Others that might end up on a stringer include tilapia, bluegill, bigmouth buffalo fishand white and black crappie. So keep an eye on that stocking schedule, and have a trout-patterned swimbait ready to cast. Lake Pleasant is a power boater's dream. Imagine starry nights or the light of a full moon shimmering on the water. Tips for shore fishing at lake pleasant? : r/ArizonaFishing - Reddit Of all the Colorado River reservoirs, Lake Mohave arguably offers your best shot at catching a giant striper. Max Guests 6. Roosevelt Lake Fishing with Johnny Johnson - Roosevelt Lake, AZ - Swimbaits as Search Tool - April, 2015 Named after one of the best and most respected US Presidents of all time, Roosevelt Lake can be found in Tonto National Forest. Besides carp what other species can we take by spear? Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers over four miles of trails for pedestrian use only. Striper are pretty hard to get into in Pleasant. Page - Lake Powell Some of the best fishing in Arizona for bass is near this lake's dam. Lake Pleasant is located 15 miles west of I-17 (Black Canyon Freeway) on Carefree Highway (State Route 74) 30 miles north of Phoenix, within the city limits of Peoria. Guide To Fishing Lake Pleasant In AZ Spotting scopes and signs on the balcony help you identify points of interest that range from features of the dam to the distant ridge of Four Peaks. The best night fishing is on cloudy nights or nights with no moon. Fishermen who once had to search for structures are now overwhelmed with highly promising submerged brush and timber, vegetation that provides cover and nutrients for the lakes food chain. There are two major marinas at Lake Pleasant that you can access. Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ Boat Rentals. Guide To Top Arizona Fishing Lakes, Best Lakes To Fish Admission to the visitor center is included in the park entrance fee. Lake Pleasant also is among the best crappie fishing lakes in Arizona and best catfish fishing lakes and rivers in Arizona. A Guide to Lake Pleasant Regional Park - TripSavvy All the same, the lake supports healthy populations of striped bass, as well as the smaller closely related white bass. distributed cat in the Americas. For those wanting some desert recreation with great views of the lake consider horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading. The ruins of a thousand-year-old Hohokam Puebloans village overlook the shoreline, and the rolling hills are studded with towering cacti. The tranquility of being on the boat late evenings and even all night brings relaxation after a hectic work week. Willow Lake, Flagstaff Area Lakes Park entrance fee - park fee page, The second entrance into Lake Pleasant is located three miles past the main park entrance on Castle Hot Springs Road. Foreclosures. Its not uncommon to see whole schools of striped bass feeding frenziedly on the surface. Lake Pleasant is a large deep lake that sits just 43 miles away from Arizona's largest city Phoenix. Caught this guy near Castle Creek on a water dog night fishing and drinking some Coors with Eric. Address: Spencer Trail, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036. Pleasant Harbor Marina:This marina on the southeastern shoreoutside the park has two four-lane boat ramps, boat rentals, a waterside restaurantand daily cruises. Fish Lake offers excellent deer and elk hunting and has become recognized as part of Central Utah's best hunting area. Target Species at Lake Pleasant Largemouth Bass Fishing at Lake Pleasant Largemouth bass is a carnivorous member of the sunfish family. Other times we just smile, hitch up the boatand drive to Lake Pleasant. You have a great shot at catching stripers any time from April to November on Lake Mohave. Large groups can reserve the Desert Tortoise Group Campground with a commitment of 10 units. 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. Bear Canyon Lake The 10-lane parking area allows for 480 vehicles, 355 vehicles with trailers, and 124 cars. Although trophy-sized stripers are not as common here as they are in Mohave, its an amazing lake for numbers. Scorpion Bay Marina also rents slips and has boat rentals available. 10-lane boat ramp; parking for 200 vehicles. In this post you're going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake. Phoenix To South Rim Auctions. You can camp overlooking the lake and the lights in the distance or set up a primitive camp along the lake and listen to the water lapping on the shore. Find the best fishing spots and stocking schedules so you can cast your line and catch a memory. Find out more at pleasantharbor.com. Payson Thanks! Willow Beach is one of the most popular striper fishing spots on the lake, and not just because the record was caught in the vicinity. When you head up 74 turn at Castle Hot Springs and drive all the way to the end of the road and turn left go up the dirt road to the north end of the lake and fish either from the east bank or west bank of the bridge at Castle Creek, tons of dead trees sticking out of the water, try throwing some tubes, roboworms, white rooster tails, or a blueg. Pretty much any cove with deep water has potential. Compared to most freshwater game fish, stripers are a bit more comfortable in deep, open water. It is even visited regularly by recreationists who hit the lake on their way home from 9 to 5 jobs. Guest have the opportunity to head over to Twin Creeks and view these fish in their bright red colors. Pleasant Harbor Marina and RV Resort. Day Use Fees From Memorial Day weekend to the weekend after Labor Day our historic Fish Lake Lodge is