Black Tank

The 2.7-acre Black Tank in Apache County is a reservoir in Arizona and covers about 2.7 acres, reaches about 12.1 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 14.2 acre-feet.

The early check on Black Tank should stay simple: the light size of this water makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle.

Fish and Baits

Before changing spots on Black Tank, fish listed for this water include Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass.

To begin with bluegill on Black Tank, use a small jig, worm, or tiny plastic around green weeds and protected pockets.

For a quick largemouth bass test, fish a soft plastic, jig, or spinnerbait around weeds and protected cover.

A useful channel catfish plan on Black Tank is to fish cut bait or a nightcrawler on the bottom along a channel edge or warm flat.

How to Read the Water

For a short trip to Black Tank, do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself.

Season by Season

A direct approach on Black Tank works like this: spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.

A Simple Tackle Plan

At Black Tank, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle; try a natural color before a loud pattern on this 2.7-acre reservoir.

At Black Tank, record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; try a natural color before a loud pattern on this 2.7-acre reservoir.