Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Q: What fish can I catch at Talkalai Lake?

You can catch largemouth bass , catfish , crappie , and bluegill .

Q: Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, you need a San Carlos Apache Tribal Fishing Permit . Arizona state licenses are not valid.

Q: Is camping allowed at the lake?

Yes, primitive camping is allowed nearby. Bring your own gear and pack out everything you bring in.

YouTube video — **Bass fishing at Talkalai lake**

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Talkalai Lake is a peaceful and lesser-known fishing spot located on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in southeastern Arizona. It’s a small, quiet lake surrounded by beautiful desert scenery and rolling hills. Because it’s not as crowded as some other Arizona lakes, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing day outdoors. The lake is stocked with fish like largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and sunfish, making it a fun place for anglers of all ages. Whether you fish from the bank or bring a small boat, you’ll find plenty of room to cast your line. Fishing is best in the spring and fall when the water temperature is just right and the fish are more active. To fish here, you’ll need a San Carlos Tribal Fishing Permit, which you can get online or from local vendors. If you’re looking for a calm, beautiful place to spend the day fishing, Talkalai Lake is a hidden gem that offers good fishing, pretty views, and a whole lot of peace and quiet.

Lake Details

Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Fishing at Talkalai Lake is all about escaping the noise and enjoying a laid-back day on the water. It’s quiet, scenic, and great for catching fish in a peaceful setting. You won’t find big crowds here, just wide-open space and calm water.
Lake Detailed Specifications:
Talkalai Lake is a small reservoir located on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, sitting at an elevation of about 2,700 feet. The lake’s size varies depending on rainfall and water levels, but it’s generally easy to access by car and great for small boats and shore fishing.
Fish Species Types:
You can catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill here. The lake is sometimes stocked, especially with catfish and sunfish, depending on the season and water conditions.
Fishing Conditions:
Spring and fall are the best times to fish. Water temperatures are comfortable, and the fish are more active during early mornings and evenings. Summer fishing can still be productive, but midday can get hot.
Boating Regulation:
Small boats, kayaks, canoes, and float tubes are allowed.
Gas and electric motors may be permitted, but always check with tribal regulations before launching. There’s a basic boat launch area available.
Fishing Techniques:
Try plastic worms or crankbaits for bass near submerged brush and structure. Use chicken liver, stink bait, or cut bait for catfish. Small jigs, worms, or bobbers work great for catching bluegill and crappie near the shoreline or in shallow coves.
If you’re looking for a peaceful lake with good fishing and no big crowds, Talkalai Lake is a great choice. It’s quiet, simple, and full of outdoor fun.

Fishing Regulations & Fishing Permits
A special White Mountain Apache Tribal Fishing Permit is required. State licenses are not valid here.

Guide To Fly Fishing In Arizona Best Arizona Fishing Books Guides

Top Fish at Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

Name:
Talkalai Lake
Lake Information
600 acres
Elevation: 2,700 feet
Website:
Discovergilacounty.com
Azdragonfly.org
Swtfc.org
Catfish1.com
Fishing License & Regulations: A special Tribal Fishing Permit is required. State licenses are not valid here.
Click here to Learn more.

Lake Amenities

🎣 Shoreline fishing access
🚤 Boat-friendly (check motor rules)
🛶 Kayak and float tube access
🏕️ Primitive camping nearby
🅿️ Dirt parking area
🚻 Vault toilets (seasonal)
🔥 Fire rings at campsites
🧺 Picnic spots
🌄 Desert mountain views
🥾 Hiking opportunities around lake
🐾 Pet-friendly (on leash)
🐦 Wildlife and birdwatching

Fish Types

Largemouth Bass

Channel Catfish

Bluegill

Black Crappie

Rainbow Trout

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

Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Details

Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Top Fish at Talkalai Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

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

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

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

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

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

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses