Jarvis Lake, Arizona: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Jarvis Lake lies in Apache County, Arizona. It lies 7,605 feet above sea level. Small at around 11 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Eagar lies 10 miles from the water. Springerville is 11 miles and Saint Johns 37 miles. Others close at hand: Rioso Reservoir (2.2 miles), Glen Livet Reservoir within 3.2 miles, Hulsey Lake (4.5 miles), Nelson Reservoir within 5 miles and Reagan Reservoir (5.2 miles). It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Jarvis Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists green sunfish, fathead minnow and little Colorado spinedace. Records show what people reported, so treat the list as a guide to what lives in the area. Work Jarvis Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 62°F at the top of summer and 29°F at the bottom of winter. Ice comes and goes from one year to the next. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. It holds true on Jarvis Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No launch point is recorded nearby, so this is a bank water unless you carry a boat in. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Rioso Reservoir, 2.2 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For Jarvis Lake in particular, ask before you travel.