🌵 15 Must-Fish Lakes & Rivers in Arizona That Anglers Adore
Arizona, a state renowned for its stunning deserts and vibrant red rock landscapes, surprisingly offers some of the most exciting and diverse fishing opportunities in the Southwest. From urban oases to vast reservoirs and the mighty Colorado River, anglers can find a wide array of species and settings. We’re counting down to Arizona’s premier fishing destinations, revealing their unique features and the record-breaking catches that await! 👇
15. Community Fishing Program Waters 🏙️
Arizona’s Community Fishing Program brings angling opportunities directly to over 4 million residents, with more than 50 city park lakes and ponds participating. These conveniently located urban waters are regularly stocked with over 100 tons of catfish annually, ensuring consistent action. This program provides easy access to fishing, often within just a 20-minute drive, making it a fantastic resource for local anglers of all ages.
- Primary Target Species: Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout.
- Highlights & Details: Over 50 city park lakes and ponds are part of this program, stocked with 100+ tons of catfish annually. Conveniently located within a 20-minute drive for over 4 million residents.
14. Parker Canyon Lake 🎣
Parker Canyon Lake is a significant angling destination in Arizona, particularly notable for holding multiple state records for various species. It proudly boasts the state record for Black Bullhead (2 lbs 6.1 oz, 2002), Green Sunfish (1 lb 9 oz, 1996), and a remarkable Channel Catfish (35 lbs 4 oz, 1987). This history of big catches makes it a compelling spot for anglers chasing record-breaking fish.
- Primary Target Species: Black Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Channel Catfish.
- Highlights & Details: Holds state records for Black Bullhead (2 lbs 6.1 oz, 2002), Green Sunfish (1 lb 9 oz, 1996), and Channel Catfish (35 lbs 4 oz, 1987).
13. Woods Canyon Lake 🌲
Woods Canyon Lake is a popular and picturesque 55-acre lake, especially favored by families seeking a scenic outing. It offers excellent trout fishing opportunities, with populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout. Its combination of natural beauty and reliable trout action makes it a beloved destination for a relaxing and rewarding day on the water.
- Primary Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout.
- Highlights & Details: A scenic and popular 55-acre lake, especially with families, offering good trout fishing.
12. Willow Springs Lake 🏆
Willow Springs Lake stands out as one of the largest and most popular lakes situated on the scenic Mogollon Rim. It’s a prime destination for trout fishing, offering excellent opportunities for both rainbow trout and tiger trout. Notably, this lake holds the state record for Rainbow Trout, a massive 15.6 lbs specimen caught in 2006, highlighting its potential for trophy catches.
- Primary Target Species: Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout.
- Highlights & Details: One of the largest and most popular lakes on the Mogollon Rim. Holds the state record for Rainbow Trout (15.6 lbs, 2006).
11. Ashurst Lake 🎣
Ashurst Lake is a significant fishing spot in Arizona, particularly recognized for its northern pike population. This lake notably holds the state record for Northern Pike, an impressive 32 lbs 5.6 oz fish caught in 2004. This makes it a compelling destination for anglers looking to target large pike and potentially break records. If you’re into predatory fishing, this is a must-visit.
- Primary Target Species: Northern Pike.
- Highlights & Details: Holds the state record for Northern Pike (32 lbs 5.6 oz, 2004).
10. Big Lake 🏞️
Big Lake is widely considered one of the premier fishing lakes nestled within Arizona’s beautiful White Mountains. It’s highly regarded for its excellent trout fishing, boasting healthy populations of brook trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. This makes it a top choice for anglers seeking a serene mountain setting combined with rewarding trout action.
- Primary Target Species: Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout.
- Highlights & Details: Considered one of the White Mountains’ best fishing lakes for trout.
9. Patagonia Lake ☀️
Patagonia Lake, nestled within Patagonia Lake State Park, is meticulously managed as a high-quality water for two popular species: largemouth bass and flathead catfish. This focus ensures that anglers have excellent opportunities to target these prized game fish. The beautiful state park setting adds to the appeal, offering a fantastic blend of recreation and quality fishing.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Flathead Catfish.
- Highlights & Details: Managed as a high-quality largemouth bass and flathead catfish water within Patagonia Lake State Park.
8. Canyon Lake ⛰️
Canyon Lake is a visually stunning fishing destination, characterized by its towering rock walls that create a dramatic backdrop for anglers. It’s renowned for its lunker largemouth bass, promising thrilling catches for bass enthusiasts. Additionally, this lake holds the state record for Black Buffalo, a substantial 35 lbs 6.72 oz specimen caught in 1995. While magnificent, it may experience golden algae fish kills, so it’s always wise to check current conditions.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Black Buffalo.
- Highlights & Details: Features towering rock walls and lunker largemouth bass. Holds the state record for Black Buffalo (35 lbs 6.72 oz, 1995). May experience golden algae fish kills.
7. Saguaro Lake 🌵
Saguaro Lake is a popular angling spot in Arizona, particularly known for its diverse fish populations including largemouth bass, crappie, and tilapia. This lake notably holds the state record for Tilapia, an impressive 7 lbs 8.8 oz catch from 2002. However, it has recently experienced golden algae, leading to minor fish kills, so anglers should check current conditions before visiting.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Tilapia.
