River Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = River Reservoir
image_lake =
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
type = Reservoir
location = Arizona
coords = coord|34|2|0.96|N|109|26|11.51|W|region:US-AZ_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
basin_countries = United States
area = convert|50|acre|abbr=on|lk=on
depth = convert|20|ft|abbr=on
elevation = convert|8220|ft|abbr=on|lk=off

Originally built in 1896 on the Little Colorado River, River Reservoir is the largest and deepest of a trio of lakes collectively known as the Greer Lakes. Even though it’s been around for over 100 years, it's now like a new lake. Drained since 2004 because of safety issues, the dam at River Reservoir was repaired in 2005. Like the other two Greer Lakes, it also has new amenities.

Locations

River Reservoir is located at convert|8220|ft|m on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Pinetop-Lakeside via State Highways 260 and 373. At the junction of the two highways, take Hwy. 373 south convert|3|mi|km, then turn left on Forest Road 87B. The Greer Lakes, as they are collectively known, include Bunch, Tunnel and River Reservoirs, and are a short distance apart. Each is accessed from FR 87B. River Reservoir is the last lake on FR 87B.

Description

River Reservoir has 50 acres with a maximum depth of convert|45|ft|m and an average depth of convert|20|ft|m. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks River Reservoir with fingerling rainbow trout in the spring and catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring and summer. Like its two neighboring reservoirs, River gets a few brown trout from the LCR diversion that refills it in the winter, but browns are not stocked here. Wild brown trout can get quite big in the lake.

Boating Facility Features

* Single Motor
* Launching Area
* Boat Trailer Parking
* Restrooms
* Trailer Spaces
* Camping Allowed
* Paved Access

Amenities

There are two paved parking areas near the lake, as well as a boat ramp near the dam, picnic ramadas and barrier-free toilets. There is camping at nearby Benny Creek and Rolfe Hoyer Campgrounds, both operated by the Forest Service. Hoyer has 100 individual sites with top-of-the-line amenities, including barrier-free flush toilets and showers. Both campgrounds charge a fee. Make reservations by going to [http://www.reserveusa.com www.reserveusa.com] on the Web or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The nearby town of Greer provides everything in the way of gas, lodging, food and tackle.

Fish Species

* Rainbow
* Brown

Fishing Techniques

Trolling flies, such as brown or black wooly buggers, or spinners is likely to work well. Fly fishermen should try the upper end of the lake where the river comes in and the lake is shallower. Sometimes there's good surface action in the evenings; stick to wet flies like wooly buggers, Montana stones and Semi-Seal leeches. Fishing with night crawlers works well on the east side and upper end of the lake.

pecial Notes

Statewide fishing regulations apply and a trout stamp is required. The daily bag limit is six trout; three for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14. Boat motors are restricted to electric or convert|10|HP|abbr=on motor 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]