Horseshoe Lake (AZ) - Carefree, AZ

Horseshoe Lake, northeast of Carefree, AZ, is a Verde River impoundment operated by the Salt River Project. The lake experiences frequent and extreme water drawdowns for flood control, often rendering it dry or nearly dry. As a result, Horseshoe is not a consistently productive fishery and is not regularly stocked by Arizona Game and Fish.

When water levels are favorable, Horseshoe can support fishing for channel and flathead catfish, largemouth bass, carp, and sunfish. Catfish are the primary target, with the best results occurring at night using live bait, cut bait, or stink bait in deeper pools. Bass are less common but may be found near rocky cover during high-water years.

The lake lacks developed infrastructure. Access is via unpaved Forest Road 205, which may require four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. There are no boat ramps, piers, or maintained campgrounds, though primitive camping is allowed.

Due to unpredictable water levels and absence of facilities, Horseshoe Lake is suited only for adventurous anglers willing to gamble on its conditions. In favorable years, it offers solid fishing for warmwater species, particularly catfish. However, during drawdowns, it is virtually unfishable.

Horseshoe Lake is best treated as an opportunistic destination rather than a reliable fishery.