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12 Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Arizona 2024 (Voted by Locals!)

Where to catch big bass in Arizona?

If you’re new to Arizona, visiting, or just want to take on a new hobby like bass fishing there’s a huge problem you face right now. It’s knowing where the best places to catch bass. But that’s not the end of your problems with trying to find a quality lake…

What makes this even more frustrating is the fact that without the right tools and knowledge, you won’t know where to start!  Which means you’ll probably waste a lot of time and money that you’ll never get back.

Worst of all, when you ask for details about a certain lake many times you’ll be met with silence. 

So what qualifies these locations as the best places to fish in Arizona? A poll was performed asking nearly 40,000 anglers this same question. The consensus was that conditions, accessibility, nearby amenities, diversity of different fish species that can be caught makes a lake, pond, or river great for fishing.  So as you plan your next fishing trip you can have peace of mind the location you’re fishing is worth it.

WARNING:  There’s a lot of information about this subject you’ll probably want to come back to. No one expects you to remember all these tips. We know your time is precious, so we really tried to over-deliver in value for you. Additionally, we frequently update reports like this, so you’ll want to stay up to date with any changes or additional tips we include for you. 

We found that the easiest way to save and bookmark this report so you can come back to it later is to share it on your favorite social media platform, especially if you use your phone to get important tips like the ones in this report here…

Click on your favorite social media buttons to remember this page now!

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Bass Fishing in Arizona?

Arizona has an extraordinary amount of lakes, reservoirs, rivers that is awesome for bass fishing. It doesn’t matter if you’re located near Phoenix or Flagstaff.  Sometimes you want to get away and fish somewhere less frequented like Alamo Lake, whereas other times you want to head to somewhere close to where you’re living.  Regardless of your desire Arizona has somewhere for you to target monster bass!

In A Hurry?

If you don’t have much time to read the report, here’s a quick breakdown on the top fishing destinations in Arizona.  Simply use the links below to quickly learn more about all the amazing lakes that Arizona has to offer. Thanks for stopping by!

Best Lake Overall – Lake Roosevelt 

Best Pure Bass Fishing Lake – Alamo Lake

Best Bass Fishing Lake in Northern Arizona – Show Low Lake

Best Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Striped Bass Lake – Lake Powell

Best Fishing Locations In Arizona

Roosevelt Lake

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photo: @melchrisphoto

But, why is Roosevelt Lake such a great place to fish?

photo justin_patti_outdoors

Roosevelt Lake is a deep body of water with the average depth being 70feet and a maximum depth of 349 feet when the lake is completely full.

Being 22 miles long and and 2miles across, the lake spans over 1,600,000 acres. This is a reservoir, part of a the Salt River chain and plays a vital role in hydroelectric power and agriculture.

Roosevelt Lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer, such as bass, catfish, crappie, bream (bluegill and sunfish species), and much much more!

According to the Arizona Fisheries Management Plan, in 2014 Roosevelt Lake was ranked Arizona’s #1 fishing lake.

In 2016, Florida strain largemouth bass was introduced into the lake as fingerling and fry. Quickly growing, these small bass will be catchable within two years. And within four years they could weigh into the double digits! Wowzah!

By the way, if you really want to catch fish when you visit Roosevelt Lake, this Free Report “Fishing Roosevelt Lake – Spots, Tips, Spots and Everything You Need to Know” lays it all out for you!

Fish Found at Lake Roosevelt

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 1 hr 49 min (106.5 mi) via AZ-188 N and AZ-87 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 48 min (143.8 mi) via AZ-87 N and Lake Mary Rd

Distance from Tucson, Az: 2 hr 46 min (135.5 mi) via AZ-77 S

Distance from Show Low, Az: 2 hr 12 min (119.3 mi) via US-60 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Lake Roosevelt Fishing Report <<

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Bartlett Lake

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photo: @ tg tdfishing_

About Bartlett Lake...

Bartlett Lake is a deep body of water with the average depth being 80-100 feet and a maximum depth of 174 feet when the lake is completely full.

The lake spans over 2,830 acres and has 33 miles of shoreline and is 12 miles long.

Managed by the US Forest Services and Constructed in 1936–39 by the Salt River Project, this is a man made reservoir/part of a the Verde River chain and plays a vital role in power generation and agriculture.

Located in central part of Arizona, Bartlett Lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer and is said to be one of the best catfish lakes in the state.

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Bartlett Lake Fishing Report <<

Fish Found at Bartlett Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 1 hr 14 min (56.3 mi) via AZ-51 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 44 min (153.4 mi) via I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 2 hr 36 min (159.0 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 3 hr 43 min (198.8 mi) via AZ-87 N and AZ-260 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Bartlett Lake Fishing Report <<

Saguaro Lake

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photo: @damon_hanson_photo

About Saguaro Lake...

