Willow Tank

The 1.2-acre Willow Tank in Coconino County is a reservoir in Arizona and covers about 1.2 acres, reaches about 9.3 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 4.7 acre-feet.

On an first pass, the small size of Willow Tank makes quiet casts and short moves more useful than carrying a pile of tackle. On an first pass, with little deep water in Willow Tank, weeds, wind, and water color can matter more than depth alone.

Fish and Baits

At Willow Tank, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.

At Willow Tank, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.

How to Read the Water

At Willow Tank, use wind as a clue; a light push can carry food toward a bank, but hard wind may muddy it, so look for a clean edge near a point or protected pocket; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.

Season by Season

At Willow Tank, early in the year, protected water and the first warm afternoon can be the best clues; as the water heats up, check deeper edges without assuming every fish is on the bottom; cooling fall water often makes points and firm banks useful again; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.

A Simple Tackle Plan

At Willow 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; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.

At Willow 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; add vibration in stained water on this 1.2-acre reservoir.