Fishing Ashurst Lake
AKA: Lake Ashurst
By Rick Seaman
Popular Fish Species Ashurst Lake, AZ
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout at Ashurst Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Arizona Game & Fish Department has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.
Brown Trout Fishing
Currently, fishing for brown trout in Ashurst Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Ashurst Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Ashurst Lake Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, channel catfish, bluegill and northern pike at Ashurst Lake in Arizona.
Located 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Ashurst Lake is a 230-acre lake offering a variety of species to anglers. This natural lake is ideal trout fishing water. The lake often has excessive northern pike which feed on trout. Anglers are requested to catch and remove large northern's to help protect the trout fishery. Camping at the lake is available for tents, RV's and motorhome's up to 35 feet. There is plenty of shoreline with easy access for bank fishing. Canoes, kayaks and small fishing boats provide access to all areas of the lake.
Trout fishing is particularly popular at Ashurst Lake, with both rainbow and brown trout being regularly stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Primary fish species residing in Ashurst Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Ashurst Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NEARBY
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Ashurst Lake Campgrounds
One primitive boat ramp is located mid-lake, on the west side of the lake. Other areas around the lake offer portage of canoes and kayaks from camping areas.
Fishing Guides On Ashurst Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Ashurst Lake Campground - 928 526-0866
Forked Pine Campground - 928 527-3600
Pine Grove Campground - 877 444-6777
Ashurst Lake AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Ashurst Lake
Coconino National Forest
928 527-3600
Rick Seaman is a bass fishing enthusiast with over five decades of bass fishing experience, a retired bass tournament fisherman and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing. It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it" .
Fishing lakes in each state.
021225
Ashurst Lake in Arizona.
ARIZONA
Information about camping and fishing lakes in AZ.
Ashurst offers catfish, sunfish, trout and northern pike fishing in Central AZ.
