Fool Hollow Lake.
Show Low, Arizona

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 4, 2026.

Fool Hollow Lake in Show Low, Arizona is one of the most accessible and family-friendly lakes in the White Mountains, offering year-round fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor recreation. Located just minutes from town, this scenic 150-acre lake is especially popular for trout fishing, bass fishing, and easy shoreline access, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Location & Description

If you are a novice fisherman or looking for the best fishing spot for kids, Fool Hollow Lake is the ideal lake. It is located less than two miles from Show Low Arizona in the White Mountains and is within the Fool Hollow Recreation Area. The lake, built in 1957, was named after a "hapless" settler who attempted to farm the rocky canyon in the 1880s. The elevation of the lake is about 6,260 feet. The lake gives a feeling of high country seclusion. The lake is open all year and rarely freezes over in the winter. See Show Low Weather Chart.

Why Visit Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake is a favorite among the White Mountain Lakes for visitors looking for convenience and variety, offering well-maintained facilities and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Its proximity to Show Low and combination of fishing, camping, and water activities make it one of the most accessible and enjoyable lakes in the White Mountains.

Lake Size. The water surface of Fool Hollow is about 150 acres with an average depth of 23 feet.

Fish Variety. The lake has a self-sustaining population of Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Sunfish and Carp. The lake is stocked with catchable size Rainbow Trout during the spring and summer.

Fishing at Fool Hollow Lake is one of the main attractions, offering year-round opportunities for multiple species in an easy-access setting.

Fishing at Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow features great fishing for novices and kids as well as seasoned anglers. Kids have the most fun fishing with nightcrawlers on the lake bottom or with a bobber. Spinner baits, jigs and nightcrawler rigs around underwater rocky structure produces great results for bass and walleye. Trophy-size walleye lurk here. Catfishing is best in the summer and early fall using nightcrawlers or chicken livers on the lake bottom. A state fishing license and trout stamp is required for all anglers over 13 years-old. The daily bag limit is six trout, six bass of either type. Limits are not placed on other species.

Best Fishing Spots at Fool Hollow Lake

• Fishing Piers (East Side): Ideal for trout and panfish, especially for beginners and kids.
• Dam Area: Deeper water holds trout and walleye, especially during cooler months.
• North Shore Rocky Structure: Great for bass and walleye using jigs and soft plastics.
• Coves Near Campgrounds: Productive for catfish and sunfish during summer evenings.

Anglers visiting the area often also explore nearby lakes such as Show Low Lake and Rainbow Lake.

Boating Regulations & Access

The lake is restricted to electric or maximum of 10 HP gas motors.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities

There are 31 tent camping sites and 92 RV campground sites with water and electric hookups. Other amenities and conveniences include two boat ramps, two fish-cleaning stations, picnic tables, barrier-free restrooms, showers, drinking water, a dump station, four fishing piers, ten single-family picnic ramadas and five large group ramadas that can handle 150 people.

Fees. Day-use and camping fees apply. Rates are subject to change—check the official Arizona State Parks website for current pricing.

Directions. From Show Low AZ, access Old Linden Road from either Highway 60 in town or at its western end from Highway 260.

Things To Do at Fool Hollow Lake

• Fish for trout, bass, catfish, and walleye year-round
• Launch kayaks, canoes, and small boats
• Camp in tent or RV sites with full amenities
• Picnic at shaded ramadas and lakeside areas
• Hike nearby trails through pine forest scenery
• Wildlife viewing including birds and small mammals

Best Times to Visit Fool Hollow Lake

• Spring: Prime time for rainbow trout stocking, with cool temperatures and active fish near shorelines.
• Summer: Excellent for camping, boating, and early morning or evening fishing for bass and catfish.
• Fall: Cooler weather and less crowds make this one of the best seasons for fishing and hiking.
• Winter: The lake rarely freezes, allowing for year-round fishing, especially for trout.

Directions to Fool Hollow Lake

Fool Hollow Lake is located just west of Show Low, Arizona, making it one of the easiest lakes to access in the White Mountains. From Show Low, take Old Linden Road (also known as AZ-260 westbound access) and follow signs to Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. The entrance to the park is well-marked and only a few minutes from town.

Visitors traveling from Payson or the Phoenix area can take Highway 260 east through the White Mountains directly into Show Low, then turn onto Old Linden Road. From Holbrook and Interstate 40, take Highway 77 south into Show Low, then follow local signs west to the lake.

The lake has paved access roads, clearly marked entrances, and designated parking areas near boat ramps, campgrounds, and fishing piers, making it convenient for day-use visitors, campers, and boaters alike.

Fool Hollow Lake Contact & Park Information

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Managed by Arizona State Parks
Phone: (928) 537-3680

Fool Hollow Lake FAQ

Where is Fool Hollow Lake Arizona?
Fool Hollow Lake is located in Show Low, Arizona, in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The lake is just a few minutes from downtown Show Low and is part of Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area.

Is Fool Hollow Lake good for fishing?
Yes, Fool Hollow Lake is a popular fishing lake near Show Low with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Can you boat on Fool Hollow Lake?
Yes, boating is allowed on Fool Hollow Lake, but motorized boats are restricted to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.

Does Fool Hollow Lake have camping?
Yes, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area has tent camping, RV sites, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat ramps and other visitor amenities.

Is Fool Hollow Lake open year-round?
Yes, Fool Hollow Lake is generally open year-round and rarely freezes, making it a good destination for fishing and outdoor recreation in every season.

Arizona Lakes