Arizona lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking and outdoor recreation

Becker Lake Near Springerville, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 7, 2026.

Becker Lake near Springerville Arizona, a trophy trout fishery surrounded by the Becker Lake Wildlife Area

Compliments - Arizona Game & Fish

Becker Lake is a scenic high-country lake about two miles northwest of Springerville in Arizona's White Mountains. The 107-acre lake is best known for its special-regulation trophy trout fishery, where trout fishing is catch-and-release only with artificial flies and lures and single-pointed barbless hooks. Becker Lake also offers kayaking, float tubing, small-boat fishing, hiking and excellent wildlife viewing within the surrounding 622-acre Becker Lake Wildlife Area. Open grasslands, wetlands, the nearby Little Colorado River and views across Arizona's eastern high country make the lake a quiet destination for anglers, birdwatchers and visitors looking for uncrowded outdoor recreation.

Lake Overview
Fishing
Fishing Regulations
Boating And Paddling
Wildlife Area And Trails
Things To Do
Best Time To Visit
Planning Your Trip
Directions
FAQ

Becker Lake Arizona Overview

Becker Lake is located about two miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, along U.S. Highway 60. Built in 1880, it is one of the oldest reservoirs in the White Mountains and lies within the 622-acre Becker Lake Wildlife Area at an elevation of approximately 6,910 feet.

Approximately 107 surface acres at full capacity
About two miles northwest of Springerville
Elevation approximately 6,910 feet
Historic reservoir built in 1880
Special-regulation trophy trout fishery
Boat-launch access
Kayaking and float tubing
Two wildlife-area hiking trails
Excellent bird and wildlife viewing
No camping within the Becker Lake Wildlife Area

Fishing At Becker Lake

Becker Lake is managed as a special-regulation trophy trout fishery and attracts both fly anglers and light-tackle anglers. Boats and float tubes are especially useful because they allow anglers to reach deeper water and cover more of the lake than is possible from shore.

Rainbow Trout: A primary target for anglers seeking trophy-sized trout.
Brown Trout: May occur in the lake and connected Little Colorado River system.
Tiger Trout: Arizona Game & Fish identifies Becker Lake as one of the White Mountains waters where tiger trout can be found.
Bass: Largemouth and smallmouth bass are subject to unlimited harvest under current special regulations.
Catfish: Channel and flathead catfish also have unlimited limits under current regulations.
Fly Fishing: Nymphs, streamers, midges and leech patterns are popular choices.
Spin Fishing: Small spoons, spinners and other artificial lures can be effective.

Current Becker Lake Fishing Regulations

Trout: Catch-and-release only.
All trout must be released immediately and unharmed.
Artificial flies and lures only.
Single-pointed barbless hooks only.
Largemouth Bass: Unlimited daily and possession limit.
Smallmouth Bass: Unlimited daily and possession limit.
Channel Catfish: Unlimited daily and possession limit.
Flathead Catfish: Unlimited daily and possession limit.
Statewide regulations apply to other fish species unless otherwise specified.
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers age 10 and older unless exempt.

Fishing regulations can change. Review the current Arizona Game & Fish regulations before each trip rather than relying on older printed rules.

Best Areas To Fish At Becker Lake

Open Water By Boat Or Float Tube: Provides access to deeper water where trout may suspend away from shore.
Western Shoreline: Accessible from the Lakeview Trail area and useful when trout move into shallower water.
Deeper Mid-Lake Water: Often worth exploring during warmer periods when trout move away from the shoreline.
Marsh And Inlet Areas: Insect activity and changing water conditions can attract feeding trout.
Little Colorado River Influence: Connected water and changing habitat can provide another area worth exploring when conditions permit.

Boating, Kayaking And Float Tubing At Becker Lake

Becker Lake is well suited to small fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and float tubes. Current Arizona boating regulations restrict powerboats to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine of 10 horsepower or less.

Boat-launch access is available.
Gasoline engines are limited to 10 horsepower or less.
Electric motors are permitted.
Kayaks and canoes are popular on calm days.
Float tubes provide excellent access for trout anglers.
Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Watch for strong winds and thunderstorms.

Becker Lake Wildlife Area And Hiking Trails

Becker Lake is surrounded by a 622-acre wildlife area containing lake, wet-meadow, riparian, grassland and Little Colorado River habitats. These varied environments attract migratory birds and a variety of eastern Arizona wildlife.

