Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Arizona (Complete Guide)

Arizona offers some of the best fishing in the American southwest. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Arizona can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Arizona are during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring when the temperatures are more comfortable and fish are more active.

Month	Arizona Fishing Location
January	Lake Havasu – Target striped bass and largemouth bass in this popular lake known for its clear waters and rocky shoreline.
February	Salt River (Lower Salt River) – Fish for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass in the scenic surroundings of the Tonto National Forest.
March	Colorado River (Lees Ferry) – Enjoy world-class trout fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the stunning setting of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
April	Oak Creek – Experience excellent trout fishing amidst the red rock canyons and lush vegetation of Oak Creek Canyon.
May	Big Lake – Head to this high-elevation lake in the White Mountains for outstanding trout fishing, including rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.
June	Black River – Explore the scenic Black River for trout fishing, particularly the area around the town of Alpine.
July	Lake Powell – Enjoy fishing for striped bass, smallmouth bass, and walleye in the expansive waters of this famous reservoir.
August	Woods Canyon Lake – Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and fish for trout and smallmouth bass in this scenic lake nestled in the Mogollon Rim.
September	Colorado River (Lake Mohave) – Target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass in the depths of Lake Mohave, located along the Arizona-Nevada border.
October	Lower Salt River – Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while fishing for bass and trout in the Lower Salt River.
November	Saguaro Lake – Enjoy fishing for various species including bass, trout, and catfish in the serene surroundings of Saguaro Lake.
December	Saguaro Lake – Enjoy fishing for a variety of species including bass, trout, and catfish in the serene surroundings of Saguaro Lake.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Arizona. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in Arizona

Colorado River (Lees Ferry): Best months to fish are year-round, with prime fishing for trout species such as rainbow and brown trout.

Salt River (Lower Salt River): Optimal fishing months are March to May and September to November, focusing on trout and smallmouth bass.

Verde River: Best fishing months are March to May and September to November, targeting trout, smallmouth bass, and catfish.

Black River: Prime fishing months are May to June and September to October, known for trout fishing.

White River: Optimal fishing months are April to June and September to November, focusing on trout.

Little Colorado River: Best months to fish are April to June and September to November, targeting trout.

San Francisco River: Prime fishing months are April to June and September to November, known for trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Oak Creek: Optimal fishing months are April to June and September to November, focusing on trout.

Big Chino Wash: Best fishing months are March to May and September to November, targeting largemouth bass and catfish.

Tonto Creek: Prime fishing months are April to June and September to November, known for trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Gila River (Black River Fork): Optimal fishing months are May to June and September to October, focusing on trout.

Santa Cruz River: Best months to fish are March to May and September to November, targeting catfish, bass, and sunfish.

San Pedro River: Prime fishing months are March to May and September to November, known for catfish and bass fishing.

Agua Fria River: Optimal fishing months are March to May and September to November, focusing on bass and catfish.

East Verde River: Best fishing months are April to June and September to November, targeting trout and smallmouth bass.

Blue River: Prime fishing months are April to June and September to November, known for trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Cibola Creek: Optimal fishing months are May to June and September to October, focusing on trout and smallmouth bass.

Haigler Creek: Best months to fish are April to June and September to November, targeting trout.

Oak Creek (West Fork): Prime fishing months are April to June and September to November, known for trout fishing.

Sabino Creek: Optimal fishing months are March to May and September to November, focusing on trout and bass.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Arizona

Lake Powell: Best months to fish are April to June and September to November, targeting species such as bass, walleye, and striped bass.

Lake Roosevelt: Prime fishing months are March to May and September to November, known for bass and trout fishing.

Lake Havasu: Best fishing months are February to May and October to November, targeting bass, catfish, and panfish.

Lake Pleasant: Optimal fishing months are March to April and October to November, focusing on largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish.

Apache Lake: Best months to fish are March to May and September to November, targeting bass, catfish, and panfish.

Patagonia Lake: Prime fishing months are April to May and October to November, known for bass, crappie, and catfish.

