Top Places To Fish In Arizona: 15 Best Fishing Spots for 2025

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: July 25, 2025

Last April, I was standing knee-deep in Oak Creek's crystal-clear water when a 22-inch brown trout slammed my fly. The red rocks of Sedona glowed in the morning sun, and I thought to myself - this is exactly why I moved to Arizona 15 years ago.

After exploring every fishable body of water from the Colorado River to the White Mountains, I've discovered that Arizona offers some of the most diverse fishing opportunities in the Southwest. Whether you're chasing trophy bass in the desert reservoirs or stalking wild Apache trout in high mountain streams, the Grand Canyon State delivers year-round action that rivals any fishing destination in the country.

Quick Comparison: Arizona's Top 15 Fishing Spots

Location	Best For	Key Species	Difficulty	Best Season
Lake Havasu	Bass tournaments	Largemouth, Smallmouth, Striped Bass	Easy	March-May
Lees Ferry	Trophy trout	Rainbow Trout (20,000/mile)	Moderate	Year-round
White Mountains	Native trout	Apache, Rainbow, Brown	Moderate	May-September
Salt River (Lower)	Winter fishing	Rainbow Trout	Easy	November-March
Roosevelt Lake	Big bass	Largemouth, Crappie	Easy	April-June
Oak Creek	Fly fishing	Brown, Rainbow Trout	Moderate	April-October
Alamo Lake	Record bass	Largemouth, Crappie	Easy	March-May
Big Lake	High elevation	Rainbow, Brook, Cutthroat	Easy	June-September
Canyon Creek	Remote fishing	Brown, Rainbow Trout	Difficult	May-September
Apache Lake	Scenic beauty	Bass, Trout, Catfish	Moderate	Year-round
Lake Pleasant	Urban fishing	Bass, Striped Bass	Easy	Year-round
Bartlett Lake	Family friendly	Largemouth, Crappie	Easy	March-November
Fool Hollow Lake	Shore fishing	Trout, Catfish, Bass	Easy	April-October
Silver Creek	Trophy trout	Apache, Rainbow (20"+ fish)	Moderate	May-September
Black River	Rare species	Apache Trout	Difficult	June-August

Northern Arizona: The High Country Paradise

1. The White Mountains - Arizona's Trout Capital

I've spent countless summer mornings in the White Mountains, and it never gets old. This region holds over 40 lakes and 600 miles of mountain streams, making it the premier destination for good fishing spots in Arizona if you're after trout.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers:

Elevation: 6,500-11,000 feet
Water temp: 45-65°F (perfect for trout)
Access: Multiple forest roads and trails
Best months: May through September

Big Lake sits at 9,000 feet and consistently produces rainbow trout in the 14-18 inch range. Last summer, I landed a gorgeous 4-pound brook trout using a size 14 Parachute Adams. The 575-acre lake stays cool even in July, and the pine forest setting beats any desktop wallpaper.

If you're planning a kayak fishing trip here, check out our guide to choosing the right kayak - the stability matters when you're fighting mountain trout in gusty conditions.

2. Lees Ferry - The Colorado River Trophy Water

Lees Ferry isn't just one of the best fishing spots in Arizona - it's one of the premier trout fisheries in the entire United States. Located where Glen Canyon meets the Grand Canyon, this 15-mile stretch holds an estimated 20,000 trout per mile. Yeah, you read that right.

What makes it special:

Crystal-clear water (you can see fish 20 feet down)
Consistent 47°F water temperature year-round
Rainbow trout averaging 16-20 inches
Walk-in access at multiple points

The Colorado River here runs gin-clear, making proper presentation crucial. I've had my best luck with small midges (#20-24) and scuds (#16-18) fished below strike indicators. For spin fishermen, 1/8 oz Kastmasters in gold work magic when the sun hits the water.

3. Oak Creek - Sedona's Hidden Gem

When people think Sedona, they picture red rocks and vortexes. But Oak Creek offers some of the best fly fishing in Arizona, with wild brown and rainbow trout thriving in the spring-fed waters.

The West Fork of Oak Creek requires a 3-mile hike but rewards you with:

Untouched pools holding wild browns
Stunning canyon scenery
Solitude (most tourists don't venture this far)
Technical dry fly fishing opportunities

I always pack my lightweight fishing gear for the hike in. The wild browns here are spooky - approach low and slow, and make your first cast count.

