![[photo] Knoll Lake - Click for Larger view](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5305501.jpg)
If the fish aren’t biting in one of these lakes, you can always try another. Not only will you be helping your chances by changing location, but each of these bodies of water is known for producing a different species of fish. The three shallow lakes in this group serve forest visitors as places to set up a primitive camp and go fishing. Soldier Lake provides good fishing for bass and catfish. Soldier Annex Lake is better known for its catfish, although blue gill can also be caught here. Long Lake is the only one of the three that is stocked with trout but is also good for walleye and catfish.
Many forest visitors come here to set up primitive camps and enjoy other forest activities besides fishing, such as off highway vehicle riding and wildlife watching. The lakes are located in an area of open grasslands dotted with pinyon and juniper trees.
Campground Season: There are no developed campgrounds at these lakes. The nearest developed campground is Blue Ridge Campground which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Attractions: Boating/canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching
Facilities: Valut-type toilets and two boat ramps at Long Lake.
Helpful Links from the Arizona Game & Fish Department:
- Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities – the official Arizona boating handbook
- Vessel and Engine Restrictions in Arizona
Directions
Location: 68 miles south of Flagstaff on paved and graded forest roads suitable for passenger vehicles in dry weather. We recommend high clearance vehicles due to rutted and rocky roads. When the road is wet, the clay becomes slick and slimey.
GPS (shore of Long Lake, Map): 34°47’18.1″N 111°12’59.8″W
Access: Drive 48 miles south of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn east (left) on FR 211. Follow FR 211 about 8 miles to FR 82 then turn left (north) 12 miles to Long Lake. Or from Phoenix going north on Hwy 87, turn west (left) on FR 211 about a quarter mile north of the Blue Ridge office (about milepost 300). Turn right about 3.5 miles at the FR 82 intersection and then 12 miles to the lake.
Click map image for PRINTABLE view.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 34° 47′ 18.0528″ N
Longitude 111° 12′ 59.8104″ W