Alamo Lake: Optimal fishing months are March to April and October to November, focusing on bass, crappie, and catfish.

Lake Mary: Best fishing months are April to May and September to October, targeting trout and northern pike.

Ashurst Lake: Prime fishing months are May to June and September to October, known for trout fishing.

Woods Canyon Lake: Optimal fishing months are April to June and September to October, focusing on trout.

Fool Hollow Lake: Best months to fish are April to June and September to October, targeting trout, bass, and catfish.

Willow Springs Lake: Prime fishing months are April to June and September to October, known for trout fishing.

Black Canyon Lake: Optimal fishing months are April to June and September to October, focusing on trout and bass.

Kaibab Lake: Best fishing months are May to June and September to October, targeting trout.

Lynx Lake: Prime fishing months are March to May and September to November, known for trout, bass, and catfish fishing.

Show Low Lake: Optimal fishing months are April to June and September to October, focusing on trout.

Cataract Lake: Best months to fish are April to May and September to October, targeting bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Roper Lake: Prime fishing months are March to April and October to November, known for trout, bass, and catfish.

Roosevelt Lake: Optimal fishing months are February to May and October to November, focusing on bass, crappie, and catfish.

Big Lake: Best fishing months are June to August and September to October, targeting trout and northern pike.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Arizona

These Arizona-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Arizona Sport Fishing Charters	Morristown, AZ
No-Limit Fishing	Morristown, AZ
Big Water Boating – Grand Canyon Skywalk	Meadview, AZ
AZ Legend Adventures Kayak Fishing	Cottonwood, AZ
Fishing Charters in Laughlin	Fort Mohave, AZ
Hooked On Stripers – Lake Mohave	Bullhead City, AZ

Best Times: Top 15 Best Fishing Locations in Arizona

Lake Powell

Known for its scenic beauty and abundance of bass, walleye, and striped bass. The best time to fish is in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) during the early morning and evening hours.

Lake Roosevelt

It offers excellent bass fishing and is known for producing trophy-sized fish. The best time to fish is in spring and fall, with early morning and late afternoon ideal.

Lake Havasu

Famous for bass fishing and is home to abundant catfish and panfish. The best fishing months are spring (March-April) and fall (October-November) for bass, with early morning and late evening being prime times.

Colorado River

Known for its diverse fishing opportunities, including bass, catfish, and trout. Fishing is good year-round, with spring and fall being the most productive seasons. Early morning and late afternoon are optimal times.

Lake Pleasant

A popular fishing destination for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. The best fishing months are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Early morning and late evening are the optimal times to fish.

Apache Lake

Offers great fishing for bass, catfish, and panfish. The best seasons to fish are spring and fall, with early morning and evening hours offering the best chances of success.

Patagonia Lake

Known for its bass, crappie, and catfish fishing. The best fishing months are spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for fishing.

Upper Lake Mary

A popular spot for trout and northern pike fishing. The best time to fish is in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times.

Oak Creek

Offers excellent trout fishing, including rainbow and brown trout. The best fishing months are in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to fish.

Woods Canyon Lake

Known for its trout fishing, including rainbow and brown trout. The best fishing months are in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Early morning and late afternoon are the most successful times.

Fool Hollow Lake:

Offers trout fishing as well as bass, crappie, and catfish. The best fishing months are in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for fishing.

Willow Springs Lake

A popular destination for trout fishing, including rainbow and brown trout. The best fishing months are in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times.

Greer Lakes

Consists of several lakes offering trout fishing opportunities. The best time to fish is in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). Early morning and late afternoon are optimal times for fishing.

Saguaro Lake

Known for its bass fishing, particularly largemouth bass. The best fishing months are in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for fishing.

Show Low Lake

Offers trout fishing, including rainbow and cutthroat trout. The best fishing months are in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). Early morning and late afternoon offer the greatest chances of success.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Utah. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Colorado. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Las Vegas.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

Striped bass fishing in Arizona is best during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. Early morning and late evening are the ideal times of the day to catch striped bass. Arizona’s top locations for striped bass fishing include Lake Pleasant, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, and the Colorado River.

