Merphal

Arizona fishing guide

Best Fishing Spots in Arizona

Arizona fishing spans warm desert reservoirs, cold Colorado River tailwater and mountain lakes surrounded by pine forest. Bass, stripers and sunfish dominate many low-elevation waters, while trout draw anglers into the high country. Public recreation areas provide extensive access, though tribal lands, reservoir levels and seasonal road conditions require separate planning.

Top spots
6
Key species
Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass
Waters
Fresh water
Licenses & rules
Arizona Game and Fish Department

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Top fishing spots in Arizona

  1. Lake Havasu

    This Colorado River reservoir combines rocky banks, coves and developed public recreation areas. Its clear water supports both open-water fishing and close work around shoreline structure.

    Main species:
    Smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, striped bass
    Best time:
    Spring warming and fall cooling offer comfortable conditions for exploring structure.
    Methods:
    Fish plastics along rocks or use small bottom presentations for redear sunfish.
    • Lake Havasu is an impoundment of more than 19,000 acres on the Colorado River.
    • Largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass are present.
    Fishing | Lake Havasu State Park

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

  2. Lake Pleasant

    Near Phoenix, Lake Pleasant offers deep channels, desert coves and public boat access. Water-level changes can alter the usefulness of familiar shoreline cover.

    Main species:
    Largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass
    Best time:
    Cool mornings and periods of visible baitfish activity are useful starting points.
    Methods:
    Search points and coves with moving lures, then adjust depth to marked fish.
    • Lake Pleasant has white bass, striped bass and largemouth bass.
    Fishing | Maricopa County Parks & Recreation

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

  3. Lees Ferry (Colorado River)

    Cold releases below Glen Canyon Dam sustain a rainbow trout fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Walk-in access is limited compared with the water available by properly equipped boat.

    Main species:
    Rainbow trout
    Best time:
    Choose conditions with manageable releases and safe boating weather.
    Methods:
    Drift small nymphs or other permitted trout presentations through feeding lanes.
    Public access:
    A paved road leads from the park entrance in Marble Canyon to the Lees Ferry area.
    • Trout fishing extends upstream from Lees Ferry toward Glen Canyon Dam.
    Lees Ferry - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

  4. Roosevelt Lake

    Roosevelt's broad basin includes river arms, submerged structure and desert shorelines. Tonto National Forest recreation sites provide access, with launch conditions varying as the reservoir changes.

    Main species:
    Largemouth bass, crappie, flathead catfish
    Best time:
    Spring warming makes protected coves and flooded cover worth checking.
    Methods:
    Work bass lures around cover or suspend crappie jigs near brush.
    Public access:
    Boating requires a Tonto Daily Pass with Watercraft Sticker or a Tonto Discovery Pass.
    • Lake levels fluctuate constantly, and rocks and other obstacles may be near the surface.
    • Group events, including fishing tournaments, may require a permit.
    Roosevelt Lake Day Use and Camping Areas

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

  5. Lake Powell

    Long sandstone canyons make Powell a distinctive shared Arizona-Utah reservoir. Distances between services and changing ramp availability demand more preparation than a typical day lake.

    Main species:
    Striped bass, smallmouth bass, walleye
    Best time:
    Spring and fall reduce heat stress while offering active fish along canyon structure.
    Methods:
    Cast along rocky banks or locate bait schools before fishing deeper.
    • Lake Powell has bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish.
    • A valid Utah or Arizona fishing license is accepted on both states’ portions of Lake Powell, subject to the regulations of the state where fishing occurs.
    Fishing - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

  6. White Mountain lakes

    Public lakes such as Big Lake offer cooler fishing conditions amid high-country forest. Nearby tribal waters operate under separate permits, so confirm ownership before choosing a destination.

    Main species:
    Rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout
    Best time:
    Fish after roads reopen and before severe high-country weather returns.
    Methods:
    Use small spinners, permitted bait or slowly retrieved lake flies.
    • Big Lake in the White Mountains offers fishing and canoeing.
    • The Big Lake Store offers boat rentals, fishing licenses, bait and tackle.
    Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests | Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site | Forest Service

    Bulleted facts and access note come from the official page; other details are general guidance. Source checked Nov 11, 2026

Arizona fishing destinations map

No destinations in this guide have officially verified map coordinates yet, so the map is hidden. Use the list below.

  • Lake Havasu — Smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, striped bassLocation needs verification
  • Lake Pleasant — Largemouth bass, white bass, striped bassLocation needs verification
  • Lees Ferry (Colorado River) — Rainbow troutLocation needs verification
  • Roosevelt Lake — Largemouth bass, crappie, flathead catfishLocation needs verification
  • Lake Powell — Striped bass, smallmouth bass, walleyeLocation needs verification
  • White Mountain lakes — Rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat troutLocation needs verification

Popular species in Arizona

Planning tackle for these species? Check the hook size chart and our gear basics guide. Released a fish without a scale? Estimate it with the fish weight calculator. Fishing both fresh and salt water here? Read freshwater vs saltwater fishing.

Regulations snapshot

  • Select a resident or non-resident license appropriate to your eligibility.
  • Check shared-water license recognition before crossing Colorado River or reservoir state boundaries.
  • Tribal waters require the relevant tribal authorization rather than assuming a state license is sufficient.
  • National recreation areas and forest sites may require separate entrance or access passes.
  • Verify current requirements and special-water rules with Arizona Game and Fish.
Licenses & full rules at Arizona Game and Fish Department Fishing license finder →

Seasonal tips

spring
Desert reservoir coves warm before deeper water, making shoreline exploration productive. High-country roads may still be inaccessible.
summer
Fish desert waters near dawn and carry ample drinking water. Mountain lakes offer cooler alternatives, but lightning remains a concern.
fall
Cooling reservoirs encourage baitfish movement, while mountain fishing depends increasingly on weather and road conditions.
winter
Lower-elevation trout stocking provides alternatives to cold mountain destinations. Reservoir bass often call for slower, deeper presentations.
Full seasonal fishing guide →

Before you go: Arizona trip checklist

  • Buy the right Arizona license before your trip — see the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
  • Fishing border water? Confirm which state's license covers the area you'll fish.
  • Read current seasons, limits and special rules for the exact water you plan to fish.
  • Confirm ramp, park or access-site hours and any entry fees.
  • Check weather and wind.
  • Match your hooks to your target species with the hook size chart.
  • Pack sun protection, water, a first-aid kit and a life jacket for any boat.

New to it? Read gear basics and responsible angling.

New to these waters? Start with our fishing tips & techniques, and see responsible angling for catch-and-release handling.

Arizona fishing FAQ

Where are the best places to fish in Arizona?

This guide covers 6 well-known public waters: Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, Lees Ferry (Colorado River), Roosevelt Lake, Lake Powell and White Mountain lakes. Each card above lists main species, timing and common methods.

What fish can you catch in Arizona?

Popular targets include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, redear sunfish, rainbow trout, apache trout, crappie and flathead catfish.

Do I need a fishing license in Arizona?

Select a resident or non-resident license appropriate to your eligibility. Get current license types and fees directly from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, or use our license finder.

When is the best time to fish in Arizona?

It depends on the species and the water. In spring: Desert reservoir coves warm before deeper water, making shoreline exploration productive. High-country roads may still be inaccessible. In fall: Cooling reservoirs encourage baitfish movement, while mountain fishing depends increasingly on weather and road conditions.

Get free weekly fishing updates for Arizona

Hot spots, seasonal bites and practical tips. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Official sources

Spot descriptions, seasonal patterns and license summaries on this page are general guidance and have not yet been checked against official sources. Confirm access, seasons and rules with the agency before your trip.