What You'll Find at Scotts Reservoir

Scotts Reservoir is a small impoundment in the White Mountains east of Pinetop-Lakeside, sitting at roughly 7,000 feet elevation where the ponderosa pine forest meets the high desert. The water runs cold year-round, fed by mountain runoff, and holds a mix of rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally brook trout depending on the stocking cycle. The reservoir itself is modest in size—roughly 50 acres when full—but deep enough in places to hold fish through the summer heat that drives them off shallower waters in the valley below.

Access is straightforward: the road in is passable most of the year, and there's a small parking area at the dam. The shoreline is mostly open, with scattered ponderosa and some brush, so you can move around without fighting thick vegetation. The dam face and the inlet creek are the two most productive zones, though the entire perimeter holds fish at different times of day and seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Scotts Reservoir holds rainbow and brown trout in cold mountain water at 7,000 feet, making it a reliable option when lower-elevation waters warm up.
  • The dam face and inlet creek are the most consistent producers, but the entire shoreline holds fish depending on time of day and season.
  • You need an Arizona fishing license and must follow statewide regulations; check current stocking reports through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website before you go.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons, but the reservoir fishes year-round; winter access depends on snow conditions on the access road.
  • Bring your own water and supplies—there are no facilities at the reservoir, and the nearest services are in Pinetop-Lakeside, about 15 minutes away.

When to Fish Scotts Reservoir

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable times. Water temperatures are moderate, trout are active throughout the day, and the weather is stable enough that you can spend a full day on the water without fighting extreme heat or cold. Spring runoff can muddy the water briefly, but once it clears—usually by late April—the fishing improves quickly.

Summer is fishable but requires patience. Trout move deeper and feed primarily in early morning and late evening. Midday can be slow, though overcast days and the inlet creek stay productive longer. Winter is possible if the access road is clear, and some anglers find good fishing on mild days, but snow can close the road for weeks at a time.

Tackle and Techniques That Work Here

Spin gear with small spoons (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) and spinners works well, especially around the dam face where deeper water holds larger fish. Cast parallel to the dam and work the lure down the slope. Panther Martins and Rooster Tails in silver or gold are reliable choices. If you prefer bait, small nightcrawlers under a split shot work, particularly near the inlet where current brings food to waiting trout.

Fly anglers do well with nymphs and small streamers. Pheasant Tail nymphs and Woolly Buggers in olive or black match the aquatic life in this water. Fish the inlet creek mouth and the deeper zones along the dam. A 9-foot 5-weight rod is adequate for the distance and wind you'll encounter. The water is clear, so use a longer leader (9 to 12 feet) and smaller flies than you might use on lower-elevation waters.

How to Reach Scotts Reservoir

From Pinetop-Lakeside, head east on Arizona Highway 260 toward Greer. After roughly 8 miles, turn north on Forest Road 113 (the sign is small but marked). Follow FR 113 for about 5 miles; the road is gravel but maintained. The parking area is at the end, right at the dam. In winter, check road conditions with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests office before you drive—snow can make FR 113 impassable for days or weeks.

Cell service is spotty to nonexistent at the reservoir, so plan your day before you leave town. The drive from Pinetop-Lakeside takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on road conditions.

Regulations and Licenses

You need a valid Arizona fishing license, available through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or at sporting goods stores in Pinetop-Lakeside. Daily bag limits and size restrictions follow statewide rules, which change periodically. Check the current regulations on the AGFD website or call their regional office before you go—regulations can differ for specific waters, and stocking patterns affect what fish are available.

The reservoir is open year-round, but access depends on road conditions. No motors are allowed, so this is a quiet-water fishery. Camping is not permitted at the reservoir itself, but dispersed camping is available on nearby Forest Service land; check with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests office for current rules.

What to Bring and What to Expect

There are no facilities at Scotts Reservoir—no restrooms, no water, no shade structures. Bring everything you need: water to drink, lunch, sunscreen, and a hat. The elevation means weather can change quickly, so pack a light jacket even on warm days. The wind can pick up in afternoon, especially in spring, so expect it and adjust your casting accordingly.

The reservoir is quiet and lightly fished compared to lower-elevation waters. You may have the place to yourself on weekdays, particularly in shoulder seasons. The scenery is the high-country ponderosa forest—tall trees, clean air, and the sound of water. It's a place to slow down and fish deliberately rather than cover a lot of ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fishing Scotts Reservoir and the lakes closer to Pinetop-Lakeside?

Scotts sits 1,000 feet higher and stays colder longer into summer, so trout remain active when lower-elevation waters warm up. It's smaller and less crowded, but also less developed—no boat ramp, no lodge, no services. If you want solitude and reliable cold-water fishing, Scotts works. If you want amenities, stick with the lakes in town.

Can I fish Scotts Reservoir in winter?

Yes, but only if the access road is passable. Snow closes Forest Road 113 regularly from December through February. Call the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests office or check their website before you drive. On clear winter days when the road is open, fishing can be good, but plan for short daylight hours and cold water.

Is there a boat launch at Scotts Reservoir?

No. The reservoir is for shore fishing and small hand-launched boats only. No motors are permitted. If you want to fish from a boat, you'll need to use one of the larger lakes near Pinetop-Lakeside.

What size trout should I expect to catch?

Most fish run 8 to 12 inches, with occasional fish to 15 inches. The reservoir doesn't produce trophy-sized trout, but the fishing is consistent and the fish are healthy. Stocking patterns change, so check the AGFD website for current information about what species and sizes were recently stocked.

Do I need a boat to fish Scotts Reservoir well?

No. The dam face and inlet creek are accessible from shore and hold most of the fish. Shore fishing is effective here, especially if you're willing to move around the perimeter and fish different zones throughout the day.