Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Mormon Lake, Arizona
The Mormon Lake area sits at roughly 7,000 feet in the Coconino National Forest south of Flagstaff, and the fishing here is almost entirely still-water — a dense cluster of lakes, tanks, and small impoundments spread across ponderosa pine country.
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The Mormon Lake area sits at roughly 7,000 feet in the Coconino National Forest south of Flagstaff, and the fishing here is almost entirely still-water — a dense cluster of lakes, tanks, and small impoundments spread across ponderosa pine country. Mormon Lake itself is the largest and most well-known, but the surrounding waters tell a different story: smaller spots like Ashurst Lake, Youngs Lake, and Potato Lake often fish better and see far less pressure. The tanks — Dry Lake Tank, Horse Tank, Tonys Tank, Chilson Tank, and others — are the kind of places locals drive past tourists to reach, and they can hold surprisingly good numbers of fish for their size. Most of these waters are accessible by passenger car or a short walk, though a few of the more remote tanks reward anglers willing to navigate a dirt road. The fishery here is primarily warmwater and stocked trout depending on the water and season, and conditions shift noticeably with elevation and weather. If you're planning a trip, it's worth knowing which waters are currently holding fish before you commit to a single spot — having 21 options within a short drive of each other is one of the genuine advantages of fishing this corner of Arizona.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch around Mormon Lake?
The lakes and tanks in this area are stocked with rainbow trout by Arizona Game and Fish, particularly in cooler months when water temperatures support them. Warmwater species including largemouth bass and catfish are present in some of the larger impoundments. Check the AZGFD stocking schedule before your trip, as smaller tanks can go unstocked for stretches at a time.
Which waters near Mormon Lake are worth fishing besides the lake itself?
Ashurst Lake is a consistent producer and tends to hold fish well into the season. Youngs Lake and Potato Lake are smaller but worth checking, especially early in the morning. The tanks — Chilson Tank, Tonys Tank, Horse Tank, and others — are easy to overlook but can fish well after stocking events or following good monsoon rains that refresh water levels.
What time of year is best for fishing in the Mormon Lake area?
Spring and early summer are the most productive for trout before water temperatures climb. The monsoon season in July and August can muddy some of the smaller tanks but also triggers feeding activity. Fall brings cooler temps and often another round of stocking, making September and October a solid window before the area sees snow.
Do I need a special permit or license to fish here?
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years of age or older. Most of these waters fall within Coconino National Forest, so no additional forest permit is needed just to fish, though some trailhead parking areas may require a Red Rock Pass or equivalent — confirm current requirements with the Coconino National Forest before you go.
What gear setup makes sense for fishing the lakes and tanks here?
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across these still-water fisheries. For stocked trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and fly-and-bubble rigs all work. If you're targeting bass in the larger impoundments, soft plastics and small crankbaits are practical choices. Waders are rarely necessary since most of these waters have accessible banks.