Located just outside of east Phoenix, Saguaro Lake is a deep body of water with the average depth being 70-90 feet and a maximum depth of 116 feet when the lake is completely full. Being 10  miles long and spans over 1,100 acres.

This is a reservoir within the Salt River chain  lakes and plays a vital role in power generation agriculture. Anglers can fish a variety of locations from grass mats, river channel drops-offs, rock piles, cuts and points.

Known for its great largemouth bass, yellow bass, and catfishing. 

You can also see wildlife such as bald eagles and bighorn sheep.

Bottom line: If you want to discover how really catch fish on Saguaro Lake then check out our complete report called, Fishing Saguaro Lake [A Detailed Guide – Tips, Spots, Pictures and Strategies]. 

Fish Found at Saguaro Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 48 min (42.6 mi) via AZ-87 S and AZ-202 Loop W

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 45 min (169.0 mi) via I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 2 hr 8 min (141.9 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 2 hr 30 min (145.4 mi) via AZ-87 N and AZ-260 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Saguaro Lake Fishing Report <<

Lake Powell

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About Lake Powell...

photo ky_on_the_fly_

Lake Powell is an enormous manmade lake, second largest in the United States (behind Lake Mead). Created by damming up the Colorado River, Lake Mead is a deep body of water with the average depth being around 132 feet and a maximum depth of nearly 600 feet when the lake is completely full!

Being 186 miles long and 25 miles across, the lake spans over 161,390 acres.

Anglers enjoy a plethora of fishing opportunities. Lake Powell is known for its ultra clear water clarity.  It’s not uncommon to be able to see 50 feet to the bottom. 

Most anglers target striped bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie when visiting Lake Powell. 

Conversely, gigantic flathead catfish are also commonly caught.

Fish Found at Lake Powell

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 4 hr 16 min (279.6 mi) via US-89 and I-17 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 20 min (135.4 mi) via US-89 and US-89 S

Distance from Tucson, Az: 5 hr 47 min (391.6 mi) via I-17 S and I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 4 hr 9 min (259.7 mi) via US-89 and I-40 E

Alamo Lake

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photo: @outdoorazfun

About Alamo Lake...

photo @bassinrob

Alamo Lake is a relatively shallow lake (when compared to other Arizona lakes) with the average depth being 20-30 feet and a maximum depth of 80 feet when the lake is completely full.

The lake was built for flood control, with it’s  dam completed in 1967. 

Surprisingly, this lake is able to catch a large amount of flood water and has been known to raise its water level by 11-feet in a single day!  The lake offers an excellent opportunity for remote bass, catfish, and crappie fishing.

If you like to flip timber for bass, you’re in luck, nearly 1/2 of the lake has exposed timber.

For this reason it’s very dangerous to power boats and waterskiing. So they folks tend to stay away.

Bottom line, this is considered to be within the top 3 ranked for best bass and crappie fishing lake in Arizona. 

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Alamo Lake Fishing Report <<

Fish Found at Alamo Lake

  • Largemouth bass

  • Black Crappie

  • Channel catfish

  • Carp

  • Bluegill

  • Green Sunfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 2 hr 14 min (133.8 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 3 hr 51 min (236.7 mi) via I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 3 hr 43 min (245.2 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 5 hr 6 min (309.6 mi) via AZ-260 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Alamo Lake Fishing Report <<

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Patagonia Lake

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photo: @lizfilion

About Patagonia Lake...

Patagonia Lake is an amazing place to fish if you live in southern Arizona. Hidden away in some of the most beautiful rolling hills seen in the state, the lake gives anglers great fishing from the shore or from a boat.  It’s moderately deep lake with the average depth being 60-90-feet and a maximum depth of around 120- feet when the lake is completely full. 

This reservoir was created by damming Sonoita Creek. Not only can you catch bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, you can also catch stocked rainbow trout every October. 

If you’re in or visiting southern Arizona this is a beautiful place to fish.

Fish Found at Patagonia Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? Per azstateparks.com, “Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed at Patagonia Lake. Please note: Personal Water Craft (PWCs), jet-skis, waterbikes, above-water exhausts boats, and V-8 jet boats are all prohibited. The lake is divided into two sections: the east end is no wake speed only and the west end is for unlimited speed in a counter clockwise direction. High-speed boats can enter the east section but must travel at a no wake speed.”
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 3 hr 6 min (189.6 mi) via I-19 N and I-10 W

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 5 hr 8 min (334.0 mi) via I-10 W and I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 1 hr 23 min (76.0 mi) via I-19 N

Distance from Show Low, Az: 4 hr 55 min (265.2 mi) via AZ-77 N and US-60 E

Lake Havasu

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photo: @ j.marshall_fishing

About Lake Havasu...

photo @2logan_maltese

Known to most of the country for being a spring break location for college students, Lake Havasu offers anglers a world class fishery.

