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Roosevelt Lake Fishing Report 2022 [Spots, Tips, Pictures, Everything You Need to Know]

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.

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. 

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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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

photo: Google

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

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How To Catch Fish In Roosevelt Lake?

Largemouth Bass Fishing at 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:

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:

  • Spinners
  • Spoons
  • Small soft plastic swimbaits
  • Small lipless crankbaits
  • Small topwater poppers and pencil baits

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. 

>> Want more? Click here to learn more about this amazing tackle shop and much, much more! 

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. 

>> Want more? Click here to find the best tackle shops and which one’s to avoid at all costs! 

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. 

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:

  1. At the Tonto National Forest supervisor’s and district ranger offices
  2. At a variety of retail outlets around Arizona and along routes that forest visitors use to reach recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest
  3. Purchase annual and daily passes online
  4. 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.

Hotels Near Roosevelt Lake

Don’t want to camp and need a place to stay when you’re visiting this lake?  Rest assured you’re covered!

Finding a quality place to stay can take a long time which is why we’re providing you with a list of quality travel options when you stay at this lake.

Check out this list of hotels and resorts you should consider staying at:

Other Things To Do Near Roosevelt Lake

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Fishing is not the only thing that brings people to this beautiful body of water. Here’s a list of other things you can do!

For those who want adventure nearby…

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

Accessories You’ll Need

Fishing Rod

Rod –The popularity of fishing is growing and people are becoming much more conscious of different rods that can help them.

Fishermen want the best technique-specific rod for the money.

Luckily, the report I wrote provides you with detailed information in order for you to make buy the rod for the money, and more importantly which rods to avoid at all costs.

>> What Rods To Use For Bass Fishing? 10 Awesome General Purpose Rods Reviewed

Fishing Reel

Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important.  A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. There are several great reels on the market, but I recommend the Daiwa Tatula SV/TW baitcasting reel. It’s a great reel packed with great features. So much so that it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range.

>>How To Choose A Great Bass Fishing Reel For The Money [and which to avoid at all costs]

Fishing Line

Fishing Line – Having a good line is just as important as having a good rod. I recommend fishing with a good fluorocarbon line. Furthermore, it’s super sensitive because it has little to no stretch, and underwater it’s invisible to the bass!  If pride or money is on the line I would use Sunline Sniper FC.

>>21 Tips To Choose The Best Fishing Line

Fishing Lures & Baits

Fishing Lures – It’s pretty hard and darn near impossible trying to catch a fish without using some sort of lure or bait.  More importantly these baits you should never forget at home or it could lead to a horrible day on the water

>>5 Bass Fishing Lures You Never Want to Leave At Home

Tackle Bag

Tackle Bag – You can’t carry all your gear in your pockets, so you need a reliable tackle bag to transport it. I wrote a complete review guide, Best Tackle Bag for Fishing, check it out by clicking here.   But if you don’t have the time to read the full guide then let me tell you I recommend the Lunker Bag by KastKing.

>>15 Best Tackle Bags For The Money (Tested & Reviewed)

Sunglasses

Sunglasses – Do you find yourself fishing in variable light and water conditions? Fishing in open water? Fishing in the bright hot sun? Then, only to leave the lake with eye strain and a splitting headache?

If so, I strongly recommend investing in a pair of Costa Sun Glasses. Thousands of anglers, charter guides, and tournament professionals put their trust into Costa, and so should you. Here’s why…

Costa’s co-injected bio-based nylon frame material is robust and durable, as well as extremely comfortable to wear for all-day use. TR-90 nylon is an excellent material for sports and performance frames since it is heat and cold-resistant.
Costa builds their glasses with class-leading technology. Their 580G glass lens sets them apart from the competition. These lenses are ideal for long days on the lake or sea since you won’t have to worry about scratches on the lens when you wipe the saltwater off. Needless to say they’re Costa’s most durable lenses.

Anyone who spends time outside, especially on the lake, needs polarized lenses. However, not all polarized sunglasses are the same. Costa is 99.9% polarized, giving it the most effective possible in blocking reflecting glare, and minimizing eye strain and headaches.

>>Click HERE to Claim Your Costa Sunglasses Right Now!

Sunscreen

Sun Screen – Skin cancer is a very real threat and it’s only getting worse. That is why you need a powerful sunscreen that is personally used and endorsed by hundreds of dermatologists from around the world. 

That is why you should put your trust in Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen. The state-of-the-art Purescreen Technology absorbs, reflects, and scatters harmful sunrays in this specially designed water-resistant sunscreen lotion – and it’s created with 100 percent organically derived zinc oxide. Not some test tube concoction the other competitors are trying to sell you. 

Neutrogena’s sheer body sunscreen lotion is fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and chemical-free. Dry-Touch technology aids in the non-greasy drying of this thin sunscreen.

For effective protection against the sun’s damaging rays, this hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free lightweight sunscreen is the number one dermatologist-recommended suncare brand.

