Overview of Site Six Fishing Pier

Site Six Fishing Pier is a developed public fishing area on Lake Pleasant Regional Park, about 45 miles north of Phoenix near Peoria, Arizona. The pier provides direct water access without a boat, making it one of the easier entry points to the lake for anglers who want to fish from shore. The pier is open year-round, though water conditions and fish activity shift significantly between seasons.

Lake Pleasant itself is a 10,000-acre reservoir created by the New Waddell Dam on the Agua Fria River. The lake holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Site Six is one of several developed recreation areas around the lake managed by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation.

Key Takeaways

  • Site Six Fishing Pier requires a valid Arizona fishing license and a Lake Pleasant Regional Park day-use pass or annual permit to enter.
  • The pier is best fished from November through April when water temperatures are cooler and bass are more active in shallow water.
  • Largemouth bass and catfish are the most common catches from the pier; striped bass and crappie are present but less predictable from shore.
  • The pier has shade structures, restrooms, and parking, but no food vendors or bait shops on-site—bring supplies from Peoria or bring your own.
  • Regulations include a 5-fish daily limit for largemouth bass and specific size restrictions that change by species; check current Arizona Game and Fish Department rules before you fish.

Access, Hours, and Day-Use Fees

Site Six is located within Lake Pleasant Regional Park. To reach it, take I-17 north from Phoenix to the Carefree Highway (AZ 74) exit, then head east toward Peoria. Follow signs for Lake Pleasant Regional Park and the individual recreation sites. The drive from central Phoenix takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Day-use entry requires either a daily pass (cost varies by year but is typically $5 to $7 per vehicle) or an annual Lake Pleasant Regional Park pass. You can purchase passes at the park entrance station or online through Maricopa County Parks. Overnight camping is not permitted at Site Six itself, though other areas within Lake Pleasant Regional Park do offer campgrounds.

The pier itself is a concrete structure with railings and is accessible during all daylight hours when the park is open. There is no separate fee to use the pier once you have paid day-use admission.

Fishing Seasons and Water Conditions

Lake Pleasant's fishing changes dramatically with the seasons. From November through April, water temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit, and largemouth bass move into shallower water where they are catchable from the pier. This is the strongest season for Site Six. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, and overcast days often outfish sunny ones.

Summer (May through September) brings water temperatures above 80 degrees, and bass retreat to deeper water and structure. The pier becomes less productive during these months, though catfish remain active at night. Many anglers avoid Site Six in summer because the heat is intense and the fishing is slower.

Spring (March and April) and fall (September and October) are transition periods. Water temperatures are moderate, and fishing can be good, but conditions are less consistent than winter. Lake level also fluctuates seasonally depending on water demand and rainfall; lower water levels can make the pier less accessible and change where fish hold.

What Fish Are in Lake Pleasant and How to Catch Them

Largemouth bass are the primary target at Site Six. They respond to soft plastic baits (4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits), small crankbaits, and topwater lures early in the morning. From the pier, cast toward any visible structure—fallen trees, rocks, or deeper drop-offs near the pier. Winter is the best time; summer requires fishing at dawn or dusk.

Catfish are abundant and often easier to catch than bass, especially at night. Use chicken liver, cut shad, or commercial catfish stink baits on a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup. Fish the bottom and be patient; catfish feed throughout the night and into early morning. They are less selective than bass and will bite year-round.

Striped bass are present in Lake Pleasant but are harder to catch from the pier because they often suspend in deeper water. They respond to live shad or large swimbaits, but you need to reach deeper water than the pier typically allows. Most striped bass from Site Six are incidental catches while fishing for largemouth.

Crappie (both black and white) are in the lake but are not reliable from the pier. They school in deeper water and around submerged structure. If you want to target crappie, a boat is more effective than shore fishing.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Arizona fishing license to fish at Site Six. Licenses are available online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a good option if you fish only occasionally.

Daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and can change year to year. As of recent regulations, largemouth bass have a 5-fish daily limit with no minimum size, though many anglers practice catch-and-release. Catfish typically have no bag limit. Striped bass have a 2-fish daily limit and a 18-inch minimum size. Check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing regulations before you go, as rules are updated regularly and violations carry fines.

The pier is open to public fishing, but no commercial fishing, netting, or trapping is allowed. Catch-and-release is permitted and encouraged, especially for smaller fish.

What to Bring and What to Expect On-Site

Site Six has basic amenities: a paved parking area, shade structures (ramadas), and restroom facilities. There is no bait shop, food vendor, or tackle store at the site. Bring all your own gear, bait, and supplies. The nearest towns with tackle shops and food are Peoria and Carefree, both 15 to 20 minutes away by car.

The pier can get crowded on weekends during the winter fishing season, especially Saturday and Sunday mornings. Weekday visits are typically quieter. The pier is exposed to sun and wind, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. In summer, the heat is extreme; many anglers fish only at dawn or dusk to avoid midday temperatures above 100 degrees.

Parking is free with your day-use pass. The lot fills up on busy weekend mornings during peak season, so arrive early if you want a spot close to the pier. The walk from the parking area to the pier is short and paved.

Nearby Fishing Options and Alternatives

Lake Pleasant has several other developed fishing sites besides Site Six, including Site One, Site Two, and Site Three. Each offers similar access but may have different amenities or water conditions depending on location around the lake. If Site Six is crowded or not producing, exploring other sites can be worthwhile.

If you have a boat, the open lake offers access to deeper water and more structure, which can improve your chances for striped bass and larger largemouth. Several boat launch ramps are located around Lake Pleasant.

Other fishing options within an hour of Phoenix include the Salt River (for smallmouth bass and catfish), Lake Saguaro (east of Phoenix), and various smaller ponds and canals. Each has different species, seasons, and access requirements, so research before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at Site Six?

No. The pier provides shore access to the water without a boat. You can walk to the pier, fish from it, and leave without launching anything. A boat is not required and is not permitted from the pier itself.

What is the best time of day to fish Site Six?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon (two hours before sunset) are most productive, especially for bass. Catfish bite throughout the night and into early morning. Midday fishing is slow, particularly in summer.

Can I catch striped bass from the pier?

Striped bass are in Lake Pleasant, but they usually suspend in deeper water away from shore. You may catch one incidentally while fishing for largemouth, but the pier is not an ideal location to target them. A boat gives you much better access to striped bass.

Is there food or bait available at Site Six?

No. There are no vendors, bait shops, or food stands at Site Six. Bring all your own supplies, or stop in Peoria or Carefree before you arrive. Plan ahead so you do not run short of bait or water during your trip.

What should I do if the lake level is very low?

Low water levels can affect pier access and fish location. Check the current lake level and conditions with Maricopa County Parks before you go. If the pier is unsafe or inaccessible, the park will post notices. Fish may also be deeper or less active in shallow water, so adjust your tactics accordingly.