Drift Fence Lake

Nearby Hurricane Lake, once home of the worlds record Apache trout, steals most of the notoriety from Drift Fence Lake. It's a real shame too, since Drift Fence Lake is scenic, with a road curvy and cliffy enough to spawn its own legend, and by the fall it has enough lunker rainbows to attract a near fanatic following.

Perhaps the only problem with the 15-acre impoundment is the simple fact that its depth of only 22 feet at 8,970 feet above sea level can translate to winter freezes and kill-offs.

Take heart though, the White Mountain Apache tribe stocks early in the spring, and by fall the rainbows are big enough to fill any frying pan. There's also a campground at the lake with roughly a dozen sites, so you are guaranteed a tremendous waterside experience if you're staying overnight. -G.J Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

Phone Numbers for more information::

Game and Fish (928)338-4385

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Open all year Stocked first in May when weather permits, The roads to Drift Fence lake often closed in the winter so call ahead.

Road Conditions:

Paved to dirt

Land Ownership:

Drift Fence Lake is owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe

Ranger Station/District:

Pinetop Game and Fish (928)3674281

Entrance Fees/Permits:

White Mountains Permit

Elevation:

The elevation at Drift Fence Lake is 8900 feet

Max Surface Acres:

15

River Lake Impounds:

Black River, White River

Average Depth:

22 max

Bag Limit:

Trout: 5 for adults (15 and over) 3 for juveniles (10-14) 2 for kids (under 10) Bass and Catfish: 15 for adults, 8 for juveniles, 8 for kids All other species "No limit"

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

Electric only

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

No

Camping:

Yes

Trailer Spaces:

Yes

Launching Area:

Yes

Water Skiing:

No

Marinas:

No marinas at Drift Fence Lake

Take Hwy 260 east of McNary to the 273 then south on Forest Service Road 116 leading to Reservation Lake and Hurricane Lake. The turnoff for Drift Fence Lake will be after the turnoff for Hurricane Lake.