This zinc-based sunscreen lotion has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is mild enough for sensitive skin. It is suited for everyday use.

>>Click HERE to Save Your Skin Before It’s Too Late!

Fishing Pliers

Fishing Pliers – Nothing will ruin a day quicker than getting a hook embedded in your hand, or worse your eye.  This tool is more than simply a pair of pliers; it’s jam-packed with functionality.

It’s not only a pair of pliers is a lure tuning tool, a split shot crimper, and a side cutter for cutting tiny wire leads and hooks.

The split ring tool on the nose makes replacing or upgrading hooks in the field a breeze. Soft grip handles provide a comfortable and secure grip. With an adjustable hand lanyard to hold them tight, the leaf spring opens the pliers for one-handed usage.

That’s why I always recommend having good set-up pliers that won’t rust and won’t slip out of your hand.  I recommend the new & improved Rapala Fisherman’s Pliers.

>>Click HERE to Claim Your Rapala Fisherman’s Pliers Right Now!

Landing Net

Landing Net – As you are reeling in that monster fish, you don’t want to injure yourself or knock the fish off the hook by trying to grab it.

The PLUSINNO floating landing net is designed with foam padding on the hoop and provides buoyancy for fishermen. Now, If the net is dropped or blown overboard, the floating design makes it simple to retrieve – so you won’t have to be concerned about losing it! The rubberized net cannot be snagged. It keeps the fish safe for catch-and-release, and the non-absorbent covering avoids waterlogging and odor absorption in the net.  It’s collapsing design allows for easy storage.

That’s why I recommend a dependable telescopic landing net.

>>Click HERE to Buy Yourself A Floating Landing New Today!

Fishing Weight Scale & Culler

Fishing Weight Scale – Whether you’re going to keep your catch or just take a photo of it and brag to your friends it’s important to have an accurate scale. The Rapala Tournament Model Touch Screen Scale makes weighing and logging your catch easier and more convenient. The large digital scale has a lot of functions and is easy to use. simply keep track of your current catch and its place in your overall weight. To see the weight, just suspend the catch from the heavy-duty composite clamp or the accompanying stainless steel hook.  Adding the important details to your catch couldn’t be easier – simply input your catch’s weight and tap on one of the eight storage places. The culling process makes it simple to identify fish that should be released for the greatest overall weight.

I recommend a Rapala Tournament Scale that has a large LED display like this one fishing scale here.

>>Click HERE to Claim Your Rapala Tournament-Grade Fishing Scale & Culling System now!

Fishing Scissors

Fishing Line Scissors – Designed with sharp serrated cutting edge and oversized finger and thumb holes, these scissors actually grip and hold braided line for easy non-slip cutting.

These heavy-duty scissors are top-notch and are razor sharp for effortless cutting. The stainless steel construction and large finger holes allow ease of use – even for guys with big hands!

If you’re looking into quality fishing line scissors that can fit in your pocket, fishing vest, or fit comfortably in your jeans, these are the scissors you want. Many anglers like yourself use them to cut braid, mono, and even abandoned fishing lines that your lures have gotten stuck in.

In summary, this is a good investment for a serious fisherman.

>>Click HERE to Pick Up Your Rapala Super Fishing Line Scissors – quantities are limited

Fishing Hat

Wide Brim Fishing Hat – Nowadays, you have to protect yourself against the sun’s harmful rays.  That’s why I recommend the SA Straw hat. It fits any size head and it feels really comfortable.  Now you can keep the sun off your face while you enjoy your outdoor activities with UPF 50+ sun protection. Rest assured these lightweight and stylish hats give you 360-degrees of sun coverage. Both men and women can wear these hats.  As an added BONUS, these hats also include three face shields for UPF neck protection, which protects your skin from dangerous UV rays.

This hat is well worth the money, and the craftsmanship is excellent.

>>Click HERE to Confirm Availability – The SA Straw Hat with 360-degree of Sun Coverage sells out FAST!

Fishing Sun Shirt

Sun Shirt For Fishing – Don’t stop at only getting head protection, you also need to protect your chest, back, arms, and torso. According to the researchers finding skin cancers on the shoulders and forearms rank within the top-5 locations to get skin cancer.  That’s why the UV protective PFG Fishing Shirt by Columbia is strongly recommended.

Nowadays, it’s so important to be safe at all times. Omni-Shade helps prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage by blocking UVA and UVB radiation. UV absorbent yarns and a tight weave architecture prevent the whole spectrum of damaging UV radiation. This is the finest in outdoor moisture control technology. Omni-Wick technology absorbs moisture from the skin and transfers it to the fabric, where it spreads throughout the surface and evaporates rapidly, keeping you cool and your clothes dry.

I’m 6’0″ and 200 pounds, and I wear size XL. I ordered a size L and it fits well. Darker shirts provide a more subdued appearance. FYI.

>>Click HERE to Claim Your Sun Shirt with Built Cooling Technology and UV Protection today!

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