Hawley Lake
Fly fishing in Arizona · intermediate · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
About This Water
High elevation tribal lake with trophy trout. Scenic White Mountains setting.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the high country. As your guide, I’m excited to break down one of the crown jewels of Arizona’s White Mountains: Hawley Lake.
Sitting at roughly 8,200 feet on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Hawley Lake is a premier destination for fly anglers seeking relief from the desert heat and a shot at high-altitude trout. This isn't just a "stocker" pond; it is a deep, cold, and productive fishery that rewards technical anglers and novices alike.
🎣 Location Overview
Hawley Lake is an alpine paradise characterized by dense stands of ponderosa pine, spruce, and aspen. What makes it special is its water temperature and depth. While other Arizona lakes warm up and suffer from algae blooms in the summer, Hawley stays oxygenated and cool, keeping the trout active year-round.
The lake covers about 300 acres and features a complex shoreline with numerous coves, submerged weed beds, and rocky points. It is widely considered one of the most scenic spots in the Southwest, often drawing comparisons to the high lakes of the Sierras or the Rockies.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Rainbow Trout: The most common catch. They cruise the littoral zones (shallows) in the mornings and evenings. They are opportunistic feeders but can become selective during mid-summer hatches.
- Brown Trout: The "kings" of Hawley. These fish are wary and often hold deeper near rock piles or submerged timber. They become highly aggressive in the fall. Large specimens here feed heavily on crawfish and smaller baitfish.
- Brook Trout: Found primarily near the inlets and cooler springs. They are gorgeous, aggressive, and suckers for bright colors and small nymphs.
Feeding Behavior: The primary biomass in Hawley consists of Scuds (freshwater shrimp), Damselflies, Chironomids (midges), and Crayfish.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (Late April – June): This is "Ice-Out" season. As the ice melts, trout rush the shallows to feed on everything in sight. This is arguably the best time for trophy Rainbows.
- Summer (July – August): While the rest of Arizona swelters, Hawley is prime. Focus on the Monsoon window. Afternoon thunderstorms are common; fishing just before and just after a rainstorm can result in a feeding frenzy.
- Fall (September – October): This is the season for Brown Trout. As they prepare to spawn, they move into the shallows and become territorial. The fall colors of the Aspens matched with a spawning Brown's buttery gold scales is an unbeatable experience.
- Prime Windows: 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM until dusk.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- The Simi Seal Leech: (Colors: Black/Red, Olive, Peacock). Developed in Arizona, this is the "magic" fly for Hawley. Fish it on a slow strip.
- Scuds: (Size 14-18, Olive or Grey). The lake is carpeted in scuds. Dead-drift these under an indicator near weed lines.
- Chironomids: (Size 16-20, Zebra Midge or Tiger Midge). Vital for mid-day success when nothing is rising.
- Damselfly Nymphs: (Size 10-14, Olive). Essential in June and July.
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Amy’s Ant (for late summer terrestrials).
Effective Techniques
- The "Slow Crawl": Use an intermediate (slow-sink) line with a Simi Seal Leech. Cast near structure, let it sink for 5-10 seconds, and use a very slow, rhythmic "figure-eight" retrieve.
- Indicator Nymphing: Set your depth so your fly sits about 12-18 inches above the weed beds. This is the most effective way to catch Rainbows during the bright midday sun.
- Streamer Stripping: For the big Browns, use a sink-tip line and a size 6 Woolly Bugger or a Sculpin pattern. Focus on the dam face and rocky drop-offs.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Float Tube Advantage: Hawley is best fished from the water. A float tube or kayak allows you to reach the "drop-off" where the shallow shelf meets the deep water. This transition zone is where 80% of the fish hold.
- The "Hawley Howl": The wind can pick up quickly in the afternoons. If the surface is choppy, don't pack up. The "chopping" oxygenates the water and hides your profile, making the fish more confident to feed in the shallows.
- Inlet Focus: Focus on the northern end of the lake where small feeder creeks enter. The moving water brings in food and extra oxygen, especially after a rain.
- Color Palette: In the clear water of Hawley, "Natural" is usually better. If the water is slightly stained after a storm, switch to flies with a bit of "flash" or "fluorescent" beads.
⚠️ Important Information
🪪 Permits & Regulations
Crucial: Hawley Lake is on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. An Arizona State Fishing License is NOT valid here. You must purchase a White Mountain Apache Tribal Fishing Permit. These can be bought online or at the Hon-Dah Ski & Outdoor shop at the junction of Hwy 73 and 260.
🛶 Boat Motors
Only electric trolling motors are allowed. Internal combustion engines are prohibited on the water to maintain the pristine environment.
🧥 Gear & Safety
- Weather: Even in July, morning temps can be in the 40s. Pack layers and high-quality rain gear for the afternoon monsoons.
- Sun Protection: At 8,000+ feet, the UV rays are intense. Wear polarized sunglasses—not just for protection, but to see through the glare and spot cruising fish.
- Wildlife: This is bear and elk country. Keep a clean camp and be aware of your surroundings.
Tight lines, and enjoy the "Alps of Arizona!"
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids Chironomidae | midge | April, May, September, October | All Day | #12-22 | Zebra Midge #16-20, Ice Cream Cone #12-16, Griffith's Gnat #18-22 |
| Callibaetis Callibaetis ferrugineus | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning | #12-16 | Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #12-16, Parachute Adams #14-18 |
| Damselfly Enallagma spp. | other | June, July | Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #10-14, Adult Damsel #12-14 |
| Traveling Sedge Hesperophylax occidentalis | caddis | July, August | Evening | #8-12 | Goddard Caddis #10-12, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Mikulak Sedge #8-10 |
| Dragonfly Anisoptera | other | July, August | Afternoon | #4-10 | Dragonfly Nymph (Olive) #6-10, Woolly Bugger #4-8 |
| Cinnamon Ant Formicidae | terrestrial | August, September | Afternoon | #14-18 | Cinnamon Ant #16-18, Chernobyl Ant #12-14 |
| Water Boatman Corixidae | other | September, October | All Day | #14-18 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-18 |
| Scuds Gammarus lacustris | other | May, June, October | All Day | #12-18 | Ray Charles #14-16, Olive Scud #12-18 |