04/24/2026
AZGFD anticipates changes to fish stocking and watercraft access due to low water levels in Arizona’s high country lakes
Public's ability to fish and launch watercraft will be impacted in 2026
The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises the public that the ability to launch boats or fish at many reservoirs and lakes in the mountain regions of Arizona will be greatly affected in 2026 due to drought.
While several different lakes in the state’s high country will provide great fishing opportunities and remain destinations for anglers to visit in spring and early summer, there will be significant changes to fish stocking due to low water levels and poor water quality.
The following waters will not be stocked with trout in spring and summer 2026: Black Canyon Lake, Carnero Lake, Lee Valley Reservoir, Scott Reservoir, and Woodland Lake.
Several waters will have shortened stocking seasons and fewer stockings than anglers are accustomed to, including: Hulsey Lake, Nelson Reservoir, West Fork Little Colorado River in Greer and Sheeps Crossing, the West Fork Black River near the old West Fork Campground, Kaibab Lake, Dogtown Lake, Ashurst Lake, and Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir.
Department staff recommends anglers visit Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, City Reservoir, Santa Fe Reservoir, Cataract Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, or Knoll Lake as alternative waters that are likely to provide good fishing in 2026.
Low water levels have impacted opportunities to launch watercraft. The following boat ramps will not be usable until water levels rise: Black Canyon Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Lee Valley Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Scott Reservoir, and Woodland Lake.
In addition, the boat ramps at the following reservoirs will likely be difficult to launch at by the end of June or early July: Becker Lake, Big Lake, Bunch Reservoir, Luna Lake, River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir, Knoll Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake, and Upper Lake Mary.
Although these changes may affect summer recreation plans, it is important that the public is informed about the conditions of Arizona’s high country waters. The department will continue to stock fish wherever water quality is good and will continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities where lakes have sufficient water.
For the most up-to-date information on trout stocking in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Fish Stocking Schedule at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/where-to-fish/fish-stocking-schedule/.