Brown Trout

Brown trout fishing in Arizona is best during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring, from October to April. Brown trout are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of Arizona’s top locations for brown trout fishing include Lee Valley Lake, Silver Creek, the East Fork of the Black River, and the Colorado River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Arizona is best during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring, from October to April. Rainbow trout are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Arizona’s best locations for rainbow trout fishing include Willow Springs Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and the Lower Salt River.

Apache Trout

Apache trout fishing in Arizona is limited as they are found only in a few specific locations. The best time to fish for Apache trout is during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly in April and October. Apache trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations for Apache trout fishing in Arizona include Lee Valley Lake, East Fork of the Black River, and West Fork of the Black River.

Gila Trout

Gila trout fishing in Arizona is limited as they are found only in a few specific locations. The best time to fish for Gila trout is during the cooler months of spring and fall, particularly in April and October. Gila trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of Arizona’s best locations for Gila trout fishing include Frye Mesa Reservoir, Black River, and Blue River.

Largemouth Bass

The best times to fish for largemouth bass in Arizona are typically spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. Largemouth bass are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Arizona’s best locations for largemouth bass fishing include Roosevelt Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, and Saguaro Lake.

Smallmouth Bass

The best times to fish for smallmouth bass in Arizona are typically during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. Smallmouth bass are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Arizona’s best locations for smallmouth bass fishing include Lake Roosevelt, Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, and the Verde River.

Carp

Carp can be caught year-round in Arizona, but the best times to fish for them are spring, summer, and fall. Carp are often more active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of Arizona’s best locations for carp fishing include Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Roosevelt Lake, and Apache Lake.

Catfish

Catfish can be caught year-round in Arizona, but the best times to fish for them are during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early fall. Catfish are often more active during the evening and nighttime hours. Some of Arizona’s best locations for catfish fishing include Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Bartlett Lake, and Alamo Lake.

Crappie

Crappie fishing in Arizona is best during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. Crappie are often more active during early morning and late evening hours. Arizona’s best locations for crappie fishing include Lake Roosevelt, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, and Bartlett Lake.

Walleye

From October to April, walleye fishing in Arizona is best during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring. Walleye are often more active during the early morning and late evening hours. Arizona’s top walleye fishing locations include Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, and Alamo Lake.

White Bass

The best times to fish for white bass in Arizona are typically spring and fall, from March to May and September to November. White bass are often more active during early morning and late afternoon hours. Arizona’s best locations for white bass fishing include Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River.

Northern Pike

The best times to fish for pike in Arizona are typically during the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring when the water temperatures are lower. Arizona’s best locations for pike fishing include Upper Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, and Nelson Reservoir. Pike are often more active during early morning and late afternoon hours.

Best Fishing in Arizona on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lee Valley Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Ashurst Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Dogtown Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Fool Hollow Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Kaibab Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Big Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Woods Canyon Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.

Spring

Lower Salt River – Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish fishing.
Woods Canyon Lake – Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish fishing.
Chevelon Canyon Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Oak Creek – Brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass fishing.
Willow Springs Lake – Rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.
Lee Valley Lake – Apache trout, rainbow trout, and catfish fishing.
Black River – Apache trout, brown trout, and catfish fishing.

Summer

Lake Powell – Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass fishing.
Lake Mead – Largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish fishing.
Lake Mohave – Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass fishing.
Patagonia Lake – Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.
Upper Lake Mary – Northern pike, walleye, and catfish fishing.
Apache Lake – Largemouth bass, catfish, and carp fishing.
Lake Pleasant – Largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish fishing.

Fall

Lake Pleasant – Largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish fishing.
Roosevelt Lake – Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie fishing.
Lake Havasu – Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass fishing.
Colorado River – Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish fishing.
Saguaro Lake – Largemouth bass, yellow bass, and catfish fishing.
Alamo Lake – Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.
Bartlett Lake – Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.

Click here to see a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Nevada.