Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake

 

Description

 

The Salt River once ran freely from the higher elevations around Phoenix as it finally made its way to the Valley of the Sun Greater Phoenix area. Roosevelt Lake was created in 1921 with the completion of the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. At the time, Roosevelt Dam was the world's tallest masonry dam at about 280 feet high and Roosevelt Lake was the largest man made lake in the world. In 1996, modification of the dam increased its height to 357 feet and expanded the lake's water storage capacity by 20%. The lake had a multi-purpose of flood control, generation of electricity and harnessing the water for irrigation. The dam, lake and its water distribution system turned the Arizona desert into fertile agricultural land.

 

 

Size of Roosevelt Lake

 

The Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area, located on the west upper end of the lake near the dam, includes the Saguaro Lake Marina. The marina features boat storage, boat rental, boat slips, launch ramps, picnic talbes, fuel services, sewage tank dump, bait and tackle, and an exceptional restaurant that features great views of the lake. The recreation area is open all daily all year from 6AM to 8PM.

 

The lake hides coves and caves all along its shoreline providing opportunities for exploration and privacy even on busy weekends. Those guests who prefer to find their fun on dry land can explore the numerous trails that criss-cross the area and occasionally catch a glance of a soaring eagle, grazing mule deer or Big Horn sheep.

 

 

Water Recreation and Adventure

 

Roosevelt Lake is a favorite of avid anglers searching for the trophy largemouth bass along with smallmouth bass, channel catfish and crappie. Lake capacity depending upon that varies with the release of water through the dam, there are miles and miles of beach area for camping along the lake's edges. Fishing, Water-skiing, jet-skiing, swimming and general boating recreation makes Lake Roosevelt a favorite water recreation destination. The lake features several marinas and fee-based camping sites, and contains a wildlife refuge area. The lake has a general store.

 

 

Getting To Roosevelt Lake

 

There are three routes to the lake depending upon a point and the type of scenery you would prefer to enjoy. See the Roosevelt Lake Map below.

 

Apache Trail Route. This is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona, particularly during the spring months when the desert is in bloom. From Apache Junction it's about a 50 mile drive, but a slow drive since about half of the route is winding dirt road along the northern edges of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness area. Take Highway 88 (Apache Trail) from Apache Junction which is a Phoenix suburb. You will pass Canyon Lake before entering the Ghost Town of Tortilla Flats. Shortly after the road through hairpin turns alongside sheer cliff dropoffs at Fish Creek Hill as the views of Apache Lake appear. Apache Trail then continues until it reaches Roosevelt Dam and Roosevelt Lake.

 

From Globe Arizona. Take Highway 188 for about 30 miles north of Globe.

 

From North Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale. Take Beeline Highway (Highway 87) north to Highway 188. Take 188 south for about 40 miles passing through Jake's Corner and Punkin Center to Lake Roosevelt. The route is all paved.

 

 

More Information

 

Tonto National Forest
Tonto Basin Ranger District
(927) 457-3259
(927) 467-5658 (Marina)
(502) 236-2582 (Lake Level Information)

Arizona Fishing Map
Lake Pleasant - largemouth bass

Children under the age of six: No consumption

 

Women of child-bearing age and children between 6-16 years old: One 8 oz. fish meal per month

 

All other adult women: One 8 oz. fish meal per month unless a doctor supports a higher consumption rate.

 

Adult men: Five 8 oz. fish meals per month.

Roosevelt Lake - largemouth
bass and channel catfish

Children under the age of six: No consumption

 

Women of child-bearing age and children between 6-16 years old: One 8 oz. fish meal per month

 

All other adult women: One 8 oz. fish meal per month unless a doctor supports a higher consumption rate.

 

Adult men: Five 8 oz. fish meals per month.