Arizona has five lakes that are full of fish! Whether you’re looking for bass, trout, catfish or anything in between, there’s a spot that will be perfect for you.
Roosevelt Lake (Best for Bass)
Bring your boat or rent one from the Roosevelt Lake Marina and head out for a busy day of fishing! This lake is great for beginners because of all the different varieties of fish who are hanging out and enjoying the submerged brush characteristic of this area.
Fish you can catch: White Bass, Yellow bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Sunfish, Carp, Flathead Catfish, Black Crappie, and Bluegill
Distance from Phoenix: ~2 hours
Map it: 28085 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Big Lake (Best for Trout)
If you’re dreaming of scrolling through your social media feed while waiting on a fish to bite, Big Lake is not the spot for you. But what this spot lacks in cell signal it makes up for in quantities of trout! There are hookups for camping or you can rough it in a tent. Just keep in mind that Big Lake stays cold at night year-round so make sure you’re prepared for the weather. If you’re planning a trip to Big Lake, make sure you check out this article with all the details you’ll need!
Fish you can catch: Apache trout, Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, Brook trout, Brown trout
Distance from Phoenix: ~5 hours
Map it: Big Lake, Arizona 85927
Lee’s Ferry (Best for Fly Fishing)
This spot on the Colorado River is home to 20,000 wild trout per mile. For expert guidance, book your trip with the experts! “Lee’s Ferry is managed as a trophy trout fishery. The river yields wild rainbow trout from 14 to 22 inches. And larger.”
Fish you can catch: Rainbow Trout
Distance from Phoenix: ~5 hours
Map it: Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Before you head out to one of these epic spots, just remember that anyone over 10 years old will need a valid fishing or combination license when fishing on publicly accessible water in Arizona. Happy fishing!
What’s your favorite Arizona fishing spot?
