Lake Pleasant Afternoon Fishing with Glenn Diaz
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour afternoon trip targeting striped bass and largemouth bassProfessional guide Glenn Diaz provides gear and expert instructionShared Lake Pleasant experience accommodates all skill levels
Ready to spend five solid hours chasing some of Arizona's best freshwater fish? Glenn Diaz has been guiding anglers on Lake Pleasant for years, and this afternoon trip puts you right in the action. You'll be targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, and catfish in one of the state's most productive fisheries. This is a shared trip, so you might meet another angler, but don't worry – there's plenty of water and fish to go around. Glenn provides all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need. Just bring your Arizona fishing license, some snacks, and get ready to see why Lake Pleasant keeps drawing anglers back.
Glenn runs his trips like a seasoned pro – no rushing, no pressure, just good fishing. You'll launch in the afternoon when the fish start getting active again after the midday heat. Lake Pleasant covers over 10,000 acres, so there's always somewhere productive to fish. Glenn knows the structure, the drop-offs, and the seasonal patterns that put you on fish consistently. The beauty of this lake is its variety – you might be casting for largemouth around rocky points in the morning, then switching to deeper water for stripers as the day progresses. The shared format works great because Glenn can focus on putting everyone on fish without the distractions of managing a big crowd. Bring your own drinks and snacks since this is a five-hour commitment, and trust me, you'll work up an appetite fighting these fish.
Glenn's got you covered with quality gear suited for Lake Pleasant's diverse fishery. You'll likely be using medium to medium-heavy rods depending on what species you're targeting. For stripers, expect to throw larger baits and lures – swimbaits, spoons, and live bait when conditions are right. Largemouth fishing here calls for finesse and power techniques depending on the structure you're working. Glenn knows when to break out the drop-shot rigs for finicky bass and when to tie on a big swimbait for trophy hunters. Catfish action usually picks up as the sun gets lower, and Glenn's got the stink baits and bottom rigs that these whisker fish can't resist. The afternoon timing works perfectly because you'll hit multiple feeding windows as light conditions change. Lake Pleasant's clear water means you'll often be fishing deeper structure, and Glenn's electronics help locate fish and bait schools efficiently.
Striped bass are the lake's crown jewel and the reason many anglers make the drive to Lake Pleasant. These silver bullets can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains. They school up and follow the shad, so when you find one, you'll often find more. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but Glenn knows how to locate them year-round. They'll hit everything from live bait to big swimbaits, and the runs they make will test your drag system.
Largemouth bass in Lake Pleasant are chunky desert fighters that use the lake's rocky structure to their advantage. These aren't your typical pond bass – they're aggressive, well-fed, and can easily push 5-6 pounds. They relate to the countless coves, points, and underwater humps scattered throughout the lake. Winter months can produce some of the biggest fish as they school up in deeper water, while spring and summer find them more spread out and actively feeding in the shallows.
White bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. When a school of whites moves through, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive and fight hard for their size. These schooling fish follow baitfish movements, and Glenn's experience helps intercept them during their feeding frenzies.
Channel catfish in Lake Pleasant grow fat and happy on the lake's abundant forage base. Don't be surprised to tangle with cats pushing 10-15 pounds, especially as evening approaches. They're opportunistic feeders that respond to everything from cut bait to prepared stink baits. The rocky bottom provides plenty of structure for these whiskered bulldogs to call home.
Flathead catfish are the lake's underwater monsters – solitary predators that can reach massive sizes. These fish prefer live bait and hunt primarily at night, but late afternoon can produce some action. Landing a big flathead is like wrestling a submarine, and they're notorious for testing every knot and connection in your tackle system. Glenn knows the deeper holes and structure where these giants lurk.
