Arizona is the largest state in the country in terms of size. Its population has always been primarily urban. The state’s name comes from a Basque clause, which means the “place of oaks.” Arizona became a state in February 1912.
Arizona may not have 10,000 lakes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have wonderful fishing places. There are quite a lot of exceptional fishing locations in landlocked Arizona. From bass-filled lakes to trout-filled rivers, these locations are overflowing with large fish populations.
Head on to one of these local fishing spots, grab your pole and bait and snag your catch of the day. (Read Best Trolling Motors)
Big Lake in Apache County
No need to leave the state to unwind, just head over to Big Lake. Big Lake is located in northern Arizona’s White Mountains. The lake is raised at over 9,000 feet and has the aura of a northern United States woodland.
The 680-acre lake consistently attracts anglers from all over the state. It is famous for brook, cutthroat, and apache trout-filled waters. It’s considered a prime fishing lake for its area, fish populations, and facilities.
At their in-house shop, you can grab row and motorboats and all fishing needs, including bait and tackle. Big Lake is open between April to November. Anglers over 13 years old need a state fishing certificate and trout stamp.
Parker Canyon Lake in Patagonia
Parker Canyon Lake may not be a famous area, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a considerable fishing spot. This 130-acre lake is situated about five miles north of the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona.
It’s an outlying spot but well worth the long drive. It’s a sanctuary to warm and cold-water fish species and is full of rainbow trout, catfish, bass, and sunfish.
It’s also been the place of three state fishing records. Fishing in Parker Canyon Lake is made easier by their local amenities. They have a fishing wharf and country store with fishing needs, including boat rentals.
There are also some wondrous shoreline areas where you can catch catfish. Anglers 14 years old and older are required to have a verified fishing license and trout stamp.
Alamo Lake in Wenden
There’s no sparsity of fish species in Alamo Lake, considered one of Phoenix’s best lakes. Alamo is a 3,500-acre lake comprised of the Alamo Dam, the Colorado River, and the Bill Williams River.
It is also considered a top spot to fish for bass. Alamo is loaded with an assortment of fishes, including sunfish, crappie, and catfish. It is found in the Alamo State Park in western Arizona and is a private spot full of wildlife and picturesque mountain views. (Find the Best Massachusetts Fishing Spots)
Alamo is a good place for fishing all year round. It’s home to quite a lot of fishing competitions and was an Arizona fishing record site.
The largest largemouth bass in Arizona was caught there with a stunning 23pound weight. An authentic Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 years old and older.
Lee’s Ferry at Glen Canyon
This is one of the best fishing lakes in Arizona. It covers 120 acres and is a one-of-a-kind fishing site. From Lee’s Ferry, you can drive up to the Colorado River. Found near Page and the Utah-Arizona border, this place is a sanctuary to some of the finest upstream trout fishing.
You’ll usually find rainbow trout between one to two feet in size. It’s also an immense spot that has areas ranging from shallow to deep. Lee’s Ferry is also celebrated for its surrounding attractiveness.
It’s home to tall red sandstone ridges and beautiful desert scenery. A valid Arizona fishing license is necessary for anglers 10 years and older. Also, bring with you some marine speakers or make sure that you have the fastest trolling motor to have an even better time fishing.
Fishing in Arizona: Regulations, Legal Species and Areas
Live baitfish legally used in Arizona include only those identified by the Arizona Game & Fish: Arizona Fishing Regulation.
No other kind of fish species can be used as live bait. These may be acquired and used only specifically in areas specified in the regulation. (Read Do You Need a License to Drive a Boat)
It is prohibited to use or possess live baitfish in these areas: Coconino, Apache, Navajo, Pima, and Cochise counties.
Other countries have specified baitfish regulations by a body of water or area. Would you please eliminate all unwanted baitfish by burying them on land far away from the water?
It is illegal to free live baitfish or any other live fish into any Arizona waters. Selling live baitfish or waterdogs without a Live Baitfish Dealers License is strictly prohibited. Keeping or harming any aquatic wildlife accidentally captured while using traps or cast nets is also prohibited.
Certified Live Baitfish Merchants may present for sale any of the following: goldfish, threadfin shad, mosquitofish, golden shiner, and the most common fathead minnow.
All legal baitfish secured from a licensed baitfish dealer may be transferred for use only to the following legal areas. The regulation specifies that these five baitfish species may also be gathered and used alive onsite only in the designated legal areas. (Learn How To Fillet A Flounder)
Common Catches in Arizona
Smallmouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is one of the largest members of the sunfish family, weighing almost 12pounds.
Brown Trout
The brown trout is one of the world’s most vastly dispersed and highly regarded freshwater fish.
Flathead Catfish
The flathead catfish is a prevalent fish that has an excellent flavor.
Rainbow Trout
The rainbow trout is an exceedingly valuable species in any of its forms. It is a native inhabitant of the west coast of North America from southern Alaska to Mexico.
Apache Trout
The Apache trout is deemed critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Largemouth Bassa
The largemouth bass is a predatory freshwater gamefish in the sunfish family, a black bass species ordinarily native to eastern and central North America and the United States.
