Goodbye Lake Pleasant, So Long Havasu: This Lesser-Known Arizona Lake Is A High-Elevation Paradise For Fishing

When deciding which of the many lakes in Arizona are the most fun, you're sure to hear a lot about two in particular: Lake Pleasant near Phoenix, and Lake Havasu, a western Arizona staple quite literally famous for its parties during spring break. For those who aren't all-in for the borderline chaos that can ensue at Arizona's more party-oriented lakes, it might feel a little like being left out. Not to worry: Black Canyon Lake is smaller, quieter, and just as worthy of a day trip as its more popular counterparts. 

The lake is small, just 78 acres in a sprawling mountain valley 7,100 feet above sea level. There's no fee to enjoy the lake or the shores around it, and there are no parties here — it's not that kind of lake. It hides up along the Mogollon Rim, secluded from view but begging to be discovered. The crystal-clear water reflects the pristine sky overhead. The grass grows tall and green, and wild horses are sometimes spotted drinking from and playing in the water. Get a closer look at the entire idyllic scene by hiking one of the easy, short trails around the lake. Black Canyon Lake is for those who are less inclined to reach for a beer and more inclined to reach for their binoculars instead. The watershed and surrounding areas were heavily damaged in 2002 during the Rodeo-Chedeski Fire, and seeing for oneself how the environment has been healing is a delight.

The Apache-Sitgreaves forest surrounds Black Canyon Lake and is full of lush trees, from towering Ponderosa pines to elegant Aspen. On blustery days, one can hear the wind coursing through the crowns of the Ponderosas, the creaking of the narrow trunks providing a backdrop of sound for the birdsongs. It's worth mentioning that, according to the AZ Department of Game and Fish, the lake's water level varies throughout the year. The best time to visit is in the spring, following snowmelt, and during or after summer rainy season, when water levels are often at their highest. Sometimes, drought can make Black Canyon Lake shrivel to nearly nothing, but when it's at its best, it's great for fishing — so keep an eye on recent fish reports and water levels before heading out there. 

In the spring, summer, and fall, pre-stocked rainbow trout are abundant at Black Canyon Lake. The trout are native to the area, but not everything is: Keep your eyes peeled for invasive species introduced into the lake over the years, such as Largemouth bass and Green sunfish. Make sure you have an up-to-date fishing license with a trout stamp if you're 14 years of age or older. There is a daily bag limit: at the time of this writing, anglers can catch and keep a total of four trout, infinite sunfish, and six bass. Children under 14 can bag up to three trout.

There's one boat ramp at Black Canyon Lake, and electric or non-motorized boats are allowed, as well as row-boats and kayaks. You can fish from the shore as well, and anglers swear that the best places around the lake to cast your line are near the boat launch and the dam. In the deeper reaches of the water, logs and other debris on the lake floor provide excellent cover for fish, so more experienced anglers might find a fun challenge there. 

Black Canyon Lake is accessed via a dirt road off Forest Road 86. Sedans can typically manage it (use your best judgement), but it's highly advised that they use caution and take it very slow. The parking area is just off the access road. The lake is free for day use, and there are no permits or passes required (other than the fishing permit). Camping is not permitted right up along the lake; campers must go to the nearby Black Canyon Rim Campground about three miles away. Here the campsites feature grills and picnic tables, gravel roads, potable water, vault toilets and, perhaps best of all, garbage facilities. Typically the grounds are open from mid-May through mid-October. 

Black Canyon Lake is tucked upon the Mogollon Rim, and it's just the start of all the idyllic fun to be had in the region. For example, Northeastern Arizona's scenic rim drive is a cool summer road trip with forests, lakes, and dizzying views. Need somewhere to hang your hat? Payson is a desert escape with cool temps, lakeside bliss, and endless trails; it's considered the "gateway" to the Mogollon Rim! Finally, if you can't get enough of Black Canyon Lake and crave another like it nearby, Knoll Lake, one of Arizona's cleanest lakes, is a fishing haven with crystal-clear waters and secluded campgrounds.