How To Fish Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake is a large deep lake that sits approximately 100 miles away from Phoenix, Arizona. Overall it’s a relatively popular lake being nestled in a part of the central section of the state. In this post, you’re going to be given the blueprint to fish this lake.
So what are the best tips for fishing Roosevelt Lake? There are three important factors you must know if you want to know how to fish Roosevelt Lake successfully. First, you need to know what kind of fish is in Roosevelt Lake. Second, it’s important for you to know which part of the lake each species can be found. Lastly, knowing what are the best baits that work on Roosevelt Lake is vital. However, tactics, baits, and locations will be different for each type of fish that you target. So let’s talk about the steps you need to take in order to give you the best chance of catching a fish on Roosevelt Lake.
Key Takeaways
This 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 Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and much, much more!
Here’s the most recent and updated Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report – it gives you a quick and easy list of some really good fishing spots. If you’re looking for more detail on how to fish each spot scroll down into the article.
- Windy Hill-to-Cottonwood Cove
- Salt River Inlet
- Tonto Creek Inlet
- Methodist Cove
- Chubb Bay Rock Island
- Yodel Flats
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
- Roosevelt Dam
Here are some additional fast and helpful tips just for you:
- The easiest way to fish this lake is by boat, but there are areas to fish from the bank, by kayak, or float tube.
- There are multiple public boat ramps to use.
- Camping and RV parking is available.
- You can buy tackle and groceries at the lake or at one of the tackle shops in Phoenix.
- A permit is required to enter, camp, and fish this lake. Prices vary depending on your desired activity.
My Private Fishing Report
Winter Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report – Updated 11/24/22.
Primary Species: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Catfish
Top Baits:
- Drop Shot
- Senko
- Jerkbaits
- Soft Body Swimbaits
- Umbrella rigs
- Spinnerbaits
- Lipless Crankbaits
- Carolina Rig
- Texas Rig
- Football jigs
.
Fish are currently in their winter habits. By utilizing Power Grubs and Rapala Minnows while trolling in 20 to 25 feet of water, some crappies are being taken. Although a few crappies are being caught off the Tonto Arm, the Windy Hill region is currently the best.
Last week’s bass fishing was dismal. Try the cove and off-point mouths. The most productive fishing method is fishing a drop shot. Senko worms occasionally produce results.
Additionally effective are spinnerbaits, jerkabaits, and lures like the Shad Rat-L-Trap. In calm or post-frontal circumstances, worms on the Carolina- or Texas-rig are also productive, as is fishing a football jig.
At this time of year, smallmouth fishing is excellent both on windy days and in general.
Fish between 10 and 13 inches are very common. Use in-line spinners and crayfish impersonations for smallmouth bass fishing, particularly around rocky points and cliff walls. Fishing for smallmouth is really preferable than largemouth.
Use corn or dough as bait when the carp season comes to a close.
The quantity of channel catfish catch rate has decreased. Make use of hotdogs, stink baits, and corn as lures.
Please harvest largemouth bass less than 13 inches.
About Roosevelt Lake
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. Being 22 miles long and 2 miles across, the lake spans over 1,600,000 acres. This reservoir, is part of 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.
What Kinds of Fish Are In Lake Roosevelt?
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Yellow Bass
- Black Crappie
- Carp
- Bigmouth Buffalo Fish
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Bluegill
- Green Sunfish
- Redear Sunfish
- Tilapia
Key Details to Know About Lake Roosevelt
Special Closures Areas or Dates:
Periodic closures due to wildfires. Check the status of the lake to see if it’s open, click here.
Special /Annual Events:
Weekend fishing tournaments are common.
Roosevelt Marina offers live music, karaoke, and annual watch parties for all the big sporting events and tournaments (ie; March Madness, Superbowl, World Series), and much, much more.
Lake Roosevelt Fishing Tips & General Strategies
photo: azgfd
It can be a challenge to break down Roosevelt Lake and decide where to get started.
Most of the fish such as bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish will spawn in the spring. Bass will spawn in 1’-15’-feet of water notably on rocky structures, gravel flats, humps, and small creek inlets and cuts.
