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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
San Carlos Lake
Pinal County, Arizona · 19,500 acres (30.5 sq mi)
66°F water, level rising, windy Friday (15 mph S).
About San Carlos Lake
San Carlos Lake is a reservoir in Pinal County, Arizona, covering 19,500 acres. It was made by Coolidge Dam on the Gila. San Carlos Lake sits on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and is managed by the tribe's Recreation and Wildlife Department.
It stretches about 6.1 miles end to end with roughly 19 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 2,450 ft above sea level. Peridot lies about 7.1 miles to the north. San Tan Valley, the nearest city, is about 58 miles west.
- Size
- 19,500 acres (30.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 19 miles
- End to end
- About 6.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,450 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Coolidge Dam, Gila
- County
- Pinal County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 0 mph
- 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in San Carlos Lake
The fish here: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and sunfish and trout. At 66°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairTrout
Warming. Fish early, or go deeper with weights.
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
- 7
6 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
Rising 2.2 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:51 am · sunset 5:20 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near San Carlos Lake
- Peridotabout 7.1 mi north
- San Carlosabout 9.6 mi north
- Bylasabout 18 mi east
- Six Shooter Canyonabout 19 mi northwest
- San Tan Valleynearest city, about 58 mi west
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Questions about San Carlos Lake
What fish are in San Carlos Lake?
San Carlos Lake holds largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and sunfish and trout. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is San Carlos 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 San Carlos Lake?
19,500 acres, with about 19 miles of shoreline.
What town is near San Carlos Lake?
Peridot is about 7.1 miles north; San Carlos is about 9.6 miles north.
What is the water temperature at San Carlos Lake today?
The surface was about 66°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
San Carlos Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
