Fishing Lyman Lake

AKA: Lyman Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lyman Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing License
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Lyman Lake, AZ

Popular Fish Species Lyman Lake, AZ

Lyman Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lyman Lake is a popular bass fishing lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Walleye Fishing

Lyman Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Arizona Game & Fish Department and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Lyman Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Lyman Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Lyman Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Lyman Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill and green sunfish at Lyman Lake in Arizona.

The largest of the lakes on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, Lyman Lake is a 1,500-acre reservoir, 15 miles north of Springerville, AZ. The lake has no limit on boat motors. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft are also excellent choices for fishing here. The southwest side of the lake has several roads leading to areas where anglers can fish from shore. Bass, catfish and walleye are the main attraction. The lake also offers sunfish and crappie fishing.

Primary fish species residing in Lyman Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lyman Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lyman Lake Boat Launch/Parking
A concrete boat ramp with paved parking and two docks is located Mid-lake on the south shore.