Willow Springs Lake Near Payson, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 10, 2026

Willow Springs Lake is a popular fishing and recreation lake on the Mogollon Rim about 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forest at roughly 7,600 feet elevation, the lake offers trout fishing, boating, kayaking, picnicking and easy access from Arizona Highway 260. Its cool mountain setting makes Willow Springs Lake a favorite destination for anglers, families and visitors exploring the Rim Lakes region.

• Things To Do
• Location & Description
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Boating
• Camping & Amenities
• Best Times To Visit
• Visitor Tips
• Directions
• Nearby Rim Lakes
• FAQ

Things To Do At Willow Springs Lake

• Fishing for trout and bass
• Boating, kayaking, and canoeing
• Picnicking and shoreline recreation
• Wildlife viewing and photography
• Exploring nearby Rim Lakes and scenic drives

Location & Description

Like nearby Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake is one of the most accessible lakes along the Mogollon Rim. The lake is surrounded by ponderosa pine and other high-country forest at an elevation of about 7,600 feet, creating a cool mountain setting for fishing, boating and outdoor recreation. Spring and summer generally bring mild daytime temperatures, while fall offers cooler weather and changing foliage. Winter can bring snow, ice and changing road conditions.

Willow Springs Lake is located about 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona and roughly 20 miles west of Heber-Overgaard. Access is from Arizona Highway 260 via Forest Road 149 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Why Visit Willow Springs Lake

Visitors come to Willow Springs Lake for its accessibility, variety of outdoor activities and fishing opportunities. The lake accommodates both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, making it popular with anglers, kayakers and families. Its forest setting, boat access, picnic facilities and proximity to Highway 260 make it a convenient recreation destination on the Mogollon Rim.

Lake Size & Elevation

Willow Springs Lake covers approximately 150 surface acres and sits at about 7,600 feet elevation in the forested high country of the Mogollon Rim.

Fishing At Willow Springs Lake

Willow Springs Lake is a popular Mogollon Rim fishery for trout and bass. Arizona Game and Fish identifies rainbow trout and tiger trout among the lake's sportfish, while bass provide additional fishing opportunities. Shore anglers commonly use nightcrawlers, small spinners and trout baits, while trolling can be productive from boats and kayaks. Bass anglers can target rocky shoreline, submerged structure and deeper cover with spinnerbaits, soft plastics and crayfish-imitating lures. During warmer summer periods, trout often move into deeper, cooler water. Anglers should check current Arizona fishing regulations and stocking information before fishing because regulations, limits and stocking schedules can change.

Fish Species In Willow Springs Lake

Rainbow trout and tiger trout are among the primary sportfish at Willow Springs Lake. The lake also provides opportunities for bass and other warmwater fish. Fish populations and trout stocking schedules can change with seasonal and lake conditions, so anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish information before visiting.

Best Fishing Spots At Willow Springs Lake

• Boat Ramp Area: A convenient place to start, especially for anglers launching small boats, kayaks or canoes to reach deeper trout water.
• Deeper Open Water: Can be productive during summer when trout often move into deeper, cooler water.
• Rocky Shoreline and Structure: Good areas to target bass with crayfish-style lures, spinnerbaits, soft plastics and artificial worms.
• Quiet Shoreline Access Points: Useful for bait fishing with nightcrawlers during cooler periods when trout move closer to shore.

Boating At Willow Springs Lake

Boating is permitted on Willow Springs Lake, with gasoline motors traditionally limited to 10 horsepower or less. The lake has a paved boat launch and is well suited to small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. Kayakers and canoeists can launch from the designated boat ramp or suitable shoreline access areas where permitted. Its relatively compact size makes much of the shoreline and open water accessible to anglers using small watercraft. Boaters should check current posted restrictions and Arizona boating requirements before launching.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities

Willow Springs Lake has a paved boat ramp, toilets, picnic facilities and shoreline access for day-use recreation. Camping is available nearby, including Sinkhole Campground near the lake and the larger Canyon Point Campground along Highway 260. Campground operating seasons, reservations, fees, water availability and services can change, so visitors should check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests campground information before traveling.

The surrounding Rim Lakes area also provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives and exploring nearby lakes within the Mogollon Rim forest.

