Heat Report post Posted March 22, 2012 My girlfriend's parents are visiting Arizona next month and we are planning a trip to the White Mountains. We will be staying in Greer the weekend of April 21-22. I am wondering if anyone can recommend a place to take my girlfriend's Dad and her 2 boys fishing that time of year? We are not looking for the next world record but would love to be able to put a few fish in the frying pan and entertain the guests and kids. Where would you recommend trying? We are looking for whatever bites but I have trout in mind. Are the Greer Lakes (River, Tunnel, Bunch) worth spending any time at? Do you think Big Lake will be open by then? Any thoughts on the Show Low area lakes? When I was a kid we used to fish Hawley Lake and I've been to the E Fork of the Black to catch Apache Trout many years ago, but I don't have any recent experience fishing there. Any pointers would really be appreciated! Thanks! Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Little Creek Calls Report post Posted March 22, 2012 If you have a boat I would recommend Crescent lake. Last year was great and from what I have heard it didn’t winter kill so it should be even better this year. If you are just fishing from shore Big lake would be better. As far as access goes it’s a gamble but game and fish try to have the roads open for the youth turkey hunt that start that same weekend. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biglakejake Report post Posted March 22, 2012 Big Lake could be open by then-keep your eyes on www.biglakeaz.com for info. ice out at Big Lake can be great. River Res. is still full of big ole browns and will be ice free. Becker is now a trophy catch and release water with lots of 16 inch plus fish being caught. catfish, bass and walleye will get going at fool hollow and show low lakes. AZGFD is working their little butts off right now trying to eliminate the northern pike in the show low area with gillnets strung all over the lakes. 28lber last week. i am not affiliated at all with the Big Lake concession. just part of my handle. lee 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted March 22, 2012 If you have a boat I would recommend Crescent lake. Last year was great and from what I have heard it didn’t winter kill so it should be even better this year. If you are just fishing from shore Big lake would be better. As far as access goes it’s a gamble but game and fish try to have the roads open for the youth turkey hunt that start that same weekend. Thanks! I don't have a boat so we will be fishing from shore or renting a boat if available at Big Lake or elsewhere. I really want to try Big Lake, but I'd like to have a back up plan just in case the roads are still closed. Forgot that Turkey opened that weekend. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for good weather! Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trophyhnter Report post Posted March 22, 2012 If you go to big lake, make sure take plenty of warm clothes and a windbreaker because its usaully cold and super windy! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted March 22, 2012 1332455682[/url]' post='300293']If you go to big lake, make sure take plenty of warm clothes and a windbreaker because its usaully cold and super windy! "usually" is a very generous term. It is ALWAYS cold and windy that time of year. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kphunter Report post Posted March 23, 2012 I would fish Crescent or Big Lake, then try a few of the reservation lakes like Hawley. There are a few other small gems on the 'rez that would be worth your while! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted March 23, 2012 There's nothing better IMO than big lake at ice out. There are no problems catching large trout. Its an absolute blast and awesome to be on that lake. You might consider reservation lake as well.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted March 23, 2012 Sounds like if the road is open, I should proceed directly to Big Lake and/or Crescent Lake. If that backfires I'll try right there in Greer. If that don't work I'm headed to Show Low. Sound about right? Anywhere else I should be considering? We'll be prepared to soak nightcrawlers and powerbait. Would also like to try some spinners/lures. What should I try? Panther Martins, Rapalas, Mepp's, Kastmasters, Flatfish? What colors would you recommend? How about size/weight? Techniques? Thanks for all the help so far guys! I'd be happy to share what I know about fishing the Lower Colorado here near Yuma if anyone is interested. Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billrquimby Report post Posted March 23, 2012 Don't overlook the tribal waters. Sunrise Lake often can be reached when the roads to Big Lake still are blocked. A-1 and Horseshoe Cienega lakes are next to the highway. Bill Quimby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted March 23, 2012 Tunnel, Bunch, and River Reservoir are right outside Greer. They can provide good fishing. They usually start stocking in Late April? Bunch / River Reservoir carries holdover fish, and some lunkers are caught there on occasion. I have caught some nice fish out of both. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
