary.
Are boats allowed on White Mountains lakes?
Yes, boating is permitted on many White Mountains lakes, but motor restrictions vary by water. Some lakes limit motor size, while Lyman Lake allows larger powerboats without a motor-size restriction.
Can you swim in White Mountains lakes?
Swimming rules vary by lake. Swimming is permitted at some recreation areas, including Fool Hollow Lake and Lyman Lake, while other waters may restrict or discourage swimming.
Do I need a fishing license?
A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers age 10 and older on Arizona public waters. Lakes on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation require appropriate White Mountain Apache Tribal permits instead of relying solely on a state fishing license.
When is the best time to visit White Mountains lakes?
Spring through fall is generally best for fishing, boating and camping. Summer is especially popular because high elevations provide cooler temperatures than Arizona's desert regions. Winter access can be limited by snow and seasonal road conditions.
Which White Mountains lake is best for boating?
Lyman Lake is one of the best choices for larger powerboats because it has no boat or motor-size restriction. Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake are popular for fishing boats and smaller recreational watercraft.
Which White Mountains lakes are near Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside?
Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake are convenient choices near Show Low, while Rainbow Lake and Woodland Lake are located in Pinetop-Lakeside. These lakes are among the easiest White Mountains waters to combine with lodging, restaurants and other services in the area's larger communities.
Do White Mountains lakes have boat motor restrictions?
Motor restrictions vary considerably by lake. Some White Mountains lakes limit gasoline motors by horsepower, others may restrict certain types of motorized boating, and Lyman Lake accommodates larger powerboats. Always check the current regulations for the specific lake before launching a motorized boat.
Related Information of Interest
Arizona Lakes
Fishing In Arizona
Boating In Arizona
Houseboating In Arizona
Water Skiing In Arizona
White Mountains Arizona Home Page
Phoenix Area Lakes
Apache Lake
Bartlett Lake
Canyon Lake
Lake Pleasant
Roosevelt Lake
Saguaro Lake
Tempe Town Lake
Urban Lakes
Payson Area Lakes
Bear Canyon Lake
Black Canyon Lake
Blue Ridge Reservoir
Chevelon Canyon Lake
Knoll Lake
Willow Springs Lake
Woods Canyon Lake
White Mountains Lakes
Becker Lake
Big Lake
Crescent Lake
Fool Hollow Lake
Hawley Lake
Luna Lake
Lyman Lake
Rainbow Lake
Show Low Lake
Woodland Lake
