Tunnel Reservoir
Fly fishing in Arizona · beginner · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Alpine-area lake with stocked trout. Easy access from nearby communities.
Fishing Recommendations
As an expert guide who has spent many seasons navigating the high-country waters of the White Mountains, I can tell you that Tunnel Reservoir is a hidden gem for fly anglers looking for a classic alpine stillwater experience. Located just outside the charming town of Greer, Arizona, at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, it is part of the "Greer Lakes" trio (along with Bunch and River Reservoirs).
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Tunnel Reservoir.
🎣 Location Overview
Tunnel Reservoir is a relatively small, shallow impoundment that serves as a primary irrigation source for the valley. What makes it special is its accessibility paired with its productivity. Unlike the deeper, more daunting River Reservoir nearby, Tunnel is manageable for both shore anglers and float tubers.
The water is characterized by extensive weed beds and shallow shelves. While it may look "weedy" to the untrained eye, to a fly fisherman, those weeds signify a massive biological engine producing staggering amounts of insects and crustaceans. It offers a quintessential "hatch-matching" experience in a stunning mountain setting.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary resident is the Rainbow Trout.
- Behavior: Because the lake is shallow, these fish are "cruisers." They rarely sit in one spot; instead, they patrol the edges of weed lines and the transition zones where the shallow flats drop off into the main channel.
- Feeding: These fish are opportunistic but can become selective during a heavy hatch. Their diet consists heavily of Chironomids (midges), Scuds (freshwater shrimp), Damselflies, and Leeches. In the late summer, they look toward the surface for terrestrials.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (May – June): This is prime time. As the ice thaws and the water warms, the fish become extremely active. This coincides with massive Chironomid hatches.
- Summer (July – August): Fishing is best in the early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and late evening (6:00 PM – Dusk). Mid-day can be slow due to the high-altitude sun warming the shallow water. Watch for "Monsoon" storms in the afternoons.
- Fall (September – October): My favorite time. As temperatures drop, trout move back into the shallows to bulk up for winter. The colors of the aspens in Greer make this a visual masterpiece.
- The Window: The hour before sunset at Tunnel is legendary for "the evening rise," where the water can look like it’s raining from fish surfacing.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Chironomids: Zebra Midges (Black/Silver, Red/Silver) in sizes 16–20. Chromies in size 18.
- Leeches/Streamers: The Simi Seal Leech (developed in AZ) in Blood Leech, Peacock, or Black is mandatory. Size 10–12.
- Nymphs: Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 16) and Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ears. Scuds in Olive or Orange (size 16).
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (size 16–18) for general hatches; Griffith’s Gnat for midge clusters; and Foam Ants or Beetles in late summer.
Effective Techniques
- Indicator Nymphing: This is the most productive method. Suspend a midge or a scud 12–24 inches off the bottom. If you aren't catching fish, adjust your depth by 6 inches until you find the "feeding lane."
- The "Slow Strip": Using an intermediate sinking line, cast a Simi Seal Leech or a Damselfly nymph toward the weed edges and use a very slow, rhythmic 2-inch strip.
- Dry-Dropper: In the summer, hang a small Zebra Midge 2 feet under a buoyant foam ant.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Float Tube Advantage: While you can fish from the shore (especially near the dam), a float tube or kayak is a game-changer here. It allows you to stay on the outside of the weed beds and cast back toward the shore, which is where the big rainbows cruise.
- The "Inflow" Area: Pay attention to the ditch that feeds the reservoir. When water is moving, fish congregate near the oxygenated water and the food it brings in.
- Check the Wind: Tunnel is prone to "The Greer Wind" in the afternoons. If the wind picks up, switch to a heavier streamer (Woolly Bugger) and a sinking line to stay in the zone.
- Color Palette: In the high country, "Peacock" is a magic color. Anything with peacock herl or peacock-colored dubbing tends to outfish other colors 2-to-1.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Access is via Tunnel Road off Highway 373. There is a parking area and a boat ramp suitable for small craft.
- Regulations: A valid Arizona fishing license is required. Arizona Game and Fish (AZGFD) frequently stocks this water, but be sure to check the current AZGFD Fishing Report for any emergency rule changes or bag limit updates.
- Environmental Care: This is a high-altitude sensitive area. Pack out what you pack in. Be aware of elk and black bears, which are common in the Greer area.
- Supplies: The nearest fly shop and general store are in the town of Greer. For a wider selection, stop in Pinetop-Lakeside on your way up the mountain.
Guide’s Final Word: Tunnel Reservoir isn't about catching "monsters" (though 18-inchers exist); it's about the beauty of the White Mountains and the technical fun of high-country stillwater. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids Chironomidae | midge | April, May, June, September | 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 | Morning/Early Afternoon | #14-16 | Parachute Adams #14-16, Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Hare's Ear Nymph #14-16 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | other | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel #10-12, Adult Damsel Blue #12-14 |
| Cinnamon Caddis Hesperophylax | caddis | July, August | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Scud Gammarus lacustris | other | May, September, October | All Day | #12-16 | Ray Charles #14-16, Orange Scud #12-16 |
| Terrestrial Ants Formicidae | terrestrial | July, August, September | Afternoon | #14-18 | Cinnamon Ant #14-18, Black Foam Ant #14-16 |
| Traveling Sedge Banksiola crotchi | caddis | June, July | Evening | #8-12 | Goddard Caddis #8-12, Mikulak Sedge #10-12 |
| Water Boatman Corixidae | other | September, October | Afternoon | #14-16 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-16 |
| Dragonfly Anisoptera | other | June, July, August | Afternoon | #6-10 | Dragonfly Nymph #6-10, Woolly Bugger (Olive) #6-10 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | June, July | Morning | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18 |