Fishing Seneca Lake, Arizona: 4 Reasons Why

Directions to Seneca Lake?

Looking for a fantastic place to go fishing in Arizona? You can find catfish, bass, crappie, and trout at Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is located in Gila County Arizona on the highway between Globe and Show Low.

Let’s start with the GPS Coordinates. They are: N33° 45′ 51.7″ W110° 31′ 07.8″ or 33.7622729°N, -110.511773°W

From Globe, AZ, you will need to head north on US 60 or AZ State Route 77 to Show Low.

If you’re coming down from Show Low heading to Globe. Once you leave the Salt River Canyon, it’s about 6 miles from there to Seneca Lake. When you arrive you’ll see the abandoned gas station and a few abandoned buildings to your west. That’s the Seneca Lake Recreation Area.

The elevation in the area is at 4,787 feet. During winter, the lake will freeze over and it can be hot in the summer.

Seneca Lake Recreation Opportunities

If you like to explore, camp, and FISH! This is a great place to go. Seneka Lake is managed as both a cool-water and warm-water fishery. The reservoir offers warm and cold water fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, sunfish, bass, and catfish. There’s a boat launch and fishing piers.

In addition to fishing, Seneca Lake has several camping spots available as well. Keep in mind, that you will need tribal permits to use the recreation area. You can stay in touch with news and updates on the Seneca Lake Recreation Area Facebook page.

Permits

This is tribal land. You need a tribal permit to access them. One-day permits are good for 24 hours, from midnight to midnight. You can get permits at the Express Fuels store in Globe. It’s located just before the intersection of Hwy60/77 as you’re leaving Globe heading to Show Low.

• Check for the latest permit costs at the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department
• Permit required for fishing, hunting, or special use.
• Family permits include parents and children 18 and under.
• Visitors to the Black and Salt Rivers or Bear Wallow Creek must have a special permit.
• permit is needed for driving through on US 60, US 70, Road 800 to San Carlos, or Road 500 to Coolidge Dam.
• Black and Salt River permit may be used for fishing in those rivers or Bear Wallow Creek; special permit fees per day for ages 12 and up.
• Boat permits are issued on a daily or per calendar year basis; a combined fishing and boat permit can be purchased for a full calendar year.
• Water-skiing/personal watercraft permits are also available for annual access; free if under age 12 with a permit-holding adult.

For More Info

San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department, PO Box 97, San Carlos, AZ 85550 (928) 475-2343

Reason #1: About The Seneca Lake Recreation Area

I haven’t been to Seneca in a long while, but years ago this was a fantastic fishing hole in any season. Bass and catfish in the spring and summer, and fantastic rainbow & brown trout fishing in the late fall and winter before the lake freezes over. I would make 3-4 trips a year up to Seneca to fish every year. More recently though, I am lucky to fish it once a year and the lake has changed. The San Carlos tribe appears not to be as active as they used to be in maintaining the lake.

There is a floating dock that used to be anchored on the east end of the lake, and we noticed on our last trip to Seneca, that it’s “gotten loose” and drifted over to the northwest side of the lake a few feet off the bank.

The banks are overgrown with brush and overhanging tree limbs are making it difficult to find good spots on the bank to cast and fish. This also includes the boat ramp area. It may be somewhat hard to set your boat in the water these days. You will need to clear an area out with a small folding saw, or chop some branches out of the way with a machete to fish. Be careful with that since the tribe may have regulations about that.

Lastly, there is a public restroom there that I’ve never used. I don’t know what condition it’s in, so you’re on your own if you need it. As always, don’t forget to pack along some toilet paper when you go…

Regardless of the recent neglect, wait.., rather than use the word “neglect” it’s more like the area is “re-wilding.” I.e.: reverting back from its previous development. Regardless, Seneca is still a great place to fish. You’re just going to have to work harder to hook some fish.