When the summer heat sets in, the bass, bluegill, and crappie will move to deeper water to approximately 15’-30’-feet of water. Focus on drops offs, channels, points, submerged humps. The deeper areas with chunk rock ranging from baseball to basketball size will attract predatory fish like bass, crappie and catfish because it provides a safe area the prey (crayfish, bream, and minnows) can hide.
If you can find the ideal spot at the ideal depth then it will most likely assist you in catching fish.
But where are the best places to fish at Roosevelt Lake?
And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Roosevelt Lake.
DISCLAIMER: It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish in Roosevelt Lake. But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.
WAIT! Before you go fishing...
Arizona Game & Fish placed artificial habitat around Roosevelt Lake. Take a look at the locations listed to give you a better chance of catching fish!
photo: azgfd
photo: azgfd
Windy Hill-to-Cottonwood Cove
The fishing spot is a section of shoreline called Nonesuch Shores that extends Windy Hill to Cottonwood Cove, and it spans nearly two miles. This shoreline is filled with a ton of cuts, washes, boulders, and underwater structures such as submerged road beds and even multiple habitat structures.
If you like flipping baits, heavy brush often holds giant bass. If you find the road bed on the graph, fish the outside edge to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Lastly, there are steel culverts that were placed along the old road bed (where the feeder washes used to flow under the road). If you find these culverts you can catch a lot of bass and catfish.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, umbrella rigs, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, underspin jigs, swim jigs, hair jigs, and soft plastic swimbaits perform well here in breezy conditions.
In contrast, slower moving baits such as drop shot, football jigs, tubes, wacky rig, Texas rig, Neko rigs, and Carolina rigs can be phenomenal when the conditions are calm or the bass are holding close to the rocks.
Flutter spoons work great in the deepest part of the bank or over any secondary structures directly related to the bank.
Located: mid-lake/southside
Structural features: Cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure, artificial habitat, roadbed.
Best species to target: Bass and catfish
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shoreline
Salt River Inlet
The Salt River Inlet is one of the most popular places this is fished. But don’t worry this area is HUGE.
There are three areas where you’ll have the best success. In no particular order, they are Cougar Point, Wildcat Shoal, and Campaign Bay.
Cougar Point is a large point that sits next to the Salt River Channel. If you’re going to fish here, focus your time on drop-offs next to the gravel flats. Across from the point, there will be submerged brush and timber area, so fishing the outside edges will produce bass, crappie, and bream.
Cougar Point is also a good area for catfishing. Anchor over the point and fish the deep channels. The catfish will use this area like a highway.
Wildcat Shoal is a good spot because it mixes deep channel cuts with nearby submerged brush and timber. Fish the edges of the channel to give you the best chances of catching a fish. Catfishing can be good at night.
Campaign Bay is a bit different than the previous two spots in this area. The bay is mostly flat and filled with submerged brush and timber. The best way to fish campaign Bay is to locate the edges of the timberline and fish the sides and tops of the outer edge.
Campaign Bay is also great for catfishing at night. Fish between Schoolhouse Point and the western edge of the submerged brush/timberline off Pinto Creek Point. The rocky area of Schoolhouse Point and submerged brush/timberline off Pinto Creek Point will create a funnel. Be sure to anchor somewhere in the middle .
As the channel sinks into deeper water fishing for crappie over any submerged trees can really pay off, especially fishing at night with a green light.
Anchoring over the points near the inlet and fishing the deep channels are great for catching catfish and crappie.
Here’s a list of effective baits and techniques you can use in this area:
Calm or post-frontal conditions: Senkos, drop shot rig, tubes, Neko rig, football jigs
Windy, pre-frontal, summer conditions: topwater lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, umbrella rigs, jerkbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs.
Post-frontal/ blue bird skies/ calm conditions: drop shot rig, crankbaits, Neko rig, wacky worm
Grass/ reeds/ tulles: frog lures, flipping lures, heavy vegetation punching, Texas rigged Senko, Mojo rig. In submerged grass; drop shot rig, soft plastic swimbaits, swim jigs, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits all work great!
Rocks, points, cuts: crankbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs
Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep channels, points, structure, or vertical timber.
