Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Your next catch is waiting.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Lake and pond fishing areas are available.
River and Stream Fishing
The Tonto has some river and stream fishing.
Hunting
Hunting is regulated by the state of Arizona and allowed on the Tonto National Forest during open seasons with applicable permits. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department for more information on open dates and regulations.
For more information, please contact the appropriate Ranger Station on the forest. Visit our Safety and Ethics page for more outdoor safety information.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Contact your local ranger district office for more information about local restriction. It is prohibited to shoot:
- In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
- Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
- In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
- Into or within a cave.
- Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.
- Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property.
- Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances.
- Recreational shooting is prohibited during fire restrictions.
In general, you should target shoot only if you:
- Use approved targets. Certain forests may have specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons).
- Exploding targets are not recommended and are restricted on many forests or grasslands for safety and fire concerns.
- Use approved targets along with a safe, "bullet-proof" backstop. Do not to attach your targets to vegetation or structures, such as trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.
- Practice safe gun handling by:
- Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
- Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keeping your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
- Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.
AREAS CLOSED TO SHOOTING ON THE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
- CAMP CREEK, ST. CLAIR, BARTLETT and VERDE RIVER AREAS (Order 12-182)
- NEEDLE ROCK AREA (Order 12-137, as revised)
- USERY MOUNTAINS, BULLDOG CANYON, GOLDFIELD MOUNTAINS, and FIRST WATER/LOST DUTCHMAN AREAS (Order 12-146, as revised)
- LOWER SALT RIVER RECREATION AREA (Order 12-5, as revised)
- SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS AREA (Order 12-59, as revised)
- ALL DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES: This includes all campgrounds, picnic sites, etc.(36 CFR §261-10)
Printable map (PDF) showing ALL shooting restriction areas on the entire forest.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
404 OHV Trailhead
Site Open
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Acacia Day Use Area
Site Open
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Airplane Flat Campground
Site Open
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Apache Lake
Site Open
Apache Lake was formed in 1927 when the Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Outstanding trout and warm-water fishing. Wet winters bring a profusion of spring flowers. This lake is set among sun-painted…
Apache Lake Marina & Resort
Site Open
Apache Lake Marina is concessionaire operated. See their website for up to date information on services provided, hours, and fees, or call 928-923-6690. Apache Lake Marina is located off the historic…
Bachelor Cove Shoreline Area
Site Closed
Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. The setting is in the Upper Sonoran Desert; Vegetation includes mesquite, cat claw, desert broom, as well as cholla and saguaro cacti,…
Bagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock
Site Open
Bagley Flat is notable for its boat access only camping on Saguaro Lake. Camping is allowed at the designated sites with grills and tables provided. This location is fun during the summer months…
Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area
Site Open
Bartlett Flat is farther up the road from Yellow Cliffs along the water’s edge of Bartlett Lake. When water levels are low, this beach-like retreat offers more room for camping, beaching and…
Bartlett Reservoir
Site Open
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Bermuda Flat Shoreline Area
Site Open
Located along the shoreline of central Arizona’s largest lake. This site provides spectacular views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness. The gently sloping shoreline makes this…