Type reservoir Primary outflows Gila River Max. length 23 mi (37 km) Length 37 km Catchment area 33,333 km² Inflow source Gila River | Primary inflows Basin countries United States Area 78.91 km² Width 3.2 km Outflow location Gila River | |
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Managing agency San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation & Wildlife Dept. Similar Coolidge Dam, Gila River, Palo Verde Dam, Grand Valley Diversion, Laguna Diversion Dam | ||
San Carlos Lake was formed by the construction of the Coolidge Dam and is rimmed by 158 miles (254 km) of shoreline. The lake is located within the 3,000-square-mile (7,800 km2) San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, and is thus subject to tribal regulations.
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Map of San Carlos Lake, Arizona 85542, USA
After it was built, the reservoir filled gradually. Because of irrigation needs, the water level at the lake sometimes is low enough to kill its self-sustaining fish, but during wet years, the water can overtop Coolidge Dam. Since construction of the dam, the lake has been nearly empty at least 20 times, and has been full only three times.
When President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the new dam in 1930, Cherokee humorist Will Rogers looked at the grass in the lake bed, and said, “If this were my dam, I’d mow it.”
Fishing, boating and campingEdit
San Carlos Lake is stocked periodically, and after winters with average or above average precipitation, is one of the largest lakes in Arizona. The San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation & Wildlife Dept. stocks several species of fish using various methods to improve fishing. Several species are self-sustaining:
The lake has set state records for largemouth bass, black crappie and flathead catfish. Other fish are stocked from cold-water fisheries including brown trout and rainbow trout.
Jet-skiing, water skiing and boating are also allowed. Individuals who are not members of the San Carlos Apache tribe who wish to use the lake must contact the tribal office for a permit since the lake is on tribal land.
Soda Canyon Point Campground is located on the north side of the lake. Since the lake level varies greatly during the summer, visitors are advised to call the San Carlos Apache Recreation & Wildlife Department to determine the current lake level.