Show Low Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Show Low Lake
image_lake = ShowLowLake01.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Navajo County, Arizona
coords = coord|34|11|6.15|N|110|00|3.47|W|region:US-AZ_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
basin_countries = United States
area = convert|100|acre|abbr=on|lk=on
depth = convert|27|ft|abbr=on
elevation = convert|6500|ft|abbr=on

Attention walleye anglers – Show Low Lake is the best place in Arizona to catch lunker walleye! It has yielded the last five state records, and numerous "Big Fish-of-the-Year Program" walleye catches. Local resident Gregg Munck caught the existing state record walleye here in November 2002. It weighed in at a whopping convert|16|lb|abbr=on., 2 ozs. Anglers can also catch trout, catfish, bass and pan fish here.

Location

Show Low Lake is a convert|100|acre|km2|sing=on lake nestled at convert|6500|ft|m elevation in the White Mountains of Arizona which is administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department along with the city of Show Low. Show Low Lake Park is located five miles (8 km) south of Show Low off State Route 260. The lake is noted for excellent fishing.who

Description

Show Low Lake has convert|100|acre|km2 with an average depth of convert|33|ft|m and maximum depth of convert|50|ft|m. It's situated at an elevation of convert|6500|ft|m. The lake maintains good water quality year round, and is stocked with rainbow trout from April through September. The Arizona Game and Fish Department occasionally stocks channel catfish. The lake also contains reproducing populations of walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill and green sunfish.

Boating Facility Features

* 10HP Single Motor
* Concrete Launching Area (2 lanes)
* Boat Trailer Parking
* Tables
* Drinking Water
* Restrooms
* Trailer Spaces
* Camping Allowed
* Paved Access

Amenities

The lake has a boat ramp with a restroom nearby. There's a year-round concession with a campground that has 75 sites, seven of which have electrical hookups. There are two group sites that can accommodate up to 75 and 150 people, respectively. There is drinking water, a dump station ($3 fee), playground and shower building ($3 per shower). Picnic ramadas are available for day use with a $5 fee, and a small store rents boats, sells fishing licenses, bait, tackle, drinks and snacks. There are several barrier-free restrooms in the campground. Fees vary from $12 to $18 per vehicle per night for most sites, with group sites costing more. Reserve a site for $8 by calling 1-888-537-7762.

Fish Species

* Rainbow
* Largemouth Bass
* Smallmouth Bass
* Sunfish
* Catfish (Channel)

Fishing Techniques

Trout fishing from the shore is always possible because the lake doesn't get weedy. Many trout survive the winter here and can get quite large. Try trolling spinners in early spring to catch one of these fat trout. For stocked trout, try Power Bait or night crawlers. Walleye fishing is best in spring and fall. Try fishing rocky bottom structures or by the dam with crank baits or jigs. Stay in the shallows and fish at dawn or dusk to improve catching odds. For the lunkers, try large crank baits in the shallows or along the shoreline, or bounce a night crawler rig slowly on the bottom. Catfishing can be exciting here. A 32-pound channel catfish was recently caught that threatened the State Record. Fish for catfish on summer or fall nights, using chicken liver, night crawlers or waterdogs as bait. In spring, channel catfish and walleye congregate at the upper end, where Show Low Creek flows into the lake. Small bass and sunfish can be caught with night crawlers in the rocks along the dam. Show Low Lake is open year round.

pecial Notes

Statewide fishing regulations apply and a trout stamp is required for anglers fishing for trout. The daily bag limit is six trout, six bass (any species), six walleye and 25 catfish for licensed anglers. Trout bag limits are halved for unlicensed anglers under 14. There is no bag limit on bluegill or green sunfish. Boat motors are restricted to electric or 10HP or less gas motors.

External links

* [http://www.wmonline.com/cities/showlow.htm White Mountains Online Website]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/BoatingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/FishingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Fishing Locations Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish.shtml Where to Fish in Arizona Species Information]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml Arizona Lake Levels]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/video/ShowLowLake.shtml Video of Show Low Lake]

References

*Citation |first=Information and Education Division|title=Arizona Fishin' Holes|place=Phoenix, AZ|publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department|year=2007