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Arizona · Fishing
Fishing near Leupp, Arizona means small tanks and ponds scattered across the high desert of the Navajo Nation, and that shapes everything about how you plan a trip here.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Fishing near Leupp, Arizona means small tanks and ponds scattered across the high desert of the Navajo Nation, and that shapes everything about how you plan a trip here. The six fishable waters in and around town — Muddy Tank, White Water Tank, To Kla Daa Aakee Pond, Dry Lake, No Water Tank, and Badger Tank — are all lake or pond fisheries, not rivers. These are quiet, walk-up spots, not developed recreation areas with boat ramps and bait shops. Water levels fluctuate significantly with seasonal rainfall and drought conditions, which matters a lot in this part of northeastern Arizona. Some tanks can be nearly full after a wet monsoon season and dramatically lower by late spring. Because these waters sit within the Navajo Nation, you will need a Navajo Nation fishing permit, not an Arizona state fishing license. That distinction catches a lot of visitors off guard. If you are coming from Flagstaff or Winslow, build in time to sort out your permit before you get to the water. The fishing itself is accessible to beginners — no technical casting required, and the banks are generally open enough to fish comfortably on foot.
No. These waters are within the Navajo Nation, so you need a Navajo Nation fishing permit rather than a standard Arizona state fishing license. Make sure you have the correct permit before you fish — tribal game wardens do check.
Spring and early summer tend to offer the most reliable conditions before water levels drop in the heat. The monsoon season, roughly July through September, can replenish tanks like Muddy Tank and White Water Tank significantly. Late fall can also be productive as water temperatures cool, but check current water levels before making the drive out.
To Kla Daa Aakee Pond
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Badger Tank
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
No Water Tank
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
White Water Tank
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Muddy Tank
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Pasture Canyon Reservoir
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Rimmy Jim Tank
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Large Whiskers Tank
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Eugene Gordy Tank
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Lower Basin Tank
~1h 21m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Hole Reservoir
~1h 23m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Bighams Lake
~1h 25m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Yes. All six listed waters are pond or lake fisheries with open banks, so there are no difficult currents or technical terrain to navigate. A simple rod-and-reel setup with bait works fine at spots like Badger Tank and To Kla Daa Aakee Pond.
A light to medium spinning rod is plenty for these small tank fisheries. Bring your own bait and water — there are no facilities or vendors at these spots. Sun protection is essential; shade is minimal on the open desert landscape around Leupp.
That is the main logistical challenge with desert tank fishing. Names like No Water Tank and Dry Lake hint at how variable conditions can be. Checking recent rainfall data for the Leupp area and reaching out to the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip is the most reliable way to confirm current conditions.
