Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

YouTube video — Willow Springs Lake Fishing Report – Forest Lakes Fishing – Mogollon Rim Fishing

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Willow Springs Lake, located in Gila County, AZ, is a fantastic spot for fishing and enjoying nature. Situated at about 7,500 feet elevation, the lake offers cool weather and beautiful pine forest surroundings. Covering 150 acres, it’s regularly stocked with rainbow trout from spring through fall, making it a great place for anglers. You might also catch tiger trout, smallmouth bass, and green sunfish. Popular baits include worms, PowerBait with garlic scent, and lures like Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. Fly fishers often have success with brown or black Woolly Buggers and leeches. Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are allowed, and there’s a boat ramp for easy access. Fishing from the shore is also popular, with plenty of spots to cast your line. Remember, an Arizona fishing license is required for anyone over 10 years old. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a peaceful day by the water, Willow Springs Lake offers a relaxing and rewarding fishing experience.

Lake Details

Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Willow Springs Lake, nestled on the Mogollon Rim in Gila County, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for fishing and enjoying nature. The lake sits at about 7,600 feet elevation and covers 150 acres, offering cool weather and beautiful pine forest surroundings. Whether you’re casting from the shore or a small boat, it’s a peaceful place to relax and fish.
Lake Details: Willow Springs Lake spans approximately 150 acres and reaches an average depth of 60 feet. The lake was created in 1966 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a trout fishing lake. Its clear waters and surrounding pine forests make it a scenic destination for anglers.
Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, tiger trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, green sunfish, and black crappie. Rainbow and tiger trout are regularly stocked from spring through fall, providing ample opportunities for anglers.
Fishing Conditions:
Fishing conditions at Willow Springs Lake vary with the seasons. During the warmer months, trout are stocked regularly, and anglers have reported success using PowerBait, worms, and lures like Rooster Tails. In the winter, ice fishing becomes popular, but it’s essential to check ice conditions before venturing out.
Boating Regulations: Boats with motors up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Willow Springs Lake. This regulation helps maintain the lake’s peaceful environment. There’s a boat ramp available for easy access, making it convenient for those bringing small boats, kayaks, or canoes.
Fishing Techniques: Effective fishing techniques at Willow Springs Lake include using worms, PowerBait with garlic scent, and lures like Rooster Tails and Panther Martins. Fly fishers often find success with brown or black Woolly Buggers and leeches. Bottom fishing is also popular, especially during the summer months when fish tend to move to deeper waters.

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 Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

Name/Location:
Willow Springs Lake
Surface Acres: 150
Avg Depth: 60 feet
County: Gila County
Website:
Fs.usda.gov
Sportsmans Warehouse
Discover Gila County.com
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

Boat Ramp – There’s an easy-to-use boat ramp, perfect for launching small boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Picnic Areas – You’ll find picnic tables and spots where you can relax, eat lunch, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Vault Toilets – Clean and simple restrooms are available near the parking area.
Shoreline Access – There are plenty of great spots along the shore to fish or just hang out by the water.
Parking Area – A roomy parking lot gives you space to park close to the lake.
Camping Nearby – While there’s no campground right at the lake, nearby campgrounds give you options to stay overnight.
Cool Weather – At 7,500 feet elevation, it stays cooler in the summer—perfect for fishing and relaxing.

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Fish Types

Rainbow Trout

Tiger Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Sunfish

Black Crappie

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

Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Details

Willow Springs Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

Top Fish at Willow Springs 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

Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

Bass Drop Shot Rigs

SunFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

Berkley Gulp! Maggot

Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

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