At 9,418 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Lee Valley Lake is Arizona’s highest elevation reservoir. It is located approximately one hour’s drive from Pinetop, using AZ-260 and AZ-273, and Forest Road 113. Access is restricted in the winter when roads are closed due to snow, generally from December to early April.

Lee Valley Lake has 35 surface acres with a maximum depth of 20 feet and an average depth of 9.5 feet. It’s located on Lee Valley Creek, an Apache trout recovery stream. The Apache trout is Arizona’s official state fish. The creek naturally flows into the East Fork of the Little Colorado River, however, the spillway directs overflow to the West Fork of the Little Colorado River. Both streams are also designated for Apache trout recovery, thus Lee Valley Lake finds itself at the heart of three Apache trout recovery streams and is managed accordingly. By a fortunate set of circumstances, the Department is able to provide anglers with one-of-a-kind fishing opportunities. The Department owns water rights in the lake, so water levels can be maintained. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized and sub-catchable Apache trout several times a year. Some of these fish overwinter, reaching a good size the following spring.