Arizona Lake Fishing

Carp are the number one sport fish in Europe and are quickly catching on here in the states as well, especially here in Arizona. If you have fished for carp, you’ll know why they have become so popular - they fight like crazy! They also get huge and you can fish them all day.

1. Roosevelt Lake - Is one of the best lakes for fishing carp in Arizona. In fact they hold their annual Camp Carp at the end of May which has been running now for 18 years.
2. Apache Lake - This is a good lake for fishing carp. Dough bait and corn on treble hooks work best here. Look for carp in the murky coves around the marina.
3. Alamo Lake - You can expect to fin carp around 4-6 pounds in this Arizona lake. The traditional worm-on-a-hook works best here.
4. Silverbell Lake - You’ll find the big ones at Silverbell lake with some in the range of over 20 pounds. Chicken liver and a slip sinker work well here.

Chevelon Lake is an adventure for the true angler and outdoors men. There is a a steep hike to get to the lake which is a nice challenge for the average hiker. Chevelon Lake is not a put-in lake and is best accessed with a float tube or other portable water craft.

Chevelon Lake is a peaceful, beautiful lake that has some of the best brown trout fishing in the state. No noise pollution from motorized boats (open to electric trolling motors or 10 hp gas motors only) is a welcome change to any angler that just loves to hear the sounds of nature and enjoy the environment.

Chevelon Lake was last stocked with 20,000 undersized rainbows in September, making them around catchable size right about now but will be best in a few months and into the spring. Brown trout will spawn this month and will be biting.

Chevelon Lake is an artificial bait and lure lake - no live bait can be used. Try brown streamers, black or green wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, muddler minnows, and semi-seal leeches.

For spin anglers try lures like Z-rays, Super Dupers, spinners and Rapalas.

Fly anglers use wooly worms, wooly buggers and peacock ladies.

Topock Marsh water levels are going down for the winter, making fishing fair to good.

Catfish are your best bet this winter as the fishign has been fairly good for cats. Try hot dogs or stink baits. Bass fishing is fair. Try a drop shot with plastics.

Topock Marsh can be accessed by boat at Five-Mile Landing, the North Dike or Catfish Paradise. These area also provide plenty of shoreline fishing, as well.

Cation is recommended when launching your boats due to the low water conditions.

Willow Beach is a good trout lake for Arizona, especially since it is stocked with trout every Friday.

The new pier seems to be the new hot spot for anglers and trout alike. Get out early, best opportunities to catch trout at Willow Beach is before 7 am. Use green Power Bait, Power Worms or salmon eggs.

Willow Beach also has striped bass and the fishing has been fair for this species.

Ya, I get that you probably think of carp as dirty bottom feeders, that aren’t worthy of your fly rod. But put aside those thoughts for a moment and you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Carp are one of the most exciting fish to catch especially on a fly rod. Often called “freshwater bonefish,” carp are most often found cruising the shallows or sipping at the surface. This allows anglers to sight fish them but are forced to make precise and delicate presentations if they plan on landing one. This fish will truly test your ability as a fly angler and your gear.

Arizona is home to several species of carp, including, common carp, grass carp, big mouth buffalo and several other varieties of goldfish and koi. Depending on the season, it’s best to get in a boat and head to the big water of Lake Pleasant or head out on foot around some of smaller ponds around Phoenix.

Lake Pleasant (about 30 miles north of Phoenix) is one the of the best lakes to fish in Arizona especially catching carp on the fly.

I understand that there are purists out there that make fly fishing into a semi-religion and fishing for any warm bodied fish be it carp, bass, or any fish other than trout is not worthy of your fly rod. They are knee deep in Lees Ferry every spring and summer. There are also those of use who love fly fishing but don’t have the access to the world renowned Lees Ferry and find ourselves expanding our horizons. And that leads us to fly fishing for carp in a bass boat at Lake Pleasant.

