Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau, and the fishing around it reflects that elevation — cool water, short summers, and a landscape that looks nothing like the rest of Arizona. The bulk of the action here is lake and tank fishing.
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Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau, and the fishing around it reflects that elevation — cool water, short summers, and a landscape that looks nothing like the rest of Arizona. The bulk of the action here is lake and tank fishing. Lake Mary is the anchor, with the Lake Mary Recreation Corridor and the Lake Mary Narrows Boat Launch giving anglers multiple access points along the same water. Marshall Lake, Walnut Canyon Lakes, and Atherton Lake round out the more established stillwater options, while smaller tanks like Large Whiskers Tank, Big Anderson Tank, and Eugene Gordy Tank offer quieter spots that see less pressure. The Flagstaff City Reservoirs and Reservoir Number One are worth knowing about, though access rules there can differ from forest-managed waters. Dairy Springs is the one outlier in the list — surf fishing at elevation in a ponderosa pine forest is not something you see everywhere. Most of these waters are stocked by Arizona Game and Fish, so timing your visit around stocking schedules pays off. The season runs roughly spring through fall, with ice occasionally limiting access to higher tanks in winter. This is not technical fly-fishing country in the way that tailwaters are, but it is accessible, scenic, and genuinely productive for anglers of any experience level.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch around Flagstaff?
Arizona Game and Fish stocks rainbow trout in many of the lakes and tanks in this area, including waters along the Lake Mary Recreation Corridor. Channel catfish and largemouth bass show up in some of the larger impoundments. The specific mix depends on the water body, so checking the AZGFD stocking report before you go tells you exactly what has been put in recently.
Do I need a fishing license, and are there any special regulations?
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years old and older. Some waters near Flagstaff fall under Coconino National Forest jurisdiction, managed through the Flagstaff Ranger District, while others like the Flagstaff City Reservoirs may have separate access or permit requirements. Check with AZGFD and the city directly before fishing the municipal reservoirs.
What is the best time of year to fish the Flagstaff lakes?
Late spring through early summer is generally the most productive window, especially for trout right after stocking. Fall can also be strong as water temperatures drop and fish feed more actively before winter. Midsummer afternoons at 7,000 feet are cooler than the Phoenix valley, but fish still tend to go deeper midday, so early morning and evening hours produce better results.
Which spots are best for anglers without a boat?
Most of the tanks and smaller lakes on this list, including Marshall Lake, Atherton Lake, Horse Lake, and Walnut Canyon Lakes, are fishable from shore without any watercraft. The Lower Lake Mary Picnic Area and Lake Mary Narrows Boat Launch both have bank access as well. A basic spinning setup with PowerBait or small spinners covers most situations at these waters.
Can beginners and kids fish here without much prior experience?
Yes, the stocked lakes and tanks around Flagstaff are well suited to beginners. Fry Lake, Fry Park, and Rogers Lake are smaller, manageable waters where a simple rod-and-reel setup with stocked trout nearby makes for a realistic first outing. Crowds are light compared to urban fisheries, and the terrain around most of these spots is easy to navigate.
