Rim Country Fishing
Great Fishing Spots in Payson and the Rim Country

1. East Verde River - fly casting - trout, pan fish

Houston Mesa Road Approximately 2 miles north of Payson on Hwy 87. Turn right on Houston Mesa Road. This road crosses the East Verde River three times in the next 8 miles. Fishing possible all along the stream. Undeveloped camping at Wagon Wheel area.

West Main Street, Payson Part of the Payson Game and Fish Urban Lakes program. Urban Fishing License is required.

Flowing Springs Approximately 4 miles north of Payson on Hwy. 87. Turn right on Flowing Springs Road. 2 miles to East Verde River. Parking turnouts and river access for the next 2 miles. Undeveloped camping.

East Verde River Approximately 4 miles north of Payson on Hwy. 87, just beyond Flowing Springs Road. Turn left at East Verde Estates road, then turn right into parking and camping area. Undeveloped camping.

Green Valley Park- trout - bass - bluegill - catfish. Required "Special Urban Fishing License" available where license are sold.

RIM LAKES

Limited food supplies and boat rentals are available only at Woods Canyon Lake. Gas and restaurants are available at Christopher Creek or Heber. Recommend you gas up at Payson and take thermos, food and drinking water.

2. Christopher Creek and Tonto Creek (above Kohl's Ranch ) Trout. 17-22 miles east of Payson on Hwy. 260. River access beginning at Kohl's Ranch. Trout.

3. Blue Ridge Reservoir Trout, some bass & pan fish. Approximately 40 miles north of Payson off Hwy.87 Road to lake is rough. This is the most unused of the 7 Rim lakes. Undeveloped camping.

4. Knoll Lake Trout. 35 miles miles east on Highway 260 on top of Rim. Turn left on the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) approximately 20 miles to lake. Undeveloped camping.

5. Bear Canyon Lake Brook and Brown trout (not stocked with Rainbow). Approximately 30 miles east of Payson on Hwy 260, then left on the Rim Road (Forest Road 300) approximately 10 miles, then a short walk to the lake.

6. Woods Canyon Lake Trout. 30 miles east of Payson on Hwy. 260, then left on Forest road 300 approximately 5 miles to the lake (road is paved to the lake). The only Rim lake with boat rentals and a bait shop. Bank fishing possible.

7. Willow Springs Lake Brown Trout. 31 miles east of Payson on Hwy. 260, 1 mile past the Woods Canyon Lake turn off, then left to the lake. Easy access - boat ramp - bank fishing.

8. Chevlon Canyon Lake Trout. Largest Rim lake, but most difficult access. 1 mile hike into lake. Secluded and primitive. 30 miles east of Payson on Hwy.260 to Forest Road 300, left for about 10 miles to Forest Road 159, then right about 10 miles, then 1 mile hike to the lake.

9. Black Canyon Lake Trout. Approximately 35 miles east of Payson on Hwy.260. Take Rim Road (FR 300) 15-20 miles to lake. Dirt road.

DESERT LAKE

10 Roosevelt Lake Bass, Crappie, Catfish. Large desert lake 40 miles south of Payson via SR87 to SR188. Excellent campgrounds and boat launch facility. Full service marina on south side of the lake.