Cast the Water

Riggs Flat Lake

Arizona · Graham

The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.

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Overview

Riggs Flat Lake is a small (11-acre) alpine lake at about 8,600 feet at the end of the Swift Trail (AZ 366), high in the Pinaleño Mountains above Safford. It's set in forest and meadow, with views of West Peak and, from a short hike, the Aravaipa Valley and Galiuro Mountains (USFS).

Fishing

USFS says Riggs Flat's cold water is stocked with brown and rainbow trout in summer. The fishing season is May to October, day and night. Using live bait fish is prohibited.

Species

Rainbow trout and brown trout.

Seasons

Fishing season runs May–October (USFS). The road is closed Nov. 15–April 15.

Regulations

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations apply: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/. Confirm statewide limits and any special rules for this water before you fish; this page is not a legal source.

Licensing

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older (AZGFD).

Access

From Safford, take US 191 south 8 miles, then AZ 366 (Swift Trail) 29 miles to the Columbine Visitor Center, and continue about 5 miles on NFS Roads 803 and 287. The area is open April 15–Nov. 14, and early or late snow can extend the closure. Vehicles over 22 ft aren't recommended on the switchbacks. Day use is $8 per vehicle or $10 per week. Boats are limited to one electric trolling motor.

Amenities

Riggs Flat Campground, with first-come sites, $20 single or $40 double. Vault toilets and picnic tables. No potable water.

Activities

Trout fishing, electric-motor boating, camping, and the Swift Trail scenic drive.

Water facts

Area: 11 acres (USFS). Elevation: about 8,600 ft. County: Graham.

Safety & advisories

This is black bear country. Store food in bear-proof containers or in a locked vehicle (USFS).

Likely species (watershed)

Longfin Dace, Mosquitofish, Speckled Dace

Likely species come from USGS Aquatic GAP ranges for the whole watershed (HUC8). They show what may be here, not a count of this water.

Nearby waters

More in Graham

Recreation and fishery info: USDA Forest Service (Coronado NF). Regulations: AZGFD.

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