Scotts Reservoir Overview
Scotts Reservoir is a small impoundment in Gila County, roughly 30 miles northeast of Globe in central Arizona's high desert. The lake covers about 50 surface acres when full and sits at roughly 3,600 feet elevation, making it cooler than lower-elevation Arizona reservoirs. It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish, and draws anglers looking for a quieter alternative to the busier regional lakes.
The reservoir is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and is open year-round. Access is straightforward but the road is unpaved for the final stretch, so high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. The setting is remote — there are no services at the lake itself, and the nearest fuel and supplies are in Globe.
Key Takeaways
- Scotts Reservoir holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish in a 50-acre lake at 3,600 feet elevation in Gila County.
- Access requires a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle for the final unpaved miles; the road can be impassable after heavy rain.
- You must carry an Arizona fishing license and follow statewide regulations; no special permits are required for this lake.
- The lake has no developed facilities, camping, or services; bring all water, fuel, and supplies from Globe or Miami.
- Spring and fall offer the most reliable fishing conditions; summer heat and winter cold both reduce activity.
Species and Seasonal Patterns
Largemouth bass are the primary draw. They respond well to early morning and late afternoon fishing, especially in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures are moderate. Summer heat pushes bass deeper and into shade; night fishing can be productive but requires careful navigation on an unfamiliar lake. Winter slows activity significantly, though some anglers still catch fish on mild days.
Smallmouth bass are present but less abundant than largemouths. They tend to hold on rocky structure and respond to small crankbaits and soft plastics. Catfish are active year-round and are easiest to catch at dusk and after dark using chicken liver, cut bait, or commercial stink baits. Sunfish (bluegill and pumpkinseed) are plentiful and provide reliable action for anglers using small jigs or live crickets, especially in shallow bays.
Water level fluctuates seasonally and can drop significantly by late summer. Check current conditions with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before making the drive, as extremely low water can limit boat access and fishing opportunity.
Access and Road Conditions
Scotts Reservoir is reached via Forest Road 112, which branches off U.S. Route 60 between Globe and Miami. The paved portion ends roughly 10 miles from the lake; the final stretch is unpaved and rocky. During dry conditions, a standard passenger car with good ground clearance may make it, but high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are safer and more reliable. After rain, the road can become muddy and impassable for two-wheel-drive vehicles.
There is no developed boat launch, but anglers can hand-launch small boats or kayaks from the shoreline. Bank fishing is possible around much of the perimeter, though some areas are steep or brushy. Parking is informal; pull off the road near the water and secure your vehicle.
Cell service is unreliable or absent at the lake. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring a paper map or download offline maps on your phone before you leave Globe.
Regulations and Licensing
You must carry a valid Arizona fishing license to fish Scotts Reservoir. Licenses are sold online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores in Globe and Miami, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license is the least expensive option if you plan a single trip; annual licenses are available if you fish multiple times per year.
Statewide bag limits apply: largemouth bass have a limit of five fish per day with a 12-inch minimum length, and smallmouth bass follow the same rule. Catfish have no daily limit. Sunfish (combined bluegill and pumpkinseed) have a 30-fish daily limit. These regulations can change, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before you fish.
No special permits or reservations are required to fish Scotts Reservoir. The lake is open sunrise to sunset, though some anglers fish earlier or later by headlamp — check current rules on night fishing before you go.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring all water you plan to drink — there is no potable water at the lake. A minimum of two gallons per person is reasonable for a day trip. Bring food, snacks, and any medications you need. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, especially in spring and early summer when mosquitoes can be heavy.
Fuel your vehicle in Globe or Miami before heading out; there are no gas stations near the lake. If you plan to stay past sunset, bring a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. The area is remote and dark at night. A first-aid kit, basic tools, and a spare tire are wise precautions given the unpaved road.
For fishing gear, bring rods and reels suited to the species you target. Largemouth bass respond to soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures in the 3- to 5-inch range. Smallmouth bass prefer smaller, more natural presentations. Catfish rods can be simple — a medium-power rod with a basic reel and simple sinker rig works well. Sunfish can be caught on ultralight spinning gear or even a cane pole with live bait.
Best Times to Fish
Spring (March through May) is often the most productive season. Water temperatures are warming, bass are feeding actively before spawning, and the weather is mild. Mornings and evenings are best; midday sun can slow the bite. Fall (September through November) is similarly good — water cools after summer heat, and bass feed heavily in preparation for winter.
Summer (June through August) can be challenging. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lake becomes less comfortable for anglers. Bass move deep and into shade; early morning and night fishing are your best options. Winter (December through February) is quiet; some anglers still fish on mild days, but activity is generally low.
Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends, though Scotts Reservoir rarely draws large crowds compared to larger regional lakes. If solitude is part of your goal, a weekday trip in spring or fall offers the best combination of good fishing and few other anglers.
Nearby Alternatives and Regional Context
If Scotts Reservoir is too remote or the road conditions are poor, Sycamore Creek and Pinal Creek offer smaller fishing opportunities closer to Globe. Both are creek systems rather than reservoirs and hold native and stocked trout in cooler months. San Carlos Lake, about 40 miles south, is much larger and more developed, with boat launches, camping, and services — but it requires more travel and is busier.
Scotts Reservoir's appeal lies in its remoteness and quiet. If you want developed facilities, boat rentals, or a predictable road, the larger regional lakes are better choices. If you want to fish a small lake with minimal crowds and are comfortable with unpaved access, Scotts Reservoir is worth the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Scotts Reservoir?
There are no developed campgrounds at the lake itself. Dispersed camping may be possible on nearby Forest Service land, but facilities are minimal and water is not available. Most anglers make it a day trip from Globe or Miami, or camp at a developed facility in the area and drive out for the day.
Is a boat required to fish Scotts Reservoir?
No. Bank fishing is productive, especially for catfish and sunfish. A small boat or kayak expands your options and lets you reach deeper water and structure, but many anglers catch fish from shore. Hand-launching a kayak or small inflatable is common.
What should I do if the road is too muddy to drive?
Check conditions with the Tonto National Forest office in Globe before you go. If the road is impassable, wait for it to dry or choose an alternative lake. Do not attempt to force a two-wheel-drive vehicle through mud — you risk getting stuck and needing an expensive tow.
Are there fish in Scotts Reservoir year-round?
Yes, but activity varies. Spring and fall are most reliable. Summer heat and winter cold both reduce feeding and catch rates. Night fishing in summer and mild-day fishing in winter can still produce, but expect slower action than in shoulder seasons.
Do I need a special permit to fish for catfish?
No. Your standard Arizona fishing license covers all species at Scotts Reservoir. Catfish have no daily limit, so you can keep as many as you catch within reason.