Located: West end of the lake
Structural features: Riverbed, channels, submerged brush/timber
Best species to target: Bass, crappie, bream, catfish
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat
Tonto Creek Inlet
The Tonto Creek Inlet is a less frequented area due to its remoteness and wind during the late morning and afternoon. However, you can get to the area at daybreak (or during a windless afternoon) the fishing can be excellent.
Within the Tonto Creek Inlet is an area on the north side called Indian Point. The Tonto Creek and submerged timber and thick brush at Indian Point create a funnel. This can be excellent for targeting bass, crappie, and bream.
During the wet years floating debris and timber will create canopies in this area due to the wind. After a storm has rolled through you may want to check this place out. Flipping your baits at the edges of the canopies or between small gaps can yield monster bass.
Here’s a list of effective baits and techniques you can use in this area:
Calm or post-frontal conditions: Senkos, drop shot rig, tubes, Neko rig, football jigs
Windy, pre-frontal, summer conditions: topwater lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, umbrella rigs, jerkbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs.
Post-frontal/ blue bird skies/ calm conditions: drop shot rig, crankbaits, Neko rig, wacky worm
Grass/ reeds/ tulles: frog lures, flipping lures, heavy vegetation punching, Texas rigged Senko, Mojo rig. In submerged grass; drop shot rig, soft plastic swimbaits, swim jigs, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits all work great!
Rocks, points, cuts: crankbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs
Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep channels, points, structure, or vertical timber.
Located: West end of the lake
Structural features: Riverbed channel, thick brush and timber. Floating debris mats
Best species to target: Bass and bream
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak
Methodist Cove
Methodist Cove is a great cover to target year-round. At the mouth of the cove on the eastern side, there is a submerged thicket of brush and timber which is great to target bass and crappie. On the west side of the cove sits a tall point that has multiple submerged steps and drop-offs.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive. Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep structure or vertical timber as well.
If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.
Located: Mid-lake, north side
Structural features: Thick submerged brush, point with drop-offs.
Best species to target: Bass, crappie
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak
Chubb Bay
To the east of Methodist Cove is Chubb Bay. Chubb Bay is littered with submerged points, submerged brush, creek channels, and artificial fish habitat.
The secret to fishing this spot is to graph the area first to find the baitfish next to any structure, or find an area that has large basketball-size chunk rock.
Those are the spots you want to target. This area is just too big to start fishing at the first spot you pull up to.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive. Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep structure or vertical timber as well.
If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.
Located: Mid-lake, north side
Structural features: submerged points, rock piles, humps, boulders, submerged brush, creek channels, and artificial fish habitat
Best species to target: Bass, crappie, bream, catfish
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat
Rock Island
Rock Island is a rocky area without a lot of submerged brush. Conversely, this area is also filled with artificial fish habitat. If you’re targeting bass, be sure to fish Rock Island’s several long points.
Be sure to scan the area first before you start fishing. Look for baitfish relating to the structures, then try to identify bass relating to the structure.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive. Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep structure.
If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.
Located: Mid/central lake
Structural features: rocky structure, cuts, artificial fish habitat
Best species to target: Bass, bream
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak
Yodel Flats
Yodel Flats is another spot that is mostly rocky structure and has a minimal amount of submerged brush. It’s a good fishing spot to check out because it offers a large number of drop-offs, points, feeder creeks, and flats that extend into the main lake.
To the east of Yodel Flats is an area called Lands End. When the lake is high, this area is thick with submerged brush and is a large drop off into the main lake making it an excellent summer fishing spot.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive. Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep structure.
If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.
Located: Mid-lake, north side
Structural features: Rocky structure, minimal brush, drop-offs, points
Best species to target: Bass, crappie, bream
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat
Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Cholla Point and Cholla Bay is a phenomenal place to fish if you’re fishing from the shore or in a kayak. This area offers something for every type of angler. In some spots, it’s packed with submerged brush with drop-offs nearby.
Additionally, a large amount of artificial fishing habitat located in several nearby spots just offshore spread around this area.
Here’s a list of effective baits and techniques you can use in this area:
Calm or post-frontal conditions: Senkos, drop shot rig, tubes, Neko rig, football jigs
Windy, pre-frontal, summer conditions: topwater lures, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, umbrella rigs, jerkbaits, chatterbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs.
