'Blue Ridge' Reservoir Is A Favorite For Paddlers

The long wait for the reopening of the C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir is finally over. The Arizona Game And Fish Department, in cooperation with the Coconino National Forest, has completed a boating-access improvement project and vehicular access to the lake on Forest Road 751 is once again available.

The lake and the main road were closed in October to allow major construction to widen the existing boat ramp, install rockfall protection netting, improve the road to the upper parking lot and several other safety features.

Popular for fishing and paddlecraft, the reservoir is located on the Mogollon Rim east of Clint's Well, approximately 2 miles east of State Route 87 near Rock Crossing Campground.

Because of this winter's construction project, Game and Fish did not stock fish in the lake last year, and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized unlimited bag and possession limits for trout. That authorization may be removed as the lake is refilled.

"Boaters and anglers will appreciate the changes made to parking and access at Blue Ridge Reservoir," said Ron Christofferson, boating facilities program manager for the Arizona Game And Fish Department. "Arizona boaters and anglers made all these improvements possible when they purchased their boats, fishing licenses, fishing equipment and fuel for their boats."

For more information on C.C Cragin Reservoir, visit http://www.srpnet.com/water/dams/cragin.aspx .