Arizona Lake Fishing

Blue Ridge has very little shore fishing opportunities. If you don’t have a boat or floating device, I recommend not going to Blue Ridge. That said, it is a beautiful body of water with decent fishing.

Most anglers are using orange power bait, fished just 2 feet off the bottom. You can also try yellow/black rooster tails, black/red panther martins or neon yellow z-rays. Use the spinners in the afternoon and let sink about 10-12 feet and retrieve in a slow moderate pattern.

For best results: Get over near the dam with orange power bait. Fish 2 feet off the bottom between the outhouse and the dam.

After a long winter, Blue Ridge is open and accessible. The lake is also full and spilling over.

This lake is best accessed with a boat as there is very little shore to launch your line. However, there are a few great fishing holes deep into the lake where you can tie up your boat and do a little shore fishing. Blue Ridge is a popular lake for float tubes, kayaks, and canoes.

Trout fishing is picking up. Expect larger hold-over trout.

For best results try trolling with spinners or fishing off shore with corn, worms or power bait.

Fishing at Blue Ridge is limited along the shore so best fishing is with a boat or float tube.

Use small crayfish imitating plugs and black spinners.

Some large brown trout are available. Browns spawn in the fall once the temp drops. So expect browns to start biting soon.

Blue Ridge Reservoir is a beautiful, secluded lake that offers great fishing. It’s regularly stocked by the game and fish department.

Blue Ridge Reservoir is a long U-shaped lake bordered by canyon walls and offers great hiking and mountain biking trails.

Woods Canyon Lake Loop includes 7 lakes over a 58 mile scenic drive along the Mogollon Rim. Take Forest Road 300 to Forest Road 115 and Ohaco Lookout. From there, take Forest Road 56 to the Forest Road 225 junction and proceed on 225 to Forest Road 34, then Forest Road 100. Turn left to Forest Road 169, then right to Forest Road 300 again. This route provides several scenic vistas to enjoy.

The 7 lakes include:

• Woods Canyon Lake
• Willow Springs Lake
• Black Canyon Lake
• Bear Canyon Lake
• Chevelon Lake
• Knoll Lake
• Blue Ridge Reservoir

With these 7 lakes along Woods Canyon Loop you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing and more.

Sport fishing is a popular activity at any one of these lakes. Several species of fish are available including, rainbow, brook and brown trout as well as largemouth, small mouth and striped bass.

Whatever your favorite outdoor activity, the Woods Canyon Lake Loop has it to offer.