Post-frontal/ blue bird skies/ calm conditions: drop shot rig, crankbaits, Neko rig, wacky worm
Grass/ reeds/ tulles: frog lures, flipping lures, heavy vegetation punching, Texas rigged Senko, Mojo rig. In submerged grass; drop shot rig, soft plastic swimbaits, swim jigs, crankbaits, lipless crankbaits all work great!
Rocks, points, cuts: crankbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs
Flutter spoons work great when used over any deep channels, points, structure, or vertical timber.
Located: Mid-lake, south side
Structural features: Steep rocky banks
Best species to target: Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, float tube, shore fishing
Roosevelt Dam
Fishing at Roosevelt Dam can be an excellent place year-round. Its steep rocky banks harbor crayfish and other small baitfish.
Bass will most commonly be found near the shore, whereas you can sometimes find schools of crappie suspended offshore.
There will be a floating barrier near the dam. Be smart and do not cross that barrier.
Fishing near the bridge at night with a green light for crappie can really pay off.
Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, umbrella rigs, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, underspin jigs, swim jigs, hair jigs, and soft plastic swimbaits perform well here in breezy conditions.
In contrast, slower moving baits such as drop shot, football jigs, tubes, wacky rig, Texas rig, Neko rigs, and Carolina rigs can be phenomenal when the conditions are calm or the bass are holding close to the rocks.
Flutter spoons work great in the deepest part of the bank or over any secondary structures directly related to the bank.
Located: Mid-lake, south side
Structural features: Steep rocky banks
Best species to target: Bass, bream, crappie
Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat
– Featured Article Of The Month –
How To Catch Fish In Roosevelt Lake?
Largemouth Bass Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
You may be wondering… How do you fish for bass in Roosevelt Lake? The Largemouth bass is a carnivorous member of the sunfish family. Roosevelt Lake holds the Northern and Florida strain species. The Northern strain is thought to be considered more aggressive and offers a better fight than their Florida strain cousins. Whereas, the Florida strain can grow to an enormous size.
Listed below are a handful of facts, top spots, and best lures to use to help you out…
If you’re still not sure how to catch a bass, do worry. A complete section on Bass Fishing 101 was written to help you out. In that section, you’ll learn about the top ways to get you catching bass fast.
Read more: Beginner’s Guide To Bass Fishing Basics – Tips, Secrets & Things To Avoid
General Largemouth Bass Details
Spawn: Spring, March-May
Food: Shad, bluegill, crayfish
Arizona State Record: 16 lb. 7.68 oz. 28.0 in., Canyon Lake Randall E. White, Mesa 4/22/97
Table Quality: Decent. Firm white meat.
Angling techniques:
Smallmouth Bass Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Smallmouth bass are sibling species closely related to largemouth bass. They have a pretty brown/golden color and carry the nickname of “bronzeback”. Some physical features make it different from the largemouth bass. Aside from being bronze in color, they will have grey-brown vertical bands and most defining feature is the jaw does not extend past its eye.
Overall, smallmouth bass are most likely going about half the size of largemouth bass. However, pound for pound, a smallmouth can be incredibly aggressive and will put up an amazing fight.
General Smallmouth Bass Details
Spawn: March-May
Food: fish, crustaceans.
Arizona State Record: 6 lb. 4.48 oz. 21 in. Lake Havasu Sue Nowak, 2/23/17
Table Quality: Similar to a largemouth bass it’s firm, white, flaky, mild-tasting
Angling techniques:
- Finesse jigs
- Mojo Rig
- Neko Rig
- Small crankbaits
- Football Jigs
- Soft plastic swimbaits
- Jerkbaits
- Chatterbaits
- Swim jigs
- Hair jigs
- Underspin jigs
- Drop shot plastic worms
- Tubes
- Streamer flies.
- Live baits: minnows, hellgrammites, and crayfish
Yellow Bass Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Introduced in 1930 the yellow bass have 4 to 7 dark horizontal lines and are yellow-golden color which is more pronounced over the spine of the fish. They are also a member of the “true bass” family.
