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
Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
Site Closed
Three Mile Wash offers shoreline parking and boat access. Access is via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife.…
Upper Burnt Corral Shoreline Area
Site Open
This site offers shoreline parking and boat access on Apache Lake. Access via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road showcasing magnificent bluffs above Apache Lake.…
Upper Canyon Creek Campground
Site Open
 The campground of dispersed units is set in a mature stand of Ponderosa pine with a mix of white and Douglas fir. Canyon Creek is popular among anglers fishing for rainbow trout. The Arizona Game…
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
Site Open
There are numerous activities to explore in the Upper Tonto Creek Campgrounds. The Lower Tonto Creek Campground has a large open-space parking lot and paved walkway makes it accessible with only a…
Upper Verde River
Site Open
Wild and Scenic River
Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area
Site Open
A dispersed camping area situated near Canyon Creek, known for its rainbow trout fishing.  A 9-mile all-terrain bicycle loop trail starts at the camping area. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel,…
Vineyard Canyon Picnic Area
Site Open
This picnic site is located on the scenic south shore of Roosevelt Lake, within the Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area. During the winter Canada Geese and bald eagles can be observed.The drive to…
Water Users Day Use Area
Site Open
Water Users is a popular site for kayakers and tubers. As one of the main points of river access for tubers, Water Users can become very busy during summer months. Beyond water access, Water Users…
Windy Hill Campground
Site Open
Windy Hill Campground is located on central Arizona's largest lake and offers great water recreation opportunities to the public. Because of its close proximity to the Lake, Windy Hill allows…
Yellow Cliffs Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
Site Open
Yellow Cliffs is above the shoreline along an elevated hilltop which provides gorgeous views of unique yellow-hued boulders surrounding Bartlett Lake. Here you can lounge and meditate to the soft…