Bootleg Lake

Originally impounded in 1965, bootleg Lake disappears and reappears from year to year, depending on rainfall.

A number of years ago, some big incentive largemouth bass were stocked in this lake, which impounds part of Carrizo Creek. The lake was deemed a strictly catch-and-release fishery. For a short time, the Game and Fish Department began allowing fishermen to keep five fish under 12 inches in length in order to reduce the number of small fish. Expect a few sunfish as well as an occasional channel catfish

To fish here, you need a special permit, and you'll need to declare your intention of working this lake when buying it (they limit the number of anglers, and your special permit will be valid only on Bootleg). Studies in the 90s conducted on the 10-acre impoundment indicated 92 percent of the lake's residents were largemouth bass. The other 8 percent were green sunfish. The studies indicated most of the bass caught weighed slightly less than a pound, though older, larger fish were viewed.-G.J Sagi, from the travel handbook Fishing Arizona

Phone Numbers for more information::

Game and Fish (928)367-4281

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Open all year

Road Conditions:

Paved to dirt

Land Ownership:

Bootleg Lake is owned by the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Pinetop Game and Fish (928)3674281 or the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest at (928)333-4301

Entrance Fees/Permits:

You will need a White Mountains pass and or special permit from the tribe .available on this site coming soon.

Elevation:

The elevation at Bootleg Lake is 8000 feet

Max Surface Acres:

0 to 20

River Lake Impounds:

Bootleg Lake impounds the Black River

Average Depth:

10-20 ft

Bag Limit:

Often catch and release only check posted signs

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

No

Camping:

No camping is allowed

Electricity:

No

Marinas:

No marinas at Bootleg Lake

Bootleg Lake is located west of Mc Nary were the 260 and the 73 intersect. about ten minutes south of the 260 on mile post 355 you will see a dirt road that runs northwest to the lake only two miles away.