Fishing
In The
Wild

Fishing in Gila County

Its no wonder that Gila County is the ‘prize catch’ for Arizona anglers: with state records for bass, crappie and catfish caught in our cobalt-blue lakes, cooler summertime temperatures, and lakeside landscape that offers a choice of Sonoran Desert saguaros – or the shade of towering Ponderosa Pine forests. With a few easy clicks on this website you’ll find lakefront camping that accommodates your luxurious 5th wheel, or private sites preferred by simpler tent-campers.

Whether you prefer waters that meet steep canyon walls or mountain lakes surrounded by forests of pine, you will discover how great fishing is in Gila County, Arizona.

For an Arizona Game and Fish License please visit:  www.azgfd.com/License

Lakes & Pond Fishing

Diverse wildlife and varied habitats make fishing on Gila County, Arizona lakes an extraordinary adventure.   If you like seclusion, cooler weather and a diversity of mother natures landscaping, then fishing on any of these lakes will leave you wanting more.  From the scenic high country surrounded by pine forests, to the mass of Roosevelt Lake, to the beauty and wildness of the San Carlos Indian Reservation…there is something “Big” waiting for you.  Click on the links below for more information about each fishery.

Fish Species Legend:

AT:       Apache Trout
RB:      Rainbow Trout
FC:      Flathead Catfish 

 

LMB:   Largemouth Bass
SMB:   Smallmouth Bass
BT:       Brown Trout

 

SF:       Sun Fish
BC:      Black Crappie
CAR:   Carp

Streams, Creeks & Reservoirs

Small Stream fishing is more than just fishing. It is the part of living in the America we all love – the freedom of wide open spaces.  Getting out to the woods, away from the city and forgetting about time, satisfies our deep desire for peace and quiet. Gila County, Arizona stream fishing is an anglers dream, with Brown and Rainbow trout that will not disappoint!  The next time you get the urge to put on the hip waders or just throw a line from the bank, we invite you to get out and Explore the Wild and Discover Gila County.  Click on the links below for more information.

Fish Species

These species of fish are the most commonly caught fish in Gila County

Apache Trout

The apache trout is considered to be critically endangered by the IUCN. It is a rare catch.

Rainbow Trout

The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms. It is native to the west coast of North America from southern Alaska to Mexico. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks this fish in most of the high country lakes and streams.

Flathead Catfish

The flathead catfish is a popular food fish has an excellent flavor.

Largemouth Bass

The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.

Smallmouth Bass

The smallmouth bass is the second largest member of the sunfish family attaining a weight of almost 12 lb.

Brown Trout

The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.

Black Crappie

Black Crappie is a freshwater fish found in North America and is abundant in many of the Gila County Lakes.