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Arizona · Fishing
Fort Thomas sits in the Gila Valley in eastern Arizona, and the fishing around here is almost entirely tank and small-lake fishing — the kind of low-key, drive-up-and-cast experience that doesn't make magazine covers but keeps locals coming back.
16 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 16 spots
Fort Thomas sits in the Gila Valley in eastern Arizona, and the fishing around here is almost entirely tank and small-lake fishing — the kind of low-key, drive-up-and-cast experience that doesn't make magazine covers but keeps locals coming back. The area has 16 fishable waters within reach, ranging from small stock tanks like Arsenic Tank, Midnight Tank, and Beef Corral Tank to slightly larger impoundments like Point of Pines Lake and Dry Lake. Most of these are earthen tanks built for livestock that also hold fish, which means access roads can be rough, water levels fluctuate with rainfall and season, and you won't find boat ramps or bait shops on site. What you will find is genuine solitude and, in the right conditions, productive fishing without another angler in sight. This is warm-water tank country — plan accordingly for species, gear, and timing. If you're driving out from the valley, it's worth checking road conditions before heading to more remote tanks like Juniper Tank or Sevenmile Tank, especially after monsoon rains between July and September when dirt roads can wash out fast.
These are warm-water impoundments, so you're most likely targeting bass, catfish, and sunfish species typical of Arizona stock tanks. Point of Pines Lake tends to hold a broader mix than the smaller tanks. None of the waters in this area are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trout trip here.
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years and older. Some of these tanks sit on San Carlos Apache Tribal lands, which require a separate tribal recreation permit in addition to or instead of a state license. Confirm land ownership for the specific tank you're visiting before you go — the rules are not uniform across all 16 waters.
Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic Area
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Dry Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Flying W Group Day Use Area
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Point of Pines Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Caldwell Cabin
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Arsenic Tank
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Spring Canyon Picnic Area
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Steer Pasture Tank
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Riverview Campground
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Picket Corral Tank
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Gila River Boat Put-In
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Pumping Station Tank
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Lake fishing
Fort Thomas, AZ
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable windows. Summer fishing is possible early in the morning before heat sets in, but water temperatures in shallow tanks climb fast and fish go deep or go inactive by midday. Monsoon season brings rain that can refresh tanks but also muddies the water and closes dirt access roads.
Light to medium spinning gear handles most situations well. For bass, soft plastics and small crankbaits work in clearer water; for catfish, cut bait or stink bait on the bottom is reliable after dark or in low-light conditions. Bring waders or waterproof boots if you plan to fish from the bank at smaller tanks like Stove Tank or Elwood Tank, where the shoreline can be muddy.
Most of the remote tanks require high-clearance vehicles and some require four-wheel drive, particularly after rain. There are no paved access roads to the majority of these waters. Download offline maps before you leave town since cell service is spotty in the backcountry east of Fort Thomas, and let someone know your plans if you're heading out to the more isolated spots.