YouTube video
Rainbow Lake AZ Fishing

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Rainbow Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

YouTube video
Fishing with Johnny Johnson – Early Spring at Rainbow Lake, AZ

Rainbow Lake Fishing Guide 🎣, in Lakeside, Arizona, is a great spot for fishing and outdoor fun. This beautiful lake is stocked with fish like trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill, making it perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels. You can fish from the shore, a dock, or even a boat, so there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the water. The lake is surrounded by scenic views and fresh mountain air, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Boat rentals are available if you want to explore more of the lake. It’s also a great place for picnicking, birdwatching, or just spending time in nature. Whether you’re reeling in a big catch or enjoying the calm vibe, Rainbow Lake offers a friendly and fun escape for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

Lake Details

Rainbow Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • Rainbow Lake, located in Lakeside, Arizona, offers anglers a diverse fishing experience amidst the scenic White Mountains.
  • Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish.
  • Fishing Conditions: Spanning approximately 116 acres with an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 15 feet, Rainbow Lake is a shallow reservoir. The lake’s shallow nature and abundant vegetation can make fishing challenging, especially during summer months when algae blooms may occur. 
  • Boating Regulations: Boating is permitted with electric motors or gas engines up to 10 horsepower. A public boat ramp is available for access. 
  • Amenities: The public access area includes a boat ramp, paved parking lot, and a fishing pier. However, restrooms are not available on-site. Additional amenities, such as boat rentals, are offered by nearby private businesses. 
  • Fishing Techniques:
  • Trout Fishing: Spring and early summer are ideal times, coinciding with stocking periods. Trolling is effective for trout.
  • Bass Fishing: Casting with spinnerbaits, lures, and plastic worm rigs works well for largemouth bass. 
  • Catfish Fishing: Fishing the bottom using nightcrawlers and chicken livers is effective for channel catfish. 
  • 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 Rainbow Lake 🐟

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Rainbow Lake
  • Surface Acres: 116
  • Avg Depth: 7 feet
  • Max Depth: 15 feet
  • Address:
    Lakeside, 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

  • Parking
  • Boat ramps
  • Piers & docks
  • Bank fishing

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Channel Catfish

Brown Trout Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Brown Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques

Rainbow Trout

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

 Largemouth Bass

Northern Pike Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Northern Pike

Bluegill Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Bluegill

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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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

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

Purchase on Amazon →

Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Gear & Tackle

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

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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

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

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

Purchase on Amazon →

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

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

Purchase on Amazon →

Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

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 →

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

The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and channel catfish.. It’s a popular destination for anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities.

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

Yes, boats are allowed, and there is a boat ramp available for launching. Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are both permitted, but boaters must comply with local regulations and inspect watercraft for invasive species.

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