Riggs Flat Lake - AZ,

Riggs Flat Lake, nestled near the summit of Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, is an 11-acre alpine lake at 8,600 feet elevation. Stocked regularly with rainbow trout and occasionally supporting brown trout, it’s one of Arizona’s premier high-elevation trout fisheries and is open seasonally from late spring through early fall.

Accessed via a rugged forest road from Safford, the lake offers a secluded and scenic retreat for trout anglers. Fishing from shore, float tubes, or non-motorized boats is common, with no gas motors allowed. PowerBait, worms, and spinners are effective for stocked rainbows, while brown trout respond to streamers and nightcrawlers. Fly fishing is productive along the shoreline and inlets.

Surrounded by conifers and aspens, Riggs Flat is ideal for camping, wildlife viewing, and quiet recreation. Facilities are limited to primitive campsites, pit toilets, and picnic tables. Weather can be unpredictable due to the elevation, and anglers should come prepared for changing conditions.

AZGFD regulations apply, with standard bag limits and seasonal stocking. Anglers should check current access and fire restrictions before visiting.

For those seeking a high-country trout fishing experience in solitude and cool mountain air, Riggs Flat Lake is a rewarding destination well worth the effort to reach.