Wildlife & Birdwatching At Willow Springs Lake

The ponderosa pine forests and open water surrounding Willow Springs Lake provide opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Visitors may see ospreys hunting over the lake, along with other birds that use the forest and shoreline habitat. Early morning and quieter weekday visits can offer good opportunities to observe wildlife. Watch from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing nesting birds or other animals.

Best Times To Visit Willow Springs Lake

• Spring: A strong season for trout fishing, cool forest weather, and lighter crowds before the busy summer months.
• Summer: Popular for fishing, kayaking, boating, camping, and escaping the lower-elevation Arizona heat.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, colorful forest scenery, and quieter conditions make this a scenic time to visit.
• Winter: Snow and cold weather can limit access, but the Rim Lakes area can be beautiful for winter scenery when roads are open.

Willow Springs Lake Visitor Tips

• Check current fishing regulations and trout stocking information before your trip.
• Bring personal flotation devices for boating, kayaking and canoeing.
• Expect cooler temperatures than Payson and Arizona's lower-elevation communities, especially mornings and evenings.
• Watch for afternoon thunderstorms during the summer monsoon season and leave the water when lightning approaches.
• Check road, weather and campground conditions before winter and early-spring visits.
• Bring drinking water, sun protection and appropriate clothing for rapidly changing mountain weather.
• Clean, drain and dry boats and fishing equipment before moving between Arizona lakes.
• Pack out fishing line and other trash to help protect wildlife around the lake.

Directions To Willow Springs Lake

From Heber-Overgaard. Take Arizona Highway 260 west toward Payson to Forest Road 149, then follow signs to Willow Springs Lake. The lake is roughly 20 miles west of Heber-Overgaard.

From Payson. Take Arizona Highway 260 east toward the Mogollon Rim to Forest Road 149, then follow signs to Willow Springs Lake. The lake is about 30 miles east of Payson.

Nearby Rim Lakes

• Bear Canyon Lake
• Black Canyon Lake
• Blue Ridge Reservoir
• Chevelon Canyon Lake
• Knoll Lake
• Woods Canyon Lake

Willow Springs Lake Arizona FAQ

Where Is Willow Springs Lake In Arizona?

Willow Springs Lake is located along the Mogollon Rim in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, about 30 miles east of Payson and roughly 20 miles west of Heber-Overgaard. The lake is reached from Arizona Highway 260 via Forest Road 149.

Is Willow Springs Lake Good For Fishing?

Yes. Willow Springs Lake is a popular fishing lake on the Mogollon Rim. Arizona Game and Fish identifies rainbow trout and tiger trout among the lake's sportfish, while bass provide additional fishing opportunities.

What Fish Are In Willow Springs Lake?

Rainbow trout and tiger trout are among the primary sportfish at Willow Springs Lake. The lake also provides fishing opportunities for bass and other warmwater species. Fish populations and stocking schedules can change, so check current Arizona Game and Fish information before fishing.

Can You Boat On Willow Springs Lake?

Yes. Willow Springs Lake is popular with small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. Gasoline motors have traditionally been limited to 10 horsepower or less, but boaters should observe current posted restrictions.

Is There A Boat Ramp At Willow Springs Lake?

Yes. Willow Springs Lake has a paved boat ramp that provides access for small fishing boats and other watercraft.

Can You Camp At Willow Springs Lake?

Camping is available near Willow Springs Lake. Sinkhole Campground is close to the lake, while Canyon Point Campground provides additional camping nearby along Highway 260. Check current campground seasons, reservations and services before traveling.

How Far Is Willow Springs Lake From Payson?

Willow Springs Lake is about 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona, along Highway 260. Travel time can vary with traffic, weather and seasonal road conditions.

What Is The Elevation Of Willow Springs Lake?

Willow Springs Lake sits at approximately 7,600 feet elevation on the Mogollon Rim, providing cooler conditions than Arizona's lower-elevation communities.

How Large Is Willow Springs Lake?

Willow Springs Lake covers approximately 150 surface acres.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Willow Springs Lake?

Spring through fall provides the widest range of fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor recreation. Summer is especially popular for escaping lower-elevation heat, while fall brings cooler temperatures and lighter crowds. Winter weather can bring snow, ice and changing road conditions.

More Information

• Arizona Fishing Licenses & Regulations

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Arizona Lakes