Granite Basin Lake
One of Prescott's Fishing
& Recreational Lakes
Granite Basin Lake is a 5 acre man-made lake which sits at 5,600 feet.
It's located off Iron Springs Road just West of Prescott, Arizona.
To get there, follow Iron Springs Road
Iron for 3.2 miles to the turnoff to Granite Basin Lake (Forest Road 374). Turn North on FR 374 and follow for about 4 miles to the campground/picnic area entrance. This lake is not stocked with fish, but anglers can catch:
- Bluegill
- Largemouth Bass
- Channel Catfish
However, fishing at this lake requires a lot of patience. It's a better recreatoinal lake than a fishing lake.
Parking
In 2009, the parking fee increased 150% and now costs $5 per vehicle. Wednesday's are still free. Rangers at the Prescott National Forest are encouraging folks to buy the annual Prescott National Forest pass (which is currently $40) or the American the Beautiful Pass ($80). Both passes are recognized and must be displayed when parking at Granite Basin Lake.
Both annual passes are good for Lynx Lake, Granite Basin, Mingus Lake, and Thumb Butte (Goldwater Lake is NOT covered by the pass as it's controlled by the city). For more information on obtaining an annual pass, you can call the Bradshaw Mountain Ranger Station at (928) 443-8000.
There's only 30 parking spaces at the lake and a whole lot more people in Prescott! So like the rest of our lakes, parking can be difficult.
Boats
Water levels at the lake vary throughout the year. Only small boats with electric motors are allowed on the lake - but often times, there is not enough water.
Lake Rules
Granite Basin Lake has strict rules about wading, swimming, etc. for people and dogs. As such, the following activities are NOT PERMITTED at Granite Basin Lake:
- Wading (for people, fly fishers and dogs)
- Swimming
- Float Tubes (where you're feet touch the water - this means you can't use the floating pontoon boats or tubes where your legs typically dangle in the water while you fish).
- No gas motors on boats
- Disharging a firearm
For many, this takes half the fun out of being on the lake. But if you don't want to get fined, you'll have to abide by these rules. The Arizona Fish & Game Department checks this lake frequently for valid fishing licenses and they will catch you if you violate any of the above mentioned rules.
Handicap Access
To get to the lake, you have to walk about a 1/4 mile over a rocky trail. So the lake is not handicap friendly.
Hiking
Granite Basin Lake is located in the heart of the Granite Moutain Wilderness area (which is about 9,700 acres). So there are plenty of places and trails to hike around the area.
Two popular trails near the lake are
the Granite Mountain Trail #261 and the Clark Spring Trail #40. Camping There are no RV or Utility hookups so camping is difficult.
Facilities
The following amenities can be found in the day use areas at Lynx Lake:
- Bathroom (no flush)
- Limited Picnic tables & BBQ grills
A Word of Caution
In the summer time, bees and wasps swarm the picnic area (especially around the trash cans). It's not uncommon to get stung while spending the day at the lake.
If you're allergic to bees, you'll want to exercise caution and make sure you bring any medications you need with you. Even if you're not allergic, you might want to bring some anti-bee sting wipes and band-aids for the kids.
I seem to get stung at least once or twice a summer while fishing at the lake. I keep hoping the fish and game department will spray for bees in the summer, but it hasn't happened yet.
Questions? For more information, please call the Bradshaw Mountain Ranger Station at 928-443-8000.
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