Few Arizona trout waters are as easy to reach from the Valley as Woods Canyon Lake. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) built it in 1958 in a narrow, pine-lined canyon near the edge of the Mogollon Rim, roughly 30 miles east of Payson, and it remains one of the most developed of the Rim Lakes: a store and marina, a paved approach road, a launch ramp, and two campgrounds within walking distance of the water.
The lake itself is small and deep for its size. The Forest Service lists it at about 50 acres and Recreation.gov at 55, with a maximum depth near 40 feet at roughly 7,510 feet of elevation. That depth shapes the fishing. AZGFD notes the lake stratifies in summer, leaving little oxygen near the bottom, so trout hold in a middle band of water instead of the deepest holes.
Catchable rainbow trout and tiger trout make up the stocking program, and a few large brown trout survive from stockings years ago. Crayfish and green sunfish are abundant. The lake also holds Arizona's hook-and-line record tiger trout, a 5-pound, 15.36-ounce fish caught in June 2023. Rental boats and a shoreline trail make it a natural first trout trip for families, so expect summer crowds.
Lake notes updated October 6, 2026No recent official weeks are listed for Woods Canyon Lake right now. AZGFD may still add this water in a later schedule.
No stocking activity found for this period.
From Payson, follow State Route 260 east to milepost 282, where the highway tops out on the Rim. Turn left (north) onto Forest Road 300, the Rim Road, and drive a little over 3 miles to Forest Road 105. Turn right and follow FR 105 about a mile to its end at the lake. AZGFD describes both forest roads as paved to this point.
On busy summer days the parking near the store fills, and the Forest Service directs visitors to a large overflow lot on the hill above the lake. The public ramp handles small fishing boats with electric trolling motors and paddle craft. The shoreline is not considered wheelchair accessible, although the store parking lot and vault toilets are. A loop trail of just under 4 miles circles the lake and reaches most of the bank. Pack out all trash.
Spillway Campground sits closest to the water and fills quickly; it takes trailers up to 16 feet. Aspen Campground is much larger and accepts trailers up to 32 feet. Once enough snow falls, the Forest Service closes the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, including Woods Canyon, to wheeled motor vehicles. AZGFD says that closure generally runs from December to early April.
Roads reopen as snow recedes, usually in April, and the store opens. From March 1 through August 31, part of the lake may be closed to boats and part of the shoreline is closed to foot entry for bald eagle nesting.
AZGFD listed Woods Canyon among the best high-country waters for 2026. Once the lake stratifies, fish 10 to 20 feet deep rather than on the bottom.
AZGFD suggests crayfish-imitating lures in fall. The store closes after October, and the Forest Service lists the site as operating through November.
Statewide regulations apply, including a limit of 4 trout in any combination; a special regulation makes bass and catfish unlimited. Boats are limited to a single electric motor of no more than 10 rated horsepower (rule R12-4-517), and live baitfish are prohibited in this fishing area. Anglers 10 and older need a valid Arizona fishing or combination license; children under 10 do not. Check the current AZGFD regulations before your trip.
No. Only a single electric motor or paddle power is allowed. If you want to run a small gas outboard, nearby Willow Springs Lake allows motors up to 10 horsepower.
Usually from about April into late fall. Once enough snow is on the ground, the Forest Service closes the Rim Lakes Recreation Area to wheeled motor vehicles, generally from December to early April. Call the Black Mesa Ranger District for current conditions.
Yes. The Woods Canyon Lake Store rents boats and sells fishing licenses and tackle. It is seasonal and typically open April through October, weather permitting.
Dates are AZGFD stocking weeks, not guaranteed plant days. How this data is sourced