Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona On The Mogollon Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 8, 2026

Woods Canyon Lake on Arizona's Mogollon Rim is a popular high-country destination for trout fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and family recreation. Located east of Payson among ponderosa pine forests, this scenic 55-acre lake offers cooler temperatures than Arizona's lower deserts and easy access to shoreline fishing, small-boat recreation and nearby campgrounds. Rainbow trout are stocked according to Arizona Game and Fish schedules, while brown trout and tiger trout add variety for anglers.

Woods Canyon Lake near Payson Arizona on the Mogollon Rim

Woods Canyon Lake covers about 55 acres in a heavily forested setting near the edge of the Mogollon Rim. At roughly 7,500 feet elevation, the lake offers pleasantly cool conditions during much of the spring, summer and early fall compared with Arizona's desert communities. Ponderosa pine forest surrounds the shoreline, and nearby Payson-area lakes, trails, campgrounds and overlooks make the area especially popular for weekend recreation.

Kayaking on Woods Canyon Lake in the ponderosa pine forest near Payson Arizona

Woods Canyon Lake. © Alan Stark

Woods Canyon Lake is approximately 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona and is close to Willow Springs Lake and other Mogollon Rim recreation areas. The lake is reached from State Route 260 by way of Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 105. Winter access can be limited or closed because of snow, so visitors traveling during the colder months should check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest road conditions before making the trip.

Why Visit Woods Canyon Lake
Fishing
Boating & Kayaking
Camping & Hiking
Best Time To Visit
Directions
Lake Map
FAQ

Why Visit Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake combines cool mountain weather, ponderosa pine scenery and easy access to fishing, boating and camping. Its relatively small size makes the lake manageable for kayaks, canoes and small fishing boats, while shoreline access provides opportunities for anglers and families who prefer to stay on land.

Lake Size. Woods Canyon Lake covers approximately 55 acres and reaches depths of roughly 40 feet, giving trout access to cooler deeper water during warmer weather.

Fish Species. Rainbow trout are the primary stocked fish, while brown trout and tiger trout also provide angling opportunities. Arizona Game and Fish stocking dates and quantities can vary with weather, water conditions and hatchery schedules.

Trout fishing along the forested shoreline of Woods Canyon Lake Arizona

Fishing At Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake is one of the Mogollon Rim's best-known trout-fishing destinations. Rainbow trout are stocked during scheduled periods, while brown trout and tiger trout can also be caught in the lake. Anglers fish from accessible shoreline areas, the dam, kayaks and small boats. Fishing can be especially productive during cooler periods when trout move into shallower water, while deeper presentations often become more effective during warmer summer conditions.

Primary fish species: Rainbow trout, brown trout and tiger trout.
Popular baits: PowerBait, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs.
Popular lures: Small spoons, spinners, Kastmasters and trout-pattern crankbaits.
Boat fishing: Trolling from a kayak or electric-powered fishing boat can help locate trout suspended away from shore.
Fishing license: Arizona fishing-license requirements and current regulations apply.
Stocking schedules: Check Arizona Game and Fish for current stocking information because dates can change with weather and lake conditions.

Boating & Kayaking At Woods Canyon Lake

Woods Canyon Lake is well suited to kayaks, canoes, paddle craft and small fishing boats. Watercraft using a motor are restricted to a single electric motor, which helps maintain the lake's quiet mountain setting. A boat ramp provides access to the water, and the relatively compact size of the lake makes it practical to explore without a high-powered boat.

Kayakers and small-boat anglers can work the forested shoreline, deeper central water and areas near the dam. Afternoon winds and thunderstorms can develop quickly on the Mogollon Rim, so boaters should watch changing weather and return to shore when conditions deteriorate.

Camping, Hiking & Amenities At Woods Canyon Lake

Several developed campgrounds are located within the Rim Lakes Recreation Area near Woods Canyon Lake. Spillway Campground is close to the shoreline, while Aspen, Mogollon and Crook campgrounds provide additional camping opportunities within the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. Group camping is also available in designated facilities.

