Rod and Reel Fishing AZ - Phoenix Lake Adventures
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Half-day fishing trips across three premier Phoenix area lakesTarget largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish speciesIntimate two-guest capacity with experienced local Arizona fishing guides
Phoenix might be known for desert landscapes, but we've got some seriously good fishing hiding in our backyard lakes. I'm talking about world-class bass fishing, feisty catfish, and panfish that'll keep your rod bent all morning. Our half-day trips hit the best spots across three top-rated lakes - Bartlett, Saguaro, and Lake Pleasant - where local anglers have been pulling trophy fish for decades. With 2,815 acres of prime fishing water at Bartlett alone, plus the stunning backdrop of Saguaro Lake and our home waters at Pleasant, you're getting access to some of Arizona's most productive fishing spots.
This isn't your typical cast-and-hope fishing trip. We're targeting multiple species across three distinct lake environments, each with its own character and fishing opportunities. Bartlett Lake sits in the Tonto National Forest and offers that classic Arizona desert lake experience - crystal clear water surrounded by towering saguaros and rugged mountains. The fish here are healthy and aggressive, especially the largemouth bass that love the rocky structure and submerged timber. Saguaro Lake brings a different game entirely. The views alone are worth the trip, but the fishing action keeps you focused on your line. This lake has incredible depth changes and structure that holds everything from schooling white bass to monster flathead catfish. Then there's Lake Pleasant - our bread and butter. As Arizona fishing guides, we know every cove, every point, and every seasonal pattern on Pleasant. It's where we cut our teeth, and it's still producing some of the best catches in the state. You'll fish with a maximum of one other angler, so there's plenty of room to work and personalized attention to help you dial in your technique.
We're running a variety of presentations depending on what's working that day and what species we're targeting. For bass fishing, we'll throw everything from topwater poppers in the early morning to deep-diving crankbaits and soft plastics around structure. The rocky banks and drop-offs on these lakes are perfect for jig fishing, and if you've never worked a football jig down a desert lake ledge, you're in for a treat. Crappie fishing here requires a more finesse approach - we're talking light line, small jigs, and precise presentations around brush piles and deeper structure. The catfish game is where things get interesting. We'll set up with heavier tackle and fresh bait, targeting the channels and flats where these whisker fish cruise for their next meal. Channel cats are aggressive and fun on lighter tackle, while the flatheads require serious gear and patience. All tackle and bait are provided, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel setup, feel free to bring it along. We fish from a well-equipped boat with all the electronics you need to locate fish and navigate safely. Each lake has its own personality - Bartlett's clear water means we can sight fish in shallow areas, while Pleasant's size means we're covering water with the trolling motor and fish finder.
The bass fishing has been absolutely on fire this year. We're seeing consistent catches of 2-4 pound largemouth, with several 5+ pounders coming to the boat each week. The smallmouth action at Bartlett has been a real customer favorite - these bronze backs fight harder pound-for-pound than anything else in these lakes. Crappie have been schooling heavy in the deeper structure, and once you find them, it's game on. We've had days where anglers limit out on quality slabs in just a couple hours. The catfish bite has been steady and reliable, especially for guests who want to experience that hard-pulling fight that only a big cat can deliver. Channel cats in the 3-8 pound range are common, and the flatheads can push well into double digits. Even our carp fishing has gained a following - these golden giants are incredibly strong and provide world-class sport on the right tackle. What really makes these trips special is the variety. You might start the morning catching bass on topwater, switch to crappie fishing around mid-day structure, and finish up tangling with catfish as the afternoon progresses.
Largemouth Bass are the stars of the show here in Phoenix. These green machines love the rocky structure and clear water of our desert lakes. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal, but we catch them year-round with the right approach. Arizona largemouth are healthy and aggressive, often surprising anglers with their size and fight. The clear water means they can be spooky, but it also allows for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Smallmouth Bass at Bartlett Lake are absolute dynamite. These bronze beauties prefer the rockier, clearer sections and fight like fish twice their size. They're particularly active in spring and early summer, and once you hook one, you'll understand why smallmouth fishing has such a dedicated following.
Crappie fishing in Phoenix lakes is a real treat for anglers who appreciate finesse fishing. These panfish school up around submerged structure and brush piles, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Spring spawning time is prime crappie season, but we catch them consistently throughout the cooler months. They're perfect for anglers who want to focus on technique and enjoy some excellent table fare. White Bass bring the excitement factor with their schooling behavior and aggressive feeding. When these silver bullets are busting bait on the surface, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience on Arizona lakes. They're seasonal, but when they're here, they provide fast action that's perfect for anglers who love consistent hookups.
Flathead Catfish are the true heavyweights of our lakes. These prehistoric-looking bruisers can exceed 30 pounds and provide an arm-burning fight that tests your tackle and patience. They're most active during warmer months and prefer live bait presentations.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect family fish - easy to catch once you find them, and they taste amazing. These silvery panfish run 7-12 inches and school up tight, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They hang around submerged brush, fallen trees, and deeper structure during the day. Spring spawning season is magic when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What guests love most is the steady action and that sweet, flaky white meat. Dawn and dusk are your best bets. Here's my secret: use a small jig under a bobber with live minnows, and be patient - let them really take the bait before setting the hook.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlathead catfish are the monsters lurking in our deeper holes - we're talking 20-50 pound fish that can stretch over 3 feet. These olive-colored giants with flattened heads prefer deep pools and channels during the day, moving shallow to hunt at night. Summer through early fall is prime time. What makes them special is the pure power and the amazing table fare - many consider flathead the best-tasting catfish. They're live bait specialists, so bring big bluegill or carp. Heavy tackle is a must - 50+ pound test and a stout rod. Night fishing works best. Pro tip: they want live, struggling bait, so keep your baitfish lively and fish near deep structure where big fish ambush prey.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green fighters are what most folks come out here hoping to catch. Running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average, they love our Arizona lakes' structure - think fallen trees, rocky points, and weed lines. Spring and fall are prime time when they're shallow and aggressive, but summer can be great too if you fish early morning or evening. What makes largemouth special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked. The meat's decent eating from clean water like ours. My tip? Cast red lures near cover - these fish have a thing for that color, and it triggers strikes when nothing else will work.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in our lakes. These bronze beauties with vertical bars prefer rocky bottoms and clear water - exactly what we have at Saguaro and Bartlett. They average 12-16 inches but fight like fish twice their size. Cool weather months are prime time when they're aggressive and shallow. Summer finds them deeper near rocky structure. What guests love is that acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test every inch of your drag. The meat's excellent too, firm and mild. Light tackle makes them even more fun. My advice: work small jigs or tubes slowly around rocks and drop-offs. They're finicky but once hooked, you'll remember the fight.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These silver speedsters with dark horizontal stripes typically run 10-12 inches but can hit 18. They're schooling fish that roam open water chasing baitfish, so when you find them, the action gets fast and furious. Spring through fall they're most active, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them special is that aggressive fight - they'll bend your rod double and make screaming runs. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The trick is finding the schools first - look for birds diving or use your electronics. Once located, small spoons or jigs worked fast through the school will get you multiple hookups.
Phoenix, AZ