Crescent Lake - Springerville, AZ

Crescent Lake, nestled at 9,000 feet elevation in Arizona’s White Mountains near Springerville, is a shallow 100-acre trout fishery known for producing quality brook trout and rainbow trout. Managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the lake is stocked each spring with fingerlings that grow rapidly in the nutrient-rich waters.

The lake’s shallow depth and abundant aquatic vegetation support prolific insect life, which fuels excellent trout growth and feeding activity. Fly anglers are particularly successful using midges, damselfly nymphs, leeches, and woolly buggers. Indicator rigs and slow retrieves with intermediate lines work well. Dry fly opportunities emerge during evening hatches in summer.

Shore anglers using nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, or PowerBait consistently catch fish near the boat ramp and shallow inlets. Spin anglers also find success with small spoons and inline spinners.

The lake is best fished from float tubes or electric-powered boats due to dense weed growth later in the summer. Gasoline motors are not permitted. Crescent Lake is open seasonally and typically fishes best from May through July.

Though facilities are minimal, a nearby campground offers primitive sites. The lake’s combination of scenic beauty, quality trout fishing, and lighter pressure make it a top choice for anglers looking for a peaceful, productive high-mountain fishery.