Facilities vary by campground but may include picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, vault toilets and campground hosts during the operating season. Some campsites can be reserved while others may be available on a first-come basis. Because campground schedules, fees and reservation policies can change, check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest or Recreation.gov information before traveling.

The Woods Canyon Lake area also offers hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing and access to trails near the Mogollon Rim. A trail follows much of the shoreline, while nearby Rim-area trails lead through pine forest and toward scenic overlooks. The lake recreation area also includes a boat ramp and seasonal visitor services.

What To Bring To Woods Canyon Lake

Drinking water, especially for hiking and summer visits
Layers or a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
Rain protection during the summer thunderstorm season
Sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Fishing license and fishing tackle when angling
Life jackets and required safety equipment when boating
Sturdy shoes for shoreline and forest trails
Food and basic supplies in case seasonal services are limited

Best Time To Visit Woods Canyon Lake

Spring: Late spring is an excellent time for trout fishing and cool-weather recreation as snow melts and seasonal access improves.
Summer: Summer is the busiest season, with cool mountain temperatures attracting anglers, campers, kayakers and day visitors escaping Arizona's lower-elevation heat.
Fall: Cooler air, changing foliage, lighter crowds and comfortable fishing conditions make early fall an especially attractive time to visit.
Winter: Snow and freezing weather can limit road and lake access. Check current Forest Service road conditions before attempting a winter visit.

Payson Area & Mogollon Rim Lakes

Directions To Woods Canyon Lake

From Phoenix and Scottsdale: Take State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, northeast to Payson. From Payson, continue east on State Route 260 to Forest Road 300, also known as the Rim Road. Turn onto Forest Road 300, then take paved Forest Road 105 north to Woods Canyon Lake. The lake is approximately 30 miles east of Payson.

Road conditions can change because of snow, storms, wildfire restrictions and seasonal closures. Check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest conditions before traveling outside the main summer season.

Map Of Woods Canyon Lake & Mogollon Rim Lakes

This map shows the Woods Canyon Lake area east of Payson, Arizona along with nearby Mogollon Rim recreation areas and lakes, including Willow Springs Lake and Bear Canyon Lake. Click the map for a larger downloadable PDF view.

Woods Canyon Lake FAQ

Where is Woods Canyon Lake?

Woods Canyon Lake is located on Arizona's Mogollon Rim approximately 30 miles east of Payson. The lake is reached from State Route 260 by way of Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 105.

What fish are in Woods Canyon Lake?

Woods Canyon Lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout and tiger trout. Rainbow trout are stocked according to Arizona Game and Fish schedules, which can change because of weather, water conditions and hatchery availability.

Can you boat on Woods Canyon Lake?

Yes. Kayaks, canoes and other watercraft are allowed. Motorized watercraft are restricted to a single electric motor; gasoline-powered motors are not permitted.

Is Woods Canyon Lake good for kayaking?

Yes. The lake's relatively small size, forested shoreline and electric-motor restriction make it especially popular for kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft.

Can you camp at Woods Canyon Lake?

Yes. Several developed campgrounds are located in the surrounding Rim Lakes Recreation Area, including Spillway, Aspen, Mogollon and Crook campgrounds. Availability, fees and operating dates vary by season.

Can you hike around Woods Canyon Lake?

Yes. Trails around the lake and nearby Mogollon Rim provide opportunities for shoreline walks, forest hiking and access to scenic Rim overlooks.

How far is Woods Canyon Lake from Payson?

Woods Canyon Lake is approximately 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona. Travel time varies with traffic, weather and road conditions.

Is Woods Canyon Lake open in winter?

Winter access can be limited or closed because of snow and seasonal Forest Service road conditions. Visitors should check current road and recreation-area conditions before attempting a winter trip.

What is the best time to visit Woods Canyon Lake?

Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable access for fishing, boating, camping and hiking. Summer is the busiest season, while spring and fall often provide cooler conditions and fewer visitors.

More Information

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Black Mesa Ranger District