Ferocious eaters, the yellow bass hunt in schools pursuing schools of threadfin shad. Like some other bass species, yellow bass will also corral the shad near the surface and cause the shad to jump out of the water called a “shad boil”.
Most of the time yellow bass will position and hold closer to any bottom structure more so than the white bass.
This lake has an ample amount of Yellow bass, best of all they’re really easy to catch.
If you are in relatively open water and find a school of shad of your sonar, chances are Yellow bass are close by.
If the Yellow bass bite slows don’t be too quick to find another spot, just back off and scan the area around the shad and find that same school.
Most of the time yellow bass will position and hold closer to any bottom structure more so than the white bass.
If you’re using jigs, spoons or worms, simply flip you bait adjacently or straight through the school of Yellow bass.
Watch your line as it’s falling if it stops mid-fall it means a Yellow bass ate your bait – set the hook!
After you let your bait fall to the bottom raise your rod tip up just a bit. If it feels mushy, it also means a Yellow bass ate your bait – set the hook!
Spawn: March to May
Food: Threadfin shad, other smaller minnows, and fish, insects.
Arizona State Record: 2 lbs. 2.56 oz. 14.25 in., Canyon Lake Ron Johnson, 2/7/20
Table Quality: The meat is excellent. It’s firm, flaky, and white. There is a red lateral line that must be removed otherwise it gives off a strong “fishy” taste. Otherwise, these make excellent fish fry meals.
Angling techniques:
Black Crappie Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Introduced to Arizona in 1905, Roosevelt Lake holds black crappie. These fish tend to linger over submerged brush and timber and are found in schools.
The black crappie are much more tolerant in cooler water than their white crappie cousins.
Black crappie can be described as having irregular black dots and blotches on the back and have more of a “silvery-olive” background.
Average weight of a crappie in Roosevelt Lake is going to be 0.75-pounds, however electro-netted samples show they can get over 3-pounds in size!
The best time to fish for crappie in this lake and other lakes similar to it is in summertime while you’re night using a submerged green light. If you don’t know what a green fishing light is, or if you’re unfamiliar, then click this link to learn more.
General Crappie Details
Spawn: April – mid-June
Food: Larvae, small fish, and crustaceans. Threadfin shad make up their main diet.
Arizona State Record: 4 lb. 10.0 oz. –in., San Carlos Lake John Shadrick, Mammoth 1959
Table Quality: The meat is excellent. It’s firm, flaky and white.
Angling techniques:
- Live minnows under bobbers
- Crappie jigs
- Crappie tubes
- Silver spoons
- Spinners
Catfish Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish weight will range from 0.5-to-15-pounds in Roosevelt Lake, however the average weight will be between 1-4-pounds.
Flathead Catfish
Conversely, “smaller” flathead catfish will weigh in at 15-pounds and can grow around 75-pounds. A flathead survey conducted in 2016 and 2020 caught a flathead that weighed over 48-pounds!
General Catfish Details
Spawn: March-June
Food: Carp, bluegill
Arizona State Record:
Channel catfish – 33 lb., 5.76 oz., 39.5 in., Upper Lake Mary Carson Pete, 3/26/17
Flathead catfish – 76 lb. 8.64 oz., 53.5 in., Bartlett Lake Eddie Wilcoxson, Surprise 04/13/13
Table Quality: Soft white meat. In the summer the meat will taste muddy.
Angling techniques:
Flathead catfish:
- live bait such as smaller carp, full sized bluegill, or tilapia
Channel catfish:
- chicken liver
- hotdogs
- stink bait
- small bluegill
- small carp
Bluegill Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Introduced to Arizona in 1932, the bluegill has teal-blue coloring on the bottom portion of the chin and gill plate. It also has a solid black opercula flap just behind the gill plate.
Bluegill are found on the shoreline and prefer nearby structures. Bluegill are incredibly aggressive and will quickly attack anything that looks like it could be eaten. Due to their aggressive behavior, they are one of the easiest fish to catch and are a great way to introduce someone to fishing.