4. Silver Creek - The Trophy Factory

Near Show Low, Silver Creek might only be 2 miles long, but don't let that fool you. This Arizona Game and Fish managed water consistently produces trout over 20 inches. I've personally seen (and lost) fish pushing 10 pounds here.

Key details:

Catch and release: October 1 - March 31
Harvest allowed: April 1 - September 30
Bank fishing only (no wading allowed)
Limited to artificial lures and flies

Central Arizona: Desert Oasis Fishing

5. Salt River (Lower) - Phoenix's Backyard Trout Stream

Just 25 miles from downtown Phoenix, the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake offers something unique - desert trout fishing. The deep, cold releases from the dam create a 12-mile stretch of trout water in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.

Prime locations:

Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area
Blue Point Bridge
Granite Reef Recreation Site

Winter months (November through March) see heavy stocking of rainbow trout. I've caught limits using PowerBait from shore and small Rooster Tails from my kayak. Just watch out for the wild horses - they're beautiful but keep your distance.

6. Roosevelt Lake - Arizona's Bass Factory

Roosevelt Lake is Arizona's largest lake entirely within state borders, covering 21,000 acres when full. This is where best river fishing in Arizona meets reservoir productivity.

The lake has produced:

State record largemouth bass (16 pounds, 7 ounces)
Massive crappie (3+ pounds)
Trophy smallmouth bass

Spring (March-May) offers the best action when bass move shallow to spawn. I focus on rocky points and submerged trees using Texas-rigged plastic worms and spinnerbaits. The lake's size can be intimidating, so I always bring my fish finder to locate structure and schools.

7. Lake Pleasant - Urban Angling Excellence

Located just 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant spans 10,000 acres and offers year-round fishing opportunities. The clear water averages 70 feet deep with some areas exceeding 260 feet.

Target species and techniques:

Largemouth bass: Fish coves with plastics
Striped bass: Troll deep with downriggers
White bass: Look for surface boils
Crappie: Fish brush piles 15-25 feet deep

The lake gets busy on weekends, so I prefer weekday mornings. Launch at Pleasant Harbor Marina and head north toward the river channel for less pressure.

8. Bartlett Lake - The Friendly Giant

Bartlett Lake in the Tonto National Forest provides excellent fishing areas in Arizona for families and beginners. The 2,800-acre reservoir offers protected coves and easy shore access.

What I love about Bartlett:

Huge population of largemouth bass
Consistent crappie fishing
Beautiful desert scenery
Multiple campgrounds with lake access

During the spawn (February-April), I've caught 50+ bass in a morning fishing shallow coves with white spinnerbaits. The crappie fishing peaks in winter when they school up in 20-30 feet of water near submerged trees.

Southern Arizona: Border Country Bounty

9. Patagonia Lake - Southern Comfort

This 265-acre lake near the Mexican border surprised me with its diversity. While known for bass and catfish, the winter trout stockings have created excellent cold-weather fishing.

Seasonal patterns:

Winter: Rainbow trout near the dam
Spring: Largemouth bass in shallow bays
Summer: Catfish on the bottom
Fall: Crappie around docks

The state park offers excellent facilities including a marina, camping, and even cabins. I've introduced many friends to fishing here because of the consistent action and beautiful setting.

10. Parker Canyon Lake - High Desert Surprise

At 5,400 feet elevation, Parker Canyon Lake stays cooler than most southern Arizona waters. This 130-acre lake holds surprisingly large bass and receives regular trout stockings from November through March.

The remote location means less pressure, and I've had 40-fish days here using small plastics for bass and PowerBait for trout. The gravel road can be rough, but the fishing makes it worthwhile.

Colorado River Gems

11. Lake Havasu - The Bass Capital

Lake Havasu has earned its reputation as one of the premier best fishing spots in Arizona for bass. The 19,300-acre reservoir hosts major tournaments and produces quality fish year-round.

