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Saguaro Lake Fishing Report 2024 [Spots, Tips, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

How To Fish Saguaro Lake

photo: @damon_hanson_photo

Saguaro Lake is a moderate sized desert reservoir that is located 43 miles away from Phoenix, Arizona.  Overall it’s a relatively popular lake being nestled in 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 Saguaro Lake?  There are three important factors you must know  if you want to know how to fish Saguaro Lake successfully. First, you need to know what kind of fish is in Saguaro 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 Saguaro 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 Saguaro 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 Saguaro 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. 

  • Butcher Jones & Peregrine Cove
  • Campers Cove & Weavers Ledge
  • Bluff walls Between Razorback Point and Bat Cliffs
    Ship Rock (west side) and The Meadows (east side)
  • Mesquite Flats (vegetation mats and nearby channel)
  • The Snags
  • Bagley Flats
  • Bluff walls between Richards Rock & Eagles Grotto

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.

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.

What Kinds of Fish Are In Saguaro Lake

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

My personal fishing report update: 

Alright, my fishing friends, let’s dive into the current scene on the water.

 Lately, the wind’s been tossing us a curveball, making our quest for that trophy a bit more of an adventure. 

But, as any savvy angler knows, those breezy conditions can’t keep a good fisherman down. In fact, some folks are absolutely slaying it with largemouth and striped bass during those calm windows between weather fronts.

So, here’s the lowdown: those northern coves are still where the party’s at, although our bass buddies are doing a bit of a dance—moving in and out depending on whether they’re cozying up on their beds. 

Some anglers have been hitting the shallows, about 4 feet deep, with a trusty drop shot setup and have been hooking into some beauties. Then, shifting gears and going deeper, they bagged a chunky 6-pounder. Tallying up, they netted themselves 15 to 20 largemouths, most tipping the scales between 1 and 2.5 pounds.

And get this, the bass are in full-on love mode in the shallows at the back of the coves, while the post-spawn crowd is hanging out off the points, islands, and reefs. The numbers might not be blockbuster yet, but patience is key.

Helpful tip: anything white will be like bass candy right now— jerkbaits, crankbaits, you name it. 

For the lure lovers here’s a list of what is working right now:

        Guys, the northern hideouts where the bass are busy spawning and can be easily caught. 

        I got talking to a guy loading his kayak who fished from mid-morning to afternoon and landed two largemouths on drop shots. 

        It’s open season on stripers 

        Stripers and their cousin, the white bass, have mostly finished their spawning shenanigans. 

        The post-spawn striper action is heating up, with early risers catching sight of boils. 

        You’re doing the lake a favor by keeping all you reel in.

        Meanwhile, I know a couple guys night fishing loaded up on stripers using submersible lights and anchovies, hitting triple digits but practicing catch-and-release once their livewell hit capacity.

        Helpful Tip: day or night, anchovies are bringing some success, though it’s a bit hit or miss. As the mercury climbs, expect these line-siders to chase cooler waters into the main lake. But don’t think they all RSVP to the same departure time.

        Heard through the grapevine, one angler nabbed a monster striper with a Money Minnow swimbait—talking a behemoth in the 15-18 pound range! And while we’re all itching for the shad boils, seems we might have to hold tight till May for that frenzy.

        So there you have it, my angling amigos… 

        The fish are out there, dancing with the elements, and it’s up to us to join the party. Keep those lines tight and your spirits high, and remember, every day on the water is a good day.

        Key Details to Know About Saguaro Lake

        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.

        Saguaro Marina offers food, bar, 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.

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        Saguaro Lake Fishing Tips & General Strategies

        photo: AZGFD

        Saguaro Lake is a fun lake and relatively easy to fish. 

        Bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish will spawn in the spring in 1’-15’-feet of water notably on rocky structure, gravel flats, humps, and small creek inlets and cuts.  

        In the summer bass will seek deeper haunts close to shallow flats, pockets, or coves. Try to find  drops offs, channels, points, submerged humps.

        Furthermore they’ll typically be found in 15’-30’-feet of water. According to the US Forest Service, there were over 2200 fish-habitat structures placed to make the fishery even better. 

        A recent census on the lake showed bass there weighed 12+ pounds were common. 