Spawn: April and May
Food: Small fish and insects
Arizona State Record: 3 lb. 15.68 oz. 15.75 in., Goldwater Lake. Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley 5/2/04
Table Quality: Firm, white meat
Angling techniques:
- Worms
- Dough balls
- Slim jim sausages pieces on a small hook (not lying… it really works)
- Small spinners
- Trout flys
Carp Fishing at Roosevelt Lake
Carp are an oily freshwater species of fish and are native to Europe and Asia. Carp are considered invasive to the United States.
The big, hard fighting fish are really fun to catch. Many anglers will fish for carp at night and bowfishing from the shore or from a boat!
Carp can be consumed however, their muddy taste and boney meat make it one of the least desirable fish to eat.
Spawn: March-June
Food: algae, plant matter, fish eggs, insects, aquatic worms, small crustaceans (snails), and small crayfish
Arizona State Record: 37 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in., Bartlett Lake Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix 8/8/87
Table Quality: Poor. Soft white flesh that is muddy and riddled with bones
Angling techniques:
- Dough balls
- Corn
- Worms
- Cherry tomatoes (not kidding)
- Commercial carp baits
Best Species-Specific Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
Top Largemouth Bass Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Windy Hill-to-Cottonwood Cove
- Salt River Inlet
- Tonto Creek Inlet
- Methodist Cove
- Chubb Bay
- Rock Island
- Yodel Flats
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Top Smallmouth Bass Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Windy Hill-to-Cottonwood Cove
- Methodist Cove
- Yodel Flats
- Rock Island
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Top Yellow Bass Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Salt River Inlet
- Rock Island
- Methodist Cove
- Chubb Bay
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Top Crappie Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Salt River Inlet
- Methodist Cove
- Chubb Bay
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Top Catfish Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Windy Hill-to-Cottonwood Cove
- Salt River Inlet
- Chubb Bay
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Top Bream/Bluegill Fishing Spots at Roosevelt Lake
- Methodist Cove
- Chubb Bay
- Cholla Point & Cholla Bay
Marinas/ Boat Ramps at Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt Lake Marina & Boat Ramp
Location: 28085 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Phone number: (602) 977-7170
Groceries/ Snacks: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Electric: Yes
Gas: Yes
Camping nearby: Yes
Other Boat Ramps Can Be Founds at...
- Cholla Campground
- Indian Point Campground
- Windy Hill Campground
- Grapevine Campground
- Schoolhouse Campground
Tackle Shops & Tackle Retailers Near Roosevelt Lake
Phoenix Fishing Supply
Located in central Phoenix, Phoenix Fishing Supply has been around since the 1980’s! Even before the big-box stores came into town Phoenix Fishing Supply has been catering to all types of anglers and offers a huge selection of products.
- Address - 4810 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
- Phone number - (602) 266-2624
- Website - Phoenix Fishing Supply
- Payment methods accepted - Cash, credit, debit
Hwy 188 Tackle
If you find yourself at the lake and need some tackle or gear Hwy 188 Tackle can help.
Whether you are just heading out for a quick day trip or winning a championship tournament they have what you need.
- Address - 117 Quail Trail, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553
- Phone number - (928) 978-7872
- Website - Hwy 188 Tackle
- Payment methods accepted - Cash, credit, debit
Liar's Korner
Liar’s Korner Fishing Bait & Tackle is nestled in the far east side of metro Phoenix. This tackle shop is proudly run as a small family business that is serious about giving you the right gear to help you catch fish. It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing bass, crappie, walleye, or trout. They have what you need. They carry all the name brands of tackle and gear, and frequently offer better prices than the big-box companies.
- Address - 9529 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207
- Phone number - (480) 986-2515
- Website - Liar's Korner facebook page
- Payment methods accepted - Cash, credit, debit
Bass Pro Shops
Located on the east side of Phoenix, Bass Pro Shops caters to every type of angler who wants to get their line wet. Founded in 1972 by angler Johnny Morris in Springfield, Missouri Bass Pro Shops combines a massive tackle shop with their hunting, boating, conservation, and guide trips into a comprehensive outdoor and fishing retailer.
