Venture Out to Crescent and Big Lake

Venturing out in the White Mountains between Sunrise, Greer, and Alpine, you may chance upon Crescent Lake and Big Lake. The winding road that takes you there is surrounded by meadows and forest land in a serene environment.

Only a few miles from Big Lake, Crescent offers an e-cafe in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee shop on the lake and play cornhole and board games. Kayaks, paddle boards, mountain bikes, and e-bikes are available for rent. There are different types of food – sandwiches and gourmet coffees.

The fish did not survive at Crescent Lake last year due to the low water levels. A little further down the road, there is plenty of fishing at Big Lake. The fish at Big Lake are rainbow, cutthroat, brookies, and brown trout. You can fish from the water or shore.

Emily at Big Lake Tackle and Supply suggests bringing power baits and lures. If you forget, they have that and just about anything you need to spend the day fishing and be on the lake. The store is very well stocked since Big Lake is thirty minutes from the nearest town. The Tackle and Supply is the only place in Arizona that still provides a hand-written fishing license.

Big Lake Tackle and Supply is a fourth-generation family-owned and operated since 1952. The current owner has sons who work in the summer as boat boys. They even have their own YouTube fishing channel and do competitions. Say hi if you venture out on the lake with a boat rental.

Kayaks and a variety of boats are available for rent. Reservations are recommended for pontoons and the Fisherman series boats. The pontoon boats are the most popular, with new boats added each year. There are also three launches available. The motor should be no bigger than 9.9 horsepower.

Two RV campgrounds, Apache and Rainbow, and three tent campgrounds, Cutthroat, Brookchar, and Grayling, are nearby. Free camping is available when heading toward Alpine. There are cabins in Greer.

Fishing has been good, with everyone getting their limit. Check the regulation scale and ruler at the Tackle and Supply. Someone already caught a 9-pounder, with most weighing between two and four pounds-and that’s no fish story! See you at the lake.

Big Lake Tackle and Supply FR 8115 Hwy 273 Store Front Greer, AZ 85927 928-521-1387 biglakeaz.com