Best Arizona Lakes: Your Complete Guide to Fishing, Boating & Swimming

From the red rock canyons of Lake Powell to the alpine trout waters of Big Lake, discover Arizona's 13 best lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. Complete with Google ratings, pro tips, and seasonal guides.

Arizona may be famous for its desert landscapes, but the Grand Canyon State is home to more than 128 lakes and reservoirs — and they're some of the best-kept secrets in the American Southwest. From the towering red rock canyons of Lake Powell to the cool pine-forested shores of Big Lake in the White Mountains, Arizona's lakes offer world-class fishing, thrilling water sports, and refreshing swimming holes that rival anything you'll find in the rest of the country.

Whether you're a bass angler chasing your personal best at Roosevelt Lake, a family looking for a mellow weekend at Show Low Lake, or an adrenaline junkie ready to jet ski across Lake Pleasant, this guide covers every lake worth visiting in Arizona — organized by region so you can plan your perfect trip.

Quick Reference: Arizona Lakes at a Glance

Lake	Region	Best For	Google Rating	Size
Lake Pleasant	Central AZ (Peoria)	Jet skiing, wakeboarding, sailing	⭐ 4.6 (1,381 reviews)	10,000 acres
Bartlett Lake	Central AZ (Cave Creek)	Kayaking, bass fishing, camping	⭐ 4.6 (949 reviews)	2,815 acres
Roosevelt Lake	Central AZ (Roosevelt)	Bass fishing, houseboating	—	21,493 acres
Apache Lake	Central AZ (Roosevelt)	Secluded camping, canyon scenery	⭐ 4.3 (76 reviews)	2,568 acres
Lake Powell	Northern AZ (Page)	Houseboating, slot canyons	—	161,390 acres
Lake Mead	Western AZ (Temple Bar)	Houseboating, Hoover Dam views	⭐ 4.5 (284 reviews)	112,000 acres
Lake Havasu	Western AZ (Lake Havasu City)	Water sports, London Bridge	—	19,300 acres
Lake Mohave	Western AZ (Bullhead City)	Kayaking, hot springs, fishing	⭐ 4.7 (230 reviews)	28,260 acres
Woods Canyon Lake	Rim Country (Forest Lakes)	Trout fishing, pine forest camping	⭐ 4.7 (546 reviews)	55 acres
Show Low Lake	White Mountains (Show Low)	Family picnics, easy fishing	⭐ 4.4 (167 reviews)	100 acres
Big Lake	White Mountains (Springerville)	Alpine trout fishing, camping	—	450 acres
Lynx Lake	Central Highlands (Prescott)	Hiking, trout fishing, kayaking	⭐ 4.7 (504 reviews)	55 acres
Havasu Falls	Grand Canyon (Supai)	Waterfall swimming, backpacking	⭐ 4.5 (650 reviews)	N/A

Central Arizona Lakes: Desert Playgrounds Close to Phoenix

Lake Pleasant — Arizona's Premier Water Sports Destination

If you live in the Phoenix metro area and want to be on the water fast, Lake Pleasant is your answer. Located just 45 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix near Peoria, this 10,000-acre reservoir is the undisputed king of Arizona water recreation. With two full-service marinas — Pleasant Harbor and Scorpion Bay — you'll find everything from jet ski rentals and wakeboard boats to pontoon cruises and fishing charters.

Fishing: Lake Pleasant is stocked with largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and carp. The striped bass fishing here is legendary, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds. Spring and fall are prime seasons, and night fishing for stripers under the lights at the dam is a local tradition.

Boating & Water Sports: This is Arizona's jet ski and wakeboard capital. The lake's open expanse gives you plenty of room to open up the throttle, and both marinas rent everything from personal watercraft to ski boats. Sailing is also popular, with the Arizona Yacht Club hosting regular regattas.

Swimming: Designated swim beaches are available near both marinas. The water is warm from May through October, making it perfect for families. Scuba diving is surprisingly popular here too — the lake's clear waters and submerged structures create an interesting underwater landscape.

