When you think about Scottsdale, you think about rugged mountain ranges and towering cacti in the Sonoran Desert, Native Americans and dusty cowboys, and beautiful turquoise jewelry. But unless you’re a serious angler, you wouldn’t associate this desert paradise with fishing. And the Scottsdale area has some great fishing opportunities in cool mountain lakes tucked between mountain peaks and rivers that cut through the mountains and into the desert. Grab your rod and let’s get started fishing in Scottsdale!
Lake Fishing with the Family
Pack everyone up and take the short drive to Granite Reef Recreation Site or Bartlett Lake. Leave the family behind at either lake where they can paddleboard, swim, hike, birdwatch and whatever, while you focus on fishing in Scottsdale. Fish for rainbow trout, large and smallmouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, tilapia, and more from the bank, boat, kayak or try it from a paddleboard.
Chaparral Lake is in west Scottsdale and is a perfect spot for a quick fishing trip. This 10-acre lake is stocked twice a month, with trout, catfish, and the occasional sunfish. Fish from the pier, or rent a kayak, canoe, or boat. Close by and easy.
Lake Fishing for the Serious Angler
Fishing in Scottsdale AZ in the following lakes on your own or with fellow anglers, so you can focus on your fishing. You won’t need a guide to catch fish in these lakes, and they’re all amazingly beautiful, so if the fish aren’t biting you can always just enjoy the scenery!
Lake Pleasant is about 30 minutes from downtown Scottsdale and is the state’s premier bass fishery. If you like to fly fish for stripers or largemouth, this is the place to be.
Lake Saguaro, only 45 minutes from Scottsdale, is known for its largemouth bass, but you can find smallmouth and yellow bass, channel catfish and walleye, and bluegill too. Fish below the towering canyon walls surrounding the lake or cast along the flats on the upper lake.
Try Canyon Lake next. Tucked in next to Superstition Mountain, this is another great spot if you’re still hunting that trophy largemouth. You can hook smallmouth, crappie, white and striped bass, and sunfish too.
River Fishing in Scottsdale AZ
There are many rivers cutting through the desert and mountains making their way south, with the Colorado and Salt River among the most well-known. And you can get some good-sized rainbow and brown trout in the Verde River and Tonto Creek, but it’s best to get a guide for fishing in and along the rivers. A good guide will know which sections are running low or cloudy and where to find the fish. And they’ll be able to take you into some areas that aren’t easily accessible from your vacation rental.
Guided Fishing Adventures
Sometimes the best way to fish in a new location is to hire a guide. They take care of all the details, they know all the best spots, and all you have to do is land your catch. A few area guides are The Hookup Outfitters, The Arizona Fishing Guides, and Fly Fish Arizona. Experienced angler or novice, fly or spinning, they’ll be able to match your experience with the right spot. You’ll be landing that trophy bass any minute now. When you need more information on area guides or pretty spots for some family-friendly fishing close to your rental, don’t hesitate to give our knowledgeable staff a call!