Lakeview Trail: Approximately one mile and follows the western side of Becker Lake.
River Walk Trail: Approximately 1.5 miles along the Little Colorado River corridor.
Bald Eagles: Wintering bald eagles may be seen around the lake.
Waterfowl: Wetlands and shoreline habitats attract migratory birds.
Mule Deer: Frequently found around river and grassland habitat.
Pronghorn: Open grasslands around the wildlife area provide suitable habitat.
Birdwatching: Observation areas provide good opportunities for viewing birds without disturbing habitat.

The wildlife area is generally open from sunrise to sunset. The boat-launch access road, parking areas and other posted portions are closed to public entry from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise.

Things To Do At Becker Lake

Fishing: Practice catch-and-release fishing for trophy trout.
Fly Fishing: Fish artificial flies with barbless single-point hooks.
Kayaking: Explore the lake quietly from a small paddle craft.
Float Tubing: Reach productive open-water trout areas.
Hiking: Walk the Lakeview Trail and River Walk Trail.
Birdwatching: Look for bald eagles, migratory waterfowl and other birds.
Wildlife Viewing: Watch for mule deer and pronghorn.
Photography: Photograph wetlands, open grasslands, wildlife and mountain scenery.
Visit Springerville: Combine a lake trip with nearby museums, restaurants and White Mountains attractions.

Best Time To Visit Becker Lake

Spring: Excellent season for trout fishing as water temperatures remain cool and fish are active.
Summer: Good for early-morning fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing before afternoon winds or thunderstorms develop.
Fall: Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and excellent conditions for fishing and birdwatching.
Winter: Cold weather and occasional ice can limit recreation, but winter provides opportunities to see bald eagles and other seasonal wildlife.

Planning A Trip To Becker Lake

Review current Arizona fishing regulations before arriving.
Bring artificial flies and lures with single-pointed barbless hooks.
Plan to release all trout immediately and unharmed.
Bring drinking water because visitor services at the lake are limited.
Wear sun protection in the open grassland environment.
Bring warm layers during spring, fall and winter.
Watch for afternoon thunderstorms during summer.
Use designated parking areas only.
Remember that camping is not permitted within the wildlife area.
Observe posted sunrise-to-sunset access restrictions.
Pack out fishing line and all trash.

Directions To Becker Lake From Springerville

Becker Lake is approximately two miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, on the west side of U.S. Highway 60. From Springerville, travel west on Highway 60 and follow signs for Becker Lake and the Becker Lake Wildlife Area.

The lake is also convenient to Eagar and other eastern White Mountains communities, making it easy to combine a visit with nearby lakes and regional attractions.

Becker Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Becker Lake Arizona?
Becker Lake is approximately two miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, on the west side of U.S. Highway 60.

Is Becker Lake good for trout fishing?
Yes. Becker Lake is managed as a special-regulation trophy trout fishery and is popular with fly anglers, float-tube anglers and light-tackle anglers.

Can you keep trout from Becker Lake?
No. Current regulations require all trout to be immediately released unharmed.

What fishing gear is allowed at Becker Lake?
Trout fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures using single-pointed barbless hooks.

What fish are found in Becker Lake?
Trout are the primary sportfish attraction, including rainbow trout and tiger trout. Bass and catfish are also addressed under current special fishing regulations.

Can you boat on Becker Lake?
Yes. Small boats, kayaks, canoes and float tubes are permitted. Powerboats are restricted to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine of 10 horsepower or less.

Is there a boat ramp?
Yes. Becker Lake has a boat-launch access area and designated parking.

Can you camp at Becker Lake?
No. Camping is not permitted within the Becker Lake Wildlife Area. Camping and lodging are available elsewhere around Springerville and the White Mountains.

How large is Becker Lake?
The lake covers approximately 107 surface acres at full capacity.

How high is Becker Lake?
Becker Lake sits at approximately 6,910 feet above sea level.

What hiking trails are at Becker Lake?
The Becker Lake Wildlife Area includes the approximately one-mile Lakeview Trail and the approximately 1.5-mile River Walk Trail.

What wildlife can you see at Becker Lake?
Visitors may see bald eagles, migratory birds, mule deer, pronghorn and other wildlife associated with the lake, wetlands, grasslands and Little Colorado River corridor.

When is Becker Lake Wildlife Area open?
The wildlife area is generally open from sunrise to sunset, with additional nighttime restrictions around the boat-launch road, parking areas and other posted locations.

What is the best time to visit Becker Lake?
Spring and fall are especially good for trout fishing and comfortable hiking, while summer offers kayaking and wildlife viewing and winter can provide bald-eagle viewing opportunities.