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TALKALAI LAKE - IN GILA COUNTY, ARIZONA

Named after Chief Talkalai who served as an Indian scout with the army and helped capture Geronimo.

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Talkalai Lake is located near the San Carlos community and offers fishermen the chance at landing Largemouth Bass, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, and Sunfish.

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The Lake is a very scenic and peacefully located along the lower San Carlos River. Talkalai is a small spring-fed riparian lake, surrounded by cottonwoods and cattails.

 

Formed by the damming of the Blue and San Carlos Rivers, Talkalai  Lake provides 600 acres of year round fishing.

Permits

  • Check for latest permit costs at the Recreation & Wildlife Department in San Carlos

  • Permit required for fishing, hunting, or special-use

  • Family permits include parents and children 18 and under

  • Visitors to the Black and Salt Rivers or Bear Wallow Creek must have a special permit

  • No permit is needed for driving through on US 60, US 70, Road 800 to San Carlos, or Road 500 to Coolidge Dam

  • Black and Salt River permit may be used for fishing in those rivers or Bear Wallow Creek; special permit fees per day for ages 12 and up

  • Boat permits are issued on a daily or per calendar year basis; a combined fishing and boat permit can be purchased for a full calendar year

  • Water-skiing/personal watercraft permits are also available for annual access; free if under age 12 with a permit-holding adult

  • One-day permits are good for 24 hours, from midnight to midnight.

 

For More Info

San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department
PO Box 97
San Carlos, AZ 85550
(928) 475-2343

Fish Species

Largemouth Bass, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, and Sunfish

Fishing Strategy

Fishing from the shore with worms and small boats work best.  Cowbells work very well trolling at low speeds. 

Boating Options

Two (2) boat ramps are accessible for launching with the Lake allowing a maximum of 25 horse power gasoline motors. Larger boats are welcome to use trolling motors for mobility. 

Camping Options

Overnight camping is limited.

Directions

From Globe continue onto US-70 E. 6.2 mi.   Turn left onto AZ-170 S 12.2 miles.  Continue straight onto Pinal St  207 ft.  Continue onto White Mountain Ave 1.9 miles.  Turn right 0.6 miles.  Turn right onto Rd 1100 256 ft. Continue onto Rd 1110.  0.8 miles. Turn right 0.2 miles.  Turn left 0.3 miles.  Continue straight.  Destination will be on the left 52 ft

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