About Arizona's Lakes
Lake Pleasant (North of Peoria)
Lake Pleasant, located just north of Peoria on the Agua Fria River, is a deep clear lake that has excellent Largemouth Bass, Striper and White Bass populations and boasts awesome fishing year round. Pleasant is the only lake in the greater Phoenix area with a Striped Bass population; a favorite of the local fishermen. The lake spreads out in the river channel, and tributaries like Castle and Humbug Creeks provide miles of productive shoreline and deep structure where you’ll find big Largemouth Bass and schools of White Bass and Stripers while you watch wild burros play on the banks.
Bartlett Lake (Northeast of Carefree)
Bartlett Lake is a pristine quiet fishery located on the Verde River northeast of Carefree. Smaller than most of the desert lakes, Bartlett stretches for several miles along the scenic river channel and is full of 2lb – 4lb bass. Bartlett is a great lake for catching good quantities of bass along with an occasional big flathead catfish that will give you a fight you won’t soon forget!
Alamo Lake (West of Phoenix)
Alamo Lake is located 2-1/2 hours west of Phoenix on the BillWilliams River as it winds toward the Colorado River. It is a little off the beaten path, but well known to locals as a terrific Largemouth Bass and Crappie fishery. Crappie fishing in the spring is off-the-wall, and bass fishing is great year around. Deep rocky banks, large flats and the river channel full of trees and lay-downs provide the opportunity to use a variety of techniques to land a hard fighting Largemouth Bass or occasionally a feisty Channel Catfish with an attitude.
Roosevelt Lake (East of Phoenix)
Roosevelt Lake is 2 hours east of Phoenix and is the head of the Salt River chain of lakes, located at the confluence of Tonto Creek and the Salt River. The Tonto and Salt arms stretch for miles in opposite directions and provide diverse cover from deep rocky structure to flooded brush and trees. Roosevelt has been nationally recognized as a premier bass fishery since the 1970s, and is better now than it has ever been. Lunker Bass over 8 lbs are routinely caught, and fish in the 3-5lb range are commonplace. The lake boasts a healthy population of Smallmouth Bass and the Crappie fishing in the spring is phenomenal. Deer, javalina, and the occasional bald eagle can be seen on the shores around the lake.
Canyon & Saguaro Lakes (Tempe/Mesa)
Canyon and Saguaro Lakes are the last two of the Salt River chain of lakes. These spectacular lakes wind between the steep walls of the Salt River Canyon and create magnificent scenery in every direction.
Canyon Lake
Picturesque Canyon Lake was stocked with Florida-strain bass years ago and there is a healthy population of bass over 10lbs in the lake. Night fishing in the summer in particular is known for producing the catch of a lifetime.
Saugaro Lake
Saguaro is the last in the chain and closest to Tempe-Mesa. It is a popular destination for boaters. This lake also has a large population of large Florida-strain bass that feast on the Trout stocked weekly by Arizona Fish & Game. Saguaro is a great lake year around for catching good quantities of bass and the occasional trophy that will keep you smiling with memories that last a lifetime.
Lake Mary (Flagstaff)
Lake Mary is located 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff at 6800 ft elevation This picturesque lake nestled in the pines is home to Northern Pike, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Crappie and some Trout. You may experience Walleye and Northern Pike fishing like you never have before at Lake Mary.. It’s not unusual to catch a lot of Northern Pike here, with the occasional catches measuring more than 30 inches! Walleye are caught less frequently, but when they are... they are usually of trophy size so you will definitely want to bring the camera.
Willow Springs Lake (Payson)
Willow Springs Lake is east of Payson on the Mogollon Rim at 6700 ft elevation, Willow Springs offers breathtaking scenery and awesome fishing, especially during the summer. Fish for Rainbow Trout in the morning, and for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in the afternoon. This lake is frequently stocked and the Trout are plentiful. Due to the high population of crawfish (Bass’ favorite food) both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass can get huge in this lake.
