Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in San Carlos, Arizona
San Carlos, Arizona sits within the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and fishing here means working a network of small tanks and reservoirs scattered across high desert and pine-edged terrain.
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San Carlos, Arizona sits within the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and fishing here means working a network of small tanks and reservoirs scattered across high desert and pine-edged terrain. The 20 fishable waters listed here are almost all tank fisheries — man-made stock ponds ranging from small cattle tanks like Deer Tank, Gimme Tank, and Bloody Basin Tank to larger impoundments like Seneca Lake and Nash Creek Reservoir. That variety matters for trip planning: a bigger water like Seneca Lake can handle a kayak or small float tube, while most of the smaller tanks are strictly bank-fishing situations. Catfish Tank and Phillips Park Tank near the town of San Carlos are among the more accessible options if you're not looking to drive deep into the reservation. The farther-flung spots — Green Mountain Tank, Summit Tank, East Bonito Prairie Tank — require more road time but tend to see less pressure. A tribal fishing permit is required for all of these waters; you cannot fish here on an Arizona state license alone. If you're coming from outside the reservation, sorting that permit before you leave home will save you a wasted trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit to fish San Carlos reservation waters?
Yes. All waters listed here fall within the San Carlos Apache Reservation, which requires a tribal fishing permit separate from an Arizona state fishing license. You can purchase permits through the San Carlos Apache Tribe's Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division. Do not assume your state license covers you here — it does not.
What fish species can I expect to catch at these tanks and reservoirs?
The tank fisheries on the San Carlos Reservation are typically stocked with catfish and bass, with some waters also holding sunfish and crappie. Seneca Lake and Nash Creek Reservoir, being larger impoundments, tend to support more varied populations than the smaller cattle tanks. Check with the tribal wildlife office for current stocking status on specific waters before you go.
What time of year is best for fishing these waters?
Spring and fall are the most productive seasons. Summer monsoon rains (typically July through September) can muddy smaller tanks quickly and make some dirt access roads impassable. Winter fishing is possible but slower, particularly at higher-elevation tanks like Summit Tank and Green Mountain Tank where water temperatures drop significantly.
What gear setup works best for the smaller tanks like Gimme Tank or Deer Tank?
Most of the smaller tanks are bank-fishing only with limited casting room, so a medium-action rod in the 6 to 7 foot range handles most situations well. For catfish, a simple bottom rig with cut bait or chicken liver gets results. Bring a rod holder or forked stick since you may be soaking bait and waiting. Float tubes can work on mid-sized tanks but check access conditions first.
How do I know if a tank's access road is passable?
Many of the more remote tanks — East Bonito Prairie Tank, Tanks Canyon Tank, Lone Pine Tank — are reached via unpaved reservation roads that can become rough or impassable after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for anything beyond the waters near the town of San Carlos. Contact the San Carlos Apache Tribe's Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division ahead of your trip for current road conditions.
