Apache Lake - Tortilla Flat, AZ


Fish Spot Details

Surface Area:2568 acres
Shoreline:41.5 miles
Maximum Depth:264 ft.
Capacity:254138 acre ft.
Elevation:1900 ft.
Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, Green Sunfish, White Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Yellow Bass
Apache Lake is a 17-mile reservoir located along Arizona’s Salt River chain, between Canyon and Roosevelt Lakes. Renowned for its canyon setting and multispecies fishery, Apache offers excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, and trout.

Largemouth bass are abundant and respond well to plastics, crankbaits, and jigs, especially in spring during the spawn. Smallmouth bass frequent rocky points and drop-offs and provide exciting action on light gear. Yellow bass are readily caught on spoons and small grubs, particularly in deeper water.

The lake also supports good catfish fishing, with channels and flatheads active at night. Trout are stocked in winter near the marina and are best targeted with PowerBait, worms, or spinners.

Boating is essential for covering water, though limited bank access exists near campsites and the marina. Apache’s remote setting, crystal-clear water, and dramatic scenery make it ideal for anglers seeking a less-pressured alternative to neighboring lakes.

Access is via the Apache Trail (Route 88), which includes unpaved and narrow stretches. While travel requires caution, the payoff is some of Arizona’s most scenic and productive fishing.



Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
8-30-2024 Apache Lake Report
At Apache Lake, pro angler Gary Senft fished 5150s and... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
3-31-2024 Apache Lake Report
At Apache Lake this past weekend, angler Bryce B. reported... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
6-3-2022 AZGFD partners with Iowa DNR to stock more than 1.5 million walleye sac fry at Apache, Canyon lakes
Fishing for walleye is a unique opportunity in... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
1-10-2017 Apache Lake Fishing Report
There is a good smallmouth bass bite. Anglers... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
12-16-2016 Apache Lake Fishing Report
There is a good smallmouth bass bite. Anglers... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department


Detailed Map