Scott Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟

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Scott’s Reservoir Campground Arizona

Scott Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟, in Springerville, Arizona, is a peaceful and scenic spot for fishing and enjoying nature. This small lake is surrounded by tall pines and offers a quiet escape for anglers and outdoor lovers. The lake is stocked with fish like trout, bass, and catfish, making it a great spot for all skill levels. You can fish from the shore or launch a small boat or kayak to explore the water. The calm atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it perfect for relaxing and reeling in a catch. There are picnic areas nearby, so you can enjoy lunch by the lake. It’s also a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching. Whether you’re fishing or just soaking up the views, Scott Reservoir is a friendly and fun destination for anyone looking to unwind in the beauty of nature.

Lake Details

Scott Reservoir Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟 :

  • Scott Reservoir, located near Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, offers anglers a serene fishing experience amidst the scenic White Mountains.
  • Fish Species: The reservoir is home to rainbow trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Rainbow trout are regularly stocked in spring, early summer, and fall, while channel catfish are occasionally introduced to boost the population. Largemouth bass are present but less abundant. 
  • Fishing Conditions: Spanning approximately 80 acres with an average depth of 10 feet, Scott Reservoir is relatively shallow. The water is usually somewhat turbid, which helps control algae blooms and aquatic weeds. A perennial stream flowing into the reservoir maintains stable water quality. 
  • Boating Regulations: Only electric motors are permitted on the reservoir, ensuring a peaceful environment for anglers. A boat ramp is available for easy access. 
  • Amenities: Scott Reservoir is currently designated for day-use only, with no camping facilities available. Amenities include picnic tables, vaulted toilets, and parking. The nearby town of Pinetop-Lakeside, approximately two miles away, offers additional services such as food, gas, and lodging. 
  • Fishing Techniques:
  • Trout Fishing: During spring and early summer, anglers can find success using nightcrawlers or PowerBait. Trolling spinners or fishing with nightcrawlers off the bottom are effective methods. 
  • Catfish Fishing: In the summer, try using chicken liver or water dogs. Large catfish are often caught in the fall using water dogs. 
  • Bass Fishing: Bass fishing is generally slow to average; however, anglers may have success using standard bass fishing techniques. 
  • Seasonal Considerations: Scott Reservoir is accessible year-round, though summer thunderstorms are frequent and abrupt from July to September. Anglers should take precautions and get off the lake immediately during lightning events. 
  • 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.
  • Statewide fishing regulations apply, and a valid Arizona fishing license is required. The daily bag limit is six trout, six bass, and 25 catfish for licensed anglers. Trout bag limits are halved for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14.

Top Fish at Scott Reservoir 🐟

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Scott Reservoir
  • Surface Acres: 80
  • Avg Depth: 10 feet
  • Max Depth: 20 feet
  • Address:
    Springerville, Arizona
  • County: Apache 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

  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets
  • Boat ramp

Fish Types

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

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

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

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

Gear & Tackle

AZGFD 2023 & 2024 Fishing Regulations

Directions

FAQs

Scott Reservoir is home to various fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. It’s a versatile spot for anglers looking to catch both stocked and naturally occurring fish.

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

Yes, boats are allowed, and there is a boat ramp available for launching. Motorized boats are permitted but must adhere to a 10-horsepower limit. Non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and canoes are also welcome.

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