Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Guide & Tips

YouTube video — Trout Fishing Arizona’s Bear Canyon Lake

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Bear Canyon Lake in Payson, AZ, is a hidden gem for fishing and outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this remote and scenic lake is surrounded by towering pine trees and rugged cliffs, making it a peaceful and beautiful spot to cast your line.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, offering great opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Shore fishing is the most popular way to enjoy the lake since there’s no boat ramp, but small, non-motorized boats like kayaks are allowed if carried in.

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to fish, especially in cooler seasons like spring and fall. With its serene setting and crystal-clear waters, Bear Canyon Lake is perfect for a day of fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature!

Lake Details

Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Bear Canyon Lake in Payson, AZ, is a peaceful and scenic fishing destination tucked away in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Surrounded by towering pines and rugged cliffs, this remote lake is perfect for anglers seeking great fishing opportunities and a serene outdoor experience.
Lake Details: Bear Canyon Lake spans 60 acres and has an average depth of about 50 feet, with some spots reaching 80 feet. The lake’s crystal-clear waters and secluded location make it a hidden gem for those who enjoy fishing in a natural, untouched setting. There are no developed facilities around the lake, which adds to its quiet and remote charm.
Fish Species: The lake is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the fishing season, making it a popular spot for trout anglers. While trout are the main catch here, the lake’s pristine waters and rugged environment provide a great challenge for any fishing enthusiast.
Fishing Conditions: Fishing is best during early mornings and late evenings when the fish are most active. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons, offering cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer fishing can still be productive, especially if you focus on deeper, cooler areas of the lake.
Boating Regulation: There’s no boat ramp at Bear Canyon Lake, but non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are allowed if carried in. Gas-powered boats are not permitted, maintaining the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the lake. Most anglers prefer to fish from the shore due to the lake’s remote location.
Fishing Techniques: For rainbow trout, try using PowerBait, small spinners, or flies. Casting from the shore near deeper areas often yields the best results. If you bring a kayak, it can give you access to more secluded fishing spots along the rugged shoreline.
Bear Canyon Lake in Payson, AZ, is a must-visit for anyone who loves fishing and nature. With its stocked waters, stunning surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Pack your gear and enjoy a day of fishing in this hidden treasure

For the most current information on fishing conditions, regulations, and amenities, it’s advisable to consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department‘s official resources or contact local authorities directly.

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Top Fish at Bear Canyon Lake 🐟

Lake Information

Name/Location:
Bear Canyon Lake
Surface Acres: 60
Avg Depth: 50 feet
Max Depth: 80 feet
County: Gila County
Website:
Fs.usda.gov
Fishing License: A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

Lake Amenities

Stocked Waters: Regularly stocked with rainbow trout for exciting fishing opportunities.
Shoreline Access: Plenty of spots along the shore to cast your line and enjoy the view.
Natural Scenery: Surrounded by towering pines and rugged cliffs, it’s a picture-perfect setting.
Hiking Trails Nearby: Explore the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest trails for an added adventure.
Quiet Atmosphere: A peaceful, remote location without the crowds or noise.
Crystal-Clear Water: Pristine waters that make fishing and relaxation even better.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot birds, deer, and other forest wildlife while enjoying your day.

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Fish Types

Blue Gill

Largemouth Bass

Rainbow Trout

Channel Catfish

Crappie

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Details

Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Top Fish at Bear Canyon Lake 🐟

Lake Information

Lake Amenities

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

Bass Drop Shot Rigs

SunFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

Berkley Gulp! Maggot

Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

Panfish Magnet Kit

Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole