Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Eagar, Arizona
Eagar sits in the White Mountains at around 7,000 feet, and the fishing around town reflects that elevation — cold water, cooler summers than the Phoenix basin, and a handful of small reservoirs and tanks that don't show up on most Arizona fishing maps.
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Eagar sits in the White Mountains at around 7,000 feet, and the fishing around town reflects that elevation — cold water, cooler summers than the Phoenix basin, and a handful of small reservoirs and tanks that don't show up on most Arizona fishing maps. The local options here are all still-water: Little George Reservoir, Mexican Hay Lake, Atcheson Reservoir, Slade Reservoir, and Point Mountain Tank are the waters you'll be working with. These are modest-sized impoundments, not big destination lakes, which means they fish best when you're willing to move around and figure out what's holding fish on a given day rather than expecting a guaranteed bite. Mexican Hay Lake is probably the most recognizable name to visiting anglers, while spots like Point Mountain Tank and Slade Reservoir tend to see lighter pressure. Because all of these are at elevation, the season runs differently than lowland Arizona — ice-off timing matters in early spring, and summer afternoons can still push fish into deeper, cooler water. If you're driving up from the valley, plan your timing around the White Mountains' shoulder seasons rather than treating this like a year-round warm-water fishery.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch at these waters near Eagar?
The activity listings for Eagar are all classified as lake fishing, but the specific stocked or resident species aren't detailed in available data for each water. Your best move before the trip is to check the Arizona Game and Fish Department's stocking report, which is updated regularly and will tell you exactly what's been put into Mexican Hay Lake, Little George Reservoir, and the others in recent weeks.
When is the best time of year to fish around Eagar?
Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window at these elevations. Early spring can be productive right after ice-out, but access roads to some of the smaller tanks like Point Mountain Tank may still be soft or gated. Summer mornings before 9 a.m. are consistently the most active bite period, since afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August and tend to shut the fishing down.
Do I need a special license or permit to fish these reservoirs?
A standard Arizona fishing license is required for all of these waters. Some tanks and reservoirs in the White Mountains sit on state, Forest Service, or private land, so it's worth confirming access status for Slade Reservoir and Atcheson Reservoir specifically with Arizona Game and Fish or the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests office before you show up with gear.
What gear setup works best for these small mountain lakes and tanks?
Light to medium spinning gear handles most situations at these waters. A simple setup with PowerBait or worms under a bobber covers the stocked-fish scenario, while small spinners and soft plastics work if you're targeting bass or want to cover water. Bring waders or be prepared to fish from the bank, since most of these are small enough that a float tube is more practical than a full boat.
Is this a good destination for beginner anglers or families?
Yes, the smaller scale of these waters actually makes them well-suited for beginners and kids. Little George Reservoir and Mexican Hay Lake in particular are manageable enough that you're not dealing with big-water navigation or long casts. The main thing to plan for is the drive and elevation — Eagar is a real trip from the Phoenix metro, so build in enough time to actually fish rather than rushing back the same day.
