C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir

The district plans to open the reservoir for public use on April 26, but please call (928) 477-2255 for updates. This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. Nestled between forested canyon walls it provides picturesque water recreation in a secluded, wooded setting. If fishing is your cup of tea, you can catch rainbow, brown or brook trout here, stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If your taste runs to other types of recreation, the sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking here in the canyon-carved uplands of the Mogollon Plateau will make you glad you chose to visit this out of the way lake.  In 2018, C.C. Cragin Reservoir will become an important water source for the town of Payson, Arizona. Forest thinning and prescribed burning in the area under the Cragin Watershed Protection Project [/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprd3850490] will help protect this valuable water source and improve forest health in the area. C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project (SRP). Learn more about the reservoir's history on SRP's history of C.C. Cragin dam and reservoir [http://www.srpnet.com/water/dams/cragin.aspx].   C.C. Cragin Reservoir [https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2922/33818304791_a3c628e1bf.jpg] [https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/albums/72157657043443792] View album on Flicker [https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/albums/72157657043443792]