The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Apache Lake
Maricopa County, Arizona · 2,570 acres (4 sq mi)
68°F water, calm this morning.
About Apache Lake
Apache Lake is a reservoir in Maricopa County, Arizona, covering 2,570 acres. It was made by Horse Mesa Dam on the Salt. Apache Lake is one of a chain of reservoirs on the Salt River east of Phoenix.
From end to end it runs about 8.3 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 26 miles. At about 1,910 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Tonto Basin lies about 14 miles to the north. San Tan Valley, the nearest city, is about 29 miles southwest.
- Size
- 2,570 acres (4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 26 miles
- End to end
- About 8.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,910 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Horse Mesa Dam, Salt
- County
- Maricopa County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Apache Lake
Anglers come to Apache Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. With the surface at 68°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodSmallmouth bass
Prime range. Rocky points, humps and drop-offs.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- FairWalleye
Warm surface. They go deep in the day; try evenings.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:55 am · sunset 5:22 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Apache Lake
- Tonto Basinabout 14 mi north
- Gold Canyonabout 16 mi southwest
- Apache Junctionabout 17 mi southwest
- Gold Campabout 19 mi south
- San Tan Valleynearest city, about 29 mi southwest
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Questions about Apache Lake
What fish are in Apache Lake?
Apache Lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Apache Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Apache Lake?
2,570 acres, with about 26 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Apache Lake?
Tonto Basin is about 14 miles north; Gold Canyon is about 16 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Apache Lake today?
The surface was about 68°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Apache Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