Why Havasu stands out:

Crystal-clear water (20+ foot visibility)
Healthy populations of all three bass species
Extensive habitat improvements
Year-round fishing (spring starts in February)

I've had my best success fishing reaction baits (jerkbaits, crankbaits) in spring and finesse techniques (drop shot, shaky head) in summer. The smallmouth fishing rivals any lake in the country - target rocky points and walls in 15-30 feet.

12. Alamo Lake - The Sleeper Hit

Don't let the remote location fool you - Alamo Lake consistently produces giant bass. Located west of Wickenburg, this 3,500-acre desert reservoir fluctuates dramatically but maintains excellent fishing.

Notable catches:

Largemouth bass over 10 pounds (common)
Black crappie up to 3 pounds
Channel catfish over 20 pounds

The lake's boom-and-bust cycle means checking current conditions, but when it's good, it's incredible. I've caught my personal best largemouth here (8 pounds, 4 ounces) on a black and blue jig.

Specialty Fishing: Fly Fishing Paradise

13. Canyon Creek - The Remote Wonder

Canyon Creek requires effort to reach, but the 50-mile stream offers solitude and quality fishing. The upper section in Tonto National Forest holds wild browns, while the lower reaches on the Apache Reservation (permit required) produce larger fish.

Access tips:

4WD recommended for forest roads
Best fished May through September
Size 14-18 nymphs produce consistently
Watch for afternoon thunderstorms

14. Black River - Apache Trout Heaven

The Black River represents the pinnacle of best fly fishing in Arizona. Both the East and West Forks hold native Apache trout - found nowhere else on Earth.

I'll never forget my first Apache trout - golden flanks with distinctive spots, caught on a size 16 Elk Hair Caddis in a pool below a small waterfall. These fish are special, and catch-and-release ensures future generations can experience them.

15. Apache Lake - The Scenic Choice

Surrounded by towering canyon walls, Apache Lake offers 17 miles of stunning scenery and excellent fishing. The 2,568-acre reservoir holds everything from bass to trout.

Seasonal strategies:

Spring: Target spawning bass in coves
Summer: Fish deep for stripers
Fall: Vertical jig for suspended bass
Winter: Troll for rainbow trout

The drive on the Apache Trail can be challenging, but the lack of crowds and quality fishing make it worthwhile. I always pack extra water and supplies - cell service is nonexistent.

Essential Gear for Arizona Fishing

After years of fishing Arizona's diverse waters, I've refined my gear selection. Here's what I never leave home without:

For boat/kayak fishing:

Quality fish finder (check our reviews)
Sun protection (hat, buff, SPF 50+)
Polarized sunglasses (amber for low light, gray for bright sun)
Anchor system for positioning
Live well or cooler with aerator

For shore fishing:

Lightweight rod holder
Tackle backpack with hydration
Wading boots (felt soles banned in some areas)
Forceps and line clippers
First aid kit (includes tweezers for cactus spines)

Universal essentials:

Arizona fishing license (residents $37, non-residents $55)
Trout stamp (required for trout fishing)
Habitat stamp (supports conservation)
Current regulations (download the AZGFD app)

For those interested in combining kayaking with fishing, our kayak modifications guide shows how to rig your boat for serious angling.

Seasonal Fishing Calendar

Spring (March-May)

Focus: Bass spawning in lower elevation lakes
Hot spots: Havasu, Roosevelt, Alamo
Techniques: Sight fishing, reaction baits

Summer (June-August)

Focus: High elevation trout, early morning bass
Hot spots: White Mountains, Lees Ferry
Techniques: Deep water tactics, topwater dawn/dusk

Fall (September-November)

Focus: Cooling water activates all species
Hot spots: Oak Creek, Salt River
Techniques: Match the hatch for trout, moving baits for bass

Winter (December-February)

Focus: Stocked trout, deep water bass
Hot spots: Urban lakes, Lower Salt River
Techniques: Slow presentations, bait fishing

Local Tips and Tricks

Navigation and Access:

Download offline maps - cell service is spotty
Check road conditions after monsoons
Some forest roads require high clearance
Indian reservation waters need tribal permits

Safety considerations:

Start hydrating the day before
Lightning is serious in summer - get off the water
Rattlesnakes are active April through October
Flash floods can occur in slot canyons

Best practices:

Catch and release helps maintain quality fishing
Pack out all trash (including fishing line)
Respect private property boundaries
Follow special regulations in each water

FAQ Section

What's the best time of year for fishing in Arizona?

