Arizona’s Most Popular Lakes to Fish

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is committed to offering recreational fishing experiences to the public while conserving and protecting native aquatic species throughout the state. Through AZGFD’s program, more than 100 lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs and ponds are stocked with sportfish. These efforts include stocking sport fish species at various locations and ensuring diverse recreational opportunities for anglers statewide.

central Arizona

Bartlett Lake

This 2,815-acre reservoir on the Tonto National Forest provides consistent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Canyon Lake

Towering rock walls and lunker largemouth bass create a unique fishing experience at this 950-acre reservoir on the Tonto National Forest.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Lake Pleasant

Located in Phoenix’s Northwest Valley, anglers fish for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Fishing for striped bass is also popular.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Roosevelt Lake

This 20,300-acre reservoir on the Tonto National Forest generally has excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and crappie.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Saguaro Lake

This lake on the Tonto National Forest can be a bass angler’s paradise and features 2,200 fish habitat structures to enhance fishing.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Salt River

Flowing out of Saguaro Lake, the lower Salt River provides angling opportunities for smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as catfish.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Colorado river northwest

Mohave Lake

Striped bass are the most sought-after sportfish species in Lake Mohave, which is located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Colorado river southwest

Alamo Lake

Located on the Bill Williams River, this 3,683-acre lake’s sportfish include largemouth bass, channel catfish and black crappie.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Colorado River

Spanning the length of the state, fishing on the Colorado River is full of opportunities to catch trout, bass, sunfish and crappie.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Lake Havasu

One of the best fishing lakes in Arizona, angling at Lake Havasu is popular year-round. Bass over 5 lbs. and 20+ lb. carp aren’t uncommon.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

mogollon rim

Willow Springs

One of the largest and most popular lakes on the Mogollon Rim, the lake’s sportfish species include rainbow and tiger trout.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

Woods Canyon

Scenic and popular with families, this 55-acre lake provides fishing opportunities for brown, rainbow and tiger trout.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

southeast Arizona

Patagonia Lake

Located in Patagonia Lake State Park, the lake is managed as a high-quality largemouth bass and flathead catfish water.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

white mountains

Big Lake

Considered one of the White Mountains’ best fishing lakes, sportfish species include brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

See Boat & Fish Map for extended details.

The statewide stocking schedule includes all waters receiving catchable-sized trout from Arizona Game and Fish hatcheries. Fish stockings can take place any day throughout the stocking week.

Fish stocked at some of the lakes statewide

Channel catfish 13-18 inches
Stocked in the spring and fall
Bluegill 5-7 inches
Stocked once in the spring
Rainbow trout 10-13 inches
Stocked in the winter

Want to Go Fishing around the State?

Find ways to experience fishing all over the state, including community waters.

buy your fishing license

If you need a fishing license, a combo hunt & fish license, or a short-term license, read about them here.

buy now

find a community lake to fish

There are 50+ community lakes in Arizona. Make a memory fishing with the family!

lake locations

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe