Fishing Near Payson, Arizona
Fishing near Payson, Arizona offers some of the best angling opportunities in the state, surrounded by the cool pine forests and scenic beauty of Rim Country. Whether you’re fly fishing in a clear mountain stream or casting from the shore of a quiet lake, Payson provides the perfect setting for a peaceful and rewarding day outdoors.
Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species throughout the year, including trout, bass, and sunfish. The area’s mild climate and high elevation make it an ideal destination for year-round fishing, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
A Top Rim Country Outdoor Experience
Fishing in the Payson area is also a family-friendly activity, with easy access to well-maintained spots and beautiful forest surroundings. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife like elk, deer, or bald eagles while spending time by the water.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just learning to cast, Payson’s natural waters offer a serene and scenic escape. With stunning views, fresh air, and abundant fish, fishing in Payson is one of the top outdoor experiences in Arizona’s Rim Country. Don’t forget your gear—and your camera.
Before You Fish
While visiting Payson, several lakes and streams are within easy access and fun to fish. Be sure to have a current license when you fish any Arizona lakes or streams. Licenses are good for a full year from purchase. They can be obtained online at www.azgfd.gov under the fishing tab. You can also purchase them in town at Walmart and Big 5. Some lakes and streams in Rim Country may have specific tackle requirements or different daily bag limits. Be sure to check the fishing regulations, including the special regulations and seasons section. More information on Rim Country Fishing is available in the Rim Country Fishing books published by the Payson Roundup. These books are available at the Roundup office, Walmart and Bashas’.
Catch and Release Tips
If you’re releasing your catch, handle fish with care to ensure they survive. Use wet hands when handling trout, as they are especially fragile, and avoid removing their protective slime. If a fish swallows the hook, cut the line just outside the mouth—most fish recover fully. If the fish is bleeding, consider keeping it.
Never toss fish back into the water—let them swim off on their own. If they float, gently move them forward and back in the water to help circulate oxygen through their gills.
Always pack out your trash and used fishing line. Litter is harmful to fish, wildlife, and the beauty of Rim Country’s lakes and streams.
Rim Country Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Tiger Trout
- Gila Trout
- Bluegill
- Red Ear Sunfish
- Crappie
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Flathead Catfish
- Channel Catfish
Lakes
CC Cragin
Formerly known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, C.C. Cragin Reservoir is a narrow man-made lake that covers 200 acres when full. Take SR 87 north past the Lake Mary road turnoff, then turn east on FR 751. Beginning in May, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The easiest time to catch fish is in May while they are near the boat ramp.As the summer progresses, the fish move deeper throughout the lake, which often experiences an algae bloom in June and July. The shoreline is steep, so a small boat, kayak, or float tube will provide better access.
Chevelon Lake
Chevelon Lake Is one of the largest but most difficult lakes to access. Take SR 260 east to the top of the Rim and FR 300 north for approximately 13 miles. Turn right on FR 169 for an additional 12 miles and then turn on to FR 169B. Access is accomplished by hiking or by a quad or small side-by-side (50 inches wide or less). The banks are steep and heavily forested. A small boat, canoe, kayak, or float tube will provide better access. This lake has trophy rainbow and brown trout and is managed under special regulations to keep it special. Anglers may only use artificial flies and lures. The daily limit for trout is 2, but anglers can keep unlimited bass and catfish.
Roosevelt Lake
While not a Rim Lake, it is one of Arizona’s favorite water playgrounds. Located 35 miles southeast of Payson, it covers 19,000 surface acres and is 25 miles long and up to two miles wide. The lake is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel, and flathead catfish. It is also a playground for water skiing, sailing, wind surfing, jet skiing, and swimming. Roosevelt boasts a large marina that includes boat rentals, a restaurant, and a well stocked store. Camping facilities also abound in the area.
Willow Springs Lake
Willow Springs Lake, perched atop the Mogollon Rim just 30 miles east of Payson, is a premier Arizona fishing destination. Stocked with rainbow and tiger trout April through September, the cool elevations (around 7,500 ft) also support bass and sunfish. Anglers enjoy shore and boat fishing across 150 acres of scenic high‑country water.
Take SR 260 east. About a mile after cresting the Mogollon Rim, look for the Willow Springs Lake sign (FR 149). Turn left to access two paved parking lots and a boat ramp for boats up to 10hp. Continue east on SR 260 and turn left on the first dirt road (FR 148) to access a somewhat less crowded part of the lake. Summer weekends are busy, so plan on getting to the lake early.
