City Reservoir - Williams, AZ

City Reservoir, a 20-acre lake located just outside Williams, AZ, is a convenient and productive fishery at 7,000 feet elevation. Regularly stocked with rainbow trout in spring and early summer, the reservoir also supports channel catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Spring and fall are the best times for trout fishing. Anglers find success with PowerBait, worms, and small spinners near the shoreline and dam. Fly anglers do well with midges, buggers, and dry flies during calm conditions. As the weather warms, channel catfish become active, particularly in the evening. Baits like chicken liver and stink bait draw strikes from fish often exceeding three pounds. Bass and sunfish offer bonus action in summer, particularly around weed edges and shallow coves. City Reservoir is highly accessible, with paved access, flat banks, and nearby amenities including restrooms and picnic tables. It is ideal for families, casual anglers, and visitors exploring Route 66 or en route to the Grand Canyon. While not a trophy destination, City Reservoir offers consistently good seasonal fishing in a quiet, scenic pine forest environment. Its manageable size, reliable stocking, and ease of access make it one of the best quick-stop lakes in northern Arizona for both bait and fly anglers.