Rim Country Fishing

Fly casting - Trout and Pan Fish in the East Verde River

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.

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. Picnic tables and swimming on left side of East Verde Estates Road. Undeveloped camping.

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. We recommend that you gas up in Payson and take a thermos, food and drinking water.

Christopher Creek and Tonto Creek - Trout. 17-22 miles east of Payson on Hwy. 260. River access begins at Kohl's Ranch.

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 Rim Lakes. Undeveloped camping.

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

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 120 miles, then a short walk to the lake.

Woods Canyon Lake - Trout - 30 miles east of Payson on Hwy. 260, then left on Forest Road 300, approximately 50 miles to the lake (road is paved to the lake).

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.

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.

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.