If you’re willing to try something new, you won’t regret it. Carp can be found in just about any body of water in Arizona from a golf course pond, and urban lake or the city canal.

It’s all about the presentation
Carp are as spooky as any bonefish cruising the flats and as selective as any small stream trout. It will take some practice and finesse to present your fly without them scurrying for cover. Even an unwanted false cast or light slaps on the water will results in a quick departure.

Selecting the right fly
There are flies out there designed just for carp. But if your lucky enough to get one to strike, tomorrow they most likely won’t go for the same one. So keep several flies around and see what they like. My most successful fly has been one that imitated a piece of the algae they like so much.

The thrill of sight casting
There are few words to describe the feeling of seeing the giant hanging in the water, carefully placing your fly in the exact location and watching as he takes it in and off you go - the best fight you will have! Hang on and enjoy the ride. He will turn and smack the water with his tail and it’s on! You’re in for a long and steady buzzing on your drag as he pulls the line out of your real and a good strong fight to get him into the boat. That’s if you’re lucky enough to land him. It takes the grace, power and patience it takes to land a fish like that without braking your line.

Lake Mohave water level is down but fishing is still good.

Bass and bluegill are on the bite. Try drop shot with plastics at about 25 feet for the bass. Bluegill will go after the “tried-and-true” worm on a hook.

You will find bass hanging out around the artificial fish habitats installed by the game and fish. They are at depths of 10-15 feet of water. Also look for submerged trees, bushes and shrub.

Lake Mead is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch some nice sized striped bass. However, even though the water levels have risen, fishing has slowed.

Night fishing is a popular sport at Lake Mead, especially for striped bass. Get out on the lake at about 5pm with artificial lights.

Fly anglers will be happy. Very good reports are coming in for Lees Ferry. The water flows are back to normal and the fishing is getting better every day.

Trout have moved back into the riffles and are feeding on all the food being stirred up with the fluctuations in the water flow. The trout have been large and healthy.

Fly anglers - Fly fishing is excellent. Try San Juan worms or zebra midges. Wading is a challenge with the fast moving water. Use caution. Not recommended for inexperienced fly anglers.

Walk in anglers - Fishing is very good. The trout are biting and feeding. Take care in this area with the water levels, it is moving very fast, you don’t want to get yourself into a mess and unable to get back.

Spin anglers - Spin casting is also working well for anglers. Try glo bugs bounced off the bottom. Contact the guides and Lees Ferry Anglers to inquire about the correct weight to be used.

Lake Powell has risen 45 feet this year providing an optimal habitat for all it’s aquatic life. Food is abundant, shelter is easily found and the angler is left a little frustrated. This season the fish are fat and happy and are less likely to strike a bait when their stomachs are full.

If you’re lucky to find a striper boil, you will probably leave for the day with you full catch in hand. However, most of us aren’t quite as lucky. But not all is lost and Lake Powell is still one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in Arizona.

Lake Powell fishing tips

• Trolling is working great for anglers down around the inflows where abundant shad are hanging out.
• You can also get out to the Hite or San Juan and use a diving lure down to about 20 feet.
• Early morning use surface lures around shad schools. During the day try drop shots at about 25 feet.
• If you’re shad looking lure is not working, try a bright colored lure like a fire tiger crankbait. This might trigger the striper into striking out of frustration.

We can expect 2009 fishing season to be excellent as the fish continue to eat to their fill and live relatively safe in all the new shelter created by the rising waters.

Arizona has a lot to offer in terms of freshwater fishing lakes. Here’s a run down a few of the most popular lakes in AZ and the most popular fish to be caught there.

Top Picks for Fall Fishing in Arizona

1. Alamo Lake - largemouth bass and channel catfish
2. Lake Havasu - striped bass and smallmouth bass
3. Martinez Lake - largemouth bass
4. Imperial Division - largemouth bass
5. Walter’s Camp - largemouth bass
6. Colorado river - largemouth bass - Palo Verde Diversion Dam