Coronado National Forest

Frye Mesa Reservoir

When high-elevation Riggs Flat Lake atop the Pinaleños is snowed in and covered with ice, trout anglers who come to the Safford District can still find a place to fish at Frye Mesa Reservoir.  Lower winter temperatures and longer winter nights cool the waters of this small body of water surrounded by Sonoran Desert sufficiently, so that the Arizona Game and Fish Department can stock it with rainbow trout.

About a half-mile beyond the reservoir, at the end of FR 103, the Frye Canyon Trail #36 heads out toward the upper slopes of the mountain.  If the fish   aren’t biting, you can always take a hike.

Location:  Southeast of Thatcher.

Access:  Drive northwest from Safford to Thatcher on U.S. Hwy 70. Turn left, (south) on Stadium Street and follow it to Forest Road 103.  Drive about 10 miles on FR 103 to Frye Mesa Reservoir.  This road is very rough in spots and requires a high clearance type 2-wheel drive vehicle.

Elevation:  5,000'

Attractions:
Wintertime fishing
Stocked with rainbow trout (December-February)
Scenic desert setting
Riparian vegetation

Facilities:
None

Notes:

• A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp (available at outdoor stores around    

           the state) is required for all anglers 14 years of age and older.

• Six trout is the daily bag limit and the possession limit.
• Using live bait fish is prohibited.
• During summer, the water becomes too warm for trout.

If you were at our office, you could pick up our fishing handout, so why not take a look at it now:  Fishing in the Pinaleño Mountains.  (2.01 MB)

For further information contact:  Safford Ranger District.