Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Greer, Arizona
Greer sits at roughly 8,500 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — still water spread across a landscape of ponderosa pine and meadow.
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View on mapFishing · 27 spots
Greer sits at roughly 8,500 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and the fishing around it is almost entirely lake and reservoir fishing — still water spread across a landscape of ponderosa pine and meadow. The 27 fishable waters in and around Greer range from small stock tanks like Turkey Tank, Bigelow Tank, and Hill Tank to larger destinations like Big Lake, Sunrise Lake, White Mountain Reservoir, and Crescent Lake. The Greer Lakes themselves sit right on the edge of town and are among the most accessible options for anglers who want to walk from their cabin. Arizona Game and Fish stocks many of these waters with rainbow trout, and some of the smaller impoundments hold warmwater species depending on elevation and water temperature. This is not a river-fishing destination — the draw here is shoreline and float-tube access on cold, high-elevation lakes. Most waters are fishable from late spring through fall, with ice sometimes limiting access in winter. If you are driving up from the Phoenix area, expect a roughly four-hour trip and plan to spend at least two days to work through more than one or two spots.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch fishing around Greer?
Rainbow trout are the most common target across stocked waters like Sunrise Lake, Big Lake, Crescent Lake, and the Greer Lakes. Some of the smaller tanks and reservoirs may hold warmwater species, but the high elevation keeps most of these waters cold and trout-oriented. The activity listings here do not include any designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so expect stocked fish rather than a trophy wild-trout fishery.
Do I need an Arizona fishing license, and are there any special regulations?
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years of age or older. Some waters in the White Mountains fall within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, which requires a separate White Mountain Apache tribal permit rather than a state license — confirm which jurisdiction each water sits in before you go. Arizona Game and Fish publishes current regulations and stocking schedules on their website, and it is worth checking before your trip since rules can vary by water body.
What gear should I bring for lake fishing at this elevation?
A light to medium spinning setup handles most situations well — 4 to 8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon, small spinners, PowerBait, and a few sizes of split-shot are enough to get started on stocked trout lakes. A float tube or small inflatable kayak significantly expands your options on larger waters like Big Lake and White Mountain Reservoir, where shore access can be limited. Layers are essential even in summer since mornings at 8,500 feet can be cold even in July.
When is the best time of day to fish these lakes?
Early morning from first light until about 9 or 10 a.m. is consistently the most productive window on high-elevation trout lakes, when surface temperatures are coolest and fish are actively feeding near the surface. Evening from about an hour before sunset can also be productive. Midday fishing slows down in summer but remains reasonable in spring and fall when air temperatures stay lower.
Are the waters around Greer accessible for anglers without a boat?
Many of them are. The Greer Lakes, Benny Creek Group Area, and several of the smaller tanks are walkable from roads or trailheads and have reasonable shoreline access. Big Lake and Sunrise Lake have developed recreation areas with parking and maintained fishing access. Some of the more remote tanks like H L Draw Tank and 273 Tank Number 2 may require a short drive on forest roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is useful if you want to explore beyond the main lakes.