        Aside from bass Saguaro is an excellent lake for catfishing, yellow bass, and walleye fishing. 

        If you’re fishing from the shore you can fish around the docks or near the fishing platforms by the second ramp. 

        There is another area by the Butcher Jones Recreation Area where it also has fishing platform and a trail that winds around the point and into the other adjacent cove.

        Personally, I like to fish for the big bass in the morning and in the afternoon troll deeper cuts and shelves with spinners to catch some walleye for dinner. 

        But where are the best places to fish At Saguaro Lake?

        And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Saguaro Lake.

        DISCLAIMER:  The material provided is for general information purposes only. It’s important to understand that any information provided in this article can change at any time. Any maps or graphics featured are not to be used as navigational aids. Fishing Blueprint will not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage from any misuse of the maps or graphics provided.   It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish.  But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.

        Butcher Jones & Peregrine Cove

        Just east of the marina and the public docks and platforms sits Butcher Jones and Peregrine Cove. These coves are relatively shallow and don’t have much of a channel. What does offer are floating vegetation mats and large chunk rock banks.

        Scan the area with your fish finder for artificial habitat.

        Fish around the habitat or structure if you see shad or bluegill in the area.  

        There are some spots within this area that will create large ‘holes’ in the weedbed. These open areas will frequently hold bass.

        Holes should be fished with a grass flipping jig, wacky rig senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, weedless tubes or even a drop shot.

        If the grass is submerged you fish over the tops with a topwater lure, buzzbaits, frog lure, chatterbaits, or whopper plopper. 

        Fish the weedline edges parallel with crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, frog lures, soft plastic swimbaits, umbrella rigs, swim jigs, underspin jigs or chatterbaits. 

        There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

        Located: West lake, just east of the public fishing platforms

        Structural features: Cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure, artificial habitat, roadbed. 

        Best species to target: Bass, yellow bass, crappie, and catfish

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, shoreline

        Campers Cove & Weavers Ledge

        Campers Cove is more of a large cut than a true cove. It has a large amount of submerged structure and has a relatively deep channel. There are also deep shelves and drop offs approximately 30-40-yards off the bank called Weavers Ledge that fish will hold around. 

        Flipping baits, jigs, chatterbaits, and swimbaits work well around the submerged brush. Crankbaits, drop-shot, Texas-rig, Carolina Rig, jigs, and swimbaits were great targeting the deeper structure. Catfish are frequently caught in this channel. 

        Weavers Ledge is a great place to fish for bass, yellow bass, crappie, and walleye during the mid-day of summer and in the winter.  Catch them by trolling spinners or crankbaits, dragging Texas or Carolina rigs, or vertical jigging. 

        Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, flutter spoons, buzzbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive.

        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: West lake, just south of Peregrine Cove

        Structural features: Cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure, artificial habitat, roadbed. 

        Best species to target: bass, yellow bass, crappie, walleye

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

        Bluff walls Between Razorback Point and Bat Cliffs

        Fishing the bluff walls is not a specific spot, but more like a feature at the reservoir. Parts of Saguaro Lake have long sections of breathtaking bluff walls. Fishing those towering walls can be very rewarding. Depending on the current and time of day it’s worth checking out certain sections of these walls. 

        Before you fish, scan the walls for submerged structures such as fallen boulders, shelves, and drop-offs on both sides. 

        First, find out what direction the current is going. CAP will either dump water or pull water to pump into the upstream lakes. 

        Second, determine how strong the current is. 

        Strong pulling current will force fish away from the inside bends (unless there are large submerged structures like a large boulder, that will breakup the current and the fish will hide behind). The fish won’t move far, but will move to the opposite side of the river just down river to the outside bend.

        Slower current will draw the bass out and will hangout along the inside bends of the bluff wall. 

        Unless you’re flipping baits in a small spot on the bluff wall, it’s recommended to cast your bait upstream. Predator fish like bass and walleye will orientate themselves facing upstream.

        Fishing the shadow line in the morning can also be very productive. 

        The bass will commonly hold close to the large boulders (especially in the shadows), on the submerged shelves, or located on the bluff wall-to-bank transitions areas. Looks for transition areas that turn from steep rock wall to boulders, then to chunk rock and pea-gravel.

