The 10 Best Fishing Lakes in Arizona

Discover the best fishing lakes and reservoirs in Arizona. Find out where to fish, what species are available, and helpful tips to make your Arizona fishing trip a success. Learn what the best time and places are to catch the biggest fish.

Apache Lake

Apache Lake is located in Tonto National Forest, about 1.5 hours east of Phoenix, AZ. It covers 4,923 acres and is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, crappie, bluegill, flathead catfish, channel catfish and sunfish
• Types of Fishing: Trolling, fly-fishing, baitcasting and jigging
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, boats, kayaks, and equipment are available for rent
• Fishing Guide Services: Yes, fishing guide services are available
• Closest Hotels to this Lake: Best Western Plus Lakeside, Apache Gold Resort & Casino, Bear Flats Bunkhouse
• Nearest Fishing Store: Cabela’s – Glendale, AZ; about 88 miles away
• Basic Fishing Regulations: Anglers must follow AZ state fishing regulations (size limits, bag limits, etc)
• Amenities of the Lake: Boat ramps, picnic tables, campsites, paved pathways, restrooms, concessions, and more
• Nearest Gas Station: Shell; about 26 miles away

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant is a large man-made reservoir located north of Phoenix in the Maricopa County, Arizona. It is 10,000 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 140 feet.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Striped bass, Sunfish, Catfish, and Carp.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Rental boats, kayaks and float tubes are available.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from nearby marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort and Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located about 16 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Shell, located about 11 miles away.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is located in western Arizona, along the California border. It is 45 miles long and 10 miles across, making it one of the largest reservoirs in Arizona.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Catfish, Bluegill, and Crappie.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from local marinas.
• Closest Hotels: London Bridge Resort and Havasu Landing Resort & Casino.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Sportsman’s Warehouse, located about 17 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Chevron, located about 10 miles away.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States, located in northern Arizona, just east of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is 110 miles long and stretches across both Arizona and Nevada.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Channel catfish, Sunfish, Black crappie, and Carp.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from local marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Aqua Marin RV Park, Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort, and Lake Mead RV Village.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Sportsman’s Warehouse, located about 23 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Shell, located about 11 miles away.

Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest, in central Arizona. It is 8 miles long and has a maximum depth of 60 feet.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Sunfish, Catfish, Carp, and Crappie.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from nearby marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Best Western Rancho Grande and Comfort Suites Phoenix.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Sportsman’s Warehouse, located about 18 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Chevron, located about 16 miles away.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Theodore Roosevelt Lake is located in eastern Arizona, in the Tonto National Forest. It is 45 miles long and has a maximum depth of 300 feet.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Catfish, Sunfish, and Carp.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from nearby marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Comfort Inn and Super 8.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Big 5 Sporting Goods, located about 8 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Circle K, located about 5 miles away.

Alamo Lake

Alamo Lake is located in western Arizona, in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. It is 3,300 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 80 feet.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Striped bass, Channel catfish, Crappie, Sunfish, and Carp.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from local marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Best Western Plus Inn of Wickenburg and Holiday Inn Express Kingman.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, located about 8 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Chevron, located about 9 miles away.

Patagonia Lake

Patagonia Lake is located in southern Arizona, in the Patagonia Lake State Park. It is 250 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 50 feet.

• Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Sunfish, Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, and Carp.
• Types of Fishing: Shore, Boat, Kayak, Float Tube
• Fishing Equipment Rental: Fishing rods and tackle are available for rent.
• Fishing Guide Service: Available from nearby marinas.
• Closest Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Inn, and Hampton Inn.
• Nearest Fishing Store: Big 5 Sporting Goods, located about 12 miles away.
• Basic Fishing Regulations: A fishing license is required and can be purchased online or at various establishments near the lake.
• Amenities of the Lake: Campsites, boat launching and reception areas, swimming beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms.
• Nearest Gas Station: Shell, located about 8 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Arizona and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re an avid angler looking for a new fishing adventure, look no further than Arizona! The Google map below showcases some of the best lakes and fishing locations in the state. From the picturesque Lake Powell to the remote Apache Lake, there’s something for everyone. So grab your rod and tackle and start exploring the Arizona outdoors. With so many great fishing spots, you’re sure to have a great time!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Arizona

The weather in Arizona is generally sunny and warm throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for sport fishing. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 110°F (43°C) and in the winter months they can dip to around 30°F (-1°C). The dry climate makes the temperatures more bearable, and the desert provides excellent views for anglers looking for a unique fishing experience.