Fishing Woods Canyon Lake

By Rick Seaman

Popular Fish Species Woods Canyon Lake, AZ

Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow trout, brown trout and bluegill. According to the US Forrest Service, "Woods Canyon Lake is stocked regularly with catchable rainbow trout. A few, large brown trout remain in the lake from stockings years ago." Whether you're casting from the shoreline or fishing from a boat, Woods Canyon Lake provides an opportunity for a successful fishing trip.

---

Rainbow Trout Fishing

This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Woods Canyon Lake continues to be excellent, due to a great stocking program by the Arizona Game & Fish Department. Catching rainbow trout here often involves using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

---

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is fun for anglers of all ages, and a time-honored tradition at Woods Canyon Lake. Everyone enjoys catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Cut pieces of live worms is a top producer here. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

---

Brown Trout Fishing

Fishing for brown trout in Woods Canyon Lake is now limited to fishing for large browns left over from prior years stockings. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits, jerkbaits and small spoons are also options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

---

Woods Canyon Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout and bluegill at Woods Canyon Lake in Arizona.

Located in northeastern Arizona on the Mogollon Rim, Woods Canyon Lake is 52-acre lake in cool pine country. It's an easy 2 1/2-hour drive from the Greater Phoenix area. From Phoenix, take highway 87 to Payson, east on AZ 260 to the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) west, then north to the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Woods Canyon Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fishing

Woods Canyon Lake has rainbow trout stocked by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, as well as some brown trout. The lake also contains bluegill, but the primary fishing activity revolves around trout fishing. For the kids, bluegill can be a blast - they are aggressive and will feed on tiny pieces of worm on a small trout hook. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. Maintained campgrounds, a general store and spectacular views make this a fisherman's paradise and a great place to take the family camping in Arizona.

Woods Canyon Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina
Rentals: Kayaks, canoes and electric trolling motor fishing boats
928 279-8919

Marinas

Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina
Forest road 105
Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931
928 279-8919

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Woods Canyon Lake Store and Marina
Forest road 105
Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931
Offers a three-lane, concrete launch ramp with limited, paved parking.
928 279-8919

Fishing Guides On Woods Canyon Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Spillway Campground - 928 535-9859

Aspen Campground - 928 333-4301

Crook Campground - 928 535-9233

Mogollon Campground - 928 333-6280

Woods Canyon Lake AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Woods Canyon Lake
Store and Marina At Woods Canyon Lake
Forest road 105, Woods Canyon Road
US Highway 260, Mile Marker 282, FR 300
Forest Lakes Estates, AZ 85931
928 279-8919

Fishing lakes in each state.

021225