I don’t think the daily limit has changed much over the years. Your limits are 10 Trout, 10 Bass, 15 crappies, 25 catfish, 25 blue-gill, 25 red-eared sunfish, and unlimited carp. That is a heck of a lot of fish if you can limit out on 2 or 3 species in a day. However.., limits can change & you should always stay up on the current Hunt and Fish Regulations for the Tribe.

This is an awesome place to spend the day or the weekend. Just about every time we come here, my fishing buds and I have the lake to ourselves. It’s nice, it’s quiet and peaceful. I would like to add a little warning here. I’ve read a few posts where this place has bear problems. I personally have not experienced any trouble with wildlife there, but it’s best to be prudent when you’re out there. Outdoor cooking smells can draw in an unwelcome visitor. So be careful, listen, and keep your head on a swivel.

I’ve also seen a few FB posts talking about “gang activity” there as well. For sure there is a lot of graffiti in and on the buildings, but this is a long way to go for a gang to just hang out. I think the posts about gang activity there is a bunch of nonsense and I have never had any trouble there in any way, animal or human.

As for being safe, since Seneca Lake is a bit isolated and you’re about an hour in either direction for help, do yourself a favor and pack a decent first aid kit, and a change of clothes in case you get wet or the temperature suddenly drops. Bring a jacket and a firearm. I keep mine in my truck when I’m out there, but I’m also fishing about 15 feet away from my truck just in case I need quick access to my shooting irons.

For you good folks in the Tucson area. You can fish a bit closer to home. Check out my Silverbell Lake article.

My favorite time to fish Seneca Lake has been and will be early winter before it snows and the lake freezes over. The tribe will stock it with Brown and Rainbow trout and if there is one thing I love, it’s trout fishing with ultra-lite tackle. Let’s jump into that first.

Reason #2: Trout Fishing Seneca Lake.

It’s easy to limit out on trout here at Seneca Lake. Try fishing with an ultra-lite spinning rig like Lew’s Laser Lite Speed Spinning Combo. Both of my ultra-lite combos are strung with either 4 lb or 6 lb Spiderwire Fluorocarbon EZ Fishing Line. Another great ultralight rod and reel combo is the Zebco 33 Cork Reel and Fishing Rod Combo. It’s cheap, catches fish, and is a great “loaner” rod and reel for when you bring a buddy along.

Next are my Trout sinkers. I like to use both 3.5g and 5.0g size bullet weights. And lastly, you will need is some trout hooks. My hook of choice during Trout season is the Eagle Claw 038A-12 Classic Hook. These are available in a pack as snelled hooks or buy a box of them. Another awesome hook option is the Eagle Claw 376A-12 Classic Treble hooks. With these four things and a mix of Berkley Powerbaits, you’re all set to catch trout not only here at Seneca Lake, but all over the great State of Arizona

Click my Trout Fishing in Arizona link to learn more

The Basic Trout Rig.

Let us move on to my basic Trout Powerbait rig. You’ll recognize this as a Carolina Rig. This is a very simple and effective rig.

Step one is to thread the line through the bullet sinker. Why use a bullet sinker? The line will slide through and offer less resistance as the fish mouths the bait. If you don’t know, Powerbait is a FLOATING bait. You’ll want your bait to be able to “move” as needed and not be stopped by the weight.

Step two is adding a “stopper”. This helps keep the sinker from hitting your hook or swivel. It helps protect the knot. This is optional. Honestly, I don’t use the stops at all. It has no effect on catching Trout in my opinion.

Step three is to attach the hook.

Step four is to take a pinch of powerbait and work it so that it covers the hook in a ball. I use just enough to make a 1/4′ or 3/8″ diameter dough ball. My balls (you can stop giggling now!) have just enough powerbait so to cover up the hook. Most stocked trout are skillet sized. 8 to 10 inches. A small ball of dough is all it takes. You want the trout to inhale it.

Step five and the last step before casting is to add your bobber. Bobbers are optional boys and girls. If they are tapping your line, you’ll see the end of your rod tremble/vibrate. Plus, if it is a windy day and your rod tip is going ballistic, then roll with a bobber. It’s up to you.

