Arizona, known for its stunning desert landscapes, vast canyons, and dramatic mountain ranges, is also home to some incredible fishing spots. While it might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about fishing, the state offers a surprising array of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re after bass, trout, catfish, or even the elusive tiger muskie, Arizona’s diverse fishing destinations offer something for everyone.
The Rich Diversity of Arizona’s Fishing Waters
Arizona’s varied geography contributes to the rich diversity of its fishing waters. From the cool mountain streams of the Mogollon Rim to the expansive desert reservoirs of the Salt River Valley, the state offers a wide range of environments and species. In the northern part of the state, higher elevations and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for trout, while the warmer waters in the south are perfect for bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Moreover, Arizona’s commitment to conservation and fishery management means that many of these waters are regularly stocked with fish, ensuring that both novice and experienced anglers have a good chance of a successful outing.
Top Fishing Spots in Arizona
Let’s explore some of the best lakes, rivers, and reservoirs in Arizona, where you can cast your line and enjoy a day of fishing surrounded by the state’s breathtaking scenery.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, located on the Colorado River, is one of Arizona’s premier fishing destinations. Spanning over 19,000 acres, this lake is renowned for its warm waters and year-round fishing opportunities. The lake is especially famous for its largemouth and smallmouth bass, drawing anglers from across the country who are eager to test their skills in its clear, deep waters.
In addition to bass, Lake Havasu is also home to striped bass, catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The lake’s abundant fish population and diverse underwater structures, such as rock piles and submerged brush, provide excellent habitats for fish, making it a hotspot for anglers.
Lake Havasu’s location on the Arizona-California border means it’s easily accessible, and its mild winter temperatures make it an attractive destination even in the colder months. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or from the shore, Lake Havasu offers plenty of opportunities to catch the big one.
Beyond fishing, Lake Havasu is also known for its vibrant recreational scene, with activities like boating, jet skiing, and camping. The lake’s scenic beauty, highlighted by the London Bridge and surrounding desert landscapes, makes it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake, located in central Arizona, is the largest lake in the state and a top destination for bass fishing. Formed by the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River, this expansive lake covers over 21,000 acres and offers some of the best fishing in the Southwest.
Roosevelt Lake is particularly known for its excellent largemouth bass population, with many anglers reporting catches of trophy-sized fish. The lake also supports healthy populations of smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The diverse habitats around the lake, including rocky points, submerged trees, and grassy flats, make it a prime location for a variety of fishing techniques.
The Tonto National Forest surrounds Roosevelt Lake, providing stunning scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The lake’s extensive shoreline offers plenty of spots for shore fishing, while boat ramps make it easy to access the deeper waters where big fish often lurk.
In addition to its fishing opportunities, Roosevelt Lake is a popular spot for boating, water skiing, and camping. The Roosevelt Lake Marina offers boat rentals and supplies, making it a convenient base for your fishing adventure.
Lake Powell
Straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is one of the most scenic and unique fishing destinations in the United States. This massive reservoir, created by the Glen Canyon Dam, stretches for nearly 200 miles and boasts over 2,000 miles of shoreline, with countless coves, canyons, and inlets to explore.
Lake Powell is famous for its striped bass, which are plentiful and can be caught year-round. The lake is also home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. The clear, blue waters and dramatic red rock landscapes make fishing at Lake Powell an unforgettable experience.
One of the best ways to fish Lake Powell is by boat, as many of the best fishing spots are located in the lake’s more remote areas. Houseboats are popular on Lake Powell, allowing anglers to explore the lake at their own pace and access secluded fishing spots that are often teeming with fish.
In addition to its excellent fishing, Lake Powell offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, and hiking. The lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which offers numerous campgrounds and facilities for visitors.
Whether you’re fishing in the shadow of towering sandstone cliffs or cruising along the lake’s winding waterways, Lake Powell offers an unmatched combination of fishing and natural beauty.
Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry, located in northern Arizona near the town of Page, is a world-renowned trout fishing destination. Situated on the Colorado River just downstream from Glen Canyon Dam, Lees Ferry is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant rainbow trout population.
The tailwater fishery at Lees Ferry offers year-round fishing, with the best trout fishing typically occurring in the spring and fall. The cold, nutrient-rich waters released from the bottom of Lake Powell create ideal conditions for trout, which grow large and healthy in this unique environment.
Anglers at Lees Ferry can fish from the shore or from a boat, with many opting to float the river to access the best fishing spots. The river’s broad, shallow runs, riffles, and deep pools provide diverse habitats for trout, making it an exciting and challenging place to fish.