Lake Pleasant's reputation as one of Arizona's top-rated fishing destinations isn't going anywhere, and neither is Glenn's track record of putting clients on fish. This afternoon format gives you the perfect taste of what the lake offers without committing your entire day. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date. Check the latest Lake Pleasant fish reports before your trip – Glenn stays plugged into current conditions and bite patterns. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new water or someone wanting to experience Arizona's best freshwater fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't forget that Arizona fishing license – it's required and they check. Book your spot with Glenn and see why Lake Pleasant keeps anglers coming back for more.
You'll be fishing from a spacious Bennington pontoon boat that's built for comfort and performance on Lake Pleasant's waters. This stable platform gives you and up to four other anglers plenty of room to spread out while targeting striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish across the lake's productive fishing spots. The boat comes equipped with a reliable GPS system to navigate between honey holes, VHF radio for safety communication, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of stripers and bass holding in deeper water. The dependable engine provides smooth cruising between fishing locations, while the pontoon design offers excellent stability when you're battling bigger fish or casting from different positions around the boat. Perfect for anglers who want a solid, well-equipped vessel for their Lake Pleasant fishing adventure.
Ictalurus PunctatusThe whiskered warriors of Pleasant. These bottom dwellers run 2-10 pounds typically, though 20-pounders show up regularly. They've got those trademark barbels and a forked tail, plus sharp pectoral fins you'll want to watch. You'll find them in deeper holes, around structure, and near the dam where they scavenge along the bottom. Summer nights are prime time, but they bite year-round. What people love about cats is the steady action and great eating - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're not picky about bait. The fight's more of a heavy pull than acrobatics, but a big channel cat will wear you out. Lake Pleasant tip: fish the deeper creek channels with cut shad after sunset - cats move shallow to feed when the sun goes down.
Pylodictis OlivarisThe monsters of the deep. These olive-colored giants can push 3-4 feet and 50+ pounds, with that distinctive flat head and slight tail notch. Unlike other cats, flatheads want live bait only - they're ambush predators hiding in deep holes, around submerged timber, and rocky ledges. Summer through early fall is best when they're most active. What makes them special is the sheer size potential and superior eating quality - flathead meat is considered the best of all catfish. The fight is pure power, like hooking a submarine. They're also challenging since they only want live fish, making each one earned. Pleasant insider tip: target the deepest channel bends with live bluegill at night. Use heavy tackle - 50-pound line minimum - because when a big flathead grabs your bait, it's going straight for the rocks.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green giants are what most folks think of when they hear "bass fishing." Running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average, they've got that famous oversized mouth that extends past their eyes. You'll find them hanging around cover - submerged rocks, fallen trees, weed beds, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active, but they bite year-round in Pleasant's consistent temps. What makes them special? They fight hard with those famous jumps and runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled right. Here's a local tip: focus on the north coves early morning where the water stays cooler longer - that's where the bigger fish patrol looking for shad.
Morone SaxatilisThe kings of Lake Pleasant. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push much bigger, with those signature black stripes running down their silver sides. They're structure fish - you'll find them around rocky points, submerged humps, and creek channels where they ambush schools of shad. Spring and fall are peak times, but they bite year-round here. What makes stripers special is the pure power - these fish will test your tackle and your arms with long, bulldogging runs. They're also excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. The fight alone keeps people coming back - there's nothing like hooking into a 30-pound striper in deep water. Local secret: target the river channel bends at dawn with large swimbaits. The big girls cruise those edges looking for easy meals.
Morone ChrysopsThese silver bullets are some of the most fun you can have with a rod. Running 10-12 inches and weighing 1-3 pounds, white bass are schooling fish with distinctive dark stripes along their sides. They roam open water and hang around points and humps, often feeding near the surface in big groups. Spring through fall they're most active, especially during their spawning runs. What guests love about them is the non-stop action - when you find a school, you can catch dozens. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The fight's aggressive but manageable for any skill level. Pro tip for Pleasant: watch for birds working the surface in the main lake - that's usually white bass busting baitfish, and you can catch them on small jigs or spoons all day long.
Lake Pleasant