Prescott Fishing Guide – Signals AZ

Prescott’s temperate summer, beautiful vistas and peaceful mountain lakes are the perfect destination for a fishing trip. However, with so many lakes to choose from, settling on the shores is a daunting task. Here is your complete guide to fishing Prescott.

Locations and regulations in Prescott and Prescott Valley

Photo credit: Rose Tree Photography

Lake Fain

Restrooms, fishing pier, bridge, ramadas, drinking water, historical artifacts and free parking. There is a fishing pier and hiking trails available. This is a day use park only. Boat swimming, campfires and overnight camping are not permitted.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Catfish: 4Bass: 2 (13″ or more)
Sunfish: 10

Location:
2215 N 5th St, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Mingus Lake, Prescott National Forest

There is a picnic table, ramada, vaulted restrooms and trash can service. There is no potable water at this location, so prepare accordingly. Although the access gate is locked after the first snowfall and does not reopen until spring, walk-in access is still permitted. Scattered camping, swimming and motorboats are not permitted. There is a $5/day usage fee.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Bullheads: Unlimited

Location:
On Highway 89A between Jerome and Prescott, turn onto Forest Road 104. Follow the dirt road for approximately two miles. Watch the lake on your right.

by Joanne Jillian, “Goldwater Lake, Prescott, AZ.”

Goldwater Lake

This 15-acre lake offers restrooms, fishing docks, picnic areas, ramadas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, hiking trails, horseshoe pits and a boat ramp. Only boats with electric motors are authorized on this lake. Canoe and kayak rentals are often available. There is a parking fee of $3.00 per car and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Low: 1; minimum size 13 inches.
Catfish: 10
Sunfish, carp and bullhead: unlimited

Location:
2900 S Goldwater Lake Road, Prescott, AZ 86303

Photo credit: Michael Wilson

Lynx Lake, Prescott National Forest

Camping, RV facilities, hiking, restrooms and picnic areas. There is a trail system around the lake. Small boat, kayak and canoe rentals are sometimes available on the North Shore. Those who bring their own boat can launch from the south shore. Boats with electric motors or 10 HP and less only. Swimming is not permitted. There is a usage fee of $5.00 per day.

Hours:
March 1 – April 30: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May 1 – September 30: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October 1 – February 28 (or 29): 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Sunfish, carp and bullhead: unlimited

Location:
Lynx Lake Store Rd, Prescott, AZ 86303

Watson Lake

Watson Lake is a great spot for local anglers. It is located close to town and offers two boat launches, a courtesy dock, campsites, showers, a network of trails, kayak and canoe rentals, boat wash stations fish, picnic ramadas, picnic tables, BBQs, playground, horseshoe pits, Frisbee golf and TOILETS. There is a parking fee of $3.00 per car and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed. No-wake speed only, boat restriction.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Crappie: Unlimited
Sunfish, carp and bullhead: unlimited

Location:
3101 Watson Lake Road, Prescott, AZ 86301

willow lake

Boat ramp (no gas engines), courtesy dock, picnic ramadas, trails, bird watching and restrooms. There is a parking fee of $3.00 per car and annual passes are available. No swimming is allowed.

Summer hours (Memorial day– Labor day):
6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Winter hours:
7:00 a.m. – Sunset

Baggage limits:
Bass: 6
Catfish: 10
Crappie: Unlimited
Sunfish, carp and bullhead: unlimited

Location:
1497 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, AZ 86301

Granite Basin Lake, Prescott National Forest

There are restrooms, water, camping and picnic areas on site. Hiking trails start from here. Non-motorized navigation is permitted. There is a usage fee of $5.00 per day.

Hours:
March 1 – April 30: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May 1 – September 30: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October 1 – February 28 (or 29): 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Baggage limits:
Trout: 4
Bass: 6
Catfish: 4
Sunfish, carp and bullhead: unlimited

Location:

Storage schedules

Check out the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2022 Spring-Summer Stocking Schedule.

Trout produced and stored by the Arizona Department of Game and Fisheries are significantly below the state standard for mercury based on testing by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. There are no restrictions on the number of meals that can be consumed.

Buy a fishing license

A valid Arizona license is required to capture wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. The holder must carry the license when participating in hunting or fishing or any other form of taking. To take means to pursue, to shoot, to hunt, to fish, to trap, to kill, to capture, to trap or to capture wild animals. Fauna includes all wild mammals, wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, molluscs, crustaceans and fish. The license holder is reminded to practice safe and responsible recreation while hunting or fishing. When using or crossing private lands, the holder is a guest and such access is a privilege and not a right.

Fishing License – A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing in publicly accessible waters in Arizona. Children under 10 and residents who are blind do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. See Arizona Fishing Regulations for more information.

Purchase your license online today: www.azgfd.com

Local fishing license vendors

Prescott

Prescott Valley

Local fishing recommendations

The Prescott National Forest has entered Phase II fire restrictions, please be aware and careful when camping in the Prescott area.

Find out what else is happening in the Quad Cities with more stories from the Recreation section on Signals A Z.com!