        Effective baits for this area include: topwater lures, buzzbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic swimbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, swim jigs, hair jigs, and underspin jigs when the bass are aggressive.  

        Flutter spoons work great by “hopping” the spoon from one ledge and letting it fall to the next one down underneath it. How high you hop the spoon off the ledge will depend on how aggressive the bass are. The more aggressive = higher the hop versus less aggressive bass will only need a small hop off the ledge.  

        If the bass are timid, then drop shot, tubes, wacky rigged senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, Ned rig, Neko rig, Mojo rig, Carolina rig, and football jigs all work really well.

        Located: west end of the lake

        Structural features: Bluff walls, cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure 

        Best species to target: Bass, catfish, and walleye

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

        Ship Rock (west side) and The Meadows (east side)

        Ship Rock and directly across from Ship Rock are great locations to find bass, yellow bass, and crappie. The entire area has submerged brush and artificial structure that baitfish love to hide in. 

        Sometimes, powerfishing with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and swimbaits can work well here, other times slow meticulous jig fishing or fishing with a drop shot will quickly catch them. 

        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

        Structural features: Bluff walls, cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure 

        Best species to target: Bass, yellow bass, crappie

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

        Mesquite Flats (vegetation mats and nearby channel)

        During the summer when the water is high this area turns into a floating vegetation mat where frogs and buzzbaits prevail.

        Jigs pitched into gaps or skipped under overhangs can be very effective.

        Other times, fishing weedless swimbaits, soft plastic jerkbaits, or Senko-style baits  over submerged grass can often draw out monster bass. 

        The river channel will often harbor bass, crappie, yellow bass, and catfish that retreat away from the midday heat can be fished a similar way.

        Mesquite Flats has a large amount of artificial habitat placed so be sure to look for piles of tires, crappie condos, fish-n-forests, and tubes. 

        There are some spots within this area that will create large ‘holes’ in the weedbed. These open areas will frequently hold bass.

        Holes should be fished with a grass flipping jig, wacky rig senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, weedless tubes or even a drop shot.

        If the grass is submerged you fish over the tops with a topwater lure, buzzbaits, frog lure, chatterbaits, or whopper plopper. 

        Fish the weedline edges parallel with crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, frog lures, soft plastic swimbaits, umbrella rigs, swim jigs, underspin jigs or chatterbaits. 

        There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

        Located: mid-lake

        Structural features: Bluff walls, cuts, natural and artificial submerged structure 

        Best species to target: Bass, yellow bass, crappie, and catfish

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

        The Snags

        The Snags is a shallow flat that has a significant drop-off to the main river channel. This area also has floating and submerged vegetation.

        Similarly, weedless topwater lures such as frogs and buzzbaits work very well here. 

        The river channel can also hold a lot of fish such as crappie, yellow bass, and catfish.

        Swimbaits and deep diving crankbaits will work well when fishing the nearby channel.

        There are some spots within this area that will create large ‘holes’ in the weedbed. These open areas will frequently hold bass.

        Holes should be fished with a grass flipping jig, wacky rig senko, Mojo rig, Texas rig, weedless tubes or even a drop shot.

        If the grass is submerged you fish over the tops with a topwater lure, buzzbaits, frog lure, chatterbaits, or whopper plopper. 

        Fish the weedline edges parallel with crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, frog lures, soft plastic swimbaits, umbrella rigs, swim jigs, underspin jigs or chatterbaits. 

        There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

        Located: mid-lake

        Structural features: shallow flat next to a channel drop-off. Vegetation, as well as natural and artificial submerged structure is also present 

        Best species to target: Bass, yellow bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak

        Bagley Flats

        Bagley Flats is a good fishing spot because many anglers overlook due to a featureless appearance.  

        If the water is low, this section if best fished as if you are fishing on a river, meaning  you must position your boat facing into the current and retrieve your lure parallel to the bank.  

        Begley Flats has a large amount of rocky structure, drop-offs, dips that bass love to hide behind.  

        However if the water is high (as seen in the picture above), largemouth bass will hide in the in pockets of the nearby cattails. 

        Flipping into pockets, or skipping a bait under overhangs can products huge bass in this spot. 