open for visitation. Fish Lake has great fishing all year around. Picnic with family and friends at several picnic areas. Nature Center hours: May 1 - October 31 - Open 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday. Camping, fishing, picnicking, boating, dining at water-side restaurants. Drop a fishing line, catch a big catfish. The lakeis a popular spot for largemouth bass, striped bassand Arizonas only population of white bass. (Lake Pleasant, Arizona) Kevin Rapkoch Fishing 1.67K subscribers Subscribe 0 No views 1 minute ago #bassfishing #bankfishing. For further information, contact: Lake Pleasant Regional Park Anglers in their Lake Pleasant fishing boat can fish for largemouth bass, trout, and white bass. Nominal fees are charged. Lakes of Arizona item created by HookedAZ, Mar 15, 2016. The visitors center provide information where park visitors can learn about the Central Arizona Project, Waddell Dam and Lake Pleasant. Nominal fees apply for all camping sites. Williams Palatki Indian Ruins Hourly and daily rentals include pontoons, fishing boats, ski boats, kayaksand other water toys. A network of hiking trails spreads across the park, some tracing the shore while others explore surrounding desert hills. To reach Pleasant Harbor Marina, turn north on Pleasant Harbor Road for about 1.5 miles to the main entrance. Overall it's a popular lake being nestled in the middle part of the state. Exit Carefree Hwy. Look for the worlds largest floating water slide to reopen for the season in late spring. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Take a break and dine in our family friendly restaurant. This is the time of day stripers feed most heavily and are most likely to be near shore. Arizona White Mountains Originally constructed in the mid-1920s as part of a private irrigation project, Lake Pleasant was created by the Waddell Dam, a 250-foot long structure which impounded water from the Agua Fria River system. Lakeside Resort also offers full hookup RV sites for trailers. There are two major marinas at Lake Pleasant. Lake Pleasant: Marina, swimming, boat rentals, hiking trails, camping Its pristine waters cover over 10,000 acres of water surface with 116 miles of shoreline. At the Desert Outdoor Centerat the southeastern corner of the lake near Pleasant Harbor. Travel north to Lake Pleasant Regional Park entrance. Even though stripers are more likely to head deep when the water warms up in summer, theyll often rise to the surface chasing schools of shad. It has 21 picnic sites withtables, grillsand a porta-john. With 116 miles of shore lines and 23,000 acres of water, Lake Pleasant is a top choice for fishing trips and . Payson, AZ. The Mountain Anchovies work the best for hook and line as well as chumming. The striped bass is the top of the food chain in Arizona waters. Though 67 miles long, the lake is just 4 miles across at its widest point. That 67-pound, 1-ounce fish remains unsurpassed, but this lake is still the most likely place in Arizona to give up a 50-pounder. Contact Station 928-501-1710, Phoenix Area Lakes Lake Pleasant, just 30 miles north of Phoenix, is the ideal place for a bass fisherman to be in February. Every fall around the first to middle of October; local herders drive cattle through the Fish Lake basin from their summer grazing range. No lifeguarded beaches are located at Lake Pleasant. But you don't need a boat to enjoy a day at the lake. Rent a house boat. Lake Pleasant is created by the Waddell Dam which obstructs the Agua Fria River creating a huge watershed and recreational area. Hours: Open every day, the general Park Hours are Sun-Thu: 6am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 6am-10pm. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance atmaricopacountyparks.org or by calling 602-506-2930. More: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/lees-ferry.htm Lake Pleasant Shore Fishing | Arizona Fishing Forums on AZBZ I hope the lake clears up soon. They are owned by a bank or a lender who took ownership through foreclosure proceedings. A floating community with both covered and uncovered boat slips. Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, tilapia, white bass and striped bass at Lake Pleasant in Arizona. These fisheries offer anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. In the autumn, when CAP water is delivered to Lake Pleasant, raising water levels, seasonal vegetation gets flooded, enriching the lakes nutrient levels. Show Low Lake Every fall around the first to middle of October; local herders drive cattle through the Fish Lake basin from their summer grazing range. The Lake Pleasant Harbor Marina is a full-service marina with docking facilities and rentals. Fax 602-372-7465 Roosevelt Fishing Adventures LLC. About Roosevelt Lake. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a large outdoors recreation area straddling what looked like 4.5 largemouth but it slipped away right at the shoreline. 