Fall (September-November) offers the most consistent fishing statewide. Water temperatures moderate, fish feed actively before winter, and crowds thin out after summer. However, each season offers unique opportunities - winter for desert trout, spring for spawning bass, and summer for high-elevation adventures.

Do I need a special license for trout fishing in Arizona?

Yes, you need a trout stamp ($10) in addition to your regular fishing license if you plan to fish for or possess trout. The combined license option includes both. Youth under 10 fish free, and those 10-17 need only a youth license.

Where can I find the best fly fishing in Arizona map?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department website provides interactive maps showing all public waters. For fly fishing specifically, I recommend their "Arizona Fishing Map" PDF which highlights trout streams and special regulation waters. Local fly shops also provide detailed maps of specific watersheds.

What are the best river fishing spots near Phoenix?

The Lower Salt River (25 miles east) offers year-round fishing for trout in winter and bass in summer. The Verde River near Cottonwood (90 minutes north) provides smallmouth bass action. For a unique experience, try the Gila River east of Phoenix for catfish and carp.

Can I eat the fish I catch in Arizona?

Most Arizona fish are safe to eat, but check the AZGFD consumption advisories for specific waters. Mercury levels in large predator fish (big bass, stripers) warrant moderation. I practice selective harvest - keeping smaller fish for the table and releasing trophies.

What's the biggest bass caught in Arizona?

The state record largemouth bass weighed 16 pounds, 7 ounces, caught from Canyon Lake in 1997. However, 10-pound bass are caught annually from lakes like Alamo, Roosevelt, and Havasu. The smallmouth record stands at 7 pounds, 3 ounces from Roosevelt Lake.

Are there any good fishing spots in Arizona for beginners?

Urban fishing lakes offer the best beginner experiences with easy access, rental equipment, and consistent stocking. Try Tempe Town Lake, Steele Indian School Park, or Water Ranch Lake. These locations have fishing docks, shade ramadas, and nearby facilities.

What special regulations should I know about?

Several waters have special regulations:

Lees Ferry: Artificial lures/flies only, specific trout limits
Silver Creek: Seasonal closures, artificial only
Urban lakes: Daily bag limits vary
Indian reservations: Separate permits required Always check current regulations before fishing.

How do I fish for Apache trout?

Apache trout inhabit only select White Mountain streams above 7,500 feet. Use barbless hooks (required in most Apache trout waters), small flies (#14-18), and practice catch-and-release. These fish are recovering from near extinction - handle with extreme care.

What's the best way to find current fishing reports?

I check multiple sources:

AZGFD weekly fishing report
Local tackle shop reports
Online forums (Arizona Fishing Forum)
Social media fishing groups
Marina fishing reports Conditions change quickly, so recent reports are crucial.

Do I need a boat to fish successfully in Arizona?

While boats access more water, Arizona offers excellent shore fishing. Urban lakes have fishing docks, mountain streams are wade-able, and many reservoirs have accessible points. Some of my best catches came from shore - including a 7-pound largemouth from Roosevelt Lake's shoreline.

What about fishing during Arizona's monsoon season?

Monsoon season (July-September) creates challenges but also opportunities. Fish early morning before storms build. Runoff can muddy lakes but concentrates fish in clearer tributaries. Always watch weather - flash floods are deadly serious in Arizona's canyons.

Planning Your Arizona Fishing Adventure

Arizona's diverse fishing opportunities mean you're never far from great angling. Whether you prefer the solitude of a high mountain stream or the excitement of a bass tournament on a desert reservoir, the Grand Canyon State delivers.

Start with waters close to home, gradually expanding your range as you gain experience with Arizona's unique conditions. Join local fishing clubs, hire guides for new waters, and always respect the resource that provides so much enjoyment.

The fishing in Arizona continues to improve thanks to progressive management and angler participation in conservation. By practicing catch-and-release, following regulations, and introducing others to the sport, we ensure future generations can experience the same incredible fishing we enjoy today.

Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!

For more fishing tips and gear reviews, check out our complete kayak fishing guide for beginners. Remember to always check current regulations at azgfd.com before heading out.