There are many reasons to plan an outdoor adventure in Arizona, including visiting Grand Canyon National Park, hiking, boating, and more. But Arizona is also an excellent place for a fishing trip. If you head to the lakes or rivers in Arizona for fishing, remember to check the most recent regulations and get your license first.
Fishing Spots in Arizona
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Arizona. You’ll find plenty of bass fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Roosevelt Lake
At almost 20,000 acres, Roosevelt Lake in the Tonto National Forest is the largest lake in Arizona. Anglers love to come here to fish for large and Smallmouth Bass. They also regularly catch catfish, bluegill, and crappie at this lake. Some of the best bass fishing in Arizona is near the Roosevelt Lake dam. Mid-lake on the north side in Chubb Bay and Yodel Flats are often especially good for catching various fish species around underwater rocky structures. The lake is about 60 miles northeast of Phoenix.
Lake Havasu
Some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in Arizona is in Lake Havasu, located inside Lake Havasu State Park near Havasu City. In order to create a better fishing lake, state officials have placed thousands of bundles of logs underwater in the lake to create breeding habitats. While it’s usually easier to catch Smallmouth Bass here, Largemouth and Striped Bass are also abundant. When the weather is cool, fish with brightly colored crankbait or suspended jerkbaits near the shore. When the weather warms up, fish in the middle of this lake near sunrise or sunset.
Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake is in Patagonia Lake State Park near Nogales. Use jerkbait for fishing in the north part of the lake, where the creek comes in for bass throughout the year. Especially from mid-June through early September, this can be a great place to catch Channel Catfish using minnows or live baitfish. The state stocks Rainbow Trout about every 3 weeks during the winter months. If you fish this lake during the summer, try spinnerbait near the roped-off beach area, and you might reach your limit.
This is also a great place to RV camp while you fish. Spend a day on the lake, and retreat to your RV for a comfy night’s sleep!
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the metro-Phoenix area, and you can catch at least 12 species of fish here. It’s also the only lake in the state with sizable numbers of White Bass. If you want to catch some, look for white churning water in upstream drainages like Castle Creek, Humbug Creek, Cole’s Wash, and Honeymoon Coves. This is a fun challenge because the water levels are constantly changing as more or less water is needed downstream for irrigation. Use the north entrance to have easy access to the four-lane boat ramp.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead near Temple Bar is the largest national recreation area in the U.S., and it’s a great place to go fishing for Striped Bass. There are lots of other species available, including Rainbow Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, catfish, and crappie. While many people choose to go fishing in a boat, the Hemenway Fishing Pier near Boulder Beach is a great place to fish from land.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page has lots of Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill. Anchovies are often the perfect bait for catching Striped Bass in the Colorado, Dirty Devil, San Juan, and Escalante arms of this lake. If you want to catch Largemouth Bass, try fishing during the spring spawn, which usually lasts from April through the end of May in areas where the water is about 15 feet deep. If you want to get your children interested in fishing, consider letting them fish for Green Sunfish here in a shaded area.
Riggs Flat Lake
If you’re looking for a secluded fishing spot in Arizona, go to Riggs Flat Lake near Safford in the Coronado National Forest. Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout are stocked during the summer months. Most anglers catch Rainbow Trout in this location with corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. Meanwhile, they catch Brown and Brook Trout with action lures.
This area is also a great spot for RV camping, and you can find dispersed camping in the national forest.
Where to Fish in Arizona
Arizona has many great fishing spots. Some people choose to stick to the Phoenix metropolitan area so that they can go fishing more often. Others head to northern regions of the state for fishing as it’s often easier to get a bite in these cooler waters. Still others head to nationally recognized fishing areas such as Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Camping and Fishing in Arizona
Between your excitement about your trip and trying to decide where to fish in Arizona, it’s very easy to leave something at home. Consider making a list and using it when you load your RV. Think about the equipment you’ll need to clean and transport the fish to your RV. Usually, you’ll want to chill the fish and keep it cold until you’re ready to cook it.
Fishing and camping in Arizona is a great experience. There are very few other places on earth that offer the scenic beauty found around many Arizona fishing locations. Before you go, read this fishing blog filled with helpful tips that can help you maximize your time on the water.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
