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Nelson Reservoir fishing

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Nelson Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟

YouTube video
Trout Fishing – Nelson Reservoir, Arizona – Trout on the fly

Nelson Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟, in Eager, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for fishing and enjoying nature. This scenic lake is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and rolling hills, creating a peaceful escape for outdoor lovers. Known for its trout fishing, the lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it a favorite for anglers of all skill levels. You can fish from the shore, a boat, or even a float tube, giving you plenty of options to find the perfect spot. The calm waters and fresh mountain air make it a relaxing place to spend the day. Nelson Reservoir is also great for picnicking or just soaking up the scenic views. Whether you’re hoping to reel in a big catch or simply unwind by the water, this friendly and laid-back lake is a must-visit for fishing fans in Arizona!

Lake Details

Nelson Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟 :

  • Nelson Reservoir, located between Springerville and Alpine in Eager, Arizona, offers anglers a serene fishing experience amidst the scenic White Mountains.
  • Fish Species: The reservoir is primarily stocked with rainbow trout, providing ample opportunities for anglers. Additionally, black crappie and green sunfish are present, though they are less commonly caught. 
  • Fishing Conditions: Spanning approximately 60 acres with an average depth of 15 feet, Nelson Reservoir is a long and narrow lake following the Nutrioso Creek Valley for nearly a mile. The lake is subject to algae blooms and excessive weed growth as summer progresses, which may affect fishing conditions. 
  • Boating Regulations: Boating is permitted on Nelson Reservoir, with a boat launch ramp available for easy access. However, there are no marinas or rental boats on-site, so anglers should come prepared with their own equipment. 
  • Fishing Techniques:
  • Fly Fishing: Effective near the shoreline or around submerged structures, especially during calm weather.
  • Trolling: A popular method for boat anglers targeting trout in deeper waters.
  • Bait Fishing: Worms, PowerBait, and salmon eggs work well for rainbow trout.
  • Spinners and Lures: Effective when targeting aggressive trout.
  • Seasonal Considerations: Nelson Reservoir is accessible most of the year, though winter months may bring icy conditions. Spring and early summer are ideal for active trout fishing, with cooler waters maintaining fish activity. Ice fishing is possible in winter but requires caution and adherence to safety guidelines.
  • 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.

Top Fish at Nelson Reservoir Lake 🐟

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Nelson Reservoir
  • Surface Acres: 60
  • Avg Depth: 15 feet
  • Max Depth: 24 feet
  • Address:
    Eager, Arizona
  • County: Apache County
  • 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

  • While the reservoir has limited amenities, a campground is available, offering several tent and trailer camping spots with basic facilities, including restrooms and drinking water. Groceries and food services are available within one mile. 

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Black Crappie Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Black Crappie

Bluegill Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Bluegill

Brown Trout Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques

Rainbow Trout

Sunfish Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Sunfish

Bass Fishing

Largemouth 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

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

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Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

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SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

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TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

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Bass Drop Shot Rigs

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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

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

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Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

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Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

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Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

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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

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

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Berkley Gulp! Maggot 

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Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

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Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

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Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

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Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

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KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

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KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

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Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

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KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

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TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

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Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

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iBobber portable fish depth finder

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Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

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PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

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Panfish Magnet Kit

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Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

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PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

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Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

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Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

AZGFD 2023 & 2024 Fishing Regulations

2023-24 Arizona Fishing Regulations AZDownload

Directions

FAQs

Nelson Reservoir is primarily stocked with rainbow trout, offering excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its consistent trout population, making it a favorite destination for anglers in the area.

Yes, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone aged 10 or older to fish at Nelson Reservoir. Licenses can be purchased online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department or from authorized vendors.

Yes, boats are allowed, but there is a 10-horsepower motor limit. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, and float tubes, are also permitted. A boat ramp is available for easy access.

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