The Complete Guide to Fishing in Arizona: Lakes, Rivers, Tackle Shops & Everything You Need to Know

Arizona is not the first state most people think of when they picture world-class fishing — and that is exactly what makes it one of the best-kept secrets in American angling. Behind the saguaro-studded deserts and red rock canyons lies a network of more than 100 fishable lakes, dozens of cold-water streams, and a stretch of the Colorado River that produces trophy striped bass measured in feet, not inches. From largemouth bass tournaments on Lake Pleasant to fly fishing for wild Apache trout in the White Mountains, the Grand Canyon State offers year-round fishing that rivals destinations with far more rainfall and far less sunshine.

Whether you are a tournament angler hauling a bass boat across the Valley, a family looking for a stocked trout pond on a cool Saturday morning, or a fly fisher chasing wild trout on the East Verde River, this guide covers everything you need to know: the best lakes and rivers, the species you will find in each, where to buy tackle and gear, how to hire a guide, and the licensing rules that keep Arizona's fisheries healthy for the next generation.

Explore the full interactive map: Visit the SeekZona Fishing Hub to see every fishing destination, tackle shop, and guide service plotted on a live map of Arizona — filterable by type and region.

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Arizona's Top Fishing Lakes

Arizona's reservoirs range from massive Colorado River impoundments to intimate mountain lakes surrounded by ponderosa pine. Each has a personality, a signature species, and a best season. Here are the lakes every angler should know.

Lake Pleasant — The Valley's Bass Factory

Lake Pleasant, located just northwest of Phoenix near Peoria, is the most popular fishing lake in the greater Phoenix metro area — and for good reason. At over 10,000 surface acres when full, it supports thriving populations of largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and carp. The lake's deep, clear water and extensive rocky shoreline create ideal habitat for both largemouth and stripers, and the marina offers full boat rentals for anglers who do not own their own rig.

Best species: Largemouth bass (year-round), striped bass (spring and fall), crappie (winter and spring)

Pro tip: Hire Arizona Fishing Guides Lake Pleasant for a guided bass trip — they know every cove and drop-off on the lake.

Roosevelt Lake — Arizona's Largest Lake

Roosevelt Lake, created by Theodore Roosevelt Dam in the Tonto National Forest, is Arizona's largest lake at over 20,000 surface acres. It is a bass angler's paradise, consistently producing largemouth bass over five pounds, along with excellent crappie, catfish, and smallmouth bass fishing. The lake's remote location — about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix — means less boat traffic and more solitude than the Valley lakes.

Best species: Largemouth bass (spring), crappie (winter), flathead catfish (summer nights)

Pro tip: Book a trip with Roosevelt Lake Fishing Guides for the best chance at trophy largemouth in the spring spawn.

Saguaro Lake — Scenic Desert Fishing

Saguaro Lake, part of the Salt River chain east of Mesa, is one of Arizona's most scenic fishing destinations. Towering canyon walls frame the lake on both sides, and the water is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, channel catfish, and carp. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout in winter months. With over 2,200 fish habitat structures installed by Arizona Game & Fish, Saguaro Lake is a bass fishing machine.

Best species: Largemouth bass (year-round), rainbow trout (winter stocking), catfish (summer)

Pro tip: Bass Fishing Arizona Saguaro Lake offers guided trips that put you on fish from the first cast.

Lake Havasu — Year-Round Warm-Water Fishing

Lake Havasu, straddling the Arizona-California border, is one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the entire western United States. The lake hosts multiple professional bass tournaments each year, and its warm, clear water supports largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The famous London Bridge provides one of the most unique fishing backdrops in the country.

Best species: Largemouth bass (spring), striped bass (fall), smallmouth bass (year-round)

Pro tip: Lake Havasu Fishing Guides can put you on bass around the bridge pilings and rocky points that hold fish year-round.

