Fishing in Arizona
Arizona fishing and boating trips can range from a day of casting for trophy largemouth bass to fly-fishing for brown trout on Woods Canyon Lake.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN ARIZONA
DEAD HORSE LAKE
This lake is stocked with rainbow trout throughout the winter months and channel catfish in the warmer season.
LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK
Called one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the Valley of the Sun. This lake is home to great fishing for 12 types of fish.
WOODS CANYON LAKE
This place offers good brown trout and rainbow trout fishing. Visitors can enjoy a picnic area with restrooms and a boat ramp.
GET AN ARIZONA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN ARIZONA
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
APACHE TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The Apache trout is the state fish of Arizona, and is one of only two species of trout native to that state.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 10 foot system 4 or 9 foot system 5-6 fly rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Wet or dry flies, worms, salmon eggs |
BROWN TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot 1-3kg or heavier carbon fibre, graphite, or nano rod |
| Reel | 1000 or 2500 size reel |
| Line | 4-pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Hooks (No. 12), Jigs, Crankbaits, Spoons, Minnows (use a sinker as well) |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
FLATHEAD CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The flathead catfish, also called the mudcat, flatty, or shovelhead cat, is a freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-9 foot long heavy-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Big heavy-duty levelwind or spinning reel |
| Line | 30-50 pound-test fishing line |
| Lure | Live Fish or Bait such as Shad, Sunfish, Chubs, Small Carp, Bullheads, Suckers |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
