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Big Lake is a reservoir in Arizona's White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains', with attractive size, recreational activities, and visitor amenities. As with most trout waters in Arizona, catch rates are best in spring, during late April and May after the winter ice thaws. Fishing gets even better later in the summer and into fall until the lake freezes over again in late November. Big Lake is in Apache County, Arizona, Apache County and is managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Big Lake is situated at 9,000 feet (2,700 m) in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains at the base of Mount Baldy (Arizona), Mount Baldy (11,409 ft) in the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests, Apache-Sitgreaves National forest. It is a large reservoir located in the subalpine grasslands and the petran subalpine forests of eastern Arizona about 20 miles from the New Mexico border. Big lake is part of the Salt River (Arizona), Salt River watershed and the reservoir was created by flooding a small tributary of the Black River (Arizona), Black river by the Big Lake dam. The lake is used as a retention basin for rain water and snow melt. There are also many other lakes and reservoirs in the area including Crescent Lake (Arizona), Crescent Lake, Reservation Lake, Hurricane Lake Lee Valley Lake, Sunrise Lake,River Reservoir, and Hawley Lake.
Near the West Fork Black River and Thompson trail #629 is the remnants of the Apache Railway. The railway spanned from Holbrook, Arizona, Holbrook near Interstate 40 and traveled south traveling through Snowflake, Arizona, Snowflake, Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, Pinetop-Lakeside and McNary, Arizona, McNary before reaching the logging camp at Maverick, Arizona, just south of Big Lake. Logging operations started in 1918 and in 1964 the White Mountain Scenic Railroad operated on the line. The scenic railroad ceased operations in 1976 and in 1982 the line from Maverick, Arizona, Maverick to McNary, Arizona, McNary was removed. Part of the railway is now the Railroad Grade Trail.
Just a few miles west of the lake is Fort Apache Indian Reservation and to the east, the round summit of Escudilla Mountain (10,916 ft) located within the Escudilla Wilderness along the New Mexico border. It is the 3rd highest mountain in the state and sits just north of Alpine, Arizona, Alpine. Escudilla Mountain, Escudilla was severely burned in the Wallow Fire and is left barren.
Surrounding the lake, the scars of the Wallow Fire can be seen. The massive wildfire started in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains near Alpine, Arizona, Alpine, Arizona on May 29, 2011 due to the mismanagement of a campfire. The communities of Alpine, Arizona, Alpine, Blue River, Arizona, Blue River, Greer, Arizona, Greer, Nutrioso, Arizona, Nutrioso, Sunrise Park Resort, Sunrise, Springerville, Arizona, Springerville, Eagar, Arizona, Eagar in Arizona, and Luna, New Mexico, Luna in New Mexico were evacuated. The fire jumped state lines and continued to grow till July 8 at 6 p.m., when it declared 100% contained. The fire destroyed 72 building and injured 16 Hotshot crew, wildland firefighters. It burned 522,642 acres (2,115 km2) in Arizona and 15,407 acres (62 km2) in New Mexico, becoming the largest wildfire in Arizona history surpassing the Rodeo-Chediski Fire which burned 468,638 acres along the Mogollon Rim in 2002.
There is a diverse abundance of flora, fauna, and funga around Big lake. Trees like Populus angustifolia, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Maple, Acer negundo, Boxelder, and Oak, can be found in the riparian habitats in the area Juniper, Pinus ponderosa, Pine, Aspen, Fir, and Spruce dot the surrounding landscape. Wildflowers and mushrooms can also be seen in many of the meadows around the lake.
Big Lake is a very important area for wildlife and the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the state. It is home to the Mexican wolf, Mexican Grey wolf and if you are lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse. As of early 2023, the population of Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolves was 241, with 136 wolves (40 packs) in New Mexico and 105 wolves (19 packs) in Arizona.
