Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs that were formed by the damming of the Salt River in the U.S. state of Arizona as part of the Salt River Project. It was formed by the Mormon Flat Dam, which was completed in 1925 after two years of construction. Canyon Lake, with a surface area of , is the third and smallest of the four lakes created along the river. Two others, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake, are upstream. The fourth, Saguaro Lake, is downstream.

Canyon Lake lies approximately up the Apache Trail from Apache Junction, Arizona and east of Phoenix. It is within the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest and is a popular recreation area for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Recreation amenities include hiking trails, camping, and boating, all managed by the United States Forest Service. Canyon Lake is a popular stop along the Apache Trail (Arizona State Route 88) from Apache Junction, Arizona, passing Tortilla Flat, Arizona, before reaching Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake behind Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

In 2022, a fish kill caused by golden algae affected 100,000 fish.

Fish species

  • Rainbow Trout
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Bass
  • Crappie
  • Sunfish
  • Catfish (Channel)
  • Walleye
  • Carp

center|800px|thumb|Canyon Lake as seen from Canyon Lake Vista on the Apache Trail (Arizona State Route 88)

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File:Dolly Steamboat (38539707252).jpg|The Dolly Steamboat

File:Canyon Lake, AZ.jpg|The lake at dusk...

File:Canyon Lake 2 (4293868266).jpg|...and just after sunset.

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References

  • Canyon Lake Marina Website
  • Daily Water Level report from SRP
  • Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map
  • Arizona Fishing Locations Map
  • Video of Canyon Lake, Arizona