Key Features: Beyond fishing, Riggs Flat Lake has a primitive camping ground nearby, offering easy access for those wanting to extend their trip. Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead in the crisp mountain air—a common sight in this wilderness area.

Mount Graham Wilderness: The surrounding wilderness enhances the fly fishing experience. Pine and fir forests flank the lake, providing ample shade and an incredible setting for casting.

Riggs Flat Lake sits within Mount Graham’s Sky Island ecosystem, meaning the area has unique biodiversity. Unlike the surrounding desert of Tucson, this high-altitude environment supports amphibians, songbirds, and cold-water fish species. Anglers often rave about the calm, uncrowded environment compared to busier lakes closer to urban areas. Note this area is in the Coronado National Forest, which requires a small fee for entry.

Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal. Check road conditions before traveling—snow can linger on higher elevations in spring.

What to Bring: Fishing gear, layered clothing, sunscreen, water, fly patterns, and a valid Arizona fishing license.

Directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east, follow AZ-191 north to Swift Trail/South AZ-366, then head west along the winding mountain roads (approx. 2.5 hours).