Pro Tip: Arrive early on summer weekends. The boat launch lines can stretch for hours by mid-morning. Weekday visits are dramatically more peaceful.

Bartlett Lake — The Peaceful Alternative

Just an hour northeast of Scottsdale, Bartlett Lake sits along the Verde River and offers a quieter, more scenic alternative to the busier Phoenix-area lakes. The 2,815-acre reservoir is surrounded by dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery — towering saguaros, rugged cliff faces, and wildlife everywhere.

Fishing: Bartlett is one of Arizona's best bass lakes, with excellent populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. The rocky shoreline structure makes it a kayak angler's dream. Crappie fishing is also outstanding in the spring when they move into the shallows.

Boating & Water Sports: The lake allows all watercraft, but its narrower canyon sections naturally slow things down compared to Lake Pleasant. Kayaking and paddleboarding are exceptional here — paddle into the Verde River inlet for a truly wild experience with bald eagles, great blue herons, and wild horses along the banks.

Swimming: There are no designated swim beaches, but plenty of rocky coves offer great spots to anchor and swim. The water clarity is often better than Lake Pleasant, especially in spring.

Pro Tip: The last few miles of Bartlett Dam Road are unpaved but well-maintained. A standard vehicle handles it fine — just take it slow.

Roosevelt Lake — Arizona's Largest Interior Lake

Roosevelt Lake is a giant. With 128 miles of shoreline and over 21,000 acres of water, it's the largest lake entirely within Arizona's borders. Located about two hours east of Phoenix near the historic Roosevelt Dam, this is where serious anglers and houseboaters come to play.

Fishing: Roosevelt is consistently ranked among the top bass fishing lakes in the entire country. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and yellow bass all thrive here. The lake has produced multiple state-record catches, and bass tournaments are held here year-round. The Roosevelt Lake Marina offers guided fishing trips and boat rentals for those who want expert help finding the big ones.

Boating & Water Sports: The sheer size of Roosevelt Lake means you can find your own private cove even on busy weekends. Houseboating is hugely popular — rent a houseboat for a long weekend and explore the endless arms and inlets. Water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing are all excellent on the main body of the lake.

Swimming: The water warms up quickly in spring and stays swimmable well into October. Sandy beaches form along the shoreline when water levels are moderate, creating natural swimming areas. The Windy Hill and Cholla campgrounds both have good lake access for swimming.

Pro Tip: The drive from Phoenix via the Apache Trail (AZ-88) is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona — but it's slow, winding, and partially unpaved. Take AZ-188 from Globe for a faster, paved route.

Apache Lake — The Hidden Canyon Gem

If Roosevelt Lake is the popular kid, Apache Lake is the mysterious loner who's actually way more interesting. This remote, 17-mile-long reservoir sits in a dramatic canyon along the historic Apache Trail, and getting there is half the adventure. The narrow, winding road through the Superstition Mountains feels like driving through a Western movie set.

Fishing: Apache Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow bass, catfish, and carp. The canyon walls create deep, shaded water that holds fish year-round. The Apache Lake Marina rents fishing boats and can point you toward the best spots.

Boating & Water Sports: The narrow canyon setting means this isn't a jet ski lake — it's a kayaking, canoeing, and slow-cruising lake. And that's exactly what makes it special. Paddle along towering cliff walls that glow orange and pink in the afternoon light. The marina rents pontoon boats, fishing boats, and kayaks.

Swimming: The water is crystal clear in many sections, and the canyon walls provide natural shade in the afternoons. Find a rocky beach, anchor up, and you'll feel like you've discovered a secret swimming hole that nobody else knows about.

Pro Tip: The Apache Lake Marina & Resort has a small restaurant, cabins, and an RV park. Book ahead — there aren't many options out here, and that's the whole point.

Western Arizona Lakes: The Colorado River Chain

Lake Powell — Red Rock Paradise

Lake Powell is not just a lake — it's a 186-mile-long labyrinth of red rock canyons, hidden slot canyons, and turquoise water that looks like it belongs on another planet. Straddling the Arizona-Utah border near the town of Page, this is one of the most visually stunning bodies of water on Earth.

