Big Lake

Big Lake, in Arizona, United States, is the kind of reservoir where a careful approach pays off. Shore anglers do well casting parallel to the bank along reed lines and overhanging trees, where ambush predators wait. Boat anglers can fan-cast points and submerged humps — anywhere the bottom changes depth quickly. Lure choice at Big Lake usually mirrors the local forage: small baitfish imitations in spring, larger profiles through summer.

Location

33.8814, -109.4201 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Rainbow troutBrook troutCutthroat troutApache troutBrown troutGila trout

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Brook trout

  Fish upstream, casting into pools and runs, allowing your bait or lure to drift naturally with the current for best results.

• For Cutthroat trout

  When fishing streams, cast upstream and retrieve with the current to mimic natural drift, increasing your chances of hooking wary cutthroat trout.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Big Lake.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Big Lake should sort licences and confirm seasonal regulations for Arizona before the trip. A quick weather check the morning of helps too — wind direction in particular can make or break a session at a spot like Big Lake.

Nearby Spots in Arizona

See all fishing spots in Arizona →

Other Fishing Regions in United States