The area is also home to the elusive Apache trout. The state fish of Arizona, the Apache trout is one of two native trout species to the state, the other being the Gila trout. Historically found in nearly every body of water in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains, the trout was pushed to near extinction, today, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Game and Fish and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, White Mountain Apache Tribe have been working together to conserve and manage both the Apache trout and the Mexican wolf, Mexican Grey Wolf.
The White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains are one of the few places in Arizona where you can see the Bicellonycha wickershamorum, Southwestern spring firefly. This lightning bug is rare and is only found in a few locations in Pima County, Arizona, Pima, Cochise County, Arizona, Cochise, Graham County, Arizona, Graham, Greenlee County, Arizona, Greenlee, and Apache County, Arizona, Apache counties in south eastern Arizona. It can be found in riparian areas and meadows at an elevation of 4000-8500 feet. They become active from mid to late summer around the same time as Wet season, monsoon season and can be seen from dusk to dawn. The Bicellonycha wickershamorum, Southwest spring firefly is very vulnerable to light pollution, mining, and Pastoral farming, livestock grazing.
Before Territorial evolution of the United States, westward expansion and the intrusion of settlers, the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains were home to both Jaguar, Jaguars and Grizzly bear, Grizzly bears.In 1936 the last Grizzly bear in Arizona was killed on Escudilla Mountain just east of Big lake. Reintroduction of the species has been considered for this area of eastern Arizona but no action has been taken yet.
The last female Jaguar in Arizona was shot in 1963 near Mount Baldy (Arizona), Mount Baldy and 4 months later the last male in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains was killed. Today only one male Jaguar remains in Arizona that lives in the Sky island, Sky islands and Santa Rita Mountains in southeastern Arizona.
(Fish) Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Tiger trout, Cutthroat trout, Apache trout, Sonora sucker, Desert sucker, Roundtail chub, Speckled dace, Loach minnow
(Crustaceans and Mollusks) Faxonius virilis, Northern crawfish, Anodonta californiensis, California floater mussel, Three Forks springsnail, Three forks springsnail
(Bats) Big brown bat, Little brown bat, Canyon bat, Hoary bat, Pallid bat, Spotted bat, Allen's big-eared bat, Silver-haired bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, Western mastiff bat, Mexican free-tailed bat, Big free-tailed bat, Western small-footed bat, Long-legged bat, Yuma myotis, Arizona myotis, Cave myotis, California myotis, Southwestern myotis, Long-eared myotis, Fringed myotis
Indian Springs trail
near Big Lake
Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map
Arizona Fishing Locations Map
{{authority control White Mountains (Arizona) Lakes of Apache County, Arizona Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Lakes of Arizona
Description
Big Lake is , an average depth of 16 ft (4.9 m). The lake has 5 campgrounds, a general store, a marina, and 3 boat ramps. Motors are restricted to 10 hp or less. There are also boat rentals. The cold waters are home to many trout species including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Each year, the Department stocks an average of 480,000 fingerling (three inch) and 50,000 sub catchable (six inch) trout. Most of these are rainbows. Big Lake is south of Springerville and Eagar, Arizona, Eagar, accessed by paved road via Highways 260 and 261. Access to Big Lake is restricted in the winter when roads are closed due to snow, generally December to early April. Greer, Arizona, Greer is about 20 minutes north of Big Lake. Greer is in the valley of the Little Colorado River. Greer, Arizona, Greer is home to Sunrise Park Resort, Sunrise Ski Resort, the largest ski park in the state. The resort has 7 lifts that span over 3 mountains, Apache peak (11,100 ft), Cyclone Peak (10,700 ft), and Sunrise peak (10,700 ft).Geography
Big Lake is situated at 9,000 feet (2,700 m) in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains at the base of Mount Baldy (Arizona), Mount Baldy (11,409 ft) in the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests, Apache-Sitgreaves National forest. It is a large reservoir located in the subalpine grasslands and the petran subalpine forests of eastern Arizona about 20 miles from the New Mexico border. Big lake is part of the Salt River (Arizona), Salt River watershed and the reservoir was created by flooding a small tributary of the Black River (Arizona), Black river by the Big Lake dam. The lake is used as a retention basin for rain water and snow melt. There are also many other lakes and reservoirs in the area including Crescent Lake (Arizona), Crescent Lake, Reservation Lake, Hurricane Lake Lee Valley Lake, Sunrise Lake,River Reservoir, and Hawley Lake.
