Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Willow Springs Lake Near Payson, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

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

Willow Springs Lake near Payson on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona

Willow Springs Lake near Payson. © Alan Levine

Willow Springs Lake is one of the most popular recreation lakes along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona. Set among tall pines at about 7,600 feet, the lake offers trout and bass fishing, boating, kayaking, picnicking and easy access from Highway 260. Its cool mountain setting makes Willow Springs Lake especially popular from spring through fall for anglers, families and visitors exploring Arizona's Rim Lakes region.

Things To Do
Location & Description
Fishing
Boating
Camping & Amenities
Best Times To Visit
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 activities, and consistent fishing opportunities. The lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating, making it popular for anglers, kayakers, and families. Its scenic setting and well-developed facilities make it one of the top recreation spots along 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.

Fish Species

Willow Springs Lake supports rainbow trout, tiger trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Trout are stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, with stocking schedules varying by season and conditions.

Fishing At Willow Springs Lake

Willow Springs Lake is a popular Mogollon Rim fishery for stocked trout and resident bass. Rainbow trout are stocked during the fishing season, and tiger trout may also be stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Shore anglers commonly fish with 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 the current Arizona fishing regulations and stocking schedule before fishing, as license requirements, limits and stocking dates can change.

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 Mid-Lake Water: Productive during summer when trout often move into cooler water between 10 and 20 feet deep.
Rocky Shoreline and Structure: Good for bass fishing with crayfish-style lures, spinner baits, 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 motors limited to 10 horsepower or less. The lake has a paved boat launch and is well suited to small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes. Its relatively compact size makes much of the shoreline and open water accessible to anglers using small watercraft.

Boating and shoreline recreation at Willow Springs Lake Arizona

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.

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.

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.

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Nearby Rim Lakes

Willow Springs Lake 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 one of the more popular fishing lakes along the Mogollon Rim. Rainbow trout are stocked during the fishing season, tiger trout may also be stocked, and the lake supports largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Can you boat on Willow Springs Lake?

Yes. Boating is allowed on Willow Springs Lake, with motors limited to 10 horsepower or less. The lake has a paved boat ramp and is popular with small fishing boats, kayaks and canoes.

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. Seasons, reservations and campground services should be checked 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 fish are in Willow Springs Lake?

Willow Springs Lake provides fishing for rainbow trout, tiger trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Trout stocking schedules vary by season and lake conditions.

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