Before casting your line out, dunk your power bait in the water and wet it. Wait about a minute before casting. This allows the water can saturate the bait. Powerbait becomes darned near impossible to come off that hook in flight this way. Trust me! Now go ahead and cast it out. Let your bait settle, reel in the slack line, and wait & watch for the hit!

Trout Bait.

I always have great success using Berkley Powerbaits. I recommend having several colors on hand. The colors I catch the most trout with are White, Corn Yellow, Yellow, Chartreuse, Spring Green, Red\White\Blue, Florescent Red, and Bubblegum. Of these colors, it’s the White, & Corn Yellow that reign supreme in my humble opinion. They are always my first choice on the urban lakes every time I toss in a hook with powerbaits. There are more colors that work equally as well, so be flexible with your powerbait inventory as you never know what color the trout hit.

Now there are times you won’t be able to find powerbait in your store or area. Don’t worry! Go to the closest grocery store and buy a bag of small pastel-colored marshmallows. These are fantastic trout bait but will dissolve in the water in about 10-15 minutes whereas powerbait will stay on the hook 45 minutes to an hour or longer. The bag of marshmallows will cost you about $1.00 and some change. It’s one of the cheapest baits you can get. And wait… There’s more good news. If you’re hungry, now you got some marshmallows to munch on right?

I recommend your basic power bait stash should include white & yellows, red & pinks, and greens. Berkley makes a lot of colors and color mixes..

Trout Lures.

Another tool in my fishing inventory is this guy to the left. I’ll call this guy my little white Rapala lure. This little 2-inch fella was given to me years ago and it’s always a favorite of mine to fish in trout season. If you happen to be in a store and see one, be sure to buy an extra one or two. Even better is getting your mitts on a Rapala Husky Jerk 06 Glass Minnow (model number HJ06). Watch the top water and when you see the trout hitting bugs on the water, toss this lure out where the fish slap the water getting at the bugs.

Give the reel handle a couple of turns and they’ll hit this lure. I’ve caught several trout with this ‘lil guy. Keep in mind, just about any small 1.5-2in white (or silver) shallow shad lure should do you well out here.

Here is a suggestion. Having bought a 50-count box or two of these uber-super sharp red hooks in various sizes. I have replaced the factory hooks on most of my trout lures. These hooks are flipping sharp and mucho superior to the original hooks. has it helped attract more fish into striking my lures or helped me catch more fish? Who knows, but it does give me a confidence boost in my gear. One thing is for sure, a sharp hook is easier to set.

And let’s not forget Arizona’s own… The AWESOME Z-Ray lure. I grew up using Z_rays like I’m sure many of you have. These spoons are great for trout. The company went out of business and lucky for us, it’s come back and is being produced in Chandler Arizona. You can pick from 5 different sizes ranging from 1/16 oz to 5/8 oz and in 8 different colors.

There are lots of vintage colors available, but you’ll have to hunt for them online or in yard sales.  My favorites are the trout colors.

Reason #3: Catfishing Seneca Lake.

Click on my Catfishing 101 Guide to learn more.

Catching catfish is pretty easy. It’s not rocket science and all you need or a medium to heavy rod and reel combo like Lew’s 7′ Cat Daddy Spinning Combo matched up with Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line 30lb Braid.

I use two rigs only for catfishing. One is the simple three-way rig you see in the image to the right. Copy this and you’re all set to catch catfish. A couple of things here. If you’re running for example 30lb test line, use heavier sinkers and larger hooks like the 5/0 size. Going with say 8lb to 14lb test line, then scale it down for a 1/2-3/4oz sinker and 3/0 hooks.

The other rig I also use is a simple Carolina Rig.

When catfishing, I like using 1oz sinkers. Any of the “bell” or egg-style weights will do. Thread your line through an egg sinker, or tie off a bell sinker off a three-way swivel using 12 to 18 inches or line. Now attach your hook. My preference is to use circle hooks in either the 3/0 or 5/0 size. You can attach your hook to the three-way swivel with a 12-18 inch fluorocarbon or monofilament lead. It’s up to you how long you want it.