Fishing: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and crappie all inhabit Lake Powell. The striped bass fishing is world-class — schools of stripers chase shad to the surface in "boils" that create feeding frenzies visible from shore. Guided fishing charters from Antelope Point Marina and Wahweap Marina are the best way to experience it.

Boating & Water Sports: Houseboating is the quintessential Lake Powell experience. Rent a houseboat for three to seven days, park it in a secluded canyon, and live on the water. Jet skiing through narrow slot canyons is an adrenaline rush unlike anything else. Kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm side canyons are equally spectacular but at a slower pace.

Swimming: The water temperature reaches the mid-70s by June and stays warm through September. Every canyon has its own private beach. Swim into narrow slot canyons where the walls tower hundreds of feet above you and the water glows an impossible shade of blue-green.

Don't Miss: Rainbow Bridge, one of the world's largest natural bridges, is accessible only by boat. Antelope Canyon, the famous slot canyon, is just minutes from the Wahweap Marina.

Lake Mead — America's First National Recreation Area

Lake Mead is a legend. Created by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, it was America's first national recreation area and remains one of the most visited. The Arizona side, accessed through Temple Bar Marina, offers a quieter experience than the Nevada side near Las Vegas.

Fishing: Striped bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout (below the dam) are all available. The striped bass fishing is excellent, with fish commonly reaching 15 to 30 pounds. The Overton Arm and Temple Bar areas on the Arizona side are particularly productive.

Boating & Water Sports: Lake Mead's massive size — over 112,000 acres at full pool — means unlimited space for every type of watercraft. Houseboating, jet skiing, water skiing, and sailing are all popular. Temple Bar Marina on the Arizona side rents boats and has a launch ramp, campground, and small store.

Swimming: Boulder Beach and other designated areas offer sandy swimming spots. The water is refreshingly cool compared to the blazing desert air, making a dip feel like pure luxury from May through October.

Pro Tip: Visit the Hoover Dam on the same trip. The views from the dam looking back at Lake Mead are unforgettable, and the visitor center tells the incredible story of its construction during the Great Depression.

Lake Havasu — Arizona's Party on the Water

Lake Havasu is where Arizona goes to have fun. Famous for the London Bridge (yes, the actual London Bridge, relocated from England in 1968), this Colorado River reservoir near Lake Havasu City has 450 miles of shoreline and some of the warmest, clearest water in the state.

Fishing: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish are all present. The bass fishing is excellent year-round, and the lake regularly hosts major bass tournaments. The rocky shoreline and submerged structure around the London Bridge channel are prime fishing spots.

Boating & Water Sports: This is Arizona's water sports playground. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, tubing, parasailing, and pontoon cruising are all available through dozens of rental companies along the waterfront. The annual Lake Havasu Boat Show draws thousands of enthusiasts every spring.

Swimming: The beaches near London Bridge and along the channel are popular swimming spots. Rotary Beach and London Bridge Beach are family-friendly with amenities. The water temperature reaches the 80s in summer — warmer than most swimming pools.

Pro Tip: Spring break season (March) is legendary at Lake Havasu. If you want a quieter experience, visit in October or November when the weather is still perfect but the crowds have thinned.

Lake Mohave — The Quiet Canyon Escape

Lake Mohave is the hidden gem of the Colorado River chain. Stretching 67 miles between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam, this narrow, canyon-carved lake offers stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and far fewer crowds than its neighbors Lake Mead and Lake Havasu.

Fishing: Lake Mohave is one of the best rainbow trout fisheries in Arizona, particularly in the cold, clear waters near Hoover Dam. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and channel catfish are also plentiful. The Willow Beach area below Hoover Dam is legendary for trophy trout — fish over five pounds are caught regularly.

Boating & Water Sports: Katherine Landing on the Arizona side offers a full-service marina with boat rentals, a launch ramp, and a campground. The narrow canyon setting is perfect for kayaking and canoeing — paddle through dramatic rock formations and discover hidden hot springs along the shoreline. Motorboating and jet skiing are allowed but the canyon geography naturally keeps speeds moderate.