Made from damming up the Colorado river, this reservoir is one of the biggest lakes in Arizona.

It is a relatively shallow reservoir with the average depth being 35-feet and a maximum depth of 90-feet when the lake is completely full.

Being 26-miles long and nearly 3-miles across, the lake spans over 19,300 acres.. Located in the northwest section of the state, Lake Havasu has something for every angler.

For bass anglers, you can fish for largemouth bass in miles of cattails up the river, or target smallmouth mid-lake along it’s rocky shores.

Striper fishermen also have enjoy this lake for the large size fish it produces. 

This lake produces giants. In fact in February, 2014, angler Hector Brito caught a massive 17-inch, 5.78-pound world-record redear sunfish on a dropshot-rigged nightcrawler.   

Fish Found at Lake Havasu

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 3 hr 10 min (194.1 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 3 hr 12 min (206.1 mi) via I-40 E

Distance from Tucson, Az: 4 hr 39 min (305.5 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 5 hr 10 min (343.1 mi) via I-40 E

Show Low Lake

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photo: @ihikesoyoudonthaveto

About Show Low Lake...

Also located in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, Show Low Lake is one of the larger lakes in this region, spanning just over 100 acres. . Angers enjoy fishing for stocked rainbow trout, bass, sunfish, or walleye.

You are able to use boats on this lake, but are limited to using electric trolling motors and up to 10-hp gas motors.

Fish Found at Show Low Lake

  • Rainbow trout
  • Brown trout
  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Walleye
  • Bluegill
  • Sunfish
  • Channel catfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? Yes. Limited to electric boat motors and motors <10-hp
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 3 hr 13 min (183.0 mi) via AZ-260 W and AZ-87

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 25 min (142.8 mi) via AZ-77 N and I-40 W

Distance from Tucson, Az: 3 hr 50 min (192.3 mi) via US-60 W and AZ-77 S

Distance from Show Low, Az: 13 min (5.6 mi) via S White Mountain Rd

Lake Pleasant

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photo: @corinneglassman

About Lake Pleasant ...

photo @jbone602

Lake Pleasant is a deep body of water with the average depth being 73 feet and a maximum depth of 210 feet when the lake is completely full. Being approximately 7 miles long and 2.5 miles across, the lake spans over 10,000 acres when completely full. This reservoir helps distribute water to all the southwest Phoenix agriculture farms.  

Located in the central part of Arizona, Lake Pleasant gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer, such as White Bass, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and much, much more!

Want more? Well, if you’ve ever asked “Can I really catch fish Lake Pleasant?” this Free Report “5 Keys To Catching Fish In Lake Pleasant Fast!” has the answer every serious anger (or those who want to be) needs.

Read more: Fishing Lake Pleasant – Tips, Spots and Everything You Need to Know

Fish Found at Lake Pleasant

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • White Bass
  • White Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 48 min (44.1 mi) via AZ-74 E and I-17 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 6 min (130.9 mi) via I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 2 hr 19 min (156.2 mi) via I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 3 hr 33 min (205.4 mi) via AZ-87 N and AZ-260 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Lake Pleasant Fishing Report <<

Apache Lake

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photo: @michaelcdahm

About Apache Lake...

Second in line after Roosevelt Apache Lake is another canyon reservoir created by the Salt River Project.

Apache lake is Its average depth being 180 feet and a maximum depth of 266 feet when the lake is completely full. Being 17 miles long and 1.5 miles across, the lake spans over 2,660 acres. 

Apache lake is one of the less frequented Salt River chain lakes and gives anglers the opportunity to fish for lunker size largemouth bass or hard fighting smallmouth bass. 

This lake is best fished from a boat to get to all the cuts and coves this lake has to offer. Personally, this is one of my favorite lakes to fish.

Learn more: How to Fish Apache Lake – Complete Report, Tips, Spots, Everything You Need to Know!

Fish Found at Apache Lake

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Yellow bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Walleye
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 2 hr 28 min (119.0 mi) via AZ-188 N and AZ-87 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 3 hr 27 min (156.3 mi) via AZ-87 N and Lake Mary Rd

Distance from Tucson, Az: 3 hr 28 min (150.8 mi) via AZ-77 S

Distance from Show Low, Az: 2 hr 55 min (134.5 mi) via US-60 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Apache Lake Fishing Report <<

Lake Mead

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photo: @lukaslocation

About Lake Mead...

Created in 1935 Lake Mead is said to be one of America’s first recreational lake destinations. It’s the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity.  It has an average depth being 125 feet and a maximum depth of 532 feet when the lake is completely full. Being 120 miles long it has a surface area of 247 sq-miles and 759 miles of shoreline. 

This desert impound often serves as one of the windiest of the lakes mentioned on this list and can be relatively hard to fish. 

In contrast, if you fish this lake when there is only a mild breeze the fishing could go bananas!  Often anglers seek refuge in one of the lake’s hundreds of coves.

Fish Found at Lake Mead

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Striped bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 4 hr 15 min (273.8 mi) via US-93 S

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 3 hr 32 min (225.5 mi) via I-40 E

Distance from Tucson, Az: 5 hr 43 min (385.1 mi) via US-93 S and I-10 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 5 hr 32 min (362.5 mi) via I-40 E

Fool Hollow Lake

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photo: @adventurepiece

About Fool Hollow Lake...

Fool Hollow Lake is a public lake within Show Low, Arizpna. Operated by U.S. Forest Service, Arizona State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish and the city of Show Low in partnership with Arizona Public Service and McCarty Construction Company the lake is an excellent close getaway that’s within city limits.

This lake is primarily stocked with trout, but also great for bass, pike, walleye, catfish, and sunfish. 

Fool Hollow Lake is a popular place for its beautiful scenery, and year-round fishing, camping, and picnicking. Many people live to frequent this place for its wildlife viewing, such as elk, deer, racoon, and its many species of birds. 

This lake is relatively shallow with an average depth being 23 feet and a maximum depth of 35 feet when the lake is completely full., and also spans 150 acres.

Fish Found at Fool Hollow Lake

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Carp
  • Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Tilapia

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 3 hr 3 min (177.6 mi) via AZ-260 W and AZ-87

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 2 hr 27 min (142.3 mi) via AZ-77 N and I-40 W

Distance from Tucson, Az: 3 hr 46 min (190.8 mi) via US-60 W and AZ-77 S

Distance from Show Low, Az: 13 min (5.0 mi) via Fools Hollow Rd and W Old Linden Rd

Canyon Lake

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photo: @desert_badger

About Canyon Lake...

Canyon Lake is a deep-water reservoir tucked between Saguaro Lake and Apache Lake. It is part of the Salt River chain lakes, and is an amazing bass fishery and will provide some unique challenges for anyone who fishes it. It’s spans only 950 acres, is 141 deep and is 10 miles long.

If someone were to describe Canyon Lake it would be, this is one of most breathtaking desert-canyon reservoir lakes that holds a ton of double-digit bass, but is also one of the hardest lakes to catch fish on. 

If you’re looking for a trophy-sized fish, chances are it probably lives in Canyon Lake.

Learn more: How to Fish Canyon Lake – Complete Report, Tips, Spots, Everything You Need to Know!

Fish Found at Canyon Lake

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Yellow bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Walleye
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 1 hr 3 min (48.7 mi) via AZ-202 Loop W

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 3 hr 6 min (191.4 mi) via I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 2 hr 21 min (110.8 mi) via AZ-79 S

Distance from Show Low, Az: 3 hr (153.9 mi) via US-60 E

>> Click Here To Read The FULL Canyon Lake Fishing Report <<

Martinez Lake

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photo: @lowerriverjunkies

About Martinez Lake...

Martinez Lake is a shallow lake with the average depth being around 40 feet and spans almost 500 acres. But don’t let these numbers fool you. Martinez Lake is attached to the Colorado River and that adds another 20,000 acres of fishing on the river.

Like an oasis in a barren desert, Martinez Lake is an oasis for both people and wildlife. 

The lake is an amazing bass and catfish fishery, and is known for growing giant striped and smallmouth bass. 

There are numerous smaller lakes nearby, such as Hidden Shores, Ice Box and Bullet Hole.

If you want to get away from the crowds, simply try one of the other smaller lakes or backwater opportunities.

Fish Found at Martinez Lake

  • Largemouth bass
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Striped bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Channel catfish
  • Flathead Catfish
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Carp
  • Bluegill
  • Green Sunfish

Facilities Checklist

  • Are boats allowed on this lake? Yes
  • Are public boat ramps available? Yes
  • Is there a marina located at the lake? Yes
  • Are boat rentals available? Yes
  • Is there a motor size limit on this lake? No
  • RV hookups nearby? Yes
  • Camping nearby? Yes
  • Hiking nearby? Yes

Distance from major cities

Distance from Phoenix, Az: 3 hr 5 min (196.4 mi) via US-95 N and I-10 E

Distance from Flagstaff, Az: 4 hr 56 min (329.4 mi) via I-10 E and I-17 N

Distance from Tucson, Az: 3 hr 41 min (247.2 mi) via I-8 E

Distance from Show Low, Az: 5 hr 55 min (372.2 mi) via I-10 E

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