Luna Lake. Three Miles East of Alpine, Arizona.

Location & Description. Luna Lake is the eastern most lake in the White Mountains of Arizona. Just 3 miles east of Alpine, Arizona, it is simply beautiful here surrounded by thick forests and the Luna Lake Wildlife Area. At an elevation of 7,890 feet, temperatures are ideal in the spring, summer and early fall before the autumn colors arrive. It sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests one of the most scenic areas in Arizona. Although the lake is open all year, the Wildlife Area is closed to the public from April 1st through July 31. The state record for cutthroat trout (6 pounds, 5 ounces) was caught at Luna Lake. The lake is formed by the upper San Francisco River. The lake often freezes over during the winter months. See Alpine, Arizona Weather Chart.

Lake Size. The lake's water surface is about 154 acres with an average depth of 8 feet with the deepest spots approaching 21 feet.

Fish Variety. Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout.

Fishing. During the spring and early summer, try trolling with flies. Nightcrawlers also perform well. When the temperatures start to rise in the late summer, fish in the deeper, cooler areas of the lake. State fishing licenses with a trout stamp are required for anglers age 14 and above. The bag limit is six trout combined of either species per day. For unlicensed anglers age 13 or less, the limit is three trout per day. Live bait is prohibited.

Boating. Boat motors are restricted to either electric or 10 hp gas motors or less.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities. The amenities and conveniences include a boat ramp, barrier-free toilets, paved parking and picnic tables. The Luna Campground features 40 fee-based camping sites and 3 group sites. There is a small store near the dam that sells fishing licenses, bait, tackle and snacks and rents boats. Call (877) 444-6777 for more information and camp site reservations.

Directions. Luna Lake is located about 3 miles east of Alpine, just north of U.S. Highway 180 in the eastern side of the Arizona White Mountains.