Long Lake

Although the lake stands at an elevation of 6,700 feet and is in a relatively cool portion of the state, it is managed more as a warmwater fishery. Expect to catch an occasional rainbow trout, along with sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Though trout aren't the main fare at Long Lake, when they do surface, they're usually big. In fact, a 5-pounder was caught with a bass topwater lure. Expect the stocking truck to arrive here with rainbow trout about three times a year, beginning in mid-April and ending in late September. Occasionally special stocking will occur, which is exactly what happened in 1993 when the Game and Fish Department added 10,000 Kamloop trout to the lake.

You never know what will answer the dinner bell either. In July 2000, the Arizona Game and Fish Department was advising that the lake's newest inhabitant, walleye, weighing up to 1.5 pounds were being caught by anglers using night crawlers. On october 26, 2000 a 23-pound, 7.04-ounce northern pike was caught here, and on April 13, 2002, the lake surrendered a 5-pound, 1.92-ounce rainbow trout. -G.J Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

Long Lake is one of 4 lakes in the Long Lake Complex. The other three are Soldier Lake, Soldier Annex and Tremain Lake. - Tom

If the fish aren't biting in one of these lakes, you can always try another. Not only will you be helping your chances by changing location, but each of these bodies of water is known for producing a different species of fish. The three shallow lakes in this group serve forest visitors as places to set up a primitive camp and go fishing. Soldier's Lake provides good fishing for bass and catfish. Soldier's Annex Lake is better known for its catfish, although blue gill can also be caught here. Long Lake is the only one of the three that is stocked with trout but is also good for walleye and catfish. Many forest visitors come here to set up primitive camps and enjoy other forest activities besides fishing, such as off highway vehicle riding and wildlife watching. The lakes are located in an area of open grasslands dotted with pinyon and juniper trees. - Coconino National Forest

GPS:

Latitude: 34° 46' 47.6" N Longitude: 111° 12' 16.8" W

Phone Numbers for more information::

Flagstaff Game and Fish Phone: (602) 789-3701

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Long Lake is open all year but check with the Coconino Forest in Winter for Road closer

Road Conditions:

The road to Long Lake is not that bad its dirt with a few potholes. If your planning to visit Soldier Lake bring something 4 wheel drive with higher clearance.

Land Ownership:

Coconino National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Mogollon Rim Ranger District

Entrance Fees/Permits:

There is no fee for Long Lake

Elevation:

The elevation at Long Lake is 6700 feet

Max Surface Acres:

Long Lake is about 268 surface acers

Average Depth:

The average depth for Long Lake is 25 plus feet.

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

No engine restrictions for Long Lake but single electrics only on Soldier Lakes.

Boats to Rent:

There are no boat rentals at Long Lake.

Swimming:

No

Camping:

There are no developed campgrounds at these lakes. The nearest developed campground is Long Lake Campground which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Barrier free Access:

Yes

Trailer Spaces:

No trailer spaces at Long Lake. But plenty nearby at Long Lake

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

Only one launching area at Long Lake that is Paved

Water Skiing:

No

Cleaning Stations:

No Cleaning stations at Long Lake

Marinas:

No marinas at Long Lake

You can go through Payson if you leaving Phoenix to get to Long Lake off Lake Mary Road or Or from Phoenix going north on Hwy 87, turn west (left) on FR 211 about a quarter mile north of the Long Lake office (about milepost 300). Turn right about 3.5 miles at the FR 82 intersection and then 12 miles to the lake. Or from Flagstaff: Drive 48 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn east (left) on FR 211. Follow FR 211 about 8 miles to FR 82 then turn left (north) 12 miles to Long Lake.