Arizona Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท White Mountains Region
Rainbow Lake in Lakeside is a weedy lake with bass, pike and stocked trout.
Looking for the latest Rainbow 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 Rainbow Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Rainbow Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Rainbow Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is cooling, and bass are moving to points and shallow flats. Winter trout stocking starts in the cooler months.
Streamers along rocky banks and points early and late.
Stocking report
See the Arizona Game and Fish stocking schedule for the latest stocking at Rainbow Lake and other Arizona waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Rainbow Lake, bring: Clouser Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Crayfish #4-6, Popper #2-6, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Rainbow Lake lake details
| Access | Small ramp and shoreline. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,700 ft |
| Nearest town | Lakeside, Arizona |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Rainbow trout, bass, pike |
| 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, 1X to 3X |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | Camp in Pinetop-Lakeside |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Busy with boats on weekends. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Stocked trout and slower bass.
Spring
Bass spawn.
Summer
Hot. Fish at dawn.
Fall
Bass on points.
How to get there
From Show Low, take State Route 260 to Lakeside.