In addition to its fishing opportunities, Lees Ferry is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon for river rafters, making it a popular spot for adventure seekers. The area’s dramatic landscapes, including the towering red rock cliffs of Marble Canyon, add to the allure of this iconic fishing destination.
For those planning a visit to Lees Ferry, there are several lodging options in nearby Marble Canyon, as well as camping facilities at the Lees Ferry Campground. Guided fishing trips are also available, offering the expertise of local guides who know the river’s best spots and techniques.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake, located just 40 miles northeast of Phoenix, is a popular fishing spot that offers a convenient escape from the city. This scenic desert lake, surrounded by rugged mountains and saguaro cacti, covers over 1,200 acres and is known for its diverse fish population.
Saguaro Lake is particularly famous for its largemouth bass, which can be found in abundance, especially during the spring and fall. The lake also holds healthy populations of yellow bass, catfish, sunfish, and crappie. The clear waters and rocky shorelines provide excellent fishing conditions, with plenty of structure for fish to hide in.
One of the unique features of Saguaro Lake is its steep canyon walls, which drop off sharply into deep water. This creates a variety of fishing environments, from shallow coves to deep, cool waters, making it a great place for both shore and boat fishing.
The lake’s proximity to Phoenix makes it a popular destination for day trips, but it also offers several amenities for longer stays. The Saguaro Lake Marina provides boat rentals, fishing supplies, and dining options, while nearby campgrounds offer a place to stay overnight.
In addition to fishing, Saguaro Lake is a great spot for boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is part of the Tonto National Forest, which provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding desert landscapes.
Mogollon Rim Lakes
The Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment that stretches across central Arizona, is home to several beautiful lakes that offer excellent trout fishing. These high-elevation lakes are surrounded by cool pine forests, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of the desert below.
Some of the most popular fishing lakes on the Mogollon Rim include Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake. These lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and they also hold populations of brown trout and brook trout.
Woods Canyon Lake, located just off the Rim Road (Forest Road 300), is one of the most accessible and popular lakes on the Mogollon Rim. The lake’s clear, cool waters and picturesque setting make it a favorite spot for both shore and boat fishing. Kayaks and canoes are popular on Woods Canyon Lake, allowing anglers to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets.
Willow Springs Lake, located a few miles from Woods Canyon Lake, offers similar fishing opportunities, with the added bonus of being less crowded. The lake’s rocky shores and submerged timber provide excellent habitat for trout, making it a great place to cast a line.
Bear Canyon Lake, located in a more remote area of the Mogollon Rim, is a bit more challenging to access but rewards anglers with solitude and stunning scenery. The lake’s deep, clear waters are ideal for trout fishing, and the surrounding forest offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
The Mogollon Rim lakes are typically ice-free from late spring through early fall, with the best fishing occurring in the cooler months of spring and fall. Several campgrounds are located near the lakes, making it easy to plan a weekend fishing trip.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake, another gem in the Salt River chain of lakes, is located about an hour’s drive from Phoenix and is known for its spectacular scenery and excellent fishing. The lake is surrounded by steep canyon walls and rugged desert terrain, making it one of the most picturesque fishing spots in Arizona.
Canyon Lake is particularly well-known for its largemouth bass, which thrive in the lake’s warm, clear waters. The lake also supports populations of yellow bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The steep cliffs and submerged structures provide ideal conditions for bass fishing, with plenty of spots to target from both shore and boat.
The lake’s narrow, winding shape creates numerous coves and inlets, which are perfect for exploring by boat. Many anglers enjoy the challenge of navigating these tight spots in search of the perfect fishing hole.
Canyon Lake is a popular destination for both fishing and boating, with the Canyon Lake Marina offering boat rentals, supplies, and dining options. The marina also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, drawing anglers from across the state.
Camping is available at the nearby Tortilla Campground, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding desert. In addition to fishing, Canyon Lake is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with bighorn sheep and bald eagles often spotted in the area.
Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake, located in southern Arizona near the town of Nogales, is a popular fishing destination that offers a peaceful retreat in a beautiful setting. This 265-acre lake, nestled in the rolling hills of the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, is known for its excellent bass and catfish fishing.
Largemouth bass are the main attraction at Patagonia Lake, with many anglers reporting catches of fish over 10 pounds. The lake also holds populations of channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout. The lake’s weedy coves and submerged structures provide ideal habitats for bass, while the deeper waters are perfect for catfish and trout.
Patagonia Lake is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter months, making it a great spot for year-round fishing. The lake’s relatively mild climate and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for anglers seeking a tranquil fishing experience.
