Bartlett Lake is a reservoir that was formed by the damming of the Verde River in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is downstream and to the south of Horseshoe Reservoir. Constructed in 1936–39 by the Salt River Project, the Bartlett Dam and reservoir were named for Bill Bartlett, a government surveyor. Bartlett Lake was the first reservoir built on the Verde River.[1]

Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake is located in Arizona
Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake
LocationMaricopa County, Arizona
Coordinates33°49′32″N 111°37′32″W / 33.82556°N 111.62556°W / 33.82556; -111.62556
Typereservoir
Primary inflowsVerde River
Primary outflowsVerde River
Basin countriesUnited States
Managing agencySalt River Project
Max. length12 mi (19 km)
Surface area2,815 acres (1,139 ha)
Average depth100 ft (30 m)
Max. depth174 ft (53 m)
Water volume178,186 acre-feet (219,789,000 m3) maximum capacity
Shore length133 mi (53 km)
Surface elevation1,600 ft (490 m)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Bartlett Lake, located 48 miles (77 km) from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Carefree, is a popular recreation area in the Tonto National Forest. After wet winters, the Bartlett Lake area often has fine displays of spring wildflowers.[2] The facilities at Bartlett Lake are managed by the Forest Service.

Bartlett Lake Marina

Sport fishing and other recreation

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Aerial view of Bartlett Lake and Verde River

Species inhabiting the lake, at about 1,600 feet (490 m) above sea level, include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, carp, crayfish, and bullfrogs. The nearest town with fuel, groceries, fishing tackle, restaurants, and other amenities is Carefree. At the lake itself, it is possible to rent boats and buy fishing licenses, fuel, groceries, and fishing equipment.[3]

The lake and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for swimming and waterskiing, camping and picnicking.[3] Trailer spaces and restrooms are available.[3] Users must obtain a U.S. Forest Service Tonto Pass and perhaps pay other fees for various uses of Bartlett Lake.[3][4]

 
Bartlett Lake coves
 
Bartlett Lake beach

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bartlett Dam". SRP. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  2. ^ "Celebrating Wildflowers: Bartlett Reservoir". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d Arizona Fishin' Holes, pp. 30–35
  4. ^ "Tonto Pass FAQ". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved July 30, 2013.

Works cited

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  • Arizona Fishin' Holes: The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Guide to Public Fishing Waters and Facilities in Arizona (2010). Phoenix: Arizona Game and Fish Department.
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Bartlett Reservoir] - Tonto National Forest