        Here’s a list of effective baits and techniques you can use in this area:

        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

        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

        Bluff walls between Richards Rock & Eagles Grotto

        This stretch of bluff walls is a phenomenal place to fish.  This area offers something for every type of angler.

        There are areas that have pockets for flipping and are packed with submerged brush with drop-offs nearby.

        Some spots in this area have large underwater rockfall boulder piles, shelves, and drop-offs which is great for crankbait or swimbait fishing.

        Here’s a list of effective baits and techniques you can use in this area:

        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

        Located: East-lake, river channel 

        Structural features: Steep rocky banks

        Best species to target: Bass, bream, crappie, and catfish

        Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat

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        How To Catch Fish In Saguaro Lake

        Largemouth Bass Fishing at Saguaro Lake

        You may be wondering… How do you fish for bass in Saguaro Lake? The Largemouth bass is a carnivorous member of the sunfish family. Saguaro 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, don’t 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 Saguaro 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 definingly 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 increadably 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 Saguaro 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”.

        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
        • Hook and worm under a bobber

        Black Crappie Fishing at Saguaro Lake

        Introduced to Arizona in 1905, Saguaro 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 an irregular black dots and blotched on the back and have more of a “silvery-olive” background.

        Average weight of a crappie in Saguaro 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

        Walleye Fishing at Saguaro Lake

        Introduced to Arizona in 1957, Saguaro Lake holds good size walleye. 

        The average size of a walleye in Arizona will be 1-3-pounds.  Some can grow up to 12-pounds and live to nearly 30-years old!  

        Walleyes have huge eyes which are sensitive to light, so they are usually located near the lake’s bottom, deep channels, and ledges.

        These are tasty predators and during the spring spawn they can be found in shallow water, warmer water.

        For walleye deep diving crankbaits and inline spinners that imitate baitfish species are a tried and true method. 

        If you find deep, rocky sections and baitfish nearby, jigging a large spoon will occasionally catch fish as well. 

        Night fishing for walleyes gives you the best chance to catch one due to their general sensitivity to light. 

        Make sure to add glass beads above your spinner to make sound, as well as to tip the tip with a juicy nightcrawler with some bait scent for added attraction. 

        Finally, switch it up to a rattling crankbait if you’re not getting any bites

        General Walleye Details

        Spawn: March-May

        Food: Baitfish, crayfish, and worms. Threadfin shad make up their main diet. 

        Arizona State Record: 16 lb. 1.76 oz. 31 in., Show Low Lake.  Gregg Munck, Show Low 11/18/02

        Table Quality: The meat is excellent. It’s firm, flaky and white. 

        Angling techniques:

        • Because of light-sensitive eyes, walleyes feed more actively early in the morning, late in the evening, or at night. 
        • Trolling or drifting minnows, nightcrawlers, and spinners
        • Jointed minnow plugs (silver-black Rapalas)
        • Deep diving crankbaits
        • Spoons
        • Inline spinners

        Catfish Fishing at Saguaro Lake

        Channel Catfish

        Channel catfish weight will range from 0.5-to-15-pounds in and of the Roosevelt chain lakes, including Saguaro 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 Saguaro 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 Saguaro 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 Saguaro Lake

        Top Largemouth Bass Fishing Spots at Saguaro Lake

        • Campers Cove
        • Bluff walls
        • Ship Rock
        • Mesquite Flats

        Top Yellow Bass Fishing Spots at Saguaro Lake

        • Peregrine Cove
        • Campers Cove
        • Mid-lake over submerged river channel drop-offs
        • Ship Rock

        Top Crappie Fishing Spots at Saguaro Lake

        • Peregrine Cove
        • Campers Cove
        • Mid-lake over submerged river channel drop-offs
        • Ship Rock
        • Around Saguaro Marina

        Top Catfish Fishing Spots at Saguaro Lake

        • Peregrine Cove
        • Campers Cove
        • Ship Rock
        • The Snags
        • Mesquite Flats
        • Saguaro Marina

        Top Bream/Bluegill Fishing Spots at Saguaro Lake

        • Peregrine Cove
        • Campers Cove
        • Ship Rock
        • The Snags
        • Mesquite Flats
        • Saguaro Marina

        Marinas/ Boat Ramps at Saguaro Lake

        Saguaro Lake Marina & Boat Ramp

        Address: 14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215

        Phone number: (480) 986-5546

        Groceries/ Snacks: Yes

        Bathrooms: Yes

        Showers: Yes

        Electric: Yes

        Gas: Yes

        Camping nearby: Yes

        Other Boat Ramps Can Be Founds at...

