5 Best Fishing Lakes in Arizona
Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Arizona, known for its desert landscapes, also boasts a surprising array of excellent fishing destinations. From catching trophy largemouth at the Parker Dam to bass fishing in the fall at Roosevelt Lake, the Grand Canyon State offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities. Let’s explore some of the best fishing lakes in Arizona, where you can cast a line and experience the state’s unique aquatic ecosystems.
Lake Havasu
Come for world-class bass fishing in Lake Havasu. Formed by Parker Dam on the Colorado River, the lake consistently produces largemouth and smallmouth bass. It is also the setting of professional bass tournaments, including Bassmaster Elite events. The lake’s rocky structure and submerged artificial habitats provide excellent cover for fish. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons, with many anglers finding success using topwater lures early in the morning and soft plastics later in the day.
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Roosevelt Lake
As one of Arizona’s largest lakes, Roosevelt Lake offers diverse fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake’s fluctuating water levels create a dynamic environment, with flooded brush and trees providing excellent fish habitat. Roosevelt Lake has produced several state fishing records, including the state record for largemouth bass, weighing 16 pounds 7.68 ounces, caught in 1997 by Randall E. White. Spring and fall are prime seasons for bass fishing, while crappie fishing can be excellent during the winter months
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Lake Powell
Straddling the Arizona-Utah border is this massive reservoir known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing. Lake Powell offers outstanding opportunities for striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Lake Powell‘s unique geography, with its numerous canyons and rock formations, creates diverse fishing environments. The lake has produced several notable catches, including a 67-pound striped bass also caught by Randall White. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits is a widely-used fishing technique for targeting striped bass at Lake Powell.
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Saguaro Lake
Located in the Tonto National Forest, Saguaro Lake is a scenic desert oasis offering excellent fishing for largemouth bass, yellow bass, and catfish. The lake’s steep canyon walls and numerous coves provide diverse fishing opportunities. Saguaro Lake has hosted several fishing tournaments and is known for producing quality-sized bass. Night fishing for catfish is popular during the hot summer months, with many anglers finding success using cut bait or prepared stink baits.
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Woods Canyon Lake
For a change of pace, Woods Canyon Lake in the Mogollon Rim offers excellent trout fishing in a cool, forested setting. This high-elevation lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Woods Canyon Lake is particularly popular during the summer months when anglers seek refuge from the desert heat. The lake’s clear waters and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among fly fishermen. Trolling with small spinners or fishing with bait from the shore are effective techniques for catching trout in this picturesque lake.
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Arizona’s fishing lakes offer an incredible array of angling opportunities, from the bass-rich waters of Lake Havasu to the trout-filled mountain lakes of the Mogollon Rim. Each lake has its own unique character and challenges, providing endless excitement for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a trophy largemouth bass or a stringer full of rainbow trout, these lakes showcase the best fishing in Arizona. So pack your gear, rent a fishing boat in Arizona, and set out to create your own fishing memories in the Grand Canyon State.
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