Target Three Bass Species on Premier Phoenix Reservoirs
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour bass fishing trip on three premier Phoenix area lakesProfessional guide with 21foot Skeeter boat and premium electronicsTarget smallmouth, striped, and white bass with expert instruction
Looking for some serious bass action in the desert? Captain John Reddy's half-day trips on Greater Phoenix's top reservoirs deliver exactly what you're after. This isn't your typical afternoon casting from shore – we're talking about a full 5-hour experience targeting three different bass species across three world-class fisheries. Whether you're chasing the fight of smallmouth bass, the power runs of striped bass, or the aggressive strikes of white bass, these desert lakes hold some surprises that'll keep you coming back for more.
Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just picking a lake randomly. Based on seasonal patterns, current conditions, and what species you're most excited to target, he'll choose between Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, or Lake Pleasant to give you the best shot at a memorable day. This is prime bass country, and each lake offers something unique. You'll be fishing from his 21-foot Skeeter bass boat – a machine that's built specifically for this kind of fishing. The boat's setup is what separates a good day from a great one, and John's rig is dialed in perfectly for these desert reservoirs. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new techniques or someone who's never held a rod, you'll get hands-on instruction that actually makes sense. No confusing jargon or overwhelming info dumps – just practical tips that'll make you a better angler by the end of the trip.
The tech on this boat is what gives you the edge. We're running dual Humminbird Helix units – a 12-inch at the helm and 10-inch on the bow, both loaded with Down Imaging, Side Imaging, and MEGA 360. Add in the Garmin ECHOMAP with Panoptix LiveScope and a bow-mounted LiveScope transducer, and you're seeing fish in real-time like never before. The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest trolling motor with Spot-Lock keeps you positioned perfectly over structure while you work a school of fish. Depending on what the fish are doing, we'll switch between casting, jigging, and trolling techniques. Early morning might find us casting topwater baits along rocky shorelines, while midday could have us vertical jigging in deeper water using the electronics to stay on moving schools. The live bait well comes in handy when the bass want something natural, and Captain John knows exactly when to make that switch. These desert lakes have unique characteristics – clear water, rocky structure, and bass that can be finicky one day and aggressive the next. Having the right approach and equipment makes all the difference.
Smallmouth bass are the bread and butter of Phoenix area fishing, and these desert fish fight harder than their cousins in other regions. The rocky structure and clear water of these reservoirs create perfect smallmouth habitat, and most lakes in the area hold strong populations. You'll find them relating to points, drop-offs, and boulder piles, especially during the cooler months. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding aggressively and staging in predictable spots. What makes smallmouth special is their attitude – pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. A 3-pound smallmouth in these clear, rocky lakes will give you a fight that feels like a much bigger fish.
Striped bass and white bass add serious excitement to the mix, but they're not found in every Arizona lake – this is what makes Captain John's lake selection so valuable. Stripers are the heavy hitters, often running in schools and providing fast action when you find them. They're migratory fish that follow baitfish movements, so timing and location are everything. White bass might be smaller, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Both species are more active during specific times of the year and under certain conditions, which is where local knowledge becomes invaluable. These fish will test your drag and give you the kind of arm-burning action that makes for great fish stories.
Desert reservoir fishing is different from anywhere else, and that's exactly what keeps people hooked. The combination of species diversity, scenic backdrops, and technical fishing challenges creates an experience that's both relaxing and exciting. Captain John's approach focuses on education alongside entertainment – you'll learn why fish behave differently in these clear, deep lakes compared to other regions. The seasonal patterns here are unique, with fish moving and feeding based on water temperature changes that can be dramatic in the desert climate. Every trip teaches you something new about reading water, understanding fish behavior, or refining your technique. Plus, there's something special about landing a quality bass with the Sonoran Desert as your backdrop – it's a combination you won't find anywhere else in the country.
This top-rated half-day trip fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons. With only 2 guests per trip, you're getting personalized attention and prime spots on the boat without feeling crowded. Captain John's local knowledge, premium equipment, and passion for these fisheries make this a customer favorite among Phoenix area fishing experiences. Whether you're visiting Arizona or you're a local looking to step up your bass game, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that creates lasting memories. The 5-hour timeframe gives you enough time to really get into the fishing without feeling rushed, and the flexible approach means you'll adapt to whatever the fish are doing that day. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing windows book fast, and you'll want to experience what these desert reservoirs have to offer.
Captain John's 21-foot Skeeter bass boat is built for serious fishing on Arizona's desert lakes. This updated rig comes packed with top-tier electronics that'll put you right on the fish - dual Humminbird Helix units with Down Imaging and MEGA 360, plus Garmin LiveScope so you can actually watch bass react to your lures in real time. The Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor with Spot-Lock keeps you positioned perfectly over structure while you work your baits. Whether you're chasing smallmouth around rocky points at Saguaro Lake or hunting stripers in the deeper water at Pleasant, this boat handles it all. The live well keeps your catch fresh, and there's plenty of rod storage for switching techniques throughout the day. Captain John knows these desert reservoirs inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the strongest fighters in our lakes. They average 2-4 pounds with that classic bronze coloring and red eyes. You'll find them around rocky structure - points, boulders, and drop-offs in clear water. They love moderate temps, so spring and fall offer the best action when they're shallow and aggressive. Summer pushes them deeper to cooler water. What makes smallies special is their aerial shows - they'll jump repeatedly when hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. These fish are ambush predators that hide behind cover and strike fast. Here's my go-to technique: use a tube jig or small crankbait around rocky areas, but slow down your presentation. Smallmouth often follow lures before committing, so pausing or changing speeds triggers strikes.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the heavyweights of our lakes, averaging 20-40 pounds with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. These fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged humps where they ambush baitfish. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active, especially early morning and late evening. What guests love most is the combination of size and fight - these fish will make long, powerful runs. The meat is outstanding, firm and sweet. Pro tip: focus your efforts around moving water near structure. Stripers position themselves where current brings food to them, so areas where the lake narrows or near dam faces are always productive spots to start.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that run 10-12 inches on average, though we see some pushing 18 inches. They're silvery with dark horizontal stripes and love to school up, which makes for fast action once you find them. Look for these fish in open water during cooler months, but they'll move deeper in summer heat. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit spinners, small jigs, and live bait hard. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local trick: when you catch one white bass, stay put and keep casting to the same spot. Where there's one, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Arizona