Explore C. C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir, Coconino National Forest, Arizona

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NOTE: ROAD IS VERY ROUGH - 4-WHEEL DRIVE RECOMMENDED This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. Be aware that this is a canyon lake--meaning there is very little shore access around the entire reservoir. The sides of the canyon that create this reservoir are steep and there are not any sandy shores like you might expect at a traditional lake with shoreline, which makes this reservoir a destination mainly for people kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Anglers can catch rainbow trout here, stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Green Sunfish were illegally introduced to C.C. Cragin Reservoir. There is no limit for Green Sunfish and the AGFD is asking that you immediately kill any Green Sunfish caught in C.C. Cragin Reservoir or East Clear Creek to help with the survival of and improve the trout fishery. Other types of recreation include sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking, but don't expect any wide open shores for sunbathing and swimming. C.C. Cragin Reservoir is an important water source for the town of Payson, Arizona. Forest thinning and prescribed burning in the area under the Cragin Watershed Protection Project is helping to protect this valuable water source and improve forest health in the area. C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project (SRP). Learn more about the reservoir's history on SRP's history of C.C. Cragin dam and reservoir.

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