Mingus Lake

One of the Best-Kept Secrets in the Prescott Area

Mingus Lake is a small man-made lake located on Mingus Mountain a few miles from the Recreation area.

Follow Hwy. 89A toward Jerome and turn right at the Mingus Mountain Recreation area. Then follow the dirt road back a few miles and you will see the lake on your right.

Mingus is a very small lake which contains muddy water - so it's hard to imagine any fish in it. But it is stocked periodically with rainbow trout - although you'll never see it listed on the AZFGD stocking schedule.

Since it's located on Mingus Mountain, the road leading to the lake is closed sometimes during winter months due to snow and mud. So you take your chances driving up to it never knowing for sure if the road is closed or open.

But in the warm summer months, Mingus Lake offers the advantage of being a bit cooler and less crowded for fishing. Due to smaller crowds and an open area, it's a nice lake for beginners to practice fly casting.

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 Mingus 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 city Parks and Rec). For more information on obtaining an annual pass, you can call the Bradshaw Mountain Ranger Station at (928) 443-8000.

People arriving on foot or on bike do not need to pay parking fees.

Boats

The lake is too small for boats.

Lake Rules

The following are NOT PERMITTED at Mingus 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).

As already mentioned, this is a very small lake (or "mud hole" as some locals refer to it).

Handicap Access

None.

Hiking

A lot of the land surrounding the lake is privately owned, but you can do a bit of hiking in the area around the lake.

Camping

None.

Facilities

The following amenities can be found at Mingus Lake:

• Bathroom (no flush)

There are no picnic tables, or grills or any other amenity.