Woods Canyon Lake
Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas in all of Arizona. Head east on SR 260 from Payson. At the top of the Mogollon Rim, turn left on FR 300 for approximately four miles, then turn right on FR 105 for about a mile to the lake. Amenities include a general store with boat rentals, multiple picnic areas, five campgrounds, and nature trails. The lake is stocked with rainbow and tiger trout from April through September. Like Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake gets crowded during summer weekends. Arrive early for best access.
Streams
Rim Country streams near Payson may be small, but they offer a rewarding and scenic fishing experience. Anglers can enjoy a mix of wild trout streams—home to native and wild trout species protected by catch-and-release and artificial lure-only regulations—and stocked streams, where rainbow and Gila trout are added throughout the summer. These stocked areas are great for families and casual anglers, with statewide bag limits and flexible gear options.
Whether you’re fly fishing in a quiet canyon or casting from a creekside trail, stream fishing near Payson provides both challenge and relaxation in Arizona’s beautiful high country. Always check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for the latest regulations and seasonal updates before heading out.
With cold, clear waters, fresh air, and the chance to spot wildlife, Rim Country streams offer some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the state—just minutes from Payson.
Be sure to check the Arizona Game and Fish website for up to date information about the regulations on Payson area streams.
East Verde River
The East Verde River, located less than 30 minutes north of Payson, Arizona, is a scenic and rewarding fishing destination in Rim Country. This cool, clear stream is one of the few places in the state where anglers can fish for Gila trout, one of Arizona’s two native trout species.
Gila trout are stocked weekly and may be kept up to the daily bag limit, but they also have the potential to reproduce naturally in this stretch of the river. Releasing them unharmed supports ongoing conservation efforts and helps sustain the population for future generations.
In the warmer, lower sections of the river, anglers may also catch sunfish and smallmouth bass, adding variety to the fishing experience.
To reach the East Verde River, take State Route 87 north from Payson. Just past the second roundabout, turn east onto Houston Mesa Road. The 1st Crossing, Water Wheel, 2nd Crossing, and 3rd Crossing areas—located 7 to 9 miles from the turnoff—offer excellent stream access.
Be mindful of parking restrictions near the Water Wheel site, as space is limited. The East Verde River is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy native trout fishing in a stunning high-country setting.
Horton Creek
Horton Creek, nestled in Arizona’s scenic Rim Country near Payson, offers a rewarding and peaceful wild trout fishing experience. This small, spring-fed stream is known for its clear waters and beautiful forest surroundings. While the lower section of Horton Creek often goes underground outside of monsoon season and winter flows, the upper stretches flow steadily and provide excellent opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
To access Horton Creek, head toward Tonto Creek from State Route 260 and turn onto Forest Road 289. Cross the single-lane Horton Creek Bridge—about one mile in—and park just beyond it. The trail to Horton Creek begins near the Upper Tonto Creek Campground and climbs gradually through towering pines.
After a 30- to 45-minute hike, the creek reappears above ground, where wild brown trout can be found in its cool, shaded pools. Horton Creek is a regulated fishery, allowing only single barbless hooks and artificial flies or lures. No bait is permitted, helping protect this fragile fishery.
If you’re looking for quiet fishing near Payson, Horton Creek offers a serene, scenic setting perfect for experienced anglers seeking solitude and wild trout in the heart of Rim Country.
Tonto Creek
Just 30 minutes east of Payson, Tonto Creek is a favorite fishing destination in Arizona’s Rim Country. Located off State Route 260, anglers can turn onto Tonto Fish Hatchery road, otherwise known as the Zane Grey Highway to access several scenic spots along the creek.
Rainbow trout are stocked regularly in the Kohl’s Ranch area, especially downstream of the SR 260 bridge, making it ideal for families and casual anglers. Upstream of the bridge, fishing continues along FR 289 toward the well-marked boundary of the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery.
The Tonto Fish Hatchery, operated by Arizona Game and Fish, plays a key role in the region’s trout stocking efforts. Visitors can stop by to learn how the hatchery raises trout and supports Arizona’s fishing programs.
From April through September, multiple pull-outs along the creek are stocked weekly with trout. Be mindful of parking restrictions, particularly near the Horton Creek Bridge, where space is limited.
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