The name is a joke that stuck. Thomas Jefferson Adair moved here in 1879 to farm, and locals said only a fool would try to farm the place. The tiny town of Adair now lies under the lake. The recreation area opened in 1994 through a partnership among the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona State Parks, AZGFD, the city of Show Low, Arizona Public Service, and McCarty Construction. Arizona State Parks operates it on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest land.
The lake covers about 149 acres at roughly 6,300 feet, fed by Show Low Creek, and sits fewer than 2 miles from downtown Show Low. Even so, AZGFD says its craggy banks give it a feeling of seclusion. It rarely ices over, and never for long, so it fishes in every season. The species list is long: rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, northern pike, and walleye. The state catch-and-release record walleye, a 33-inch fish, came from here in 2004.
Trout stocking follows the Show Low area's March-to-July schedule, which AZGFD adopted in 2024 and planned to keep through at least 2026. AZGFD named Fool Hollow among the best high-country waters for 2026. One major caveat applies for now. Arizona State Parks reports historically low water: both boat ramps are closed, the fishing docks are out of the water, and only hand-carried craft can launch.
Lake notes updated October 6, 2026No recent official weeks are listed for Fool Hollow Lake right now. AZGFD may still add this water in a later schedule.
No stocking activity found for this period.
The park is off Old Linden Road on Show Low's northern edge, at 1500 N. Fool Hollow Lake Road. You can reach Old Linden Road from U.S. 60 in town or from its western end at State Route 260. Gates open at 5 a.m. from April through October and at 7 a.m. from November through March, and close at 8 p.m. Campers arriving later use a gate code sent with their reservation.
Under normal water levels, the lake has single-lane ramps on its east and west sides, fishing docks, and fish-cleaning stations. Right now, Arizona State Parks advises that both ramps are closed, the docks are out, and kayaks and other small craft must be carried to the water. Shore fishing is still allowed, but reaching the water is difficult and there is no ADA access. Protected historical sites prevent staff from building easier routes. An on-site concessionaire rents paddle craft.
Camping loops wind through ponderosa pine, and many sites overlook the lake. Every RV site has water, and the Mallard and Redhead loops add sewer. Reservations go through Arizona State Parks.
Catchable trout stocking begins in March under the current schedule.
Trout stocking ends in July, and AZGFD points summer anglers toward catfish.
AZGFD says channel catfish keep biting into early fall.
The lake rarely freezes, and never for long, and the park stays open year-round with shorter gate hours, so winter fishing is a real option.
General statewide regulations apply: 4 trout, 6 bass in any combination, 10 catfish, 6 walleye, and unlimited crappie and sunfish per day. Northern pike are unlimited, but each one must be killed or released immediately. Boats may use a single electric motor or a gas motor of 10 horsepower or less, and live baitfish are prohibited throughout this fishing area. Anglers 10 and older need a valid Arizona fishing license; children under 10 do not. Arizona State Parks charges a separate park entrance fee. Check the current AZGFD regulations before fishing.
Only hand-carried craft such as kayaks, canoes, and float tubes can launch right now. Arizona State Parks reports that both boat ramps are closed because of historically low water. Check the park's website for updates before towing a boat.
Rarely, and never for long, according to AZGFD. The park and lake stay open year-round.
AZGFD lists rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, northern pike, and walleye. It also produced the state catch-and-release record walleye.
Dates are AZGFD stocking weeks, not guaranteed plant days. How this data is sourced