Arizona Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท White Mountains Region
Big Lake is the best-known White Mountains trout lake, with rainbows, brook trout and cutthroat.
Looking for the latest Big Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Big Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Big Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Big Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The White Mountains are cold, and fishing is best in the afternoon.
Leeches, damsels and small nymphs near weed edges.
Stocking report
See the Arizona Game and Fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Big Lake and other Arizona waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Big Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-10, Mini Leech #8-10, Zebra Midge #14-18, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Big Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps, a store and shoreline trails. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 8,000 to 9,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Springerville, Arizona |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, Apache trout |
| Regulations | Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before you go. An Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 5X |
| Ice fishing | Roads close in winter. |
| Camping | Rainbow, Grayling and Brook Char campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Wind comes up fast at high elevation. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice or closed roads.
Spring
Ice-out and stocking.
Summer
Callibaetis and damsels.
Fall
Big fish before winter.
How to get there
From Springerville, take State Route 261 south to Big Lake.