Fishing & boating
Show Low Lake has the best walleye fishing in Arizona, and it’s a great lake for beginning to advanced anglers.
The last five Arizona walleye state records, including the current record of 16 pounds, 2 ounces, have come out of Show Low Lake.
With an average depth of 33 to 50 feet, the lake also holds rainbow trout, bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.
Boating
- Electric boats and gas boats are allowed, up to a maximum of 10 horsepower.
- A state fishing license is required for anglers 10 years and older.
- Swimming isn’t allowed in the lake.
Boat and kayak rentals
Rentals are available May 1 to September 15, weather permitting, from J&T's Wildlife Outdoors. Call 928-892-9170 or visit jtwildlifeoutdoors.com. See rental prices.
Fishing techniques
Trout
Trout fishing from shore is always possible because the lake doesn’t get weedy. Many trout survive the winter here and can get quite large. Try trolling spinners in early spring to catch one of these fat trout. For stocked trout, try Power Bait or night crawlers.
Walleye
Walleye fishing is best in spring and fall. Try rocky bottom structure or the area by the dam with crankbaits or jigs. Stay in the shallows and fish at dawn or dusk to improve your odds. For the lunkers, try large crankbaits in the shallows or along the shoreline, or bounce a night crawler rig slowly along the bottom.
Catfish
Catfishing can be exciting here. A 32-pound channel catfish was caught that threatened the state record. Fish for catfish on summer or fall nights using chicken liver, night crawlers or waterdogs as bait. In spring, channel catfish and walleye gather at the upper end, where Show Low Creek flows into the lake.
Bass and sunfish
Small bass and sunfish can be caught with night crawlers in the rocks along the dam.
For current conditions and stocking, see the Arizona Game & Fish Department fishing reports.