        • Saguaro Del Norte Campground

        Places to camp, lodging and RV parks

        Traditional camping areas

        • Saguaro Del Norte Campground
        • Butcher Jones Recreation Area

        Lodging

        • None

        Boat camping areas (primitive)

        • None

        RV Hook-Ups (electric & water)

        • None

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        Limited Time Promotion – Act Now!

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        Other Things To Do Near Saguaro Lake

        wikicommons - zeller- zalmanson

        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!

        • 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.

        Tackle Shops & Tackle Retailers Near Saguaro 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! 

        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 Phoenix, Bass Pro Shops caters to very 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. 

        Do you need a Tonto Pass for Saguaro Lake?

        Yes, a Tonto Pass is required if you are going to fish 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.  Customer 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.

        Other Arizona Related Fishing Articles

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        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 a quality Shimano  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

        Fish Finder

        Finding lunker bass has never been easier when using a fish finding sonar unit.  Packed with additional features to make your day on the water even easier.  Maps that can plan your day or help you find your way back even in the darkest of nights. Bright bold numbers and letters to make reading the maps easy even in the brightest of days, and colors that pop and make it quick and easy to identify fish. 

        If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or float tube, you need a fish finder. 

        Here’s our choice for the best fish finder between $299-$800:

        Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI

        It has all the features for any serious fisherman whether you’re an avid weekend warrior, or a tournament angler. This has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. 

        >> Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI now

        Here’s our choice for the best economic fish finder:

        Garmin Stryker

        While others look for bites, your fishfinder and GPS plotter help you reach your daily limit. You can mark preferred docks, ramps, and hotspots to easily return to them later and even share waypoints.

        Click HERE to Read The Reviews About Garmin Stryker now!

        Life Vest

        According to Statista, “In the United States, 658 people died as a result of boating accidents and 2,641 people were injured in 2021.”

        And it gets even worse… The National Safe Boating Council reported, “Where cause of death was known, 81% of fatal boating accident victims drowned.”

        And if that’s not enough the incidence of deaths has climbed dramatically in recent years.

        So if you’re on the water you NEED to wear your life vest. Protect you, your friends, and your families lives by wearing a life vest every time you’re on the water.

        I recommend the ONYX PFD. It’s comfortable for all day use and there is lots of room for the air to move around so you won’t get sweaty.

        >>Click HERE to read all the reviews actual customers!

        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 Read The Reviews On These Costa Sunglasses Right Now!

        Drift Sock

        Simply speaking, a drift sock (also known as a drift anchor) is like a parachute for the water. It gives you the ability to silently troll without spooking the fish!

        Anyone who fishes out of a boat, canoe, kayak, stand up paddle board, or any other type of floating vessel  should have a drift sock ready to use.

        In addition to helping you catch more fish, recreational boaters also like to have 1-2 drift socks handy, just in case their motor goes out on them the drift sock will help slow their drift. This could be instrumental to allow rescuers to find that boat quickly and easily.

        I strongly recommend the Drift Master Drift Sock by Mythik Outdoors.

        The construction is solid. Holding this in your hands gives you the peace of mind this feels durable and dependable.

        I love that it’s made from the gorilla-strong “RipStop” high density material, and I like that it’s even paired with the high-density nylon strapping.

        It’s 30% stronger than other competitors who use a cheaper version of the RipStop material, so you never have to worry about his ripping.

        Looking closely I can see they even triple stitched the high-tension points which is a good feature.

        But best part… the Drift Master comes in a complete kit!

        So get yours today and don’t leave yourself adrift.

        The last thing to note is the Mythik Outdoors Drift Master drift sock kits sell out fast, so make sure you get yours before they’re gone!

        >>Click HERE to Read The Reviews On This Drift Sock Today!

        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 Read The Reviews On This Floating Landing Net 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 Read The Reviews on This Tournament-Grade Fishing Scale & Culling System now!