Becker Lake

Infobox lake
lake_name = Becker Lake
image_lake = BeckerLake01.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Apache County, Arizona
coords = coord|34|9|8.67|N|109|18|24.32|W|region:US-AZ_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
basin_countries = United States
area = convert|85|acre|abbr=on|lk=on
depth = convert|10|ft|abbr=on
elevation = convert|6910|ft|abbr=on|lk=offBecker Lake is managed as a trophy trout lake. Located near Springerville, it also includes the convert|622|acre|km2|sing=on Becker Wildlife Area, where wintering bald eagles can be spotted most years in nearby cottonwood trees. Built around the year 1880, Becker Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in the White Mountains. The [http://www.azgfd.gov Arizona Game and Fish Department] acquired the lake and property around it in 1973.

Location

The lake is located at convert|6910|ft|m. Easily accessible, it is a mere convert|2|mi|km from the center of Springerville, off the west side of U.S. Highway 60.

Description

Becker Lake has convert|107|acre|km2 with a maximum depth of convert|21|ft|m and an average depth of convert|10|ft|m. It is located on a diversion of the Little Colorado River. The Department owns water rights in the lake, so water levels can be maintained. The lake is stocked with sub-catchable rainbow trout twice a year and many of these fish survive the winter, reaching a good size the following spring. The lake also contains native Little Colorado suckers and illegally introduced green sunfish. It is open to angling year-round.

Boating Facility Features

* Single or Less Motor
* Launching Area
* Boat Trailer Parking
* Handicap Accessible
* Restrooms
* Gravel Access

Amenities

and Eager.

Fish Species

* Rainbow
* Native

Fishing Techniques

Becker Lake can only be fished with artificial fly and lures (single barbless hook). In spring, trout spawn in gravel beds near the boat ramp. Big fish also lurk along the weed beds. Flies to try are prince nymph, brown Montana stone and KP bugger. Using a boat or float tube are the best ways to fish here. There is limited opportunity for shore fishing and wading. Spin fishermen can try Z-rays, small Kastmasters or Panther Martins.

pecial Notes

Special fishing regulations apply at Becker Lake. Angling is with artificial fly and lure only. The bag limit is two trout; one trout for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14. Boat motors are restricted to either electric or convert|10|HP|abbr=on gas motors or less.

External links

* [http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/BoatingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/FishingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Fishing Locations Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish.shtml Where to Fish in Arizona Species Information]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml Arizona Lake Levels]

References

*Citation |first=Information and Education Division|title=Arizona Fishin' Holes|place=Phoenix, AZ|publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department|year=2007