Near the West Fork Black River and Thompson trail #629 is the remnants of the Apache Railway. The railway spanned from Holbrook, Arizona, Holbrook near Interstate 40 and traveled south traveling through Snowflake, Arizona, Snowflake, Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, Pinetop-Lakeside and McNary, Arizona, McNary before reaching the logging camp at Maverick, Arizona, just south of Big Lake. Logging operations started in 1918 and in 1964 the White Mountain Scenic Railroad operated on the line. The scenic railroad ceased operations in 1976 and in 1982 the line from Maverick, Arizona, Maverick to McNary, Arizona, McNary was removed. Part of the railway is now the Railroad Grade Trail.
Just a few miles west of the lake is Fort Apache Indian Reservation and to the east, the round summit of Escudilla Mountain (10,916 ft) located within the Escudilla Wilderness along the New Mexico border. It is the 3rd highest mountain in the state and sits just north of Alpine, Arizona, Alpine. Escudilla Mountain, Escudilla was severely burned in the Wallow Fire and is left barren.
Surrounding the lake, the scars of the Wallow Fire can be seen. The massive wildfire started in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains near Alpine, Arizona, Alpine, Arizona on May 29, 2011 due to the mismanagement of a campfire. The communities of Alpine, Arizona, Alpine, Blue River, Arizona, Blue River, Greer, Arizona, Greer, Nutrioso, Arizona, Nutrioso, Sunrise Park Resort, Sunrise, Springerville, Arizona, Springerville, Eagar, Arizona, Eagar in Arizona, and Luna, New Mexico, Luna in New Mexico were evacuated. The fire jumped state lines and continued to grow till July 8 at 6 p.m., when it declared 100% contained. The fire destroyed 72 building and injured 16 Hotshot crew, wildland firefighters. It burned 522,642 acres (2,115 km2) in Arizona and 15,407 acres (62 km2) in New Mexico, becoming the largest wildfire in Arizona history surpassing the Rodeo-Chediski Fire which burned 468,638 acres along the Mogollon Rim in 2002.
Climate
Big Lake has a Humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification, Köppen Csa), due to its high elevation at 9,000 feet (2,700 m). Summer temperatures range from the mid 60s to high 70s but the area will occasionally reach temperatures around or higher. During the summer months, North American monsoon, monsoon storms develop daily in the late morning and early afternoon, bringing heavy rain, strong wind, thunder, lightning, and even hail. These thunderstorms help lower temperatures of the surrounding areas. In July, the average high temperature is with an average low temperature of and in January, the average high temperature is with an average low temperature of . Winters are harsh with nighttime lows in the negatives and daytime temps in the 30s. Winter storm, Snowstorms and Snow flurry, flurries are common during the winter months. Big Lake gets 174.5 inches (443.6 cm) of snowfall annually and accumulating snow can reach up to 8 feet. Ice forms on the lake in late November and doesn't thaw till early April. The White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains is one of the coldest and wettest places in the state. The official all-time record low in Arizona history was recorded at −40 °F/°C near Hawley Lake, Hawley lake on January 7, 1971. White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains also holds the record for most precipitation in a calendar year at 58.92 inches (1496.6 mm) On Monday, November 5, 2001, the Aurora, Northern Lights were visible from Greer, Arizona, Greer and other areas around the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains including Payson, Arizona, Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Arizona, Heber-Overgaard, Show Low, Arizona, Show Low, Eagar, Arizona, Eagar, Alpine, Arizona, Alpine, and McNary, Arizona, McNary. At 8:00-10:30 pm, the people of east central Arizona were treated to the natural light display due to extremely strong Solar flares that allowed the Aurora, Aurora Borealis to be seen this far south. The lights appeared a deep red and pink hue.Flora, fauna, and funga
There is a diverse abundance of flora, fauna, and funga around Big lake. Trees like Populus angustifolia, Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Maple, Acer negundo, Boxelder, and Oak, can be found in the riparian habitats in the area Juniper, Pinus ponderosa, Pine, Aspen, Fir, and Spruce dot the surrounding landscape. Wildflowers and mushrooms can also be seen in many of the meadows around the lake.
