What You'll Find at Show Low Lake

Show Low Lake is a 250-acre reservoir sitting at 7,400 feet in the White Mountains, about 15 minutes south of Pinetop-Lakeside. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike—a mix that makes it different from the smaller mountain ponds nearby. The water stays cool year-round because of the elevation, and the shoreline is mostly undeveloped forest, so the setting feels remote even though the town is close.

The lake is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and is open to the public. There is a developed boat launch on the north shore with parking, restrooms, and a small day-use fee. Bank fishing is possible in several spots, though the best access is from the launch area or from a boat. The lake does not have a marina, rental boats, or lodging on-site, so plan accordingly if you're coming from Pinetop.

Key Takeaways

  • Show Low Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and northern pike at 7,400 feet elevation in the White Mountains.
  • The lake is open year-round with a developed boat launch on the north shore; a day-use fee applies and there is no boat rental on-site.
  • Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for bass; summer afternoons can be slow, and winter requires ice-fishing gear when the lake freezes.
  • Catfish bite best at night from May through September; pike are present but less predictable than bass or catfish.
  • The nearest lodging and services are in Pinetop-Lakeside, about 15 minutes north; bring your own boat or fish from shore.

Bass Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak

Largemouth bass are the most common target at Show Low Lake, and they respond well to the seasonal swings of the high desert. Spring (March through May) is the strongest season—water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the rocky points on the north and east shores with crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits in the early morning and late afternoon. Midday can be slow even in spring, so plan your trip around dawn and dusk.

Smallmouth bass are also present and often outnumber largemouths in the deeper structure. They prefer rocky habitat and cooler water, so they stay active longer into summer than largemouths do. Fish drop-offs and rocky ledges 15 to 25 feet deep with small jigs and tubes. Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite as water cools again and bass feed heavily before winter. The same shallow-water tactics that work in spring apply in fall, though the water is clearer and fish may be more cautious.

Summer (June through August) can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is often slow. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade. If you fish midday, focus on the deepest parts of the lake and use live bait or slow-moving presentations. Evening fishing from sunset through dark is often more reliable than the afternoon.

Catfish and Night Fishing

Channel catfish in Show Low Lake are most active from May through September, and they bite best after dark. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges with cut bait—mackerel, herring, or chicken liver work well. Set up before sunset, cast out, and wait. Catfish are not selective, so simple rod-and-reel setups with basic sinkers and circle hooks are effective. Many anglers fish two rods (check Arizona regulations for your license type) and settle in for the evening.

Night fishing at Show Low Lake is safe and straightforward. The lake is small enough that you can fish from shore without getting lost, and the boat launch area has lights. If you bring a boat, use navigation lights and stay aware of the shoreline. Catfish fishing is social—many anglers fish the same spots on summer nights, and the community is friendly. Bring a headlamp, bug spray, and a chair; plan to stay until midnight or later for the best bite.

Northern Pike: Unpredictable but Present

Show Low Lake has a northern pike population, but pike are less predictable here than bass or catfish. Pike prefer colder water and are most active in spring and fall, similar to smallmouth bass. Fish large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures along the weed edges and rocky structure. Pike are aggressive hunters, so don't be afraid to use bright colors and loud presentations.

Pike fishing at Show Low Lake is often a bonus rather than a primary target. If you're fishing for bass and see pike activity, switch to pike-sized lures and work the same structure. Pike can grow large in high-elevation reservoirs, so a 20-inch pike is not uncommon. However, pike bites are sporadic, and you may fish all day without seeing one. Treat pike as an opportunity rather than a may provide.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Temperature

Show Low Lake's elevation means water temperature drives the bite more than calendar dates. In winter (December through February), the lake often freezes over, making boat fishing impossible. Ice fishing is possible when the ice is thick enough, but most anglers avoid the lake during this period. Spring ice-out typically occurs in March, though the exact timing varies year to year.

Summer water temperatures can reach the low 70s, which is warm for a high-elevation lake but still cool enough for bass and pike to remain active. The lake does not experience the extreme heat stress of lower-elevation reservoirs. Fall cooling begins in September, and by November water temperatures are back in the 50s. This seasonal rhythm is predictable, so plan your trip around the season that matches your target species.

Boat Launch, Access, and Facilities

The Show Low Lake boat launch is on the north shore and is the primary access point for anglers. The launch has a paved ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and restrooms. A day-use fee is required; check with Arizona Game and Fish for current rates. The launch is open during daylight hours, though night fishing is permitted—just plan your exit before the gate closes.

Bank fishing is possible in several spots around the lake, but access is limited compared to the boat launch area. The shoreline is mostly private property or undeveloped forest, so stick to public areas. The boat launch area is the safest and most reliable place to fish from shore. There is no fuel, food, or lodging at the lake itself, so bring everything you need or plan to return to Pinetop-Lakeside for supplies.

Getting There from Pinetop-Lakeside

Show Low Lake is about 15 minutes south of Pinetop-Lakeside via Arizona State Route 260. From the center of Pinetop, take AZ-260 south toward Show Low town. The lake turnoff is well-marked, and the road to the launch is paved and easy to navigate. The drive is straightforward, and you can be on the water within 20 minutes of leaving your lodging in Pinetop.

Pinetop-Lakeside has all the services you'll need: gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and lodging. Stock up on supplies before heading to Show Low Lake, especially if you're planning an evening or night fishing trip. The lake itself has no services, so self-sufficiency is important. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and any tackle or bait you might need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Show Low Lake in winter?

The lake often freezes over from December through February, making boat fishing impossible. Ice fishing is possible when ice is thick enough, but most anglers avoid the lake during winter. Spring ice-out typically occurs in March, though timing varies year to year.

Do I need a boat to fish Show Low Lake?

A boat is helpful but not required. Bank fishing is possible from the boat launch area and a few other spots, though access is limited. A boat gives you access to deeper structure and more shoreline, making it the better option if you have one available.

What is the best time to fish for bass at Show Low Lake?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most reliable seasons. Water temperatures in these periods trigger feeding activity. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday is often slow.

Is there a marina or boat rental at Show Low Lake?

No. There is a boat launch with parking and restrooms, but no marina, fuel, or rental boats. Bring your own boat or plan to fish from shore. The nearest services are in Pinetop-Lakeside, about 15 minutes north.

What should I bring for night catfish fishing?

Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug spray, a comfortable chair, cut bait (mackerel or herring), basic catfish rigs with circle hooks, and patience. Plan to stay until midnight or later. The boat launch area has lights, so shore fishing at night is safe and straightforward.