Arizona

Desert Oasis Fishing — Surprising Bass & Trout Action

Fishing in Arizona

Arizona's desert reservoirs produce trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass. Lakes like Roosevelt, Apache, Pleasant, and Havasu offer world-class fishing in stunning desert landscapes. The state also has excellent trout fishing in mountain streams.

Tournament Scene

Active tournament scene on Roosevelt, Apache, Pleasant, Bartlett, and Havasu.

Local Tips

Roosevelt Lake is the top bass fishery. Lake Pleasant has excellent largemouth. Havasu produces big smallmouth.

Major Trails

B.A.S.S. WesternWON Bass

Local Circuits

Arizona Bass NationMidweek Bass AnglersArizona Bass Federation

Public Access

Good public access on most reservoirs with developed ramps.

Species in Arizona

What you can target and when

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Roosevelt Lake · Apache Lake · Lake Pleasant

JigCrankbaitSwimbaitSenko
Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Lake Havasu · Lake Mohave · Lake Powell

Drop shotNed rigTube jigJerkbait

Top Waters in Arizona

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Lake Havasu

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Colorado River reservoir famous for trophy smallmouth and striper fishing.

Top Species

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassStriped Bass

Best: Winter/Spring

Roosevelt Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Arizona's #1 bass lake. Desert reservoir with excellent year-round fishing.

Top Species

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassCrappie

Best: Winter/Spring

Upcoming Tournaments in Arizona

50 tournaments found

Largemouth Bass
Kayak

Alpha Payson Bass Classic

Payson, Arizona
Apr 5, 2026 – Apr 7, 2026
Largemouth Bass
FreeDetails
Common Carp
Open

Summer Lake Havasu City Carp Battle

Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Apr 9, 2026 – Apr 11, 2026
Common Carp
$150Details
Muskellunge
Open
Tomorrow

Storm Tucson Muskellunge Surge

Tucson, Arizona
Apr 14, 2026 – Apr 16, 2026
Muskellunge
FreeDetails
Crappie
Freshwater
2 weeks

Lightning Prescott Crappie Madness

Prescott, Arizona
Apr 23, 2026 – Apr 25, 2026
Crappie
$7500Details
Spotted Bass
Freshwater
2 weeks

Fall Yuma Bass Shootout

Yuma, Arizona
Apr 23, 2026 – Apr 24, 2026
Spotted Bass
$2000Details
Common Carp
Freshwater
2 weeks

Trophy Phoenix Carp Cup

Phoenix, Arizona
Apr 24, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026
Common Carp
$5000Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $37. Combination Hunt/Fish: $57.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $160. 5-Day: $55. 1-Day: $20.

Short-Term License

1-Day and 5-Day non-resident licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 10. Youth (10-17): $5.

Boat Registration

Required for all watercraft.

Tournament Permit

Special use permits required for tournaments on some waters.

Regulations Overview

6 bass daily limit. No minimum size on most waters. Special regulations on urban lakes.

America's Largest Fishing Tournament Directory

JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM

Start free and upgrade anytime. Access 2,000+ tournaments across all 50 states.

Free Member

$0/forever

  • Browse 2,000+ tournaments nationwide
  • Search by state, species & category
  • View tournament details & registration
  • Access species guide & state directory
  • Submit your own tournaments
JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM
MOST POPULAR

Pro Member

$9.95/month

  • Everything in Free, plus:
  • Priority email alerts for new tournaments
  • Advanced search filters & saved searches
  • Exclusive tournament deals & early access
  • Detailed angler stats & leaderboard insights
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Priority customer support
Upgrade to Pro — $9.95/mo

JOIN REELTOURNAMENTS.COM

Free to join · Pro $9.95/mo

Join Free Pro