Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Happy Jack, Arizona
Happy Jack sits on the Mogollon Rim at roughly 7,000 feet, and that elevation keeps water temperatures cool enough to support trout through much of the year in a way that most of lowland Arizona simply cannot.
20 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 20 spots
Happy Jack sits on the Mogollon Rim at roughly 7,000 feet, and that elevation keeps water temperatures cool enough to support trout through much of the year in a way that most of lowland Arizona simply cannot. The fishing here is almost entirely lake and tank fishing — still water spread across a mix of developed reservoirs and small stock tanks tucked into ponderosa pine country. C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir is the largest and most well-known water in the area, while Bear Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake draw consistent traffic from anglers based out of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area. Smaller waters like Melatone Tank, Pratt Tank, Sims Tank, and Chevelon Butte Tank offer a quieter experience with less competition for shoreline. Soldier Annex Lake, Tremaine Lake, and Hay Lake round out a list of 20 fishable waters within the Happy Jack area, giving you genuine options whether you want a developed boat ramp or a walk-in tank with no one else around. Most visitors target stocked trout, but bass and catfish show up in some of the warmer, lower-elevation tanks. A valid Arizona fishing license is required on all of these waters.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch around Happy Jack?
Stocked rainbow trout are the primary target at the developed lakes like Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, and C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Some of the smaller, warmer tanks in the area hold warmwater species including bass and catfish, though trout are the main draw for most visitors making the trip up to the Rim.
When is the best time of year to fish Happy Jack?
Late spring through early summer and again in fall are the most productive windows. Summer afternoons at 7,000 feet can still push fish into deeper water, so early morning and evening sessions tend to outperform midday fishing from June through August. Winter access to some tanks and forest roads can be limited by snow, so check road conditions before making the drive.
Do I need a boat, or is shore fishing practical?
Shore fishing is practical and common at most of these waters. Bear Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake have developed access points that work well for bank anglers. The smaller tanks like Pratt Tank, Judy Tank, and Antelope Tank are typically walk-in or short-drive spots where a boat would be unnecessary and often impractical anyway.
What gear should I bring for lake and tank fishing here?
A light to medium spinning setup in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations. For stocked trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and fly-and-bubble rigs are all reliable. If you plan to work multiple tanks in a day, pack light and bring waders or waterproof boots since some shorelines are muddy, especially in spring.
Are there any access or permit considerations beyond a standard fishing license?
A valid Arizona fishing license is required on all waters in this area. C.C. Cragin Reservoir falls within Salt River Project management, so check current access rules before your trip as conditions and closures can change. Some forest roads leading to the smaller tanks require a high-clearance vehicle, particularly after monsoon season or winter snowmelt.