Let it lay on the bottom or drift if there is a rough current. It doesn’t really matter as long as the catfish can suck it up and swallow it without feeling any resistance to the line. If the fish doesn’t like it, it’ll spit it out. Other than bait, you’re now all set to catch a catfish.

Catfish Hooks.

But first.., let’s talk about your hooks. I recommend using circle hooks. I read a study online that said circle hooks can increase your hook set. That’s pretty good. So we have our regular circle hooks. Doesn’t matter to me who makes them. I buy whichever ones I see on the shelf when I need them. But, BUT.., if I’m using chicken livers for bait I need a special kind of wizardry going on.

For “cats”, I like to use a special circle hook. You don’t know how many times, time after time after time I cast a liver out only to watch that liver fly off my stinking hook. Makes me mad enough to go stomp on little baby hamsters! I’m sure you’ve experienced the same at some point. Then I discovered these Baitsaver hooks. Check ’em out at Baitsaverhooks.com.

I buy the 3/0 and 5/0 circle hooks. These hooks have a wire ‘baitsaver” with an adjustable collar. So you adjust the collar back, hook your liver, maneuver the wire around the liver and then cinch up the adjustable collar. That liver ain’t going anywhere when you cast it.

They sell in packs of two and are a little bit pricey. So I order 2-3 packs at a time over the course of winter in order to I stock up for the Spring/Summer/Fall catfishing season. By early Spring I will have a dozen packs or so of both 3/0 and 5/0 sizes circle hooks. These babies are worth every penny in my opinion.

Baitsavers hooks aren’t the only hooks I use. I like circle hooks. I’ve read that circle hooks can improve a hook set by 30%. True or not, I’ll belive in those odds. LOL I also use treble hooks.

Catfish Baits.

So I like to use 5 kinds of bait. I stay away from the typical baits you see in the store fishing aisle. Instead, head on over to the grocery section. In the meat section, pick up the cheapest hotdogs, a couple of pints of fresh chicken livers, chicken breasts or tenders, and a bag of raw jumbo shrimp.

Next on my shopping list of a jar of minced garlic, then mosey over to the drink aisle and get a few packs of unsweetened Strawberry Kool-Aid. Lastly, get yourself some zip-lock bags.  Now we can prep the “meats.” I cut up the chicken tenders/breasts into about 2-inch chunks, the hot dogs I cut into three pieces. You want them, say 1.5 to 2 inches long. Be sure you marinate these by pouring in a package of Kool-Aid. By the way, I prep these at home a few days before I head out to a lake.

Marinate them, let the bait sit on the counter for a few hours at room temperature, then stuff the bags of marinated bait into a bigger ziplock back and put them in your freezer.

Chicken Livers.

Chicken livers are my favorite go-to bait for catfish. With chicken livers, I either fish them plain or I’ll add 3-4 tablespoons of minced garlic. Put the lids back on and let them stew for a few hours at room temperature to “brew” and start working up a funk.

Shrimp

Shrimp is another great catfish bait. I buy the frozen raw Jumbo Shrimp. Let it thaw and you can use a whole one or cut it in half and set it on a hook. Toss it out and let it sit.

Chicken Breasts/Tenders.

Raw chicken breasts or tenders are another excellent catfish bait. Cut these into nice-sized chunks, drop the pieces into a ziplock bag, and then take one of those unsweetend Strawberry Koolaid packs. Pour that into the bag with the chicken and mix it up. Once it’s a nice bright red color, take a chunk, set it on your hook, cast it out, and wait for the cats to hit it. Instead of strawberry, the blue “mixed berry” and “black cherry” flavors work great too.

Hotdogs.

Hotdogs are a popular urban bait. Why? Because kids toss or drop them into the lake. They’re used to eating them. So feel free to take advantage of that.