The Patagonia Lake State Park offers a range of amenities, including camping, picnic areas, and boat rentals. The park’s scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities make it a great destination for nature lovers, with the chance to spot a variety of bird species, including the rare elegant trogon.
Whether you’re fishing from a boat, the shore, or one of the park’s fishing docks, Patagonia Lake offers a serene and productive fishing experience in the heart of southern Arizona.
Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest just northeast of Phoenix, is another top fishing spot in the Salt River chain of lakes. This 2,800-acre reservoir is known for its excellent largemouth bass fishing, as well as its populations of crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
Bartlett Lake’s warm waters and diverse habitats make it a great spot for bass fishing, with anglers reporting success with both traditional lures and live bait. The lake’s submerged structures, rocky shorelines, and weedy coves provide plenty of hiding spots for fish, making it an exciting and challenging place to fish.
In addition to bass, Bartlett Lake is also known for its healthy populations of crappie, which can be found in large schools during the cooler months. The lake’s catfish are also a popular target, especially in the summer when they can be found in deeper waters.
Bartlett Lake is a popular destination for both fishing and boating, with the Bartlett Lake Marina offering boat rentals, supplies, and dining options. The marina also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, drawing anglers from across the state.
Camping is available at several campgrounds around the lake, providing a great base for a weekend fishing trip. The lake’s proximity to Phoenix makes it a convenient destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake, located in the Prescott National Forest, is a beautiful mountain lake that offers excellent trout fishing in a scenic setting. This 55-acre lake, nestled in the pine-covered hills just outside of Prescott, is a popular destination for both fishing and outdoor recreation.
Lynx Lake is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the year, making it a great spot for both shore and boat fishing. The lake also holds populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The cool, clear waters and peaceful surroundings make Lynx Lake a favorite spot for anglers seeking a relaxing fishing experience.
The lake’s small size and easy access make it an ideal spot for families and beginners, while more experienced anglers will appreciate the challenge of targeting the lake’s larger trout and bass. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are popular on Lynx Lake, allowing anglers to explore the lake’s coves and inlets.
Lynx Lake is part of the Prescott National Forest, which offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Lynx Lake Recreation Area features several campgrounds, picnic areas, and a marina with boat rentals and supplies.
The nearby town of Prescott offers additional amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lodging options, making Lynx Lake a great destination for a weekend getaway.
Tips for Fishing in Arizona
Fishing in Arizona’s diverse waters can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared to make the most of your time on the water. Here are some tips to help you have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip in Arizona:
1. Check the Fishing Regulations
Arizona’s fishing regulations vary depending on the species and location, so it’s important to check the current rules before you head out. This includes knowing the bag and size limits, as well as any seasonal closures or special regulations for specific waters.
2. Get the Right Gear
The type of gear you’ll need depends on the species you’re targeting and the location you’re fishing. For bass fishing, a medium-heavy rod with a strong line is recommended, while trout fishing typically requires a lighter rod and smaller lures or bait. Be sure to bring a variety of lures, as fish behavior can change throughout the day.
3. Time Your Trip
The best fishing in Arizona often occurs in the early morning and late evening, when fish are most active. The time of year also plays a role, with spring and fall generally offering the best conditions for bass and trout fishing. During the summer, fishing is often better at higher elevations, where the water is cooler.
4. Be Prepared for the Weather
Arizona’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so it’s important to be prepared for changing conditions. Dress in layers, bring plenty of water, and be aware of the potential for sudden storms, especially during the monsoon season.
5. Respect the Environment
When fishing in Arizona’s beautiful natural areas, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all of your trash, respecting wildlife, and being mindful of other visitors. Following these guidelines helps ensure that Arizona’s fishing spots remain pristine for future generations.
6. Consider Hiring a Guide
If you’re new to fishing in Arizona or want to improve your chances of catching fish, consider hiring a local guide. Guides can provide valuable insights into the best spots, techniques, and times to fish, and they often have access to private waters that aren’t available to the general public.
Conclusion: Discover the Best Fishing in Arizona
Arizona’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs offer some of the best fishing in the Southwest, with opportunities to catch a wide variety of species in stunning natural settings. Whether you’re casting for bass in the warm waters of Saguaro Lake, reeling in a trophy trout at Lees Ferry, or exploring the remote coves of Lake Powell, Arizona’s fishing spots provide something for every angler.
From the desert oases of the Salt River lakes to the cool, clear waters of the Mogollon Rim, Arizona’s fishing destinations are as diverse as the landscapes that surround them. So pack your gear, plan your trip, and get ready to experience the thrill of fishing in one of the most beautiful and unique states in the country.
