Near Big Lake, Greer, Springerville-Eagar

Big Lake

A high-elevation, 450-acre lake in the Big Lake Recreation Area, best known for trout fishing and a cluster of nearby Forest Service campgrounds.

Plan before you go

Access: Public

Permit: Varies

General access and individual recreation-site fees vary. Anglers must follow current Arizona fishing-license and regulation requirements.

High-elevation weather changes quickly. Check Forest Service alerts, fire restrictions, road status, and current fishing regulations before travel.

Facilities and roads can be seasonal or weather dependent. Verify current Forest Service status before travel.

Access and management

Managing agency: Arizona Game and Fish Department, USDA Forest Service — Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Jurisdiction: Federal
Entrance fee: Varies
Accessibility: Not Available

At a glance

Elevation: 9000 feet

Fishing: Yes

Boating: Allowed

Access season: Weather dependent

Physical characteristics

Surface area: 450 Acres

Overview

Big Lake is a major White Mountains fishing destination within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The surrounding recreation area supports camping, hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing.

Visitor highlights

Forest scenery, cool summer conditions, multiple nearby campgrounds, and access to a nearby store with food, fuel, boat rentals, and firewood.

Best for

Trout fishing, a high-country lake experience, and trips that combine the water with nearby hiking and camping.

Activities

Birding, Boat fishing, Camping nearby, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Photography, Picnicking, Shore fishing, Wildlife viewing

Forest Service information verifies trout fishing, hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and nearby camping opportunities.

Fishing

Fish species: Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout

Fishing experiences: Shore fishing, Boat fishing, Family fishing

Fishing conditions

Fishing conditions: Easy
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Shore fishing: Easy
Boat fishing: Easy
Fly fishing: Easy
Wade fishing: Easy

Fishing is available around Big Lake. Consult current conditions and regulations before choosing a shore or boat location.

Current Arizona fishing rules apply. Check the current regulations rather than relying on this draft for limits or seasonal restrictions.

Fishing resources

Stocking: Stocking reportVerified August 20, 2026
Regulations: Fishing regulationsVerified August 20, 2026

Boating and paddling

Boating: Allowed

Motorized boats: Unknown

Amenities and accessibility

Restrooms: Available
Potable water: Seasonal
Ramadas / shelters: Available
Grills: Available
Fire rings: Available
Trash service: Available
General store: Available
Marina: Available
Boat ramp: Available
Boat rentals: Available
Fish-cleaning station: Available
On-site camping: Available
Nearby camping: Available
Showers: Available
Cell service: Not Available
Emergency services: Not Available
Notes: A nearby store and boat rentals are documented at the recreation area. Campground facilities vary by site; verify the specific campground before relying on water, restrooms, showers, or other services.

Directions and map

From Eagar, travel west on State Route 260, south on State Route 261, then west on State Route 273 to the Big Lake Recreation Area. The Forest Service also publishes an approach from Show Low via Highways 260 and 273.

Big Lake Map