Swimming: The water near Hoover Dam stays cold year-round (great for trout, less great for swimming), but the southern sections near Katherine Landing warm up nicely in summer. Arizona Hot Springs, accessible by kayak or a short hike from the lake, is a must-visit — natural hot spring pools overlooking the canyon.

Pro Tip: Kayak from Willow Beach to Arizona Hot Springs for one of the most memorable day trips in the state. The hot springs are a series of pools cascading down a narrow slot canyon into the lake.

Rim Country & White Mountains: Cool Mountain Escapes

Woods Canyon Lake — The Perfect Mountain Getaway

Perched on the Mogollon Rim at 7,500 feet elevation, Woods Canyon Lake is the antidote to Arizona's summer heat. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and cool mountain air, this 55-acre lake near Forest Lakes is consistently one of the highest-rated outdoor destinations in the state with a 4.7 Google rating from over 546 reviews.

Fishing: Woods Canyon is stocked regularly with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Shore fishing is productive all around the lake, and small boats with electric motors are allowed. The Rim Lakes Recreation Area also includes nearby Willow Springs Lake and Bear Canyon Lake for additional fishing options.

Boating: Only boats with electric motors or non-motorized watercraft are allowed, keeping the lake peaceful and quiet. Canoes, kayaks, and float tubes are perfect here. The calm water and scenic pine forest backdrop make for an incredibly relaxing paddle.

Swimming: Swimming is allowed and the water is refreshingly cold — even in July, temperatures hover in the 60s. It's more of a quick dip than a long swim, but on a hot Rim Country afternoon, it feels amazing.

Pro Tip: The 4.5-mile Woods Canyon Lake Trail loops around the entire lake through beautiful pine forest. Combine a morning of fishing with an afternoon hike for the perfect mountain day.

Show Low Lake — Family-Friendly and Easy Access

Show Low Lake is the most accessible lake in the White Mountains region, located right on the edge of the town of Show Low. It's a city park lake with all the amenities families need — playgrounds, ramadas, picnic areas, walking trails, and easy shoreline access.

Fishing: The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish by Arizona Game and Fish. It's an excellent spot for kids to catch their first fish — the stocked trout are eager biters, and the shoreline is easy to fish from. Largemouth bass and bluegill are also present.

Boating: Small boats with electric motors are allowed. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards work great on this calm, 100-acre lake. There's a boat launch ramp on the north side.

Swimming: Swimming is allowed in designated areas. The water is cool and clean, and the gentle shoreline makes it safe for young children.

Pro Tip: Show Low Lake is perfect as a base camp for exploring the White Mountains. Fish in the morning, drive to Pinetop-Lakeside for lunch, and hit Fool Hollow Lake or the Show Low Creek trails in the afternoon.

Big Lake — Alpine Fishing at 9,000 Feet

Big Lake is Arizona's premier alpine fishing destination. Sitting at 9,000 feet elevation in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville, this 450-acre lake is surrounded by spruce and fir forests that feel more like Colorado than Arizona. Summer temperatures rarely break 75°F, making it a true escape from the desert heat.

Fishing: Big Lake is a trout factory. Rainbow trout, Apache trout (Arizona's state fish), brook trout, and brown trout all thrive in the cold, oxygen-rich water. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake heavily throughout the summer season. Shore fishing is productive, but a small boat or float tube gives you access to the deeper water where the bigger fish hold. The Apache Trout Campground is named for the rare native species that can be caught here.

Boating: Motors are limited to single engines with no more than 8 horsepower, keeping the lake quiet and pristine. Canoes, kayaks, and small fishing boats are ideal. Five campgrounds around the lake provide easy boat launch access.

Swimming: The water is cold — really cold. Even in August, surface temperatures hover around 60°F. Hardy swimmers will enjoy a quick dip, but this lake is really about the fishing and the scenery.

Pro Tip: Big Lake is typically open from mid-May through mid-November, depending on snowfall. The road (AZ-273) closes in winter. Call ahead to check conditions in early spring and late fall.