Lake Powell — Trophy Striper Country

Lake Powell, the massive reservoir on the Utah-Arizona border near Page, is legendary for its striped bass fishing. Stripers here regularly exceed 20 pounds, and the lake's 1,960 miles of shoreline offer endless exploration. Beyond stripers, anglers catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie in the lake's countless side canyons.

Best species: Striped bass (spring boils), smallmouth bass (year-round), walleye (spring)

Pro tip: Lake Powell Fishing Guides and Striper Fishing Lake Powell specialize in finding the massive striper schools that roam the open water.

More Lakes Worth Fishing

Browse all Arizona lakes: See the complete Lakes & Reservoirs directory on SeekZona for maps, photos, and details on every fishable lake in the state.

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River & Stream Fishing in Arizona

Arizona's rivers offer a completely different fishing experience from its lakes — wading through clear, cold water with a fly rod, casting spinners into deep pools, or soaking bait in a shady stretch of cottonwood-lined creek. The state's rivers hold wild trout, bass, and catfish, and several stretches are managed as catch-and-release trophy waters.

Colorado River

The Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, particularly the stretch known as Lees Ferry, is one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the western United States. The cold, clear water released from the bottom of Lake Powell supports a thriving population of rainbow trout that average 16 to 20 inches. Lees Ferry Fly Fishing guides anglers through this world-class stretch daily.

Further south, the Colorado River between Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu warms up and supports excellent striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish fishing.

Verde River

The Verde River, flowing through Camp Verde and the Verde Valley, is one of Arizona's last free-flowing rivers. It supports populations of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The river is best fished from a kayak or canoe, drifting through cottonwood galleries and red rock canyons. Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides excellent river access and camping.

East Verde River

The East Verde River near Payson is a favorite among fly fishers for its wild populations of rainbow and brown trout. The river flows through the Tonto National Forest, and its clear, cold pools and riffles are perfect for dry fly fishing in spring and fall. Access points along the Water Wheel and Ellison Creek areas offer easy wading.

Oak Creek — Sedona's Fly Fishing Gem

While not in our rivers category, Oak Creek near Sedona is one of Arizona's most beautiful trout streams. Oak Creek Fly Fishing Guides offers guided trips through the red rock canyon, where wild rainbow and brown trout rise to dry flies against a backdrop that belongs on a postcard.

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Where to Buy Tackle & Gear

Arizona has a strong network of fishing tackle shops, from specialty fly shops to full-service outdoor retailers. Here are the shops every Arizona angler should know.

Specialty Shops

Big-Box Outdoor Retailers

For anglers who need everything under one roof — rods, reels, electronics, boats, and camping gear — Arizona's Sportsman's Warehouse and Bass Pro Shops locations cover the state:

• Bass Pro Shops Mesa and Bass Pro Shops Glendale — massive selection, boat center
• Sportsman's Warehouse locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Avondale, Surprise, Prescott, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Yuma

Find a shop near you: Browse the complete Fishing Stores & Tackle Shops directory on SeekZona.

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Hiring a Fishing Guide

If you are new to Arizona fishing — or just want to maximize your time on the water — hiring a local guide is the single best investment you can make. Arizona's guide services range from bass boat trips on the Valley lakes to fly fishing wade trips in the mountains.

Browse all guides: See the complete Fishing Guides directory on SeekZona.

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Arizona Fishing Seasons: When to Go

One of Arizona's greatest advantages is that fishing is genuinely a year-round activity. The state's elevation diversity — from 100 feet at Yuma to 12,600 feet at Humphreys Peak — means that somewhere in Arizona, the fishing is always good.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is prime time for bass fishing across Arizona. Largemouth bass move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible and aggressive. This is the best season for trophy bass on Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Havasu. Trout fishing in the mountain streams also picks up as snowmelt raises water levels.

Summer (June – August)

Summer pushes anglers to higher elevations. The White Mountains lakes — Big Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and Show Low Lake — offer excellent trout fishing in cool mountain air while the Valley bakes. For those who stay low, night fishing for catfish on the Salt River chain lakes is a summer tradition.