- Address - 1133 N Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201
- Phone number - (602) 606-5600
- Website - Bass Pro Shops
- Payment methods accepted - Cash, credit, debit
Sportsman's Warehouse
Sportsman’s Warehouse feels like a combination of a small outdoor outfitter shop with the capacity to hold a large amount of tackle, gear, and other outdoor accessories. The staff is friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. Sportsman’s Warehouse carries a wide variety of gear for every bass, catfish, trout, crappie, walleye, and pike to get you started.
- Address - 19205 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027
- Phone number - (623) 516-1400
- Website - Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Payment methods accepted - Cash, credit, debit, apple pay
Places to camp, lodging and RV parks
Traditional camping areas
- Cholla Campground
- Indian Point Campground
- Windy Hill Campground
- Grapevine Campground
- Schoolhouse Campground
Lodging
- Roosevelt Marina
Boat camping areas (primitive)
- Orange Peel
- Bermuda Flats
- Schoolhouse Point
RV Hook-Ups (electric & water)
Roosevelt Marina
Do you need a Tonto Pass for Roosevelt Lake?
Yes, a Tonto Pass is required if you are going to fish in this lake. Luckily there are several types of passes that you can purchase. There are also several different places you can easily purchase a Tonto Pass.
Tonto Pass Options
Tonto Daily Pass – $8
Sold at Tonto National Forest offices, retail outlets and online.
Tonto Daily Passes are hangtags, designed to be self-validating.
Tonto Discovery Pass – $80
Sold at Tonto National Forest Offices only.
The Tonto Discovery Pass is an annual pass valid for one year (expires at the end of the month and year punched on the card) from the time of purchase. The pass must be displayed in the provided hangtag from the rearview mirror. The Tonto Discovery Pass is valid for the pass holder (person(s) who signed the back of the pass) and the occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.
Tonto Senior and Access Pass – $60
Sold at Tonto National Forest Offices only.
Persons ages 62 or older are eligible for the Tonto Discovery Senior pass. The Tonto Senior Discovery and Access Pass are two separate annual passes valid for one year (expiring at the end of the month and year punched on the card) from the time purchased. The pass must be displayed in the provided hangtag from the rearview mirror. The Tonto Discovery Pass is valid for a single pass holder (or person who signed the back of the pass) and the occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Please call any of our offices listed on the side to see if you qualify for the Senior pass or our Access Pass.
Tonto Discovery Vehicle Sticker: Free
(With purchase of Tonto Discovery Pass)
This pass is meant for OPEN TOP vehicles only where the regular Discovery Pass hangtag cannot be used or can be easily stolen. It is meant to be placed on your front windshield and used as a Tonto Discovery Pass. It is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. Only one sticker will come at request with the purchase of a Tonto Discovery Pass.
Proof of current registration/ownership of your open top vehicle/motorcycle is required at time of issuance to validate and receive the vehicle sticker. Customers must carry their Tonto Pass Hangtag with them when driving a vehicle with a vehicle sticker.
Watercraft Use Sticker – $4
One sticker must be permanently affixed to a Tonto Daily Pass for each motorized watercraft that the vehicle tows or otherwise carries to the lake. “Motorized watercraft’ means any watercraft that is propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
Where Are the Tonto Passes Sold?
There are several ways you can purchases Tonto Passes:
- At the Tonto National Forest supervisor’s and district ranger offices
- At a variety of retail outlets around Arizona and along routes that forest visitors use to reach recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest
- Purchase annual and daily passes online
- By phone or mail Purchase by Phone or Mail
One of the unique features of the Tonto Pass program is the participation of retail outlets, small and large local businesses that sell the pass at many locations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, other Arizona cities and towns, and within the Tonto National Forest.
Other Things To Do Near Roosevelt Lake
For those who want to chill at the lake…
- Biking
- Bird watching
- Boating
- Skiing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Camping
- Horseshoes
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Gentle walking trails
- Nature photography trails
- Wildlife viewing
- Mountain biking
- Stargazing
- and most importantly… relaxing.
Other Arizona Related Fishing Articles
- Top 20 Best Places To Fish In Arizona 2022
- Interactive AZ Fishing Map 2022 – Where To Go Fishing In Arizona
- How much does a Arizona fishing license cost?
- Best Tackle Shops In Phoenix Arizona 2022
- Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Arizona 2022 (Voted by Local Anglers!)
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