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Arizona · Fishing
Fishing near Chinle, Arizona means small stillwater lakes spread across the Navajo Nation, where the landscape is high desert and the crowds are thin.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Fishing near Chinle, Arizona means small stillwater lakes spread across the Navajo Nation, where the landscape is high desert and the crowds are thin. The four fishable waters in this area — Turkey Reservoir, Toh De Niihe, Buell Park, and Flat Rock Reservoir — are all lake or reservoir fisheries, so you're working the bank or a small boat rather than wading a river. Access to these waters sits on Navajo Nation land, which means you'll need a Navajo Nation fishing permit in addition to your Arizona state license before you wet a line. These aren't destination fisheries with lodge infrastructure; they're the kind of spots where you pack your own gear, expect basic or no facilities, and share the water with local anglers who fish here regularly. That said, they offer a genuinely quiet experience that's hard to find in more trafficked parts of the Southwest. If you're already planning a visit to Canyon de Chelly or passing through the Four Corners region, building a half-day of fishing into the trip around one of these reservoirs is straightforward. Come prepared for sun, wind, and temperature swings that are common at this elevation in the Colorado Plateau.
Yes. All four waters are on Navajo Nation land, so you need a valid Navajo Nation fishing permit in addition to your Arizona state fishing license. You can purchase Navajo Nation permits through the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. Don't assume your state license alone covers you here.
All four listings are lake or reservoir fisheries, so bank fishing is the most practical approach. A small kayak or float tube could expand your reach, but check current access conditions before hauling one out. None of these are river or stream fisheries, so leave the waders at home.
Flat Rock Reservoir
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Turkey Reservoir
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Toh De Niihe
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Quartzite Wash Reservoir
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Buell Park
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Tolani
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Black Lake
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Red Lake
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Sage Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Bighams Lake
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Samson Lake
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near NM.
Early morning and late afternoon are your best windows, especially in summer when midday sun and heat push fish deeper and make bank fishing uncomfortable. Spring and fall allow for more flexibility throughout the day since temperatures are more moderate.
A medium-light spinning setup covers most situations on small desert reservoirs like these. Bring a range of baits since you won't find a tackle shop in Chinle stocked for these specific waters. Pack more water than you think you need, sun protection, and a hat — shade is scarce at most of these sites.
Bank fishing on a small reservoir is about as approachable as fishing gets, so yes, these are reasonable spots for beginners and families. The main practical consideration is that facilities are minimal to nonexistent, so plan accordingly if you're bringing young kids for a longer outing.
