Arizona Travel & Tour, Pictures, Photos, And Information.

Bear Canyon Lake

Map To Bear Canyon Lake, Apache - Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona

Bear Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: May 11, 2009.
Bear Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: May 11, 2009.
Bear Canyon Lake, Arizona. Photo Taken: May 11, 2009.

Bear Canyon Lake is part of the Chevelon-Heber Ranger District of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. It is located about 44 miles east of Payson along the Mongolian Rim. Bear Canyon Lake is a narrow, canyon-bound lake with a thick forest that extends up to its shoreline. The lake is about 60 acres in size and the depth is about 50 feet. It sits at an elevation of about 7,600 feet. Bear Canyon Lake is another in a series of lakes that were built by Arizona Game and Fish Department for angler recreation in Arizona. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout six times annually. It also has arctic grayling, brookies, and cutthroat trout. Fly-fishing or wading from the shore is not recommended since in most places the tree line comes right up to the water's edge. Using a float tube is recommended. There is no boat ramp.All boats must be carried in. Trails only provide access to the lake. Bring your own drinking water. There are two access points at the lake and each requires that you park and then take a short hike of about a 1/4 mile to the shoreline. The northern access point leads to a parking lot with a restroom and then you have to hike about a quarter-mile down a steep hill to the lake. The southern access point also has a parking lot and restroom but the quarter-mile hike is not quite as steep. Those that make the trek will be handsomely rewarded with tranquil beauty and a great fishing experience. Since the lake sits at a 7,600 foot elevation you will be rewarded with cool, refreshing temperatures in the late spring, summer and early fall. Access to the lake is limited during the winter time from November to late April, due to snow. Bear Canyon Lake is barely touched by civilization; so if you like peace and quiet, take a nice camping trip to Bear Canyon Lake and enjoy. Getting There: The lake is about 44 miles northeast of Payson AZ and 25 miles west of Heber-Overgaard AZ. From Payson, take Highway 260 northeast. From Heber, take Highway 260 west. Then when from Highway 260, near Mile Post 291: You will ttravel west on Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) for about 12 miles. FR 300 is paved for about 3 miles to the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff where it turns to gravel. Take Forest Road 89 north for about 2 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 89A to one of the two lake access points. NOTE: There is free, dispersed camping at the junction of FR 89 and 89A. There are also several barrier-free toilets along FR 89A and at the two trailhead access points. There is no boat ramp. All boats must be carried in. Statewide fishing regulations apply and a trout stamp is required. The daily bag limit is six trout; three for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only