Show Low Lake is stocked with trout, but walleye set it apart. AZGFD calls it the best place in Arizona to catch lunker walleye, and the record book agrees: the state hook-and-line record walleye, 16 pounds 1.76 ounces, came from here in November 2002.
The lake covers about 100 acres at 6,500 feet on the southern edge of the city of Show Low. Recreation Resource Management runs the lake and campground under contract with the city. According to AZGFD, the water doesn't get weedy, so trout fishing from shore stays practical all season. Many stocked trout also survive the winter and grow quite large.
Since 2024, AZGFD has stocked the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside lakes, this one included, with catchable trout from March to July instead of the traditional April-to-September window. The department planned to keep that schedule through at least 2026. AZGFD also named Show Low Lake one of the best high-country waters for 2026. Channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and green sunfish round out the fishery, so the lake suits anglers who want several species from one campsite.
Lake notes updated October 6, 2026No recent official weeks are listed for Show Low Lake right now. AZGFD may still add this water in a later schedule.
No stocking activity found for this period.
The lake sits beside Show Low Lake Road, about a mile from State Route 260. AZGFD's directions start at the traffic light between Walmart and the hospital in Show Low. There is no long forest-road drive, and unlike the Rim lakes, AZGFD lists Show Low Lake as open year-round.
The city describes campgrounds and picnic areas, a 75-site campground with some electric sites, a dump station, showers, a playground, day-use ramadas, and group camping. A small store rents boats and sells fishing licenses, bait, tackle, and snacks. The store and showers operate seasonally.
Plan around the bald eagles. From March 1 through August 31, part of the lake is closed to watercraft and part of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry. The Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests handles questions about the closure boundaries.
Under the adjusted schedule, trout stocking starts in March. Trolled spinners pick up fat holdover trout early. AZGFD says channel catfish and walleye gather at the upper end, where Show Low Creek enters, and walleye fishing is best in spring. The eagle closure begins March 1.
Trout stocking wraps up in July, and catfish become the main target on summer nights.
Walleye fishing improves again in fall, and the eagle closure lifts after August 31, which reopens more water to boats.
The lake stays open year-round. Holdover trout give winter visitors something to target, though the store and showers are seasonal.
Show Low Lake follows general statewide regulations: 4 trout, 6 bass in any combination, 10 catfish, 6 walleye, and unlimited sunfish per day. Don't confuse the lake with Show Low Creek in town, which has its own much tighter special limits. 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. A seasonal bald eagle closure applies from March 1 to August 31. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 or older. See the current AZGFD regulations for details.
It is Arizona's best-known walleye water. AZGFD calls it the best place in the state for lunker walleye, and it produced the current hook-and-line state record walleye in 2002. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons.
Yes. AZGFD lists the lake as open year-round, and holdover trout give winter anglers a target. The store and shower facilities are seasonal.
Yes. The lake store rents boats and sells licenses, bait, and tackle during its season. Motors are limited to a single electric or a gas motor of 10 horsepower or less.
Dates are AZGFD stocking weeks, not guaranteed plant days. How this data is sourced