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Arizona · Fishing
Blue, Arizona sits in one of the more remote corners of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and the fishing around it reflects that — small, quiet waters that don't see much pressure.
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Blue, Arizona sits in one of the more remote corners of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and the fishing around it reflects that — small, quiet waters that don't see much pressure. The area's listings split between tank fishing and river fishing, which means you have two pretty different experiences available within a short drive of each other. West Becker Tank, Hawkwest Tank, and Log Culvert Tank are all still-water spots where you're casting into impoundments rather than moving current. Aker Lake Fishing Site adds another lake option. For anyone who prefers moving water, the Alpine Ranger District covers river fishing in the surrounding national forest lands. None of these are destination fisheries with resort infrastructure — you're looking at dirt roads, limited facilities, and the kind of solitude that makes the trade-off worth it for most people who make the drive. Cell service is sparse out here, so planning ahead matters more than it would closer to a town. If you're coming from out of state, an Arizona fishing license is required and available online through Arizona Game and Fish before you leave home.
The listings break into two types: small tanks (West Becker Tank, Hawkwest Tank, Log Culvert Tank, and Aker Lake) and river fishing managed under the Alpine Ranger District. The tanks are still-water impoundments, while the river option puts you on moving current in national forest territory. Most visitors fish both during a multi-day trip.
Late spring through early fall is generally the most productive window, once snowmelt has settled and water temperatures are stable. Summer mornings and evenings are worth prioritizing — midday heat at elevation can slow activity noticeably. Winter access to some of these sites can be limited or cut off entirely by snow and road conditions.
Caldwell Cabin
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Rainbow
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Luna Lake Day Use Area
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Alpine Ranger District
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Grayling
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Luna Lake
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Cutthroat
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Brookchar
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Benny Creek Group Area
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Hawkwest Tank
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
West Becker Tank
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Log Culvert Tank
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Also worth it near here
For the tanks, light to medium spinning gear with small lures or bait rigs covers most situations. The river fishing under the Alpine Ranger District tends to reward lighter presentations — a 4- to 6-weight fly rod or ultralight spinning setup works well in tighter forest streams. Bring waders if you plan to fish the river sections seriously.
Blue is a long way from any major highway, and the roads leading to the tanks and river access points are unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle is a practical necessity, not a suggestion. Check road conditions with the Alpine Ranger District before heading out, especially after rain or in early spring.
Yes, an Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 and older. You can purchase one through Arizona Game and Fish online before your trip, which is the smart move given how far Blue is from any license vendor. For specific regulations on the river sections within the Alpine Ranger District — including any special gear restrictions or catch limits — check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations for that unit before you go.
