A large area of where the White Mountains cabins are located form part of the Fort Apache Reservation, and this community can be an inviting vacation spot for any lover of the outdoors. In the summer, you can camp at designated sites that have trailer parking, fireplaces, launching areas for your boat, and tables, among others. You can also hunt for elks, play golf, or hike its many trails.
If you happen to visit in the winter, you can practice your iron cross and herringbone techniques at the nearby Sunrise Ski Resort or snowboard down its slopes. Anglers can also find a happy place within this section of the Arizona desert because its lakes, creeks, and streams are teeming with fishes. Depending on the location, you can stay by the shore to cast your line or launch a boat into the deeper parts of the water.
Before Heading Out
If you are at least 14 years of age, you would need to secure a fishing license as required by the state regulations. Some areas like in the Hawley Lake, a daily permit must be carried. For your convenience, sporting goods stores can arrange for these licenses for you. Since many of the waters are situated at the Apache National Forest, you would also need to comply with both the regulations established by the Arizona Game and Fish Department as well as by the Apache Tribe. These may include the size of motor boats you can use and the kind of pole attachments, if applicable. In most of the mountain streams like the Reservation Creek, Boneyard Creek, and Grant Creek, and even the lakes like the Lee Valley, you only use artificial lures because live baits are not allowed. There may also be catch and release rules and bag limits that you have to be mindful of before you start your day.
Best Waters to Fish
With the good number of lakes and streams, the White Mountains vacation homes should be near a few. Brown trout, Sunfish, Rainbow Trout, and Catfish are the species mostly biting at the Tunnel Reservoir, Sierra Blanca Lake, Blue River, KP Creek, and Silver Creek. The Black and Little Colorado rivers can surprise you with a Native or Brook trout, and a Smallmouth Bass. The Largemouth Bass, on the other hand, can be found at Whipple Lake, Scott's Reservoir, and Woodland Lake. The fairly lenient Lyman Reservoir might yield a Walleye or Crappie for you, while the woodsy Ackre Lake might produce some Grayling. Hooking in that slippery lunker may, however, need a little patience.
Restocking Your Supplies
Many tackle and bait shops are also authorized to issue fishing licenses so you can pick up all your angling needs in one place. Check out Hon Dah Ski and Outdoor Sport, Fred's Lake Fishing, and White Mountain Bait and Tackle for not only the gear and boat rentals, but for advice on how to reel in the bigger catch.
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