Arizona offers a diverse angling landscape ranging from deep desert reservoirs to high-altitude cold-water streams in the White Mountains. The state is renowned for its world-class bass fishing, native Apache trout recovery areas, and extensive winter trout stocking programs in urban lakes.
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round with peak activity during the spring spawn (March-May); daily bag limit is typically 6 fish.
Rainbow Trout
Stocked year-round in high-country lakes and during winter months (November-March) in lower-elevation community waters; limit 4-6 fish.
Apache Trout
Arizona's state fish; found in White Mountain streams with specific catch-and-release or limited harvest seasons depending on the water.
Smallmouth Bass
Excellent fishing in the Colorado River and Lake Powell; best in spring and fall; daily bag limit of 6 fish.
Striped Bass
Prolific in Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, and Lake Pleasant; open year-round with liberal or no bag limits on certain waters to manage populations.
Channel Catfish
Active year-round but best during summer nights (June-August) in desert reservoirs and the canal system.
Crappie
Peak season occurs from late February through April when fish move to shallow brush; Lake Roosevelt is the premier destination.
Top Waters
Lake Roosevelt
The largest reservoir in Arizona, famous for high-volume largemouth bass and crappie fishing.
Lees Ferry
A world-renowned 15-mile tailwater stretch of the Colorado River known for trophy wild rainbow trout.
Lake Havasu
A top-tier destination for smallmouth bass and world-record class redear sunfish.
Lake Pleasant
The most popular metro-area lake, offering excellent striped bass and white bass opportunities.
Alamo Lake
A remote desert gem known for some of the best largemouth bass catch rates in the western United States.
Show Low Lake
A high-country destination famous for producing state-record walleye.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Arizona's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Lees Ferry Anglers
Charter/GuideMarble Canyon, AZ
Specializing in fly fishing guide services on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry.
The Hook Up Outfitters
Charter/GuidePeoria, AZ
Professional bass fishing guides serving Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt, and Bartlett.
Arizona Fishing Guides
Charter/GuideTempe, AZ
Year-round guided fishing trips for bass and seasonal species across Central Arizona.
Bassmaster Guide Service
Charter/GuidePhoenix, AZ
Expert guided bass fishing trips on Arizona's premier desert reservoirs.
Fisherman's Choice
Bait & Tackle ShopPhoenix, AZ
A long-standing local shop providing specialized tackle for Arizona bass and trout fishing.
Liar's Korner
Bait & Tackle ShopPeoria, AZ
Providing live bait, tackle, and local fishing reports for Lake Pleasant anglers.
The Tackle Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopLake Havasu City, AZ
The oldest tackle shop in Lake Havasu, offering a wide selection of bass and striper gear.
Rim Country Guns & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopPayson, AZ
A primary resource for trout gear and bait for the Mogollon Rim lakes.
Phoenix Fishing Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopPhoenix, AZ
Comprehensive fishing supply store with a focus on saltwater, freshwater, and rod repair.
Pleasant Harbor Marina
MarinaPeoria, AZ
Full-service marina on the southeast shores of Lake Pleasant with boat rentals and slips.
Scorpion Bay Marina
MarinaPeoria, AZ
A premier floating marina on Lake Pleasant offering dining, rentals, and fuel.
Bartlett Lake Marina
MarinaCarefree, AZ
Providing boat storage, rentals, and supplies for anglers on Bartlett Reservoir.
Saguaro Lake Marina
MarinaMesa, AZ
Serving the Tonto National Forest with boat slips and a full-service restaurant.
Canyon Lake Marina
MarinaTortilla Flat, AZ
Located in the scenic Superstition Mountains, providing access to trophy bass waters.
Arizona Fly Fishing
Fly ShopTempe, AZ
A dedicated fly shop offering gear, classes, and regional destination advice.
Dry Creek Outfitters
Fly ShopTucson, AZ
Tucson's premier fly fishing shop specializing in southern Arizona and saltwater gear.
Desert Fly Angler
Fly ShopPhoenix, AZ
Providing high-end fly fishing equipment and local guiding services.
Marble Canyon Lodge Fly Shop
Fly ShopMarble Canyon, AZ
Conveniently located shop providing flies and gear specifically for the Lees Ferry tailwater.
Century Marine
Boat DealerMesa, AZ
Family-owned dealership offering sales and service for top fishing boat brands.
Boulder Boats
Boat DealerMesa, AZ
Dealer for new and used fishing boats with a large service department.
Sun Country Marine
Boat DealerPhoenix, AZ
Authorized dealer for a wide range of recreational and fishing vessels.
Action Marine
Boat DealerLake Havasu City, AZ
Specializing in performance and fishing boat sales and marine service.
Custom Rods by Dru
Rod BuilderPhoenix, AZ
Nationally recognized custom rod builder specializing in performance bass and fly rods.
Southwest Custom Rods
Rod BuilderPhoenix, AZ
Providing hand-crafted custom fishing rods tailored to specific Arizona fisheries.
Pro Edge Custom Rods
Rod BuilderTucson, AZ
Custom fishing rod construction and professional rod repair services.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.