Fly Fishing the lakes near Payson Arizona

With so many options to find lakes to float tube fly fish, it is a wonder why anyone would venture away from the lakes near Payson, AZ. Payson is situated approximately 90 miles from Phoenix and an easy one-to-one-and-a-half-hour drive up the winding Highway 87 with excellent views and even a peek of the Four Peaks in Arizona on the way.

The fly fishing team at Shaggy Outdoors has been heading up the mountain for day trips to the lakes on the Rim for 30 years. Bear Canyon, Chevelon Canyon, and Woods Canyon Lakes provide the most entertaining quick trips out the valley.

The team has caught some of the largest trout on these lakes and they keep coming back for more. Check out the video on YouTube of the team grabbing some of the largest trout in the state at Chevelon Canyon Lake and Woods Canyon Lake.

Bear Canyon Lake provides some of the most active fishing on the Mogollon Rim. This lake is located approximately 45 miles east of Payson and has some dirt road driving required to access the lake. A popular fishing location for those traveling from Tucson or Phoenix this lake has limited shore access. To the adventurous anglers, this lake has some difficulty getting to the shoreline. Having limited access to shore makes for a great float tube fly fisherman experience as you are not fighting the boats on this lake. No boat ramp is available and expects a mild climb to get to the lake shoreline.

Some of the best trout fishing at Bear Canyon Lake is early in the season when the water is cold and the holdover trout are hungry. Expect to catch mostly Rainbow trout here but sometimes you never know what else might find your hook.

Bear Canyon pros are the number of fish and stocking of 6 times per year. The cons for Bear Canyon Lake are the somewhat remote access. Don’t come expecting an easy walk to the shoreline, the lake is located in a canyon, and you have a semi-difficult walk down a non-maintained trail system.

Chevelon Canyon Lake is a picturesque lake that is very difficult to access. There is no road access to the lake and the climb to the bottom is approximately 1 mile downhill. The easy part is the climb down, the hard part is the climb back up. For you float tube fisherman expect a tired pack out at the end of the day. But when you hook into a 25-inch Brown Trout you will be in heaven.

The challenge of accessing this 208-acre lake is well worth the trip. Expect to change out fly patterns often to find the correct bait for these monster fish. Float tubes or inflatable kayaks are best for this lake and rest assured if you get to the lake, you will be one of only a few on the lake.

Woods Canyon Lake is a perfect spot for the whole family to grab some shoreline and catch some Rainbow trout. Very easy access to the boat dock and ramp area for everyone and a cute bait shop and store to grab your fishing necessities and camping requirements.

Grab one of several campsites around the lake for restrooms and an easy camping experience. The walk to the lake from the campgrounds is easily accessed and look out for those pesky Elk that roam the area.

Understand this is a great family lake that is in the high country will cooler temps. But for you anglers looking to get away expect to fight for room both on the shore and on the lake.

Fish in this lake are typically Rainbow but AZGFD has also been adding Tiger Trout to make the fishing more enjoyable.

Get more information on fishing hunting gear by Shaggy Outdoors when you check our our website.

Fly Fishing the lakes near Payson Arizona

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