2;maricopacountyparks.net. Desert Geological Terms. Sleid across the lake area in the basin, or climb up the Gooseberry/Seven Mile area for more rugged terrain. Scorpion Bay Marina. I think Joe has had some luck, and so has spearo75. You can rent just about anything that floats at Scorpion Bay Marina. However it happened, populations have exploded, making Lake Pleasant the only major striper fishery in Arizona outside of the Colorado River System. From urban fishing ponds to reservoirs, rivers and trout lakes, Arizona is filled with diverse fishing opportunities whether you're a novice or pro. Its always fascinating to witness this juxtaposition groves of saguaros standing guard over a large body of water. As the water continues to cool off in fall, look for stripers down as deep as 100 feet in schools, and try jigging spoons or bucktails. Peak colors are normally around the first to mid September. There are two major marinas at Lake Pleasant that you can access. From $350.00. Remember, a valid Arizona fishing license is required. Lake Pleasant Regional Park has been the primary attraction for decades for Bass fishing and is the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area straddling the Maricopa and Yavapai county border northwest of Phoenix, Arizona.. What Types of Fish Are In Lake Pleasant? If youre a fly fisherman looking to land some rainbow trout in areas ranging from very shallow to very deep, then Lees Ferry is the perfect place for you. Can anyone give me any tips on what depth to find them at, any particular parts of the lake, or even if it's even worth it. Below are the just a few of the highest rated fishing marinas at Lake Pleasant that offer a wide variety of services from fishing boat rentals, pro tackle and bait shops, freshwater fishing charters, official fish weighing stations and more. I'll definitely hit you up as the time gets closer. Parks, Map, Route 66, Cabins, Distance Guide, More Sledding, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, More@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-arizona_leisure_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'arizona_leisure_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-arizona_leisure_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Wahweap, Map, Facts, Houseboats, Distances, More Tucson, Nogales, Tombstone, Rocky Point, More Phoenix To South Rim, Wildlife, Weather, Falls, More Hoover Dam, Parker, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, More Home As the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, load-up all your water recreation toys. As the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, load-up all your water recreation toys. Sometimes it's a lake; sometimes it's not. Stripers will chase shad early and late in the summer but they are only around for a short amont of time. The largemouth bass is the most popular catch, and the lake is the only place in Arizona with white bass. I can spear comfortably at about 50 ft, and possibly deeper if need be. Loa District Forest Service Office for more information. Needless to say, they caught on in a big way. The North American Deserts Sedona Starting September 10th thru November 31st fishing for the kokanee salmon closes during their spawning season. If bass is the type of fish you are looking for, this is probably the number one spot to be in Arizona. Tags. Some speculate that striper eggs drifted into the lake via aqueducts. I've been there kayaking one time and it had to be 15+ but that was in the summer time. Developed sites havewater, electricity, a dump station, a picnic table, a barbecue grilland a fire ring. To get to the main area, take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (SR 74). The best striper action is often right around sunrise. Find the Best Fishing in Arizona: Cast Your Line in the Waters. It can also be very tough fishing at times and test the skills and patience of even the most experienced anglers. Copyright 2009-2023 Bist LLC. The new dam effectively tripled the size of Lake Pleasant, making it the second-largest body of water (behind Lake Roosevelt) in central Arizona. You'll find access to the 4 lane boat ramp, shoreline camping areas and the Cottonwood day-use only picnic area which provides restroom convenience. (Rates, availability and reservations online.). Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report 2023 [Spots, Tips, Pictures, Everything Both boat-based and shore-based fishing opportunities are available at Lake Pleasant. Baitfish can also be highly effective at any depth, but especially on summer days when stripers hunker down in deep water. Roadrunner Trail (0.8 miles): It follows the waters edge, connecting the Discovery Center with the 10-lane boat ramp. During the cooler months, the lower part of the lake is often better. Try to get there at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds, especially on weekends (luckily, those early hours are when some of the best striper action happens anyway). Its waters were supplied primarily by the river and by Coles Creek, Castle Creek, Humbug Creek and other drainages. State Record: 29 lbs 13.76 oz Hybrid Striper (Wiper) World record: 27 lbs 5 oz State Record: 2 lbs 13.76 oz Click the images and links above for species details. Cooler fall temperatures bring about another transition toward shallower habitats. Arizona Quick Facts, Arizona Tourist Vacation Planning Guide Stripers in the 3- to 5-pound class are often so abundant that the fishing can be non-stop on a good day. "With stripers in the lake, its going to cause an obvious change," said one fisheries biologist. Top 7 Fishing Spots in Arizona | Fishing Camping in Arizona - RVshare Tucked away amid rolling hillsjust 30 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix, Lake Pleasant Regional Park makes for a sudden and dramatic escape. Now you get one every once in a while. As the water warms in March and April and stripers start to become more active, try fishing anchovies close to the bottom in the 40- to 60-foot range. Located in southeastern Arizona, Parker Canyon Lake contains warm and cold water fish species including rainbow trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish. In the mid-1920s, the Waddell Dam corralled the waters of the Agua