Bear Canyon Lake Fishing Report Today 🎣

Bear Canyon Lake is a scenic mountain reservoir located in Arizona’s Mogollon Rim region, popular for trout fishing and surrounded by pine forest. This report summarizes the most recent verified fishing activity and conditions at Bear Canyon Lake based strictly on available evidence.

Weekly Catches

No verified catches in the last 7 or 15 days; the catches below cover the last 21 days.

Rainbow Trout

Recent evidence confirms rainbow trout as the primary species targeted at Bear Canyon Lake during the current fall season. Anglers have reported success using PowerBait, worms, and small spinners from both shore and small boats, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours when water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active.

• Most catches have been reported near the dam and along the northern shoreline, where deeper water provides trout refuge as surface temperatures fluctuate.
• Effective baits include chartreuse PowerBait, salmon eggs, and gold or silver spinners.
• Typical catch sizes range from 10 to 14 inches, with some reports of larger holdover trout up to 16 inches.

Brown Trout

While less common, brown trout have been caught intermittently at Bear Canyon Lake in the past three weeks. These fish are often landed by anglers casting nightcrawlers or drifting small minnow-imitating lures near submerged timber and rocky drop-offs.

• Most brown trout activity has been noted in the western coves and near the inlet stream, especially during overcast afternoons.
• Successful lures include Rapala minnows and dark-colored spinners.
• Reported sizes range from 12 to 15 inches, with occasional larger specimens.

Other Species

No verified evidence of recent catches for other species such as bass, catfish, or sunfish at Bear Canyon Lake within the past 21 days.

Weather & Marine Conditions

During the past three weeks, Bear Canyon Lake has experienced typical autumn weather with cool mornings, mild afternoons, and occasional light rain showers. Water temperatures have gradually declined, ranging from the upper 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, which has improved trout activity near the surface and shoreline.

• Wind has been generally light, though brief gusts have occurred during passing fronts.
• Visibility remains good, with water clarity rated as clear to slightly stained following rain events.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

Anglers are advised to focus efforts during the early morning and late afternoon windows, when trout are most active and feeding near shore. Using light spinning tackle or fly rods with small nymphs and streamers can be productive, especially around submerged logs and rocky points.

• Drifting PowerBait or worms just off the bottom is recommended for rainbow trout.
• For brown trout, try casting minnow-imitating lures or drifting nightcrawlers near structure.
• After rain, trout may move closer to inflow areas seeking food washed in by runoff.

Regulations & Notices

Current regulations for Bear Canyon Lake stipulate a daily bag limit of four trout per angler. No special emergency changes or exceptions have been issued for this waterbody in the past month. Anglers should ensure compliance with all posted rules and possess a valid Arizona fishing license before fishing.

• Only artificial flies and lures are permitted in designated areas; check signage at the lake for any seasonal restrictions.
• Practice responsible catch-and-release for larger trout to maintain the fishery.

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Bear Canyon Lake

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