C.C. Cragin Reservoir—still widely called Blue Ridge Reservoir—is a narrow, canyon-bound waterbody on Arizona’s Mogollon Rim. Its steep forested walls, limited shoreline and gravel-road approach make it a better fit for prepared boaters, paddlers and anglers than for casual beach use.
Current status: the boat launch is open
As checked on October 4, 2026, the Coconino National Forest’s official C.C. Cragin page says the boat launch is open. That status can change with water level, maintenance, fire restrictions or road conditions, so verify it again immediately before towing a boat into the canyon.
Getting there on Forest Road 751
The Forest Service places the access at 34.55451, -111.19724, about 63 miles south of Flagstaff. From the Clints Well area, follow State Route 87 northeast to Forest Road 751, then take FR 751 southeast roughly six miles to the reservoir. The final road is gravel and is described as suitable for passenger cars in most weather.
FR 751 closes during winter months, making the reservoir inaccessible by road. Rain, snow, freeze-thaw damage, wildfire activity and maintenance can also change conditions. Check the Coconino National Forest conditions and alerts before leaving pavement.
Parking and ramp rules
- Parking is limited and allowed only in designated spaces within the restricted FR 751 area.
- The launch lane has a five-minute maximum vehicle-use window; prepare in the make-ready area first.
- Do not park on the ramp or block another launch.
- Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited on FR 751 southeast of Rock Crossing Campground, and vehicle-and-trailer combinations longer than 50 feet are prohibited in the restricted area.
- Swimming or wading is prohibited within 50 feet of the ramp or dock.
Boating: small motors and canyon water
Boats may use one electric motor or one gasoline engine of 10 horsepower or less. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards suit the reservoir’s narrow shape, but the steep shoreline leaves few easy places to land. Wear a properly fitted life jacket, secure loose gear and watch for sudden wind, cold water and changing weather.
Fishing at C.C. Cragin Reservoir
The Forest Service identifies C.C. Cragin as a coldwater fishery stocked with rainbow trout. It also notes that green sunfish were illegally introduced; there is no limit for green sunfish here, and Arizona Game and Fish asks anglers to kill any they catch rather than return them to the water.
Carry the required Arizona fishing license and check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations and lake information before fishing. Water level and stocking conditions can change, so plan the trip around current agency information rather than an old fishing report.
Facilities and accessibility
- A vault toilet is available.
- There is no potable water, so bring more drinking water than you expect to need.
- Picnic tables are not provided at the reservoir access.
- Pets must be restrained or leashed.
- The official page does not publish a specific accessibility designation for the ramp, shoreline or toilet. Contact the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station at 928-477-2255 for current mobility-access details.
Camping nearby
There is no designated campground at the lake. Salt River Project directs overnight visitors to Rock Crossing Campground, about three miles away, or to lawful dispersed sites along FR 751. Check current campground operations and fire restrictions before relying on either option.
Which Mogollon Rim lake fits your trip?
Choose Woods Canyon Lake or Willow Springs Lake for more developed ramp access. Pick the Bear Canyon Lake hike-in for a trail-first fishing day, or use the Knoll Lake guide for another remote-road option. C.C. Cragin stands apart for its narrow canyon water, 10-horsepower ceiling and seasonally gated FR 751 approach.
Official planning sources
- U.S. Forest Service: C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir
- Salt River Project: C.C. Cragin Reservoir history and recreation
- Recreation.gov: C.C. Cragin Reservoir
- Arizona Game and Fish: Fish & Boat AZ
Image note: the featured scene is AI-generated for illustration, informed by official descriptions and a licensed exact-destination reference; it is not a documentary photograph.
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