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Near Blue Ridge Ranger Station
Photo by R Enders
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Overview: Three shallow lakes are located in open grassland, dotted with volcanic rock, pinyon and juniper trees. Lakes Soldier and Soldier Annex provide catfish, bass and bluegill fishing, while Long Lake boasts trout and northern pike.
Directions: From Payson, take SR 87 north past Clint's Well to the Blue Ridge Ranger Station; FR 211 is on the left side of SR 87. From SR 87, it is 16 miles of dirt forest road which can be rutted and difficult after storms. Recommend a high-clearance vehicle, especially on FR 635A between Long and Soldier lakes. 
Drive Time: Approximately 2.5 hours from Phoenix.
Elevation: 6,700 feet.
Rating: Somewhat remote.
Season: Best April - Oct., check on winter road conditions.
Camping: Primitive camping only. Nearest developed sites are Rock Crossing and Blue Ridge campgrounds.
Boats: On Soldier Lake, boats powered by no more than a single electric motor permitted.
Notice: Catch unlimited northern pike at Long Lake.
Contacts
Coconino National Forest
Blue Ridge Ranger District: 928-477-2255
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
Fishing: Weekly Fishing Report
Map
Do not remove map! Click here for printable map and direction page.
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