Catching Trout at Rose Canyon Lake on Mount Lemmon in Tucson

Rose Canyon Lake, located on Mount Lemmon, about 30 miles northeast of Tucson, is a premier spot for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene, scenic escape. This six-acre lake is the only lake on Mount Lemmon and stands at an elevation of 7,000 feet, making it a refreshing retreat from Tucson’s desert heat. Stocked primarily with rainbow trout, this destination combines natural beauty with excellent fishing opportunities, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Adventure Guide to Catching Trout at Rose Canyon Lake on Mount Lemmon

Stocked Rainbow Trout
Rose Canyon Lake is regularly stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with rainbow trout, especially between spring and late summer. The cool mountain water provides the perfect habitat for these fish, ensuring plentiful catches. Anglers often report success using PowerBait, spinners, or flies, so prepare to vary your approach if the fish aren’t biting.
Prime Fishing Spots
The best fishing tends to be along the shoreline, particularly near rock outcroppings and submerged trees. The lake is small enough to easily navigate, but arriving early in the day allows you to secure a prime fishing location. The lake’s accessibility makes it ideal for families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike.
Shady Day Use Area
Complete with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, the surrounding area caters to a full day of outdoor enjoyment. While fishing, look out for local wildlife like turkey vultures, squirrels, and deer. The nearby forest adds a tranquil ambiance to your fishing adventure.

Local Insights

Mount Lemmon’s cooler temperatures—often 20–30 degrees less than Tucson—make fishing at Rose Canyon Lake an attractive escape in the summer months. The lake has undergone several habitat improvements over the years, ensuring sustainable fishing and supporting its growing popularity. The area is part of the Coronado National Forest, reflecting Tucson's rich outdoor culture.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Fish: Late spring through summer mornings. Day-use permits are required and can be purchased on-site.
What to Bring: Arizona fishing license, bait or lures, sunscreen, layered clothing, water, and snacks.
Getting There: From Tucson, take Catalina Highway to Rose Canyon Campground, approximately a 60–70 minute drive.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Jay Marx5 years ago

Every year I go camping at rose canyon lake. It's so beautiful up there. The trees, the water, the air, everything is wonderful. Fishing is always a blast up there. Make sure you come prepared for some crawfish they come in all sizes up there. Trout all day up there. Take some unsalted corn up with you and maybe some salmon eggs and you'll be alright. It's not pricey to camp there during season but when winter months hit they close up the main gate and you have to park and hike out to see the ice over the lake. But it's well worth it if your prepared for the trip. There's something about fishing in a lake in top of a mountain that just sets the mood right.

Abd Elhamid Elsayed Halayeb11 months ago

Rose Canyon Lake located in Arizona, USA is a small lake that lies at an elevation of 7000 feet near Mount Lemmon. Good spot for fishing and an asphalt road drives you near the lake to a parking lot. A lot of mountain cabins are in the area and there is a camping ground. The green vegetation is very please to the eyes. Drone picture.

David J. Ramireza year ago

Nice little mountain lake, but it's always crowded. If you are staying on the mountain and you're an angler, this is your only option. You can take a couple of different trails around the lake to take in the beautiful views.

outdoornoobie3 months ago

Love this place. I've been coming here for years. It's beautiful, and most of the time, I catch the limit :)

Grace Kim2 years ago

This spot is great! You can have all day access for $10, DO NOTE THE SPEED LIMIT! There was a case where a camper or visitor got hit by a car and the speed limit is HEAVILY enforced. If you're caught going over they will ask you to leave no question, no refunds, no exceptions!!!! Camping is available at this area as well, but don't know the price. My dog had a blast in the lake and taking a break from the 100+ weather down in Tucson. Everyone was quite friendly and respectful, but if you're bringing your dogs PLEASE make sure you clean up after them!!!! If your dog is friendly ask other owners if your dog may interact with other dogs as I ran into quite a few unfriendly dogs that were there. Better safe than sorry! Otherwise there's fishing permitted with what seems to be plenty of Trout in the lake, be mindful when fishing of people walking behind or near you

Fishing

Catching Trout at Rose Canyon Lake on Mount Lemmon in Tucson