We may be a landlocked state, but there are plenty of places to fish in Arizona. From bass and catfish to trout and tilapia, you can reel in fish of all kinds if you have a valid Arizona fishing license. In fact, everyone over the age of 10 needs a fishing license in Arizona. But getting a license is simple! They can easily be purchased on the Arizona Game and Fish website.
We encourage you to get out, explore and cook up some fresh fish to take advantage of the overall health benefits they provide! Whether it’s at your local park, on the lake or in the river, fishing is a great way for friends and family to bond and spend time together. Here are some of our favorite places to fish in Arizona:
Lake Havasu State Park
Home of London Bridge, Lake Havasu has 450 miles of shoreline to explore. You can also escape the crowds for a relaxing day on the water. Largemouth bass are the typical catch of the day in this lake on Arizona’s western border. You might also hook smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, sunfish, or trout. Before you cast your line, learn about the lake’s fishing limits and regulations.
Lake Mead
With 700+ miles of shoreline and 290 square miles of water surface, Lake Mead is a can’t-miss fishing area in Arizona. Bass weighing more than 40 lbs. have been caught here! In addition to bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill are other common catches. If you want to cool down after a few hours in the sun, Lake Mead is also a great place to swim. Prior to heading out to Lake Mead, read up on the area’s limits, hours and protected species.
Lake Pleasant
If you’re looking for a great fishing hole in the Phoenix metro area, try Lake Pleasant. It’s home to 12 species of fish, including the state’s only white bass population. Other fish at the lake include striped bass, large mouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie, bigmouth buffalo fish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, green sunfish, redear, sunfish and tilapia.
Lake Pleasant is also home to several pair of nesting bald eagles, so access to some areas of the lake may be limited during breeding season. Bald eagle closure announcements, park hours and more information is available on the Maricopa County Parks website.
Lake Powell
One of the most popular lakes in Arizona is at the north part of the state. If big fish, scenery and solitude are on your list, Lake Powell is a must-see. You’re likely to see huge striped bass, walleye, catfish and crappie on the end of your line here. This can be a trendy vacation spot during holidays, so plan your trip accordingly.
Patagonia Lake State Park
Only an hour drive from Tucson, Patagonia Lake is a popular area with a lot of bass. The bass are known for their size, typically weighing in around 8 lbs. Patagonia Lake is also home to crappie, bluegill, trout and big catfish. The fishing here is easy and there is plenty of shade from pine trees, which makes it a great spot to bring the whole family. Check out the lake’s fish stocking schedule to help plan your visit.
The Overall Health Benefits of Eating Fish
Not only is fishing in Arizona fun, but it can be healthy for you too! Freshwater fish such as bass and trout contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and iron. These vitamins and minerals are fantastic for heart health, your teeth and gums and even your eyes! Omega-3 fatty acids found in freshwater fish have anti-inflammatory properties that can boost our gum health and help with dry eye symptoms.
Make Fishing Your New Hobby
Finding places to fish in Arizona is a great way to explore our state and catch some of the tastiest freshwater fish out there! It’s a fun hobby that can lead to more meals that are good for your overall health. That’s a win in our book.
Don’t forget to purchase or renew your fishing license before heading out on the water! Learn more about the type of license you need as well as all fishing rules and regulations from the Arizona Game and Fish.
Wishing you “tight lines” from all of us at Delta Dental of Arizona! Feel free to tag us (@DeltaDentalAZ) in all your fishing photos on social media! We want to see your fishing adventures and big smiles!
Editors Note: This post was originally published April 2019. The content was revised and updated November 2024.