Big Lake is a very important area for wildlife and the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the state. It is home to the Mexican wolf, Mexican Grey wolf and if you are lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse. As of early 2023, the population of Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolves was 241, with 136 wolves (40 packs) in New Mexico and 105 wolves (19 packs) in Arizona.
The area is also home to the elusive Apache trout. The state fish of Arizona, the Apache trout is one of two native trout species to the state, the other being the Gila trout. Historically found in nearly every body of water in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains, the trout was pushed to near extinction, today, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Game and Fish and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, White Mountain Apache Tribe have been working together to conserve and manage both the Apache trout and the Mexican wolf, Mexican Grey Wolf.
The White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains are one of the few places in Arizona where you can see the Bicellonycha wickershamorum, Southwestern spring firefly. This lightning bug is rare and is only found in a few locations in Pima County, Arizona, Pima, Cochise County, Arizona, Cochise, Graham County, Arizona, Graham, Greenlee County, Arizona, Greenlee, and Apache County, Arizona, Apache counties in south eastern Arizona. It can be found in riparian areas and meadows at an elevation of 4000-8500 feet. They become active from mid to late summer around the same time as Wet season, monsoon season and can be seen from dusk to dawn. The Bicellonycha wickershamorum, Southwest spring firefly is very vulnerable to light pollution, mining, and Pastoral farming, livestock grazing.
Before Territorial evolution of the United States, westward expansion and the intrusion of settlers, the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains were home to both Jaguar, Jaguars and Grizzly bear, Grizzly bears.In 1936 the last Grizzly bear in Arizona was killed on Escudilla Mountain just east of Big lake. Reintroduction of the species has been considered for this area of eastern Arizona but no action has been taken yet.
The last female Jaguar in Arizona was shot in 1963 near Mount Baldy (Arizona), Mount Baldy and 4 months later the last male in the White Mountains (Arizona), White Mountains was killed. Today only one male Jaguar remains in Arizona that lives in the Sky island, Sky islands and Santa Rita Mountains in southeastern Arizona.
Aquatic Species
(Fish) Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Tiger trout, Cutthroat trout, Apache trout, Sonora sucker, Desert sucker, Roundtail chub, Speckled dace, Loach minnow
(Crustaceans and Mollusks) Faxonius virilis, Northern crawfish, Anodonta californiensis, California floater mussel, Three Forks springsnail, Three forks springsnail
Birds
(Landfowl) Wild turkey, Merriam's turkey, Dusky grouse, Gambel's quail, Gambles quail, Scaled quail, Montezuma quail, Mourning dove, White-winged dove, Band-tailed pigeon (Waterfowl) Great blue heron, Black-crowned night heron, Snowy egret, white-faced ibis, Killdeer, Killdeer plover, Canada goose, Mallard, Redhead (bird), Redhead, Bufflehead, Cinnamon teal, Green-winged teal, Gadwall, Northern pintail, American wigeon, Northern shoveler, Lesser scaup, Common goldeneye, pied-billed grebe, Black-necked grebe, eared grebe (Raptors) Bald eagle, Golden eagle, Osprey, Red-tailed hawk, Northern goshawk, Cooper's hawk, Coppers hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, Common black hawk, Swainson's hawk, Rough-legged buzzard, Rough-legged hawk, Zone-tailed hawk, Northern harrier, Peregrine falcon, Prairie falcon, Merlin (bird), Merlin, American kestrel, Great horned owl, Long-eared owl, Short-eared owl, Barn-owl, Barn owl, Western screech owl, Spotted owl, Mexican spotted owl, Northern pygmy owl, Flammulated owl, Northern saw-whet owl, Burrowing owl, Turkey vulture, Common raven, American crowMammals
