Carnero Lake
Fly fishing in Arizona · intermediate · Best seasons: summer, fall
Target Species
Apache Trout
About This Water
Alpine lake with Apache trout restoration. Special regulations protect native fish.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the high country. As your guide, I can tell you that Carnero Lake is one of the crown jewels of the White Mountains in Arizona. Situated at over 9,000 feet, this is a "shallow-water factory" for trophy-sized Apache Trout. It is not an easy lake to fish, but for the angler who understands weed-bed tactics and stealth, it is incredibly rewarding.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Carnero Lake.
🎣 Location Overview
Carnero Lake is a high-altitude, nutrient-rich volcanic lake located near Greer, Arizona. Unlike the deep, canyon-bound reservoirs of the Rim, Carnero is shallow—averaging only 5 to 10 feet in depth.
What makes it special is its productivity. The lake is essentially a massive weed bed, which creates a massive bio-load of aquatic insects. This allows the Apache Trout to grow exceptionally fast and thick. It feels more like fishing a flooded meadow than a traditional lake. Because it is so shallow, the water is crystal clear, allowing for sight-fishing opportunities that are rare in Arizona.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary draw here is the Apache Trout, Arizona’s state fish.
- Behavior: Carnero Apaches are "cruisers." Because the lake is shallow and weed-choked, the fish patrol "lanes" and small clearings in the vegetation. They are notoriously spooky due to the clear water and shallow depth.
- Diet: These fish are opportunistic but lean heavily on Scuds (Gammarus), Damselfly nymphs, and Midges. In the fall, they become aggressive towards leeches and water boatmen.
- Holding Spots: You will rarely find fish in the center of the lake in open water. They hold tight to the edges of weed walls or hover just inches above the bottom in "pockets" of clear sand/silt.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (June – August): This is the peak for insect activity. While the rest of Arizona is scorching, Carnero stays cool. June is the prime month for the legendary Damselfly hatch.
- Fall (September – October): This is my favorite time. The weeds begin to die back slightly, opening up more casting lanes. The fish sense the coming winter and feed aggressively to bulk up. The colors of the Apache Trout are most vibrant now.
Best Times of Day
- First Light & Last Light: Because the lake is shallow, the fish are very light-sensitive. The "Golden Hour" at Carnero can be magical, with fish rising to midges across the entire surface.
- Mid-Day (with a breeze): A slight "riffle" on the water is your friend. It breaks up your silhouette and the splash of your fly line, making the fish less likely to bolt.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Scuds: The #1 food source. Sizes 14–18 in Olive, Orange, or Pink. Use a "dead-drift" or ultra-slow retrieve.
- Damselfly Nymphs: Sizes 10–14 in Olive or Bright Green. These should be fished with a short, erratic "twitch-and-pause" retrieve.
- Simi Seal Leeches: A local Arizona favorite. Black/Red, Olive, or "Blood" (Dark Red).
- Midges: Zebra Midges (Red or Black) in size 18–22 under an indicator.
- Water Boatmen: Crucial for the fall. Size 16-18, fished on a sinking tip or with split shot.
Effective Techniques
- The "Hanging" Nymph: Use a small slip-indicator to suspend a scud or midge exactly 12 inches above the top of the weed beds. This prevents you from fouling your hook and keeps the fly in the "strike zone."
- Sight Casting: On calm days, stand on your boat or float tube and look for "shadows" moving through weed lanes. Lead the fish by 5 feet and let the fly settle.
- Slow-Strip Streamers: Using a weighted leech on a floating line with a long leader (12ft+) is deadly in the fall.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Weed Lane" Strategy: Don't just cast blindly. Look for the "dark spots" (weeds) and "light spots" (clearings). Focus your casts on the transitions where the weeds meet the clear bottom.
- Bring a Float Tube: Shore fishing at Carnero is nearly impossible because a ring of thick weeds (and often mud) surrounds the bank. A float tube, kayak, or small pontoon is essential to reach the fish.
- Long Leaders are Mandatory: I recommend a 12-foot to 15-foot leader tapering to 5X or 6X fluorocarbon. These fish have high visibility; if they see your fly line, they are gone.
- Stealth: Keep your kicking to a minimum. Vibrations travel fast in shallow water.
⚠️ Important Information
- Regulations: Carnero Lake is generally Catch and Release only and Artificial Fly and Lure only. Always check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) "Special Trout Regulations" before heading out, as rules can change seasonally.
- Access: The road to Carnero (FS 118) can become a "greasy" mud pit after a monsoon rain or early snow. 4WD is highly recommended if the weather looks questionable.
- Equipment: A 4-weight or 5-weight rod is perfect. You don't need heavy gear, but you do need a rod with enough backbone to pull a 20-inch Apache out of the weeds if he dives.
- Weather: At 9,000 feet, weather changes in minutes. Even in summer, bring a rain jacket and a warm layer.
Guide’s Final Word: Carnero is a thinking man’s lake. Don't be discouraged if you don't catch 20 fish. The fish here are high-quality, beautiful, and a true representation of Arizona’s wild heritage. Take your time, stay quiet, and watch the water. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids (Midges) Chironomidae | midge | April, May, September, October | All Day | #12-20 | Ice Cream Cone #14-18, Zebra Midge #16-20, Griffith's Gnat #18-20 |
| Callibaetis (Speckled Duns) Callibaetis spp. | mayfly | June, July, August | Morning to Early Afternoon | #12-16 | Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Parachute Adams #12-16 |
| Damselfly Enallagma spp. | terrestrial | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #10-12, Adult Damsel #12-14 |
| Scuds (Freshwater Shrimp) Gammarus lacustris | terrestrial | April, May, October, November | All Day | #12-16 | Ray Charles #14-16, Olive Scud #12-16 |
| Cinnamon Caddis Hesperophylax spp. | caddis | July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis (Cinnamon) #14-16, LaFontaine's Emerger #16 |
| Dragonfly Anisoptera | terrestrial | June, July, August | Afternoon | #4-10 | Dragonfly Nymph #6-10, Woolly Bugger (Olive) #4-8 |
| Water Boatmen / Backswimmers Corixidae / Notonectidae | terrestrial | September, October | Morning/Afternoon | #14-16 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-16 |
| Terrestrials (Hoppers/Ants) Orthoptera / Formicidae | terrestrial | August, September | Afternoon | #8-16 | Joe's Hopper #8-12, Black Carpenter Ant #14-16 |