Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Willow Springs Lake
Near Payson and Heber Arizona

Last updated on May 4, 2026.

Photo of Willow Springs Lake Near Payson Arizona

Willow Springs Lake Near Payson. © Alan Levine

Willow Springs Lake is one of the most popular lakes along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona, offering a wide range of outdoor recreation in a scenic forest setting. Known for its excellent fishing, boating, and easy access, this lake attracts visitors year-round. Surrounded by pine forests and located just off Highway 260, Willow Springs Lake is a convenient and well-loved destination within the Rim Lakes area.

Things To Do At Willow Springs Lake

Fishing for trout and bass
Boating, kayaking, and canoeing
Picnicking and shoreline recreation
Wildlife viewing and photography
Exploring nearby Rim Lakes and scenic drives

Location & Description

Like its nearby sister-lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Creek is one of the most accessible of the Rim lakes and has a very scenic setting in a heavily forested area on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The landscape which includes Ponderosa Pine, Oak and Douglas Fir trees is simply gorgeous and at an elevation of about 7,500 feet, visitors can expect very pleasant temperatures in the spring and summer months. It's four season territory with a cool, colorful autumn, and a cold and snowy winter.

The lake is located about 23 miles east of Payson, Arizona and 22 miles southwest of Heber off US 260 on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Trophy size catches have occurred here.

Why Visit Willow Springs Lake

Visitors come to Willow Springs Lake for its accessibility, variety of activities, and consistent fishing opportunities. The lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating, making it popular for anglers, kayakers, and families. Its scenic setting and well-developed facilities make it one of the top recreation spots along the Mogollon Rim.

The much larger Canyon Point Campground, is located 3 miles east of Forest Road 149, adjacent to Highway 260. It has 100 single-family sites, plus two group sites that can accommodate up to 40 people and 70 people respectively. The campground features potable water, a shower building, dump station and barrier-free toilets. Some sites have electricity. Daytime and evening programs on nature-related topics are presented in the campground amphitheater from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The campground is open from May 1 to October 31. Fees vary, call (877) 444-6777 for more information.

Lake Size

The water surface of the lake is 158 acres with an average depth of 60 feet.

Fish Variety

Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.

Fishing at Willow Springs Lake

Willow Springs Lake is stocked weekly with catchable size Rainbow trout from May through September annually. When fishing from the shore, try nightcrawlers. Trolling for trout is usually productive. Spinner baits and artificial worm rigs work well for bass around underwater structure. In the summer the fish typically move to deeper depths of between 10 to 20 feet. The lake contains crayfish, so using lures that imitate them is a good way to attract bass. A fishing license with a trout stamp is required for anglers over 13 years old. The daily bag limit is six trout and six bass and bass limits are halved for unlicensed anglers 13 and younger.

Best Fishing Spots at Willow Springs Lake

Boat Ramp Area: A convenient place to start, especially for anglers launching small boats, kayaks, or canoes to reach deeper trout water.
Deeper Mid-Lake Water: Productive during summer when trout often move into cooler water between 10 and 20 feet deep.
Rocky Shoreline and Structure: Good for bass fishing with crayfish-style lures, spinner baits, soft plastics, and artificial worms.
Quiet Shoreline Access Points: Useful for bait fishing with nightcrawlers during cooler periods when trout move closer to shore.

Boating at Willow Springs Lake

Boat motors are restricted to electric or 10 hp or less gas motors.

Willow Springs Lake

Camping, Hiking & Amenities

Camping, Hiking & Amenities. There is a paved boat ramp. Amenities include barrier-free toilets, 2 picnic ramadas and 2 boat beaches. There are 2 campgrounds including the Sinkhole Campground which is closest to the lake and is open year-round. It has 26 camping sites, barrier-free toilets and drinking water.

Camping fees are subject to change, so visitors should check current campground information before planning a trip.

Best Times to Visit Willow Springs Lake

Spring: A strong season for trout fishing, cool forest weather, and lighter crowds before the busy summer months.
Summer: Popular for fishing, kayaking, boating, camping, and escaping the lower-elevation Arizona heat.
Fall: Cooler temperatures, colorful forest scenery, and quieter conditions make this a scenic time to visit.
Winter: Snow and cold weather can limit access, but the Rim Lakes area can be beautiful for winter scenery when roads are open.

Directions To Willow Springs Lake

From Heber. Take Highway 260 West to Forest Road 149. Follow signs. About 22 miles west of Heber Overgaard, Arizona.

From Payson. Take Highway 260 East to Forest Road 149. Follow signs. About 31 miles east of Payson, Arizona.

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Nearby Rim Lakes

Willow Springs Lake FAQ

Where is Willow Springs Lake Arizona?
Willow Springs Lake is located along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona, off Highway 260 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Is Willow Springs Lake good for fishing?
Yes, Willow Springs Lake is a popular fishing lake stocked with rainbow trout and also has largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.

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

Can you camp near Willow Springs Lake?
Yes, camping is available nearby at Sinkhole Campground and Canyon Point Campground, with additional camping options in the Rim Lakes area.

How far is Willow Springs Lake from Payson?
Willow Springs Lake is about 23 to 31 miles east of Payson, depending on the route and reference point, along Highway 260.

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