Lyman Reservoir

aka Lyman Reservoir. Lyman Lake was Arizona's first state park. The area features a number of archeological sites and petroglyphs, many of which are accessible by boat. A herd of buffalo is also found as you first drive into the park. -G.J. Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

The largest lake in the region with great amenities and no boat motor restrictions, Lyman Lake State Park attracts anglers, as well as campers and water skiers year-round.

An irrigation impoundment on the Little Colorado River, Lyman Lake consists of 1,500 surface acres situated at 5,978 feet. The lake lies entirely within Lyman Lake State Park. Water levels fluctuate, but when full, the average depth is 22 feet, with a maximum depth of 57 feet. Lyman Lake is a warm water reservoir containing largemouth bass, channel catfish, green sunfish, carp and a few walleye.

Fish for catfish, particularly at the upper end of the lake, with night crawlers or chicken livers. Try fishing for bass, walleye and sunfish along rocky or weedy areas of the lake. Catch carp with corn or dough baits. - Arizona Game and Fish

GPS:

Latitude: 34° 21' 30.96"N Longitude: 109° 21' 55.04"W

Phone Numbers for more information::

Pinetop Ranger District at (928) 367-4281

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Open all year

Road Conditions:

Paved

Land Ownership:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Pinetop Ranger District at (928) 367-4281

Entrance Fees/Permits:

No unless the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest has it posted otherwise

Elevation:

5980 feet

Max Surface Acres:

1400 acres on average

River Lake Impounds:

Little Colorado River

Average Depth:

22 feet

Bag Limit:

The daily bag limit is six bass, six walleye, and 25 catfish fish for licensed anglers. There is no bag limit on sunfish or carp

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

There are no motor restriction at Lyman Lake

Swimming:

Yes

Camping:

The State Parks and Recreation Department maintains year-round visitor amenities that include 23 tent camping sites, 38 RV sites with water, sewer and electric hookups, four cabins and four yurts (tent-like structures). There is a boat ramp, fish-cleaning station, picnic tables, shade ramadas, handicap-accessible restrooms, showers, drinking water and a dump station. Fees are $19 per night for a site with hookups, $12 per night for tent camping and $5 per vehicle for day users. Cabins and yurts are $50 and $35 per night, respectively. A well-stocked convenience store, which sells bait, tackle, ice and firewood, is open from early April until the end of September. In the summer, there are interpretive tours of nearby petroglyphs.

Trailer Spaces:

Yes

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

Yes

Water Skiing:

Yes

Cleaning Stations:

No

Marinas:

No

Lyman Lake is located adjacent to Highway 180/191, 11 miles south of St. Johns and 17 miles north of Springerville.