Our lower elevation lakes offer some of the best bass fishing in Arizona, if not the country! Anglers over 13 need a state fishing license and trout stamp and are limited to six trout for daily bags. Every year, Lake Pleasant Regional Park hosts several fishing tournaments. Fishing in Parker Canyon Lake is made easier by the on-site amenities. Its home to numerous fishing competitions and was the site of an Arizona fishing record. Anglers who remain mobile tend to catch the most fish. Channel catfish are stocked periodically during the summer months, which adds to the variety of this beautiful fishing destination. Top 5 Best Striped Bass Fishing Lakes in Arizona Invasive quagga mussels spread throughout many of Arizona's waters, including Lake Pleasant. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks rainbow trout throughout the winter and early spring. Chaparral Sunesta 315hp. Giant bodies of water like Lake Pleasant can be intimidating, especially when fishing from shore. These panfish provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Its also a diverse spot that has areas ranging from very shallow to very deep. The state's diverse fisheries and scenic landscapes provide ample opportunities for anglers to indulge in their favorite fishing pursuits and create lasting memories on the water. Lake Pleasant is the primary lake in Arizona where white crappie are regularly caught in addition to black crappie. Lakes like Lake Havasu, Alamo Lake, and Patagonia Lake are known for their abundant sunfish populations, where anglers can enjoy catching these panfish using small jigs, worms, or flies. Its an isolated spot, but well worth the drive. My favorite was Castle Creek and Coles. Each year, anglers seem to catch a few outsized largemouth bass from the lagoons. Take a long rod that you can cast far, use a 3/4 weight and cut anchovies. Guide To Fishing Lake Pleasant In AZ You're in for a blast. Photo Credit Terry Wong. These properties are currently listed for sale. No bites from baitfish even using a sabiki rig. Showcase your catch and submit photostopio@azstateparks.govor to ourFacebook page. Please contact the park by phone at (928) 669-2088 prior to scheduling a fishing tournament at Alamo Lake. It was a beautiful day, but the fishing started out as a GRIND! Lake Pleasant is a large deep lake that sits just 43 miles away from Arizona's largest city Phoenix. I'll be in the area for at least the next week and I've got some BIG PLANS to get some great content for you guys. Warm water lakes in the state are known for their thriving populations of bass, catfish, sunfish, and other popular game fish. ranges and retailers, Off-road riding in your area, plus instruction, rentals Unit Operations Center Morristown, AZ 85342 Phone: 602-506-2930 maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov Headquarters Admin Hours Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. except holidays At Lake Pleasant, a 9,500-acre water playground not far from Arizona's biggest city, you can soak in the desert's beauty while going after bass, catfish, sunfish and other species. Julie Hammonds has been a professional writer and editor specializing in nonfiction nature and travel writing and personal essays since 2005. Striped Bass with a live bait fish, SurprisinglyI caught 4 different fish (stripers /white bass) within 15 minutes on a minnow rap lure., late Friday nite of Labor Day weekend. If you have a 4x4 you can get into some really good spots on the north side of the lake away from the crowds of the south part of the lake. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. A post shared by Leo (@leo_exploring) on Apr 25, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. Enjoy banner ad-free browsing with Arizona Fishing Forums on AZBZ Plus. This 10.38-pound, 23-inch Arizona largemouth was fooled by a black and blue Pitboss flipped about three feet into the tules. Fish Species and Record Fish Lake Pleasant is a popular. Slow day but landed what looked like 4.5 largemouth but it slipped away right at the shoreline. Read the current stories and check back often to see updated adventuresfrom visitors just like you. Fishing Times for Lake Pleasant near New River, Arizona Theres no shortage of fish species in Alamo Lake. Fun place. Arizona may not be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but that doesnt mean its without great fishing spots. Its pristine waters cover over 10,000 acres of water surface with 116 miles of shoreline. gear, Get started right with local safety education, Castle Creek, Bass Bay, Coles, and Humbug all have good access points. While a campsite in the Roadrunner or Desert Tortoise campground may not be your preferred choice for during your visit, it does ensure that you will have a dedicated space waiting for you. Follow 74 west past Lake Pleasant for 5 miles and then turn right onto Castle Hot Springs. Camping stays will be permitted up to 14 consecutive nights in the same camp site. Please refer to the AZGFD websitefor specific information about fishing rules in Arizona, and check out their current fishing report before your trip. Not super prevalent in Arizona, walleye are typically found more often in the Midwest. Things To Do. Normally this spot is full of big carp that dont bite on anything. I hope you enjoy the video!Please \"Like\", Subscribe, and check out more of my content (Spin fishing, Fly Fishing, Bass, Trout, Carp, and more)!! Peoria, AZ. Lake Pleasant Fishing Report 2023 [Tips, Spots, Pictures, Everything Park hours : May 1 to October 31 - 5 am to 9 pm daily / November 1 to April 30 - 6 am to 8 pm daily. From this time of year till the end of May the fish (bass, whites, stripes, cats, carp) are pretty much migrating to the back of coves. Your Arizona state parks encompass a wide variety of landscapes, at different elevations, andwithin differing habitats. Lake Pleasant Fishing Map | Nautical Charts App We assume that, much like at Dead Horse Ranch, the accelerated growth rate can be attributed to thebass diet of stocked rainbow trout during the winter and early spring. The state record bluegill was caught out of Goldwater Lake. ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK. Friend caught 6 stripers more (see my other posting) in less than an hour on the same lure & also baby bluegill as bait fish(?). Check out theseasonally updated Arizona fishing report to learn what's biting and where! Soft plastics rigged"weedless" and flipped into the aquatic vegetation seemto entice the lion's share of fish here. About 450 picnic sites, 165 campsites ranging from tent to primitive to . . This lake is over 25 miles long, it's very wide, quite deep in . From urban fishing ponds to reservoirs, rivers and trout lakes, Arizona is filled with diverse fishing opportunities whether you're a novice or pro. From urban fishing ponds to reservoirs, rivers and trout lakes, Arizona is filled with diverse fishing opportunities whether youre a novice or pro. This desert lake, located near the small western town of Wenden, is remotely situated amid a gorgeous slice ofSonoran Desert. They have a fishing pier and country store with fishing essentials and even boat rentals. 10-lane boat ramp; parking for 200 vehicles. She has a degree from the University of California in natural resources conservation. Some speculate that striper eggs drifted into the lake via aqueducts. This 3,500 acre lake was created in 1968 following the construction of an earthen dam on the Bill Williams River. Northshore Lake Pleasant Trail #4.26.0. The closure usually starts in mid-December and lasts up to six months. At that time of year, fishing is best at dusk and dawn, or during the night, when anglers like to use submersible lights. Alamo is a good spot for fishing year-round, especially for largemouth bass. If you are considering a visit over the Memorial Day holiday, you may want to book a site ASAP as there are a limited number of sites still available. Fishing Near Bullhead City, Arizona If an area reaches capacity and has to be closed, an ALERT will be placed in the mainALERT section of the website (top of all pages). The 200-mile Salt River is a popular spot among Phoenix locals. 8 Best Crappie Fishing Lakes in Arizona Good Luck! Roper Lake trout are caught with a variety of baits and lures, although inline spinners trolled slowly seem to produce the most repeatable results. Lake Pleasant, Arizona (Photo: desert lake image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com ). Gizzard Shad with a curly tail grub, 8 lb. I used to do alot of shore fishing at plez, cant go wrong with watermelon and pumpkin senkos for bass,this time last year pulled 5 to 11lb cats out of cottonwood cove, liver, live blugill, live or dead shad. Explore the lakes in Arizona to find the best fishing spots for beginners and experts alike. 1. These fisheries offer anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. Fish were biting insane that nite! 2009) - Arizona's oldest and largest fishing website. World record: 4 lbs 3 oz. The Urban Fishing Program in Maricopa County, Arizona, consists of 80 acres of surface area. Lake Havasu State Park. Good luck out there! Please rememberalthough fishing in Arizona can be very productive, only keep as many fish as you can eat. My addiction to fishing started shore fishing plez about this time of year probably 20 years ago. Big Lake is open from mid April to Mid November, depending on the weather. My bad. These lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout, offering anglers ample opportunities to reel in these prized fish. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Throw towards the pumps and let it sit on the bottom. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 years and older. During July and August, the area also is subject to sudden thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons. Lake Pleasant Regional Park Contact Station: (602) 506-2930 ext. ___________________________________________________________________#bassfishing #bankfishing #whitebass The park anticipates the following impacts the following in the coming months: It is recommended that youvisit the main page for the park for updates. He used to teach fishing courses at Glendale Community College and has been fishing professionally for decades. Lake Pleasant - Roadrunner Campground Temporarily Closed July 10 - Dec 31, 2023, Arizona Master Naturalist-Maricopa County Chapter, Online Resources (brochures and handouts). During closures on the west side of Lake Pleasant Regional Park,park visitors may still access the lake viaPleasant Harbor. I am trying to branch out from Urban fishing places and neighborhood ones as I haven't had too much success from these places - 1 catfish and some small sunfish. This 130-acre lake is located about five miles north of the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona. The clear water in this lake gives anglers a fantastic sight fishing experience! There are also some stellar shoreline areas where you can reel in catfish. In this post you're going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake. Find the best fishing spots and stocking schedules so you can cast your line and catch a memory. With Arizona State Parks Stories, we give you the scene, you bring thecharacters! Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Arizona Lakes Striped Bass with a Silver Streak Spoon, no skunk but 2 jackasses walked up on me. At coles nightcrawlers will catch you big blugill. Whether you prefer warm water fishing for bass and catfish or cold water fishing for trout, Arizona's fishing lakes offer a wide range of species and experiences. Just like Havasu, this lake experiences an amazing spawn that can convinceamateur anglers into believing they are seasoned bass circuit veterans! you, Your local trail guide for all ages and skill levels, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Big Lake, Canyon Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake and Woods Cabyon Lake are some of the most popular places for fishing in Arizona. Available on Lake Pleasant! More Big Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Lees Ferry, Reservation Lake, Show Low Lake, Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are the favorite options for rainbow, brook and brown trout. Limits are 4 catfish, 4 trout, 2 bass (13 inch minimum), 10 sunfish, 1 white amur (30 inch minimum). Lake Havasu State Park, right on the western border of the state, offers a variety of Arizona fishing options within the famed Colorado River corridor andboasts a very healthy population of popular sport fish. Fish were biting insane that nite! The four-lane ramp at the lakes north end allows 112 vehicles with trailers. The Apache Marina and Resort and at Burnt Corral areas offer some of the best shore fishing on Apache Lake. There are some truly unique fishing locales in landlocked Arizona. Lake Pleasant, Arizona, USA Vacation Info: LakeLubbers Alamo is stocked with all sorts of fish including crappie, sunfish, catfish, and tilapia. Located near Page and the Utah-Arizona border, this spot is home to some of the best upstream trout fishing in the state. Lake Pleasant Fishing - Lake Pleasant Fishing Guides Patagonia Lake State Park, southern Arizona's premier birding destination, is also home to amazing largemouth bass and seasonal rainbow trout fishing. Its especially popular in the summertime, when Valley temperatures exceed 100 degrees and the water remains cool and refreshing. In contrast, Arizona is also home to several cold water lakes, which provide excellent fishing for trout and other cold water species. John Murray is probably one of the best-known pro bass fishermen in Arizona still, even though he moved back east a while back to focus on his fishing career. Nature Center hours: May 1 - October 31 - Open 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday. Although the average bass size is smaller than other lakes in state parks, the quantities caught are usually larger. The Lower Salt River is the stretch of the river located below Saguaro Lake. They charge like $6 for entry/parking. Fish the shoreline, bring your boat or rent one at the lake's marinas. Fished on a ledge sw portion of the area. Follow this north for 9 miles and then turn left onto AZ-74. !________________________________________________________GEAR USED IN VIDEO \u0026 OTHER FAVORITES!Spinning-Rod used in this video (Ugly Stik GX2):Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FRCnV7Sportman's Warehouse - https://bit.ly/3V9RXRkSpinning Reel used in this video (KastKing Centron 3000):Amazon: https://amzn.to/42HpMxJFishing Line:P-Line Fluorocarbon - https://bit.ly/3EK52LMP-Line Fluroclear (Fluorocarbon coated) - https://amzn.to/3UHLfkFKastKing Braid - https://amzn.to/3TWGtzjMy Favorite Types of Spinners:Joe's Fly - https://amzn.to/3DDhLhDRooster Tail - https://amzn.to/3UkAYewBlue Fox - https://bit.ly/3UEUtif ; https://amzn.to/3Bp030TPanther Martin - https://bit.ly/3EtBiSY ; https://amzn.to/3PeEqWSThe Fishing Nets I Use Most Often:Plusinno Foldable Soft Rubber Net (Used in Video): https://amzn.to/3UZGmEdPlusinno Wooden Handle Soft Rubber Net: https://amzn.to/3WYwYmdMEASURE NET (I love this net!! Its home to warm and cold water fish species and is stocked with rainbow trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish. While there did see one family with lots of little kids that caught 1 striper. To fish in Arizona, you must have a current years fishing license in your possession if you are age 14 or older. The only plus side is that it's not too far from the city, about a 30-45 min drive from Phoenix. More Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant and Lake Powell are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. It has close proximity to the city and is frequently used as a tubing destination. Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Goldwater Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Patagonia Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake and Show Low Lake are considered the best options for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The 10-lane ramp at the lakes southwest shore can hold 355 vehicles with trailers. Shoreline camping will require an assigned campsite parking space and may be reservedonline,in person, or via phone. All rights reserved. The ALERT will remain active until the area can be reopened. You can get the same price on these items without my links, but if you use my affiliate links, the respective company will pay me a tiny percentage from the sale! Reddit, Inc. 2023. Largemouths over 10 pounds seem to be more and more common in Arizona, and there are more than a few lakes that harbor smallies topping 5 pounds. the Concrete Spillway is expected to be under water from January to July. I used crank bait and some spinners at both, but in all honesty, Im kind of a garbage fisherman, so it may not be the bait, haha. These supplemental stockings bythe Arizona Game and Fish Department give anglers a great chance of hooking up with beautiful and delicious trout from this Cottonwood, Arizona park. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. To use two lines at once, get a current two-pole stamp on the back of your valid fishing license. Lake Pleasant, Arizona - Recreation.gov This 130-acre lake is located about five miles north of the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona. We ask that anglers practice catch and release on largemouth and smallmouth bass February through April to help ensure a successful spawn, which will create even better fishing opportunities in the future. There is fair opportunity for Coastal Cutthroat Trout, with Kokanee fishing improving later in the spring. The Arizona Game and Fish Department consider the bluegill fishing the best in the state. Recently, larger than averagebass have been reported to have been caught here. Explore Lake Pleasant in Arizona with Recreation.gov. 7 Best Places To Fish In Arizona - FishTackly Recreational facilities concentrated primarily on the reservoir's western shore. #bassfishing #largemouthbass #roamlocal #arizona #fishinglife #tightlines, A post shared by Gil (@gjh62) on Jun 2, 2018 at 3:39pm PDT, Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities near Eventually, thought, I got . ):Cabela's - cabelas.xhuc.net/DV2jLjAmazon - https://amzn.to/3Va9fNZThis video was filmed using a GoPro Hero 9.Amazon - https://amzn.to/3DRoA08The above links are Cabela's, Amazon and Sportsman's Warehouse Affiliate links. They are owned by a bank or a lender who took ownership through foreclosure proceedings. Humbug will be a little limited on variety of things to fish from shore. Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, tilapia, white bass and striped bass at Lake Pleasant in Arizona. Its also been the site of three state fishing records. The average depth is 70-feet and the deepest point of 260 feet is at the dam. From this time of year till the end of May the fish (bass, whites, stripes, cats, carp) are pretty much migrating to the back of coves. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Graham and this southern Arizona fishing destination provides fantastic seasonal angling for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. With 116 miles of shore lines and 23,000 acres of water, Lake Pleasant is a top choice for fishing trips and . Humbug will be a little limited on variety of things to fish from shore. Rattling crank baits or spinner baits with large blades seem to work best. Lake Pleasant AZ - Tips for Shore Fishing! (underwater footage and Need some inspiration? Lake Pleasant. State Record: 2 lbs 2.56 oz. Most likely these behemoths are feeding on stocked rainbow trout during the winter, and then on the large bluegill population the rest of the year. It is just a short 35 mile drive from downtown Phoenix and it has some of the clearest waters any Arizona lake has to offer. Find closure announcements on Maricopa Countys Lake Pleasant website; signs are posted on roads and at boat ramps. All Rights Reserved. Located in the Sonoran Desert, Lake Pleasant is subject to air temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit from June through September. Fishing | Maricopa County Parks & Recreation "No Entry" buoys in the Agua Fria Channel also warn boaters of the closure. You can wade across the saddle if the water's not too high. The 680-acre lake regularly draws fishers from all over the state. The . Cortez Lake is a 3 acre lake located in Maricopa County with an average depth of 6 feet. Lake Pleasant's 9,200 surface acres offer wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities including boating of all types, camping, hiking, and fishing. Fishing gear and guide services are for hire as well. As for striper, much easier to catch with a boat, depth finder and a grip of chovies, you can pick these up at certain walmarts, sportmans wearhouse, and the hood up. My favorite was Castle Creek and Coles. Record-size fish caught in the lake include white bass (4 lbs., 11.7 oz.) Up to 8 passengers. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a large outdoors recreation area straddling the Maricopa and Yavapai county border northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. Lake Pleasant northwest of Phoenix is a quick drive from town and offers excellent largemouth fishing. Buy licenses online, at all Game and Fish Department offices, and at more than 300 license dealers statewide. 3 responses and not once did you tell this new guy to go pound sand or sit on an M-80. My addiction to fishing started shore fishing plez about this time of year probably 20 years ago. UPCOMING: Catch and cook - Underwater footage - Hunt for a MONSTER Largemouth - and HOPEFULLY some night fishing with big lights!Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it! Although Alamo crappie can be caught year-round, the spring spawn creates the best opportunity to hook lots of fish during your trip. HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE. It offers largemouth bass fishing which may vary from year to year depending on dramatic water level fluctuations. This was my first time ever fishing Lake Pleasant in central Arizona. Trying to figure out how to weed out the small stripers. FYI - No 4X4 required. Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. 5 Cool Spots for ATV Off-Roading Around Washington, D.C. 1 Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: (602) 876-1000 City of Peoria Police: Emergency - 911 / Non-emergency - (623) 773-8311 City of Peoria Fire: Emergency - 911 / Non-emergency - (623) 773-8311 Scorpion Bay Marina: (928) 501-2628 Pleasant Harbor: (928) 501-5253 Shakira always made sure I was looked after. So what are the best tips for fishing Lake Pleasant? This newly expanded reservoir has 114 miles of shoreline for family recreation uses. Arizona fishing reports, tips, and techniques by HookedAZ.com (est. Anybody have any tips they'd like to share for fishing bass as lake pleasant from the shore? My grandpas coming to town and Id love to take him, and lake pleasant is closest. Parker Canyon Lake may be a lesser-known area, but that doesnt mean its not a great fishing spot. Online Fishing License. If you need a fishing license, a combo hunt & fish license, or a short-term license, read about them here. Alamo Lake is arguably one of the best largemouth bass and crappie fisheries in Arizona! Maricopa Lake View All | Driving Directions About Best Fishing Times for Lake Pleasant near New River For you next fishing outing to Lake Pleasant refer to our Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish are expected to be most active based on solunar tables and our detailed fishing calendar. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 years and older. Find ways to experience fishing all over the state, including community waters. Now, in places like Humbug Creek, the water often turns frothy, churned by white bass chasing silver threadfin shad. The relatively unrestricted shoreline createsthe best shore fishing in Arizona for largemouth bass. Stocked trout also provide a quantity over quality experience here. The state record green sunfish was caught out of Parker Canyon Lake. All About Lake Pleasant, AZ. training, Just an hour north of the heart of Phoenix, the reservoir has been expanded to feature 114 miles of shoreline prime for family fun.There's a 10-lane boat ramp, and parking for 200 vehicles. Encanto Lake is an 8 acre lake located in Maricopa County. It supports a good population of bass as well as offers some lunker fishing at times. Flathead Catfish. John Murray's Tips for Fishing Lake Pleasant - Welcome to Outdoor AZ Fun Interested in bagging prized trout, catfish, bass and other species close to home? We want to hear from you about the amazing time you had in any of your state parks! The permit allows fishing with one line. A post shared by Ehryn Thomas (@ehrynimal) on Nov 10, 2017 at 12:27am PST. Got 8 on the #lowersaltriver today. History & Nature. The largest largemouth bass in Arizona was caught there and weighed in at over 23 pounds. BUT, I got out there, did some learning, and caught some bass in crystal clear water like I've never done before! Anglers enjoy the lake's scenic natural beauty as they haul in largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappies and flathead catfish. A fishing license is required and may be obtained at most sporting goods stores or through the Arizona Game and Fish department. Arizona boasts a diverse array of fishing lakes, offering both warm water and cold water fishing opportunities to anglers. Generally, higher elevation parks offer the best chance of catching trout, walleye, and pike. Shore Fishing a BEAUTIFUL DESERT LAKE for WHITE BASS! (Lake Pleasant Bald eagles often nest at Lake Pleasant and can be seen swooping above its waters, searching for fish. Review the top five bass lakes in the state. Anglers 14 and older are required to have a valid fishing license and trout stamp. Big Lake is located in northern Arizonas White Mountains. The schools of black crappie that inhabit the lake are typically willing to take a well-placed jig or minnow. It's really steep so you'll be fishing deep. As early as the first couple ofweeks in March, bass are preparing for the annual festivities and can be found cleaning out their beds. Lake Pleasant AZ Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Anglers can also target catfish, including channel catfish and flathead catfish, in these warm water lakes, using a variety of bait and techniques. I had no idea how to attack a giant body of water like this from shore, and to be honest I was very intimidated by this lake. Alamo is a 3,500-acre lake that formed by the Alamo Dam and includes runoff from the Colorado River and Bill Williams River. Lake Pleasant is a popular largemouth bass fishery that also offers striped bass and the states only white bass population. The dangers posed by lightning keep most anglers off the water when these storms roll through. All rights reserved.