Willow Springs in Mohave, Arizona For Fishing & Camping

Fish Species

• Largemouth Bass
• Rainbow Trout
• Smallmouth Bass

Willow Springs Lake, like its nearby sister-lake, Wood Canyon is one of the most accessible of the Arizona Rim lakes and has a very scenic setting in a heavily forested area on the edge of the Mogollon Rim. The lake is located about 23 miles east of Payson, AZ., and 22 miles southwest of Heber off US 260 on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The water surface of the lake is 158 acres with an average depth of 60 feet. The park surrounding Willow Springs has amenities including a paved boat ramp, barrier-free toilets, two picnic shelters and two boat beaches. There are also two campgrounds here. Additional camping with more modern amenities is just down the road at Canyon Point Campground. Trophy size catches have occurred here and Willow Creek Lake is stocked weekly with catchable size rainbow trout from May through September annually. Other fish species include largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. When fishing from the shore, try night crawlers. Trolling for trout can be effective. Spinner baits and artificial worm rigs work well for bass around underwater structure. In the summer the fish typically move to deeper depths of between 10 to 20 feet. The lake contains crayfish, so using lures that imitate them is often a good way to attract bass.

Average Depth: 60ft.
Elevation: 7,520ft.