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Arizona · Fishing
Fishing around Willcox sits at the quieter end of Arizona's outdoor scene, which is part of the appeal.
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Fishing around Willcox sits at the quieter end of Arizona's outdoor scene, which is part of the appeal. The options here split between lake fishing at Treasure Park and Riggs Lake and river fishing up at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site, giving you a reasonable range depending on whether you want to cast from a bank or work moving water. Treasure Park has two access points listed — North and East — so you can move around and find a less pressured spot without much effort. Riggs Lake sits up in the Pinaleno Mountains, meaning the drive involves elevation gain and the water runs cooler than what you'd find in the valley. Upper Hospital Flat is a group site, so it tends to see more traffic on weekends when parties are booked in, but midweek it can be genuinely quiet. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so set expectations accordingly — this is solid local fishing, not a destination trophy fishery. That said, if you're staying in or near Willcox and want a half-day on the water without driving to the White Mountains proper, these spots cover the bases.
You have lake fishing at Treasure Park (with North and East access points) and Riggs Lake, plus river fishing at Upper Hospital Flat Group Site. That covers still water and moving water within a reasonable drive of town.
It depends on what you're after. Riggs Lake is up in the Pinaleno Mountains, so the road takes time and the conditions can be different from the valley floor — cooler water, cooler air. If you want a mountain lake setting and don't mind the climb, it's a more scenic option than Treasure Park.
Upper Hospital Flat Group Site
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Upper Twilight Group Site
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic Area
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Lower Twilight Group Site
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Flying W Group Day Use Area
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Upper Arcadia
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Spring Canyon Picnic Area
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Treasure Park - North
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Riverview Campground
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Treasure Park - East
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Gila River Boat Put-In
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Riggs Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near AZ.
Also worth it near here
Early morning before the heat builds is generally your best window for lake fishing in southern Arizona, especially in summer. The North and East access points let you shift position based on where shade and wind are working in your favor.
Upper Hospital Flat is listed as a group site, which means it's primarily set up for organized parties. Solo or small-group anglers should check current site availability and any reservation requirements before making the trip out, since a booked group could limit your access to that stretch of water.
Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 years of age or older fishing any of these waters. Purchase one through the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you go — enforcement does happen at sites like these, including more remote ones.
