Apache Lake is one of four man-made reservoirs created along the Salt River in

Central Arizona as part of the Salt River Project to provide flood control and stable

water supply to the Phoenix area. The lake is located along the Apache Trail about 65

miles northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest. Apache Lake was formed by

the completion of Horse Mesa Dam in 1927. It is the second largest lake of the four

Salt River Project reservoirs and is located approximately 5 miles downstream from

Roosevelt Lake and upstream from Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake.

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Apache Lake is the deepest on the entire chain chain of reservoir lakes on the Salt

River. It has a depth of 266 feet, it's 17 miles long and has 41.5 miles of shoreline.

The surface area of Apache Lake is 2,568 acres at full capacity, and it can store

254,138-acre feet of water.

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Apache Lake is home to Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, yellow bass, walleye,

crappie, trout, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and carp.

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Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Superstition Wilderness in the Tonto National

Forest, Apache Lake is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys breathtaking

mountain views, watching local wildlife, hiking, camping, and of course fishing!

Apache Lake has always been considered a hidden gem due to what some consider

an unpleasant drive on the unpaved State Route 88 (Apache Trail). The road is

narrow and winding, but the views are outstanding. There's always less traffic due to

the access and somedays, it feels you're the only boat on the lake. 

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ADOT has reopened the 5-mile unpaved section of State Route 88

(Apache Trail) from Fish Creek Vista (milepost 222) to milepost 227 near

Reavis Trailhead Road that was closed due to extensive roadway damage and

rock debris following severe flooding in 2019.

 

The Woodbury Fire in June 2019 consumed almost 124,000 acres of the

Tonto National Forest. In September 2019, a storm dumped approximately six

inches of rain onto the fire scar and the runoff severely damaged large portions

of the road, with the most damage being in the area between the Fish Creek

Vista and milepost 227 (near Reavis Trailhead Road). The damage included

a large rockslide that left that section of the road unpassable.

 

​The safest route that is completely paved to reach the lake is by taking

State Route 188 either from US 60 or State Route 87 and taking

State Route 88 west from Roosevelt Lake Dam.

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​State Route 88/Apache Trail was constructed in 1904 to provide construction

access for the Roosevelt Dam, which was completed in 1911. Much of

the route, particularly east of Tortilla Flat, retains its original historic character.

 

​Apache Lake is another one of our favorites. Once we're there we never want to

leave! If you plan on fishing with us or just visiting the lake, don't forget to stop in the

Apache Lake Marina and Resort for a bite to eat or a cold beverage after a great day of fishing.

 

If you're considering taking a trip or have further questions about Apache Lake don't

hesitate to give Phoenix Fishing Guides a call at 480-264-1101. We'll be happy to

answer all of your questions and book your trip.