(Hoofed) Elk, Mule deer, White-tailed deer, Peccary, Javelina, Bighorn sheep, Bighorn Sheep, Pronghorn, American bison, Bison, Wild horse, Wild Horses, and Cattle(Predatory) American black bear, Black bear, Cougar, Mountain lion, Bobcat, Mexican wolf, Mexican grey wolf, Coyote, Gray fox, Grey fox, Striped skunk, Western spotted skunk, Ringtail, Ringtail cat,Raccoon, Coatimundi, North American river otter, River otter, American badger, Black-footed ferret, Long-tailed weasel (Rodents) Beaver, Muskrat, Porcupine, Arizona gray squirrel, Red squirrel, Rock squirrel, Abert's squirrel, Gunnison's prairie dog, Botta's pocket gopher, Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Cliff chipmunk, Least chipmunk, Gray-collared chipmunk, Grey-collared chipmunk, White-throated woodrat, Mexican woodrat, Western deer mouse, Deer mouse, Pinyon mouse, House mouse, Western harvest mouse, Western jumping mouse, Northern grasshopper mouse, White-footed mouse, Southern red-backed vole, Montane vole, Mexican vole, Montane shrew, Merriam's shrew (Leporids) Mountain cottontail, Mountain cottontail rabbit, Eastern cottontail, Eastern cottontail rabbit, Black-tailed jackrabbit(Bats) Big brown bat, Little brown bat, Canyon bat, Hoary bat, Pallid bat, Spotted bat, Allen's big-eared bat, Silver-haired bat, Townsend's big-eared bat, Western mastiff bat, Mexican free-tailed bat, Big free-tailed bat, Western small-footed bat, Long-legged bat, Yuma myotis, Arizona myotis, Cave myotis, California myotis, Southwestern myotis, Long-eared myotis, Fringed myotis
Reptiles and Amphibians
(Snakes) Crotalus cerberus, Arizona black rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis, Prairie rattlesnake, Black-tailed rattlesnake, Lampropeltis pyromelana, Sonoran mountain kingsnake, Hypsiglena jani, Chihuahuan nightsnake, Pituophis catenifer affinis, Sonoran gophersnake, Western terrestrial garter snake, Terrestrial gartersnake, Narrow-headed garter snake, Narrow-headed gartersnake (Lizards) Common collared lizard, Eastern collared lizard, Greater short-horned lizard, Southwestern fence lizard, Plateau fence lizard, Urosaurus ornatus, Ornate tree lizard, Plestiodon multivirgatus, Many-lined skink, Plateau striped whiptail, Plateau stripped whiptail (Turtles) Painted turtle, Western painted turtle (Amphibians) Canyon tree frog, Wright's mountain tree frog, Arizona tree frog, Western chorus frog, Chiricahua leopard frog, Northern leopard frog, Arizona toad, New Mexico spadefoot toad, Mexican spadefoot, Barred tiger salamanderNearest cities and towns
* Greer, Arizona, Greer * Alpine, Arizona, Alpine * Eagar, Arizona, Eagar * Springerville, Arizona, Springerville * Nutrioso, Arizona, Nutrioso * Vernon, Arizona, Vernon * McNary, Arizona, McNary * Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, Pinetop-Lakeside * Whiteriver, Arizona, Whiteriver * Show Low, Arizona, Show lowReferences
*External links
*Indian Springs trail
near Big Lake
Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map
Arizona Fishing Locations Map
{{authority control White Mountains (Arizona) Lakes of Apache County, Arizona Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Lakes of Arizona