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Arizona · Fishing
Snowflake sits on the Colorado Plateau at around 5,600 feet, and the fishing around town reflects that high-desert character — small lakes and tanks rather than big river systems, with the kind of quiet that makes a weekday morning on the water feel like you have the county to yourself.
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Snowflake sits on the Colorado Plateau at around 5,600 feet, and the fishing around town reflects that high-desert character — small lakes and tanks rather than big river systems, with the kind of quiet that makes a weekday morning on the water feel like you have the county to yourself. The four fishable waters near Snowflake are Jeff Lake, Pit Tank, Sides Lake, and Ortega Lake, all of them still-water spots suited to bank fishing or a small kayak or float tube. These are community-scale fisheries, not destination waters drawing anglers from three states away, which is part of the appeal — parking is easy, crowds are thin, and you can realistically fish two or three of them in a single day. Expect warm-water and stocked-trout opportunities depending on the season, and plan around the elevation: mornings can be cold even in late spring, and afternoon thunderstorms roll through fast in July and August. If you're driving up from the Phoenix metro, the two-hour climb in elevation means you should pack a layer you didn't think you'd need.
The specific stocking schedules for Jeff Lake, Sides Lake, Pit Tank, and Ortega Lake are managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and species can vary by season and year. Check the AZGFD stocking report at azgfd.com before your trip — it's updated regularly and will tell you exactly what's been put in and when.
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years of age or older. You can purchase one online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or at local sporting goods retailers. Some waters may also require a separate trout stamp if you're targeting stocked trout, so confirm that when you buy your license.
Fenceline Tank
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Alchesay-Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery Complex
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Dad Patterson Tank
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Sides Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Concho Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Pit Tank
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Laguna Salada
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Jeff Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Martinez Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Ortega Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Duck Lake
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Mexican Lake
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Early morning is generally the most productive window, especially in summer when afternoon air temperatures climb and fish move deeper or go off the bite. In spring and fall, midday fishing can be just as good once the water warms slightly from overnight lows.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations at these still-water lakes. PowerBait and small spinners work well for stocked trout, while plastic worms and jigs are a reasonable starting point for warm-water species. Bring a net, a valid license, and sunscreen — the high-desert sun at this elevation is stronger than it looks, even on overcast days.
All four waters — Jeff Lake, Pit Tank, Sides Lake, and Ortega Lake — are small enough that bank fishing is a practical option. A float tube or small kayak gives you more flexibility to cover water, but you don't need a motorized boat or a trailer to have a productive day.
