Scott Reservoir

Built in 1928, Scott Reservoir is an irrigation impoundment on Porter Creek near Pinetop-Lakeside. The least developed of the “in town” lakes, trees surround Scott Reservoir, giving it a secluded feel. Locals know you can catch big catfish at Scott Reservoir in the fall.

Scott Reservoir has 80 surface acres with an average depth of 10 feet, and lies at 6,720 feet. It is usually somewhat turbid, which helps control algae blooms and aquatic weeds. This, coupled with a good perennial stream flowing in, means there are no real water quality problems. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in spring, early summer and fall, and occasionally stocked with channel catfish. There are a few largemouth bass.

Fish for trout in spring and early summer using a boat or float tube at the upper end of the lake where fish tend to congregate. Troll spinners or fish with night crawlers off the bottom. For stocked trout, try night crawlers or Power Bait. For catfish in the summer, try chicken liver or water dogs. Catch large catfish in the fall using waterdogs. Bass fishing is slow to average at this lake. - Arizona Game and Fish

GPS:

Latitude: 34° 10' 47.1"N Longitude: 109° 57' 66.3"W

Phone Numbers for more information::

Alpine Ranger District (928) 339-5000

Road Conditions:

Paved

Land Ownership:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Alpine Ranger District (928) 339-5000

Entrance Fees/Permits:

No unless the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest has it posted otherwise

Elevation:

6720

Max Surface Acres:

On average 80 acres

River Lake Impounds:

Porter Creek

Average Depth:

10 feet

Bag Limit:

The daily bag limit is six trout, six bass and 25 catfish for licensed anglers. Trout bag limits are halved for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14.

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

Electric Trolling motors only

Boats to Rent:

Seasonal

Camping:

Along the road into the lake is a 15-site campground. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, but there are no other amenities. A campground host is present during summer months. Camping is free, but there is a five-day stay limit. Additional camping is available nearby at the Lakeside Campground, located on Highway 260 about ¼-mile west of Porter Mountain Rd. This campground has 82 sites, vault toilets, potable water and firewood for sale. You can make reservations for a site at Lakeside Campground by visiting www.reserveusa.com on the web, or by calling (877) 444-6777. - Arizona Game and Fish

Trailer Spaces:

Yes nearby

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

Yes

Water Skiing:

No

Cleaning Stations:

No

Marinas:

No

Scott Reservoir has 80 surface acres with an average depth of 10 feet, and lies at 6,720 feet. It is usually somewhat turbid, which helps control algae blooms and aquatic weeds. This, coupled with a good perennial stream flowing in, means there are no real water quality problems. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in spring, early summer and fall, and occasionally stocked with channel catfish. There are a few largemouth bass. - Arizona Game and Fish