“Big Lake” is an ironic name, kinda like when you were in high school and you’d nickname the big kid “Tiny”. It’s really not that big – only 680 Acres according to Wikipedia. But it is a very popular destination for many Valley / Southern Arizonans who don’t mind making the 4 to 5 hour drive to escape the heat in the summertime.
The lake is inaccessible / closed usually from October until the first week of May due to its 9,000ft altitude and the propensity for snow to close access roads. It’s altitude however also makes it the perfect place to cool off in the summer with temperatures typically 25° to 30° lower than the valley. In early season, keep in mind the temperature variance and make sure for example if the daytime highs are in the 50’s at the lake, it could be freezing overnight – even in May. Mid-summer weather is warm but monsoonal – so although temperatures are reasonable, there’s a high probability it will rain in the afternoon.
Fishing for trout at Big Lake is a popular pastime. Stocked trout are fun to catch from the shore on spinners, flies, Powerbait, worms etc… but if the weather is good, you may need to walk a bit to get away from the crowded areas. If you’re bottom fishing (vs bobber fishing), you’ll need to work around the crawdad population / frequently re-bait your hooks. On occasion you’ll see folks throwing baskets to catch crawdads with some level of success. It’s not New Orleans but it is possible to catch enough for a crawfish broil. If you plan to fish, don’t forget to get your fishing license from www.azgfd.gov.
In the summer you can rent boats from the store, or you can of course bring your own boat. There’s a 10HP motor limit and you really need to pay attention to the wind which can get high in the afternoon. Boat fishermen usually troll with a “cowbell” rig that looks like it would never catch a fish, but with a Panther Martin or a worm on the end, it’s probably the most effective method.
Big Lake is home to some Ospreys and it’s common to see them diving to take fish. This is fun for the average person but if you’re a wildlife photographer, it’s a great opportunity to catch a frame-worthy moment. The local elk population offer more photo opportunities and it’s common to see groups of up to a dozen elk grazing in the woods and open grassy areas.
Camping at Big Lake ranges from open / country backwoods to RV sites with water and electricity. RV campsites are usually close to a restroom and these restrooms are well maintained. The restrooms around the lake / not on campsites tend to be a tad more rustic.
If you’ve never been to Big Lake, you should go! It’s a remote, high altitude lake that is guaranteed to take your mind off the big city and your stressful job. Speaking of which – cell phone service can be a bit of challenge so make sure to set your out-of-office message.
