Willow Springs gives Rim anglers room to spread out. AZGFD built it as a trout lake in the late 1960s (the Forest Service gives 1966; AZGFD's guide says 1967), and at about 150 acres it holds roughly three times the water of Woods Canyon, a few miles west. It sits in tall ponderosa pine at 7,500 to 7,600 feet, and AZGFD calls it one of the most visited lakes in the region thanks to its short drive from Phoenix and cool summers.
Its biggest claim to fame is a single fish. Arizona's hook-and-line record rainbow trout, 15 pounds 9.12 ounces, came from Willow Springs in September 2006, and it still heads the record table in the 2025–26 regulations. Day-to-day fishing is less dramatic. The Forest Service says trout are stocked regularly from spring through fall, and AZGFD lists both rainbow and tiger trout. Self-sustaining largemouth and smallmouth bass, green sunfish, and a large crayfish population add a warmwater side to the fishery.
The setup is simpler than at Woods Canyon. The Forest Service lists one vault toilet and no potable water at the lake, and it charges no fee for day use or for launching a boat. Motors up to 10 horsepower are allowed, a good fit for anglers who tow their own small boat and want room to troll.
Lake notes updated October 6, 2026No recent official weeks are listed for Willow Springs Lake right now. AZGFD may still add this water in a later schedule.
No stocking activity found for this period.
Willow Springs is reached by paved Forest Road 149, which leaves State Route 260 east of the Rim-top junction with Forest Road 300 and runs to the lake. Signs mark the turn. AZGFD describes the lake as immediately adjacent to the highway, so the drive off pavement is short. Discover Gila County notes a paved boat ramp and two picnic ramadas.
Camping is tightly managed. The Forest Service prohibits dispersed camping within half a mile of the lake and allows overnight stays only at Sinkhole Campground, on FR 149 about half a mile off the highway and roughly a mile from the shore. For more amenities, Canyon Point Campground is about 3 miles farther east along Highway 260. Discover Gila County lists 100 family sites there, plus showers and a dump station.
Past Forest Service winter closures of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area have included FR 149, and AZGFD says Rim lake access is generally restricted from December to early April.
Stocking resumes once the roads open, typically in April, and shore baits take freshly stocked trout.
AZGFD says fishing stays good through the heat if you go 10 to 20 feet deep. Tiger trout were part of the 2026 stocking mix. The Forest Service warns of frequent, often heavy rain in July and August.
The Forest Service describes stocking as running from spring through fall.
The lake freezes and snow can close FR 149 to vehicles. The Forest Service lists ice fishing here; check ice conditions first.
General statewide regulations apply, including a limit of 4 trout in any combination. A special regulation makes bass and catfish unlimited. Boats may use electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less. Live baitfish are prohibited throughout this fishing area. Anyone 10 or older needs a valid Arizona fishing or combination license; children under 10 fish free. AZGFD and ADEQ have issued a fish consumption advisory for largemouth and smallmouth bass from this lake, and stocked trout are not covered by it. Confirm details in the current regulations booklet.
According to the Forest Service, there is no fee for day use or for launching a boat. Campground fees apply at Sinkhole and Canyon Point.
No. Dispersed camping is not allowed within half a mile of the lake, and overnight use is limited to Sinkhole Campground, about a mile from the water.
Yes. AZGFD's record list shows a 15-pound, 9.12-ounce rainbow trout, 32.5 inches long, caught at Willow Springs Lake on September 29, 2006. It remains the hook-and-line record.
Dates are AZGFD stocking weeks, not guaranteed plant days. How this data is sourced