Chevelon Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

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HUGE RAINBOW TROUT AT CHEVELON LAKE!

Chevelon Canyon Lake is a cool and quiet place to go fishing in northern Arizona. It’s not the easiest spot to get to—you’ll need to hike or drive in with a 4-wheel drive—but that’s part of the fun! Since it’s kind of hidden, it doesn’t get crowded, which makes it perfect for people who like peace and quiet while they fish. The lake is best known for rainbow and brown trout, and the water is super clear. You can fish from the shore or bring a small boat or float tube if you want to get out on the water. The lake is surrounded by pine trees and awesome views, making it a really pretty place to relax. There aren’t any big campgrounds or stores nearby, so you have to pack in everything you need. If you love nature, hiking, and fishing, Chevelon Canyon Lake is a fun and special place to visit!

Lake Details

Chevelon Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • Chevelon Canyon Lake is a hidden gem for fishing fans who love adventure. Tucked away in northern Arizona, this peaceful lake offers great trout fishing and stunning views. Getting there takes effort—a ¾-mile hike down a steep trail—but the reward is big, beautiful fish and a quiet, scenic spot. It’s perfect for anglers who enjoy a challenge and want to escape the crowds.​
  • Lake Details: Chevelon Canyon Lake covers about 208 acres and sits at an elevation of 6,376 feet. The lake has an average depth of 35 feet and can reach up to 80 feet deep. Surrounded by pine trees and canyon walls, it’s a peaceful place to relax and fish. Arizona Leisure
  • Fish Species: The lake is home to rainbow trout and wild brown trout. Rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and fall, while brown trout grow naturally and can reach trophy sizes. These fish thrive in the clear, cool waters of the lake. awcs.azgfd.com
  • Fishing Conditions: Fishing here is best for those who like a bit of a workout. You’ll need to hike down to the lake, and there’s no easy road access. The lake is open from late spring to early fall, as roads are often closed due to snow from November to April. Remember, only artificial lures and flies are allowed, and there’s a limit on the size and number of trout you can keep. Things To Do | Arizona White Mountains
  • Boating Regulation: Boats must be carried down the trail to the lake, so small, lightweight boats like canoes, kayaks, or float tubes are best. Only electric motors or gas motors 10 horsepower or less are allowed. Be sure to take your boat back with you, as leaving it overnight is not permitted. ​Shaggy Outdoors+1AA Fishing+1AA Fishing+4Things To Do | Arizona White Mountains+4Arizona Leisure+4Arizona Leisure
  • Fishing Techniques: Anglers have success using lures like Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, and Rapalas. Fly fishers often use woolly buggers, woolly worms, and crayfish-colored patterns. Fishing near the inlet in the fall can be especially good, as brown trout spawn during this time. Arizona Leisure
  • 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 Chevelon Canyon Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Chevelon Canyon Lake
  • Surface Acres: 208
  • Avg Depth: 35 feet
  • Max Depth: 80 feet
  • County: Gila County
  • Website:
  • Fs.usda.gov
  • Arizona Highways
  • Discover Gila County.com
  • AZGFD
  • 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

  • Primitive Camping – You can camp near the lake, but it’s primitive, so no hookups or fancy stuff. Just nature, tents, and stars!
  • Vault Toilets – There are basic restrooms (vault toilets) nearby
  • Hiking Trail Access – You’ll need to hike about ¾ of a mile to reach the lake from the parking area. It’s steep, but part of the adventure!
  • Picnic Spots – There are some nice spots to sit, relax, and eat by the water.
  • Fishing Areas – There’s plenty of shoreline for casting your line, plus spots for float tubes or small boats.
  • Boat Launch (carry-in only) – No big boat ramps, but you can carry in a kayak, canoe, or float tube.
  • Shaded Areas – Lots of pine trees around to keep you cool while fishing or relaxing.

Fish Types

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

Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

SunFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Sunfish:
    Sunfish are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Sunfish Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Gear & Tackle

Directions

FAQs

Chevelon Canyon Lake isn’t right off the road—you’ll need to drive a rough dirt road and then hike about ¾ of a mile down a steep trail. It’s not super easy, but that’s what keeps the crowds away! Just make sure to bring good shoes and be ready for a little adventure.

You can catch rainbow trout and wild brown trout. The brown trout can get pretty big too! People come here for the quiet and the chance to catch a trophy fish in really clear, clean water.

Yep, but only small boats like kayaks, canoes, or float tubes. There’s no boat ramp, so you’ll need to carry it down the trail yourself. Also, only electric motors or small gas motors (10 horsepower or less) are allowed.

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