Lynx Lake — Prescott's Mountain Jewel

Tucked into the Prescott National Forest, Lynx Lake is a 55-acre gem that combines excellent fishing with beautiful hiking trails and a charming mountain setting. With a 4.7 Google rating from over 504 reviews, it's one of the most beloved outdoor spots in central Arizona.

Fishing: Lynx Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the lake also holds largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crawdads. The fishing pier on the north shore is wheelchair-accessible and a great spot for families. Small boats with electric motors are allowed, and the Lynx Lake Store rents rowboats and canoes seasonally.

Boating: Electric motors only, which keeps the lake serene. Kayaking and canoeing are the best ways to explore the shoreline, which is dotted with granite boulders and pine trees. The lake is small enough to paddle the entire perimeter in a couple of hours.

Swimming: Swimming is not officially encouraged at Lynx Lake, but wading and cooling off along the shoreline is common. The nearby Goldwater Lake in Prescott has a designated swim beach if you need a proper swimming spot.

Pro Tip: The Lynx Lake Loop Trail (2.3 miles) is one of the most scenic easy hikes in the Prescott area. Walk it in the fall when the oak trees turn gold and orange against the dark green pines.

The Bucket List: Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls — Arizona's Most Spectacular Waterfall

Havasu Falls isn't a lake in the traditional sense, but no guide to Arizona's best water destinations would be complete without it. This 100-foot turquoise waterfall on the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the world — and swimming in its pool is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Getting There: Havasu Falls requires a 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, descending 2,000 feet into the canyon. There is no road access. All visitors must have a permit from the Havasupai Tribe, and reservations sell out within minutes of opening each year. Campground permits are $455 per person for a three-night stay; lodge permits at the Havasupai Lodge in Supai village are $2,277 for up to four people.

Swimming: The pool at the base of Havasu Falls is the main attraction — crystal-clear, turquoise water that stays around 70°F year-round. The calcium carbonate in the water creates the impossible blue-green color. Beyond Havasu Falls, the trail continues to Mooney Falls (200 feet, accessed by a chain-assisted descent down the cliff face) and Beaver Falls, each with their own stunning swimming pools.

Pro Tip: Permits for the 2026 season open in February. Set multiple alarms, have your payment information ready, and be prepared to refresh the reservation page repeatedly. It's competitive, but the experience is worth every ounce of effort.

Arizona Fishing License & Boating Regulations

Before you head out, make sure you're legal on the water. Here's what you need to know:

Fishing License: A valid Arizona fishing license is required for all anglers 10 years of age and older. Resident licenses start at $37 per year; non-resident licenses start at $55. A combination hunt/fish license offers the best value for residents. Licenses are available online at azgfd.com or at sporting goods stores statewide. A special stamp is required for trout fishing.

Boating Registration: All motorized watercraft must be registered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Registration can be completed online at azgfd.com/boating. Non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) do not require registration.

Safety Requirements: Life jackets are required for all children under 12 on any watercraft. All boats must carry one wearable life jacket per person. Boaters born after January 1, 1986 must complete an approved boating safety course.

Best Time to Visit Arizona Lakes

Season	Best Lakes	What to Expect
Spring (Mar–May)	Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake	Warm days, cool water, excellent bass fishing, wildflower blooms
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Big Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Lynx Lake	Escape the heat at elevation; desert lakes are hot but swimmable
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, Apache Lake	Perfect weather, warm water, fewer crowds, fall color at elevation
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave	Mild desert temps, excellent trout fishing, uncrowded

Plan Your Arizona Lake Adventure

Arizona's lakes offer something for every type of water lover — from the adrenaline-pumping jet ski runs at Lake Pleasant to the meditative trout fishing at Big Lake, from the jaw-dropping red rock canyons of Lake Powell to the turquoise paradise of Havasu Falls. The best part? Most of these lakes are within a two-to-three-hour drive of Phoenix, making them perfect for weekend getaways.

Browse all of our Arizona Lakes & Reservoirs listings to find detailed information, directions, and reviews for every lake in this guide. And if you're looking for more Arizona adventures, check out our guides to Arizona's best restaurants, hidden gem eateries, and food trucks — because every great lake day ends with a great meal.