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Arizona
Arizona's fishing ranges from desert reservoirs and high-altitude mountain lakes to tailwater sections of major rivers. The state holds warm-water species year-round in lower elevations—bass, catfish, and panfish thrive in lakes like Lake Pleasant and Apache Lake—while cooler mountain waters at 6,000 feet and above support trout. Access varies widely: some waters require boat launches and fees, others sit along accessible shoreline or in national forests where day-use is free. Understanding which water holds which species, what seasons matter most, and how to reach each location shapes whether a trip delivers solid fishing or wasted time.
These guides cover where to fish across Arizona's distinct regions, what regulations apply, which species you'll find in each season, and how to get there. You'll learn the differences between reservoir fishing and river fishing, what gear works best for desert bass versus mountain trout, and which waters suit beginners versus experienced anglers. Whether you're planning a day trip from Phoenix or exploring remote mountain country, the practical details here help you match your skills and interests to the right water.
22 guides
- Fishing Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge in ArizonaLearn about Fishing Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona
- Black Meadow Landing: Fishing the Colorado River's Quietest Access PointLearn about Black Meadow Landing: Fishing the Colorado River's Quietest Access Point
- Fishing Castle Rock Bay: What to Expect on Lake PleasantLearn about Fishing Castle Rock Bay: What to Expect on Lake Pleasant
- Fishing at Cattail Cove State Park: Desert Reservoir Smallmouth and CatfishLearn about Fishing at Cattail Cove State Park: Desert Reservoir Smallmouth and Catfish
- Fishing the Colorado River: Access Points, Species, and What to ExpectLearn about Fishing the Colorado River: Access Points, Species, and What to Expect
- Fishing Fool Hollow Lake in Arizona — What to Expect and Where to GoLearn about Fishing Fool Hollow Lake in Arizona — What to Expect and Where to Go
- Fishing Fortuna Pond in Arizona: What to Expect and How to Get ThereLearn about Fishing Fortuna Pond in Arizona: What to Expect and How to Get There
- Fishing Goldwater Lake Near Prescott, ArizonaLearn about Fishing Goldwater Lake Near Prescott, Arizona
- Fishing at Havasu Springs Resort in ArizonaLearn about Fishing at Havasu Springs Resort in Arizona
- Fishing Lake Havasu State Park: What to Expect and Where to GoLearn about Fishing Lake Havasu State Park: What to Expect and Where to Go
- Fishing Martinez Lake, Arizona — What to Expect and How to Get ThereLearn about Fishing Martinez Lake, Arizona — What to Expect and How to Get There
- Fishing and Boating at Mesquite Bay Wildlife AreaLearn about Fishing and Boating at Mesquite Bay Wildlife Area
- Fishing Mittry Lake: Desert Reservoir Bass and Catfish Near the Colorado RiverLearn about Fishing Mittry Lake: Desert Reservoir Bass and Catfish Near the Colorado River
- Fishing Parker Dam: Stripers, Catfish, and Desert Reservoir TacticsLearn about Fishing Parker Dam: Stripers, Catfish, and Desert Reservoir Tactics
- Rainbow Lake, Arizona — Smallmouth Bass and Desert Solitude Near PaysonLearn about Rainbow Lake, Arizona — Smallmouth Bass and Desert Solitude Near Payson
- Fishing Scotts Reservoir in Central Arizona: What to Expect and How to Get ThereLearn about Fishing Scotts Reservoir in Central Arizona: What to Expect and How to Get There
- Fishing Senator Wash Reservoir in Arizona — What to ExpectLearn about Fishing Senator Wash Reservoir in Arizona — What to Expect
- Fishing Show Low Lake in Arizona's White MountainsLearn about Fishing Show Low Lake in Arizona's White Mountains
- Site Six Fishing Pier: What to Expect at Arizona's Desert ReservoirLearn about Site Six Fishing Pier: What to Expect at Arizona's Desert Reservoir
- The Sandbar: A Desert Reservoir for Stripers, Catfish, and Largemouth BassLearn about The Sandbar: A Desert Reservoir for Stripers, Catfish, and Largemouth Bass
- Watson Lake, Arizona — Smallmouth Bass and Desert Reservoir FishingLearn about Watson Lake, Arizona — Smallmouth Bass and Desert Reservoir Fishing
- Fishing Woodland Lake Park in Arizona — What to Expect and How to Get ThereLearn about Fishing Woodland Lake Park in Arizona — What to Expect and How to Get There