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Bear Canyon Lake

Average User Rating:
4/5,
Tags. Please type in a Lake Name, Species of Fish etc:
  • Bear Canyon Lake is another popular lake in the White mountains to limit out on rainbow trout and to see spectacular scenery. The lake was popular for Arctic Graylings, but they're no longer any grayling in Bear Canyon Lake. They were managed there in the 1980s and early 1990s, but died out (of old age) after grayling stocking ended in early 1990s. Still great fishing for rainbows. The lake is still stocked at least 5 times a year with Rainbow trout.

    The Lake is long and narrow with thick forest surrounding the lake. There are two parking areas, both require a short walk to the shore.
  • GPS:
    Latitude: 34° 24' 9.96"N Longitude: 111° 00' 11.04"W
    Phone Numbers for more information::
    Game and Fish (928)367-4281 or (928) 535-4481
    Restrictions/Season of Use:
    Bear Canyon Lake is open all year but check road conditions due to the altitude
    Road Conditions:
    Paved to dirt
    Land Ownership:
    Bear Canyon Lake is owned by the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest
    Ranger Station/District:
    Chevelon/Heber Ranger Districts P.O. Box 968, Overgaard, AZ 85933 (928) 535-4481
    Elevation:
    7,560 feet
    Max Surface Acres:
    60-70
    River Lake Impounds:
    Bear Wallow Creek
    Average Depth:
    50 ft
    Bag Limit:
    There will posted signs for bag limits on Rainbow and other species of trout
    Boat/Engine Restrictions:
    Electric motors only
    Swimming:
    Yes
    Camping:
    Bear Canyon Lake has a several nearby campgrounds
    Barrier free Access:
    No
    Electricity:
    No
    Launching Area:
    Yes
    Water Skiing:
    No
    Marinas:
    No marinas at Bear Canyon Lake
  • To get to Bear Canyon Lake, take State Route 260 east out of Payson. Once you climb the Mogollon Rim, turn north toward Woods Canyon Lake. It's only a few miles of dirt, and the signs are easy to follow.

Recent User Reports and Reviews

  1. HookedAZ
    5/5,
    ""
    Date:
    May 19, 2017
    Fishing is excellent. This lake will be stocked this week. Many people are reporting catching limits on PowerBait. Roads are open.
  2. Reports
    3/5,
    ""
    Date:
    Jan 24, 2017
    Inaccessible. Forest Road 300 (the Rim Road) is closed for the winter as of 1/5/2017.

User Comments

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  1. AGFD bio
    No such thing as a White Mountains pass, as suggested in the Lake Details.
    1. HookedAZ
      Updated this. And the description information about the graylings. Thank you.
      HookedAZ, Jan 9, 2017
  2. AGFD bio
    There are no longer any grayling in Bear Canyon Lake. They were managed there in the 1980s and early 1990s, but died out (of old age) after grayling stocking ended in early 1990s. Still great fishing for rainbows.
    1. Lasivian
      Really? You sure about that? http://www.lasivian.com/2022/05/05/time-to-catch-the-impossible/
      Lasivian, May 5, 2022