Rose Canyon Lake - Tucson, AZ

Fish Spot Details
Surface Area: | 7 acres |
Maximum Depth: | 45+ ft. |
Elevation: | 7000 ft. |
Fish Species: | Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout |
Rose Canyon Lake is a 7-acre trout fishery located on Mount Lemmon at nearly 7,000 feet elevation, just northeast of Tucson. Stocked regularly with rainbow trout from spring through fall, it provides one of the closest high-elevation fishing escapes for residents of southern Arizona.
Accessible by road and surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, the lake offers productive shoreline fishing using PowerBait, worms, spinners, or flies. Fly anglers do well with beadhead nymphs, woolly buggers, and dry flies during the evening hatch. Boating is not permitted, but a trail encircles the lake and provides access to multiple fishing points.
Rose Canyon Lake lies within a developed campground that features tent sites, picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. Day-use and overnight visitors alike enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures and peaceful setting. Fishing is best from April through October, while the lake is generally closed or inaccessible in winter due to snow.
AZGFD trout regulations apply, with a six-fish daily limit. Anglers should come prepared for afternoon monsoon storms in July and August, and for crowds on weekends due to the lake’s popularity.
With its cool climate, scenic setting, and reliable trout stocking, Rose Canyon Lake is a convenient and attractive destination for Tucson-area anglers seeking a mountain fishing retreat.
Accessible by road and surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, the lake offers productive shoreline fishing using PowerBait, worms, spinners, or flies. Fly anglers do well with beadhead nymphs, woolly buggers, and dry flies during the evening hatch. Boating is not permitted, but a trail encircles the lake and provides access to multiple fishing points.
Rose Canyon Lake lies within a developed campground that features tent sites, picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. Day-use and overnight visitors alike enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures and peaceful setting. Fishing is best from April through October, while the lake is generally closed or inaccessible in winter due to snow.
AZGFD trout regulations apply, with a six-fish daily limit. Anglers should come prepared for afternoon monsoon storms in July and August, and for crowds on weekends due to the lake’s popularity.
With its cool climate, scenic setting, and reliable trout stocking, Rose Canyon Lake is a convenient and attractive destination for Tucson-area anglers seeking a mountain fishing retreat.
Latest Fish Reports
Date | Report | Author |
6-30-2024 | June Stock Updates Rose Canyon and Riggs Flat lakes both have been stocked with... more » |
Arizona Game & Fish Department |
11-24-2023 | Rose Canyon Lake restrictions on swimming and boating extended for two more years The Coronado National Forest has extended the existing... more » |
Arizona Game & Fish Department |
10-19-2022 | Rose Canyon Report At Rose Canyon Lake, Magnum S. caught some nice... more » |
Arizona Game & Fish Department |
11-17-2016 | Rose Canyon Lake Fishing Report The season is winding down at this lake.... more » |
Arizona Game & Fish Department |
11-10-2016 | Rose Canyon Lake Fishing Report The season is winding down at this lake.... more » |
Arizona Game & Fish Department |

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