Punch Bait.

The last thing we can talk about is using “punch” baits. Punch baits are thick dip bait that is designed for you to punch the hook down into it with a stick and you then pull the hook out at an angle. This results in a thick gob of bait on your treble hook. We have a popular and local favorite punch bait here in Arizona made by the veteran-owned Stryker Bait Company located in Casa Grande, AZ. You can’t go wrong with this stuff. Go ahead and check them out and while you’re at it, get a tub or two on order.

Bait Storage Tips

So For all the above baits except the punch bait, you can add minced garlic for a scent. Another popular scent is Anise Extract. You can find that in the grocery store in the spice aisle. But I like to prep this stuff before heading out to fish. I store this stuff in quart quart-sized ziplocks and then put those in a gallon-sized ziplocks.

Then into the freezer, they go double bagged. I’ll take them out to thaw and by the time I get to my urban lake, they’re pretty much thawed and ready to use.

When I’m done fishing I bring the leftover bait back home and put it back into a double bag and freeze it. So thaw and freeze your bait 3 times, that 4th time you take it back to the lake it’ll start to be pretty rank smelling. So bring along a big bottle of lemon juice to wash your hands. That’ll help get rid of the stink.

Be careful freezing this stuff. It just might “season” your t-bone and fillet mignon steaks with that catfish bait smell. You’ve been WARNED!

And the last thing I have to say about these baits, DON’T EVER leave your bait in the trunk of your car over a hot weekend. Hope the cops don’t stop and search you for a cadaver & plan on buying a new car bro. It’ll stink that bad.

Reason #4: Bass Fishing Seneca Lake

Bass fishing at Seneca Lake is best during early fall or spring. The northwest side of the lake features a cove with ample cover, perfect for flipping frogs. The southwest side near the boat ramp also offers good bass fishing opportunities. Kayaking is highly recommended to access various bass hotspots around Seneca lake. Although I haven’t personally fished for bass here, the lake’s structure suggests it would be an excellent spot for bass enthusiasts.

 

 

Seneca Lake Back Story

In the early 1970s, the San Carlos Apache Tribe started to build a resort at Seneca Lake. This started close to a half-million-dollar $ project with plans to follow up later with the possible addition of riding stables and a golf course. Unfortunately, the tribe defaulted on the lenders, they split the scene and things went to hell in a handbasket rather quickly and by the late 1970s, the project was abandoned.

What is left of the endeavor are a few buildings such as the gas station, the restaurant, a few cabins, and of course Seneca Lake. Check it out!

Conclusion

Seneca Lake in Arizona offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. From trout and catfish to bass, the lake caters to various angling preferences. With proper preparation and the right tackle, your fishing trips to Seneca Lake can be productive and enjoyable. Ensure you have the necessary permits and stay updated on regulations to make the most of your visit. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, Seneca Lake provides ample opportunities for a memorable fishing adventure.

Suggested Tackle

Looking to go fish Seneca Lake? Here is a list of everything I carry when I go there

• Lew’s Cat Daddy 7′ medium-heavy Spinning Combo
• Lew’s Laser Lite Speed 6′ Spinning Combo
• Zebco 33 Cork Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
• White Berkely Powerbait.
• Corn Yellow Berkely Powerbait.
• Yellow Berkely Powerbait.
• Chartreuse Berkely Powerbait.
• Bubblegum Berkely Powerbait.
• Spring Green Berkely Powerbait
• Red\White\Blue Berkely Powerbait.
• Florescent Red Berkely Powerbait.
• Eagle Claw 038A-12 Classic Hook.
• Eagle Claw 376A-12 Classic Treble hooks.
• 3.5g Bullet Sinkers.
• 5.0g Bullet Sinkers.
• Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line (Fluorocarbon) 4lb test..
• Spiderwire EZ Fishing Line (Fluorocarbon) 6lb test.
• Rapala Original Floater 03 Fishing lure, 1.5-Inch, Bleeding Pearl.