Fall (September – November)

Fall brings the striped bass "boils" on Lake Powell and Lake Mohave, where massive schools of stripers push baitfish to the surface in a feeding frenzy visible from shore. Bass fishing on the Valley lakes also rebounds as water temperatures drop from summer extremes.

Winter (December – February)

Arizona Game & Fish stocks rainbow trout in urban lakes and community ponds throughout the Valley from November through March, creating excellent family fishing opportunities. Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake receive regular trout plants. Crappie fishing on Roosevelt Lake and Bartlett Lake is also excellent in winter.

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Arizona Fishing License & Regulations

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for all anglers 10 years of age and older. Licenses can be purchased online through the Arizona Game & Fish Department or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Key license types:

• Resident General Fishing License: Valid for one year from date of purchase
• Non-Resident Fishing License: Available in 1-day, 5-day, and annual options
• Combination Hunt & Fish License: Best value for residents who also hunt
• Urban Fishing License: Required for designated community fishing waters (lower cost)
• Trout Stamp: Required in addition to a general license when fishing for trout

Important regulations:

• Catch-and-release is required on certain trophy waters — check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for specific waters
• Barbless hooks are required on some fly-fishing-only streams
• Live baitfish are prohibited in most Arizona waters to prevent invasive species introduction

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Planning Your Arizona Fishing Trip

Where to Stay

If your fishing trip extends beyond a day trip, Arizona offers excellent lodging near every major fishing destination:

• Lake Pleasant / Phoenix Metro: Stay in the Valley and make day trips — browse Hotels and Resorts on SeekZona
• Roosevelt Lake / Apache Trail: Rustic cabins and campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest
• Lake Powell / Page: Vacation Rentals near the lake offer the best access
• White Mountains: Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low have full-service lodging
• Sedona / Oak Creek: Combine fly fishing with world-class hiking and dining

What to Eat After a Day on the Water

Nothing beats a cold beer and a good meal after a long day of fishing. Check out our guides to the best dining in Arizona:

• Arizona's Best Restaurants — from steakhouses to seafood
• Hidden Gem Restaurants — the neighborhood spots locals love
• Arizona Food Trucks — perfect for a quick lakeside meal
• Craft Breweries & Wineries — celebrate your catch with a local brew

Combine Fishing with Other Adventures

Arizona fishing trips pair perfectly with other outdoor activities. After a morning on the water, explore:

• State Parks — many of Arizona's best fishing lakes are inside state parks
• Kayak & Paddleboard — paddle to remote fishing spots
• Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Trails — bring the whole family, including the dog
• Golf — Arizona's world-class golf courses are never far from the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish in Arizona? No. Many Arizona lakes have excellent shore fishing access, and several — including Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, and Bartlett Lake — have rental boats and kayaks available at the marina.

What is the best lake for bass fishing near Phoenix? Lake Pleasant is the most popular and productive bass lake in the Phoenix metro area. Saguaro Lake and Bartlett Lake are also excellent and closer to the east Valley.

Can I fly fish in Arizona? Absolutely. Arizona has excellent fly fishing on Oak Creek near Sedona, the East Verde River near Payson, and the Colorado River at Lees Ferry. The AZ Fly Shop in Phoenix is the go-to resource for gear and local intel.

When does Arizona Game & Fish stock trout? Trout stocking runs from approximately October through March in Valley urban lakes, and year-round in mountain lakes. Check the AZGFD stocking schedule for specific dates and locations.

Is fishing at Arizona state parks free? No. Most state parks charge a per-vehicle entrance fee in addition to requiring a fishing license. However, the fishing itself is included with park admission — no additional fishing fee beyond your license.

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Ready to plan your next fishing trip? Explore the SeekZona Fishing Hub for an interactive map of every fishing destination in Arizona, or browse our Lakes & Reservoirs, Fishing Stores, Fishing Guides, and Rivers & Streams directories. And if you are visiting Arizona for Spring Training, bring a rod — some of the best bass fishing of the year happens during Cactus League season.