Is Bartlett Lake accessible?

I have heard that Bartlett Lake is low on water. Has anyone been there in the past several days? Can we launch the boat? We are thinking of going there this week.

Yes and no. First the water level is at about 40% capacity or 50 feet below the max. Check for yourself here:

http://www.gf.state.az.us/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml

With the low water levels you will have to launch from the shoreline. Most of Bartlett has a very gradual shoreline meaning that if you have a large boat or a boat with a deep draft you will have to back your truck into the water almost till your front tires are in the water in order to get your boat off the trailer. When you do get in the water you will be limited to the damn area since all the underwater obsticles are now a problem in the rest of the lake. I think Brian at he Marina will launch and retrieve your boat with the tractor for $65. Both ramps are officially closed!

See Here:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/news/2007/011607.shtml


After yesterday's fiasco at Canyon I would suggest going to Apache, Roosevelt, Havasu, Mead or Powell. I was almost killed yesterday by someone following me while wakeboarding. When I fell he just barely missed me, probably by less than a foot. He then proceeded to run over our rope and almost damn near capsized my SAN.

I am planning a camping trip to Apache in two weeks on the 3/24. Check out:


http://groups.myspace.com/azwakeboarding

for details. I should have something posted up in a couple days.

You can also call the Bartlett Marina

http://bartlettlake.com/lakeInfo/contact.php

I went to Saguaro yesterday, there was only two other boats from 6 to 9:30am. Can you say "BUTTER".

I hear you Steve, Canyon was the same way until all the jet skis and stupid people showed up.

So you are riding again? How is the knee? You are welcome to come with us any time.

Rode for the first time yesterday, the knees great. Thanks Ryan.

Bocephus, thanks for the reply. I'm glad I asked about Bartlett.

We bought our first boat this year and we were on Saguaro yesterday (Saturday). It was a little scary at times because there were so many boats on the lake.

I have never been to Apache before. I have heard the drive is difficult. Is that right? Is there a preferred route to the lake? Thanks.

And that is one reason I don't miss living in Gilbert. In all the years we have owned a boat, Saguaro and Canyon are the two places we have had more close calls than every other lake we have been on added together and multiplied by 10. I don't know why, but they just don't pay attention (or seem to care). Also, I have never seen more patrols/coast guard presence on a lake. How bad would it be if they weren't there? I wish you the best! Safe riding.

Swrodgers - Apache is a GREAT lake. The road there is a bit scary but the water and lack of other boats was worth it every time. The road there has a pass that is nearly one lane dirt going down the side of a mountain. When passing another vehicle it isn't so bad if they are small. Trailers or large vehicles make it interesting. The uphill vehicle (traveling down hill) has to stop and back up to a wider section of road to let the down hill vehicle pass going up hill. We just took it slow and kept a look out for dust from any on comming vehicles. Seemed to work out each time. (Oh, my wife kept her eyes closed every time we were headed up the pass.) Again, the lake was worth it every time.

Apache is the best lake in AZ. The road in makes not a good day use lake, but for a weekend its great. You can also get there from Globe and Roosevelt. A much easier road, all dirt though, and from phoenix is a longer route. The Canyon road is good except for the 2 mile steep one lane road. I have been fortunate and not had to back up at all, I have heard some bad stories though.

dg

Pardon me, but the best lake in AZ is Powell hands down..LOL

Hey Steve -

Glad to hear you are back on the water finally. I am coming down for the Tempe Music Festival in a few weeks. Do you go out during the weeks or just on the weekends?

(This is Laci from WA, Kim moved down there last winter and I came down and went to Saguaro)

you missed the Tempe town lake Beer fest yesterday.

I shot at Bartlett last weekend and the water level is sure low but no real issues. There wasn't anyone on the lake? Here's a pic.

Hey Solo,
Have the bass fishermen built a good dirt ramp out there yet?