- Highlights & Details: Holds the state record for Tilapia (7 lbs 8.8 oz, 2002). Recently experienced golden algae, leading to minor fish kills.
6. Bartlett Lake 🚤
Bartlett Lake is a substantial 2,815-acre reservoir that consistently provides excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Its expansive waters offer ample space for anglers to explore and find productive spots. Known for its reliable bass action, it’s a solid choice for those specifically targeting this popular game fish in a large reservoir setting.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass.
- Highlights & Details: A 2,815-acre reservoir providing consistent largemouth bass fishing opportunities.
5. Roosevelt Lake 🏞️
Roosevelt Lake stands as a massive 20,300-acre reservoir offering excellent fishing for both largemouth bass and crappie. This impressive lake holds multiple state records, including for Smallmouth Bass (7 lbs 9.6 oz, 1988) and Bigmouth Buffalo (36 lbs 6 oz, 1995). Its vast size and proven track record for producing trophy fish make it a premier destination for serious anglers seeking big catches.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo.
- Highlights & Details: A 20,300-acre reservoir with excellent fishing for largemouth bass and crappie. Holds state records for Smallmouth Bass (7 lbs.96 oz, 1988) and Bigmouth Buffalo (36 lbs 6 oz, 1995).
4. Lake Mohave 🌵
Lake Mohave is a significant component of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is particularly renowned for its striped bass fishing. Striped bass are the most highly sought-after sportfish species in this expansive lake, drawing anglers from far and wide. Its clear waters and strong populations make it an exciting destination for those looking to battle a powerful freshwater opponent.
- Primary Target Species: Striped Bass.
- Highlights & Details: Striped bass are the most sought-after sportfish species in this lake, part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
3. Lake Havasu ☀️
Lake Havasu is widely regarded as one of Arizona’s premier fishing lakes, drawing anglers year-round due to its consistent productivity. It’s a fantastic spot for largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and common carp. Notably, Lake Havasu holds state records for Redear Sunfish (3 lbs 9.6 oz, 2005) and Common Carp (42 lbs, 1979). It even ranks among the top bass lakes for kayakers, offering diverse angling experiences.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Common Carp.
- Highlights & Details: One of Arizona’s best fishing lakes, popular year-round. Holds state records for Redear Sunfish (3 lbs 9.6 oz, 2005) and Common Carp (42 lbs, 1979). Ranked #6 among top bass lakes for kayakers.
2. Colorado River 🌊
The mighty Colorado River spans the entire length of Arizona, offering incredibly diverse fishing opportunities throughout its course. It’s a true state record producer, holding impressive records for Largemouth Bass (16 lbs 7.68 oz, 1996), Striped Bass (67 lbs 1.0 oz, 1997), and Flathead Catfish (74 lbs, 1952). Anglers can target a wide array of species, including trout, sunfish, and crappie, making it a versatile and exciting destination.
- Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Flathead Catfish, Trout, Sunfish, Crappie.
- Highlights & Details: Spans the length of the state, offering diverse fishing opportunities. Holds state records for Largemouth Bass (16 lbs 7.68 oz, 1996), Striped Bass (67 lbs 1.0 oz, 1997), and Flathead Catfish (74 lbs, 1952).
1. Lake Powell 🏞️
Lake Powell is an absolutely massive reservoir, offering expansive waters and stunning red rock canyons that create a truly unique fishing backdrop. While specific primary target species are not detailed in this snippet, it is widely known for its exceptional striped bass, largemouth bass, and walleye fishing. Its vast size and incredible scenery make it not just a fishing destination, but an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
- Primary Target Species: (Not specified in snippets, but generally known for Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye).
- Highlights & Details: A very large reservoir, popular for fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
- Do I need an Arizona fishing license? Yes, all anglers 10 years of age and older need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish in Arizona waters. This applies to both residents and non-residents. Licenses can be purchased online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), at authorized license dealers, or by phone. Always consult the official AZGFD website for the most current regulations, bag limits, and specific requirements for certain waters or species.
- What’s the best time to fish Arizona’s lakes and rivers? The best time to fish in Arizona depends heavily on the specific region and target species. In the cooler mountain lakes (like Woods Canyon and Willow Springs), spring, summer, and fall are generally productive. For desert lakes and the Colorado River, the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring often provide the best action for bass and catfish, as summer temperatures can make midday fishing challenging. Early mornings and late evenings are often productive year-round. Always check local conditions and specific species behavior before heading out.
- Which Arizona waters are best for trophy bass fishing? For trophy bass fishing in Arizona, several lakes stand out. Canyon Lake is known for its “lunker” largemouth bass. Roosevelt Lake has produced state record smallmouth bass and offers excellent largemouth fishing. Lake Havasu is highly regarded as one of Arizona’s best bass lakes, even ranking high for kayak anglers. The Colorado River also holds the state record for largemouth bass. Bartlett Lake provides consistent largemouth opportunities.
Continue Your Arizona Fishing Journey ➡️
Ready to level up your angling skills or explore new waters? Check out these helpful resources:
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
- 🧭 Best Times of Year to Fish in Every State: Seasonal tips to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
- 🧰 Essential Gear Checklist for Lake Fishing: Don’t leave home without these lake-tested essentials.