Fria River as a private irrigation project. With 10,000 acres of crystal clear water, visitors can enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, or fishing. Fishermen this time of year have the ability to walk out past the moss line and fish anywhere along the lake. Camping and ramada rental fees vary depending upon the site. There are clubs that dive there and boat excursions.Swimming is at your own risk. The dam originally was named after Carl Pleasant, the engineer who designed it. The desert is brown and parched. Find the convenience of a general store stocked with goodies and a deli. Lake Pleasant Fishing Map | Nautical Charts App Watson Lake The female black widow spider is the most venomous spider in North America, but it seldom causes death to humans, because it only injects a very small amount of poison when it bites. Some of the most popular striper areas on Lake Mead, including Sandy Point and the Overton Arm, are on the Nevada side. This trail snakes along the shoreline. As the name implies, it's a good catfish spot. 1. Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Arizona. Lake Pleasant holds the Northern strain species of largemouth bass which is considered to be aggressive and offers a better fight than their Florida , Lake Pleasant Bass Fishing. Lake Pleasant Paddlefest:8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4. This expansive playground combines all the things we love about the desert endless sunshine, rising mountains, saguaro-clad slopesand waves of spring wildflowers with the addition of unexpected water. Campsites cost $15-$40 per night, depending on amenities. Shoreline Access - Park Information - Maricopa County Parks White bass! Tempe Town Lake Articles Sweet, looks like i'll be out around the right time! Ice fishing season generally runs from Mid January to around the end of March. Roosevelt Lake is a deep body of water with the average depth being 70 feet and a maximum depth of 349 feet when the lake is completely full. Learn about the night sky by looking throughtelescopes to observe planets, star clusters, nebulasand other deep space objects. So what are the best tips for fishing Lake Pleasant? The fishing maps app include HD lake depth contours, along with advanced features found in Fish Finder / Gps Chart Plotter systems, turning your device into a Depth Finder. Sign up below or read more about the DesertUSA newsletter here. Tilapia. Woods Canyon Lake, White Mountains Lakes Route 66 Attractions Boat rentals are available at two marinas. . You'll find everything you need for a fun-filled time at the lake. This was just posted last week. From lakes to rivers, you are sure to find the perfect place whether you're adventuring on your own, or hire a guide to help you land the big one. I have a 7, 5, and 3 mil, but ill assume the 7 would be preferential? Things to Do at Lake Pleasant Arizona: Destination Guide - Boatsetter Horseshoe Bend Table of Contents show. Upper Lake Mary, Colorado River Lakes In the heart of trail country, we offer trails for any type of outdoorsman. Through my limited time hunting that lake your max dive will be 25-35 ft. When stripers go into a feeding frenzy, its some of the most non-stop fishing action that can occur. Power-up the jet skis. Try spoons and swimbaits in 20 to 30 feet at night, and then move out to 30 or 40 feet at first light. He used to teach fishing courses at Glendale Community College and has been fishing professionally for decades. The Sunset Ridge Area sits atop a hill with commanding views of the lake. The striper fishing gets into high gear around the beginning of April at Lake Pleasant. A dozen fish species swim in Lake Pleasant. Giant bodies of water like Lake Pleasant can be intimidating, especially when fishing from shore. The hours between 5 and 8 a.m. are when you want to be on the water, and the topwater bite can be explosive. Stroll through the Visitor and Desert Education center. As in many lakes, this is the time youre most likely to encounter schools of stripers boiling up on shad at the surface. When you see surface action, have shad-imitating topwater lures at the ready. Take a swim in the moonlight. Guides supply gear, lifejackets, reels, poles and bait and can accommodate all ages and skill levels. Click here to view video. Lake Havasu The cycle is then repeated. by Nick Walter July 18, 2018. Lees Ferry at Glen Canyon will take your breath away with its red sandstone cliffs and gorgeous desert backdrop. "Bass clubs are concerned because we dont want to happen here what happened 10 years ago at Lake Powell," where stripers crowded out game fish and depleted the bait fish, said Troy Bell of the Arizona Bass Club. Relish the brilliant evening sunset and when darkness comes, drop anchor. Keep a sharp eye out for the telltale boils on the surface that represent feeding stripers, especially in summer and fall. Primitive camping is allowed along much of the shoreline in such areas as Two Cow and Firemans coves. info@scorpionbayaz.com, Rentals Stripers begin the season a little lethargic, and a baitfish fluttering close to the bottom represents an easy meal. The road becomes State Route 74, also known as Lake Pleasant Road. Come for the fishing or come for the frolickingeither way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. Home to several fish species including crappie, sunfish, and catfish, Alamo Lake is one of the best places in Arizona to fish for largemouth bass year-round. Pedal boat and kayaks are also available for hourly rental. The Colorado River systems record striper was caught from the Willow Beach area of Lake Mohave in 1997.