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
Christopher Creek Campground and Group Site
Site Open
Christopher Creek Campground is one of the most popular sites on Payson Ranger District. Developed campgrounds with picnic tables, grills and designated fire pits may be reserved for large families…
Colcord Ridge Campground
Site Open
Situated within a mixed forest of Ponderosa pine, white and Douglas fir, Colcord Ridge is a great place to go during the hot summer months. Trout fishing is available -- 5 miles to the east of Canyon…
Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area
Site Open
The Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area is located on the scenic south shore of Roosevelt Lake.The drive to the picnic area is highlighted by spectacular views of the Sierra Ancha Mountains, Four Peaks…
Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area
Site Open
This site offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access is by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife.
Davis Wash Shoreline Area
Site Closed
 Davis wash is accessible by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife. This shoreline offers an abundance of…
Diversion Dam
Site Open
This site is located on the Upper Salt River area and has five river access points. This site also offers dispersed camping for boaters using the access points. This side includes a toilet building,…
EADS Wash
Site Open
This site is located on the Upper Salt River; a river access point. EADS Wash offers dispersed camping with no fees.Â
East Verde Picnic
Site Open
Set in the shade of tall pine trees, East Verde Picnic is perfect for any day trip that you have planned. You can see a variety of wildlife along with the beautiful scenery that Payson has to offer.
First, Second, Third Crossings and Water Wheel
Site Open
Set in the shade of tall pine trees, this recreation area is perfect for any day trip that you have planned. Fishing, picnicking and water activities are available along the East Verde River.  Pack…
Flowing Springs
Site Open
This day use area offers many pastoral scenes and interesting rock formations. It is situated along the banks of the East Verde River, where trout fishing is a favorite pastime.Â