Arizona · Fishing
Fishing in Vernon, Arizona
Vernon sits at roughly 7,000 feet on the Mogollon Rim's edge in eastern Arizona, which puts it within reasonable driving distance of more small lakes and tanks than most anglers realize exist in this part of the state.
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Vernon sits at roughly 7,000 feet on the Mogollon Rim's edge in eastern Arizona, which puts it within reasonable driving distance of more small lakes and tanks than most anglers realize exist in this part of the state. The fishing here is almost entirely still-water: you're looking at high-country lakes like Hawley Lake, Reservation Lake, and Pacheta Lake on the White Mountain Apache Tribe's lands, along with smaller cienegas and stock tanks scattered across the plateau — places like Maverick Cienega, Horseshoe Cienega Lake, and Sponseller Lake that don't show up on most people's radar. Christmas Tree Lake, Tonto Lake, and Laguna Salada round out a list of 21 fishable waters within the scope of this area, ranging from walk-in tanks to lakes with basic facilities. Because several of these waters sit on tribal land, you'll need both an Arizona fishing license and a White Mountain Apache Tribe recreation permit before you wet a line. The elevation keeps water temperatures cool well into summer, which is part of why this area holds fish when lowland Arizona lakes are too warm to be worth fishing. Access roads vary from paved to rough dirt, so knowing which lake you're heading to before you leave town matters.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special permit to fish Hawley Lake, Reservation Lake, or Pacheta Lake?
Yes. Those lakes are on White Mountain Apache Tribe land and require a tribal recreation permit in addition to your Arizona state fishing license. You can purchase tribal permits at authorized vendors in Whiteriver and at some sporting goods stores near the White Mountains. Don't assume your state license covers you — rangers do check.
What time of year is fishing around Vernon actually worth the drive?
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window, roughly May through October. Ice-out on the higher lakes can push into May depending on the winter, and by November water temperatures drop and fish activity slows significantly. Summer mornings before 9 a.m. tend to be the most consistent time of day across most of these lakes.
What gear setup makes sense for fishing these high-country lakes and tanks?
Light to medium spinning gear handles most situations here. A 6- to 7-foot rod with 6- to 10-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon covers bank fishing at places like Christmas Tree Lake or Tonto Lake. Small spinners, PowerBait, and worms are reliable producers at stocked lakes; if you're fishing the smaller tanks and cienegas, scaling down your presentation usually helps.
Can I fish from a boat, or is this mostly bank fishing?
It's a mix. Some lakes like Hawley Lake and Reservation Lake accommodate small boats and float tubes, but many of the smaller tanks and cienegas on this list are bank-fishing only by nature of their size. Check current tribal regulations for horsepower limits on motorized boats before you trailer anything up there.
Are these waters stocked, or is this wild-fish territory?
Several of the lakes in this area receive stocking, but stocking schedules are managed separately by Arizona Game and Fish and the White Mountain Apache Tribe depending on which water you're fishing. Check the AZGFD stocking report online before your trip if you're specifically chasing recently stocked fish — it's updated regularly and will tell you which lakes have seen recent plants.
