Carnero Lake

Carnero Lake is one of those wonderfully hidden getaways in the White Mountains. Unless you know exactly where it is, how to get there and have a high-clearance vehicle, forget ever finding its solitude-if it's even there, that is.

When I was a youngster, my parents took me to this scenic lake for the first time. With Green's Peak towering at 10,137 feet, plenty of elk and waterdog population thick enough to walk on, it's something I'll never forget.

Rainbow and Brown trout are all I've ever caught out of Carnero. In fact, during my first visit I threw in from the dam, and promptly had a 3-4-pounder break me off (using corn and marshmallows). by the end of summer, the lake, which I estimated to be about 30 surface acres, will be covered in a weedline thick enough to preclude shore fishing. In other words, visit in early spring. -G.J. Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

GPS:

Latitude: 34° 07' 0.15"N Longitude: 109° 31' 41.21"W

Phone Numbers for more information::

Game and Fish (928)367-4281 or (928) 535-4481

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Carnero Lake is open all year but check road conditions due to the altitude of

Road Conditions:

Paved to dirt

Land Ownership:

Carnero Lake is owned by the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Pinetop Game and Fish Department (928) 367-4281

Entrance Fees/Permits:

You will need a White Mountains pass available on this site coming soon.

Elevation:

The elevation at Carnero Lake is 9035

Max Surface Acres:

65+

Average Depth:

5

Bag Limit:

There will posted signs for bag limits on Rainbow and other species of trout

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

electric motors only

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

No

Camping:

Yes

Barrier free Access:

No

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

Yes

Water Skiing:

No

Cleaning Stations:

?

Marinas:

No marinas at Carnero Lake

Take the 260 east from Pinetop, go north on mile marker 385 to forest service road 118 drive 20 minutes to the lake on the dirt road.