Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Saguaro Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

YouTube video
Arizona Fishing | GIANT Bass at Saguaro Lake!!

Saguaro Lake, located about 40 miles northeast of Phoenix, is a fantastic spot for fishing. This 1,264-acre lake is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery, including towering canyon walls and iconic saguaro cacti. Anglers can catch a variety of fish here, such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, walleye, and carp. The Arizona Game and Fish Department regularly stocks the lake with rainbow trout, especially around the marina and Butcher Jones Beach. There are plenty of amenities to make your fishing trip enjoyable, including boat rentals, launch ramps, and picnic areas. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat, Saguaro Lake offers a peaceful and fun experience for anglers of all skill levels. Just remember to bring your Arizona fishing license and enjoy the day!

Lake Details

Saguaro Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • Saguaro Lake, nestled in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, is a fantastic spot for fishing. Just about 40 miles northeast of Phoenix, this lake offers stunning canyon views and plenty of fish. Whether you’re casting from the shore or a boat, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.​
  • Lake Details: Saguaro Lake spans approximately 1,264 acres and stretches about 10 miles in length. It has an average depth of 90 feet, with some areas reaching over 110 feet deep. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,506 feet, providing a cool escape from the desert heat.​
  • Fish Species: Anglers at Saguaro Lake can catch a variety of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, walleye, tilapia, yellow perch, and carp. The lake is known for its trophy-sized bass and diverse fish population.​
  • Fishing Conditions: Fishing is good year-round, but spring and fall are especially productive. During these seasons, fish are more active and closer to the surface. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for fishing, offering cooler temperatures and increased fish activity.​
  • Boating Regulations: Boating is allowed on Saguaro Lake, with two paved boat ramps available for launching. However, on weekends and holidays from April to October, the lake often reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day. It’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. A Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required for boating.​
  • Fishing Techniques: Different fishing techniques work well at Saguaro