Payson Arizona Lakes & Mogollon Rim Fishing Lakes

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 24, 2026.

Best Lakes Near Payson Arizona

The lakes near Payson, Arizona offer fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and cool-weather recreation throughout Rim Country. Many of the most popular waters sit northeast of Payson along or near the Mogollon Rim, where ponderosa pine forests and elevations of roughly 6,000 to 8,000 feet provide a dramatic contrast to Arizona's lower desert.

Popular destinations include Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake and C.C. Cragin Reservoir, while Green Valley Lakes provide convenient fishing and recreation within Payson itself. Access ranges from paved or easily reached lake areas to remote forest roads and hike-in waters, so the best lake depends on the type of trip you are planning.

• Payson Lakes Quick Facts
• Best Payson Area Lakes
• Which Lake Is Best?
• Fishing
• Kayaking & Boating
• Camping
• Mogollon Rim Lakes
• Best Time To Visit
• Lake Access & Road Conditions
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

Payson Arizona Lakes Quick Facts

• Region: Arizona Rim Country and the Mogollon Rim
• Primary gateway: Payson, Arizona
• Popular lakes: Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon, Knoll and C.C. Cragin Reservoir
• In-town fishing: Green Valley Lakes at Green Valley Park
• Popular activities: Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking and wildlife watching
• Common sport fish: Trout and other species depending on the individual lake
• Lake elevations: Many Rim lakes are roughly 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level
• Summer: Popular for cooler mountain temperatures and lake recreation
• Winter: Higher-elevation roads and recreation sites may be affected by snow
• Access: Varies from easy highway access to remote forest roads and hike-in lakes

Best Payson Area Lakes

• Willow Springs Lake: One of the most accessible Mogollon Rim lakes, popular for trout fishing, kayaking and forest scenery.
• Woods Canyon Lake: Popular family lake with fishing, paddling, nearby camping and developed recreation facilities.
• Bear Canyon Lake: More secluded forest lake reached by a remote approach and popular with anglers seeking quieter surroundings.
• Knoll Lake: High-country lake offering fishing, camping and a more remote Rim Country setting.
• C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir: Narrow canyon reservoir known for dramatic scenery, trout fishing and paddling.
• Green Valley Lakes: Three community fishing lakes at Green Valley Park within Payson.
• Black Canyon Lake: Forest lake east of the Payson area offering fishing and a quieter high-country setting.
• Chevelon Canyon Lake: Remote canyon lake requiring a hike from the parking area and favored by anglers seeking a less-developed experience.

Which Payson Area Lake Is Best?

• Best for easy access: Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake
• Best for families: Green Valley Lakes and Woods Canyon Lake
• Best for quieter fishing: Bear Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake
• Best for kayaking: Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake and C.C. Cragin Reservoir
• Best for camping: Woods Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake and nearby Mogollon Rim campgrounds
• Best for remote scenery: C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Chevelon Canyon Lake and Knoll Lake

Fishing At Payson Area Lakes

Fishing is one of the main reasons visitors explore the lakes around Payson. Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake are among the region's best-known trout waters, while Bear Canyon, Black Canyon, Chevelon Canyon and other high-country lakes provide additional opportunities depending on current stocking, water conditions and access.

Green Valley Lakes in Payson are part of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Community Fishing Program. Fishing licenses, stocking schedules, species availability and harvest limits can change, so anglers should review current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.

Kayaking & Boating Near Payson

Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are popular choices for kayaking, canoeing and small-boat recreation. C.C. Cragin Reservoir can also provide outstanding paddling scenery, although reservoir levels and access conditions can affect where and how watercraft can be launched.

Boat restrictions differ by lake. Check current Forest Service and Arizona Game and Fish information before transporting a motorized boat, trailer or other watercraft to a Rim Country lake.

Camping Near Payson Area Lakes

Developed campgrounds are available throughout the Mogollon Rim and Rim Lakes Recreation Area, with several sites providing convenient access to Woods Canyon Lake and nearby forest recreation. Other lakes are reached from more remote or primitive camping areas.

Many high-elevation campgrounds operate seasonally. Reservations, water availability, campsite sizes and opening dates vary, so check current campground information before traveling.

Best Things To Do at Payson Area Lakes

• Fishing: Try trout fishing at Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, and other Rim Lakes.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy calm mountain water at popular paddling lakes such as Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.
• Camping: Stay near forested campgrounds along the Mogollon Rim and enjoy cooler mountain weather.
• Hiking: Explore trails around the Rim Lakes, forest roads, overlooks, and nearby canyon country.
• Scenic Drives: Drive the Mogollon Rim Road and stop at overlooks, picnic areas, and lake access points.
• Wildlife Watching: Look for birds, elk, deer, and other wildlife in the forests and meadows around the lakes.

Best Time To Visit Payson Area Lakes

• Spring: A good time for cool-weather hiking, early-season fishing, and quieter forest recreation.
• Summer: The most popular season for escaping desert heat, camping, kayaking, and fishing at higher-elevation Rim Lakes.
• Fall: Excellent for scenic drives, cooler hiking weather, photography, and less crowded lake visits.
• Winter: Some higher-elevation lakes and roads may be snowy or difficult to access, but the Mogollon Rim can be scenic for winter views when conditions allow.

Attractions Near Payson Area Lakes

In addition to the fishing lakes near Payson Arizona, the area offers a wide range of nearby attractions that enhance the overall experience. The Mogollon Rim provides breathtaking overlooks and scenic drives, while nearby hiking trails wind through dense pine forests and along canyon edges. Visitors can also explore creeks, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich areas throughout the surrounding national forest. Payson serves as a convenient base with restaurants, lodging, and supplies, while the nearby Rim Lakes Recreation Area offers multiple developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and access points for outdoor activities across the region.

Mogollon Rim Lakes Near Payson

The Rim Lakes near Payson include a mix of easy-access family lakes, quiet fishing spots, remote canyon waters, and higher-elevation camping destinations. The lakes below are among the most popular choices for fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and scenic drives along the Mogollon Rim.

Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake, located about 44 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona and 25 miles west of Heber-Overgaard in Mogollon Rim country, is one of Arizona's most scenic lakes. The spectacular scenic drive features several lookout points to enjoy the views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim. Bear Canyon Lake is quite remote and appears to have been rarely touched by civilization. Read more about Bear Canyon Lake.

Black Canyon Lake

Black Canyon Lake lies in the forested high country east of Payson. The surrounding landscape was affected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire, and the mix of recovering forest and open scenery gives the lake a different character from some other Rim waters. Fishing and access conditions can change with weather, wildfire impacts and forest management, so check current conditions before visiting.

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Chevelon Canyon Lake is a remote canyon lake reached by a hike from the parking area. The relatively steep approach makes it less convenient than Woods Canyon or Willow Springs, but anglers and hikers are rewarded with secluded canyon scenery and a less-developed outdoor experience.

Knoll Lake

Knoll Lake lies northeast of Woods Canyon and Willow Springs lakes in the Mogollon Rim high country. Its more remote location and forest-road approach generally create a quieter atmosphere than the most easily reached Rim lakes. Visitors come for fishing, camping, paddling and scenic forest recreation.

Willow Springs Lake

Willow Springs Lake is one of the most accessible and popular lakes on the Mogollon Rim. Surrounded by ponderosa pine and mixed forest at roughly 7,500 feet elevation, the lake is popular for trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing and summer recreation. Spring and fall bring cooler conditions, while winter weather can affect road and lake access.

Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake is a scenic 55-acre lake near the edge of the Mogollon Rim and one of the region's most popular family recreation destinations. Visitors come for trout fishing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking and nearby camping, with developed facilities making it easier to visit than many remote Rim Country lakes.

Lake Access & Forest Road Conditions

Access varies considerably among Payson-area lakes. Woods Canyon and Willow Springs are comparatively easy to reach, while Bear Canyon, Knoll, Chevelon Canyon and other remote waters may require travel on forest roads or hiking from parking areas.

Snow, monsoon storms, wildfire activity, maintenance and seasonal closures can affect roads and recreation sites. Check current Forest Service road and recreation information before traveling to remote lakes, especially during winter and early spring.

Payson Area Lake Visitor Tips

• Check current road and lake access before traveling to remote Rim Country waters.
• Carry drinking water even when visiting high-elevation lakes.
• Bring layers because mountain weather can change quickly.
• Check Arizona fishing-license and stocking information before fishing.
• Verify boat and motor restrictions for the specific lake you plan to visit.
• Reserve campsites early for busy summer weekends and holidays.
• Check current wildfire and campfire restrictions before your trip.
• Keep food secured and do not feed elk or other wildlife.
• Expect limited cell service at some remote lakes and forest roads.
• Pack out trash and help protect shoreline and forest areas.

Payson Arizona Lakes FAQ

What Are The Best Lakes Near Payson Arizona?

Popular lakes include Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Black Canyon Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake and the Green Valley Lakes in Payson.

Which Payson Area Lakes Are Best For Fishing?

Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake and Chevelon Canyon Lake are popular fishing destinations, while Green Valley Lakes provide convenient in-town fishing.

Can You Camp Near Payson Area Lakes?

Yes. Developed and dispersed camping opportunities are available throughout the Mogollon Rim and Rim Country, including campgrounds near Woods Canyon Lake and other recreation areas.

Are Payson Area Lakes Cooler Than Phoenix?

Yes. Many Rim Country lakes sit thousands of feet higher than the Phoenix area and generally have substantially cooler summer temperatures.

Which Lakes Near Payson Are Good For Kayaking?

Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake and C.C. Cragin Reservoir are popular paddling destinations when access and water conditions permit.

What Is Blue Ridge Reservoir Called Now?

Blue Ridge Reservoir is now officially known as C.C. Cragin Reservoir, although the former Blue Ridge name is still widely recognized.

Are There Lakes Inside Payson?

Yes. Green Valley Park in Payson contains three Green Valley Lakes that are part of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Community Fishing Program.

Which Payson Lake Is Easiest To Reach?

Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake are among the easiest high-country lakes to reach, while Green Valley Lakes are located directly within Payson.

Are Payson Area Lakes Open In Winter?

Some waters remain accessible, but snow, ice and seasonal forest-road closures can make higher-elevation lakes difficult or impossible to reach during winter.

What Should I Check Before Visiting A Payson Area Lake?

Check road conditions, weather, wildfire restrictions, fishing regulations, campground status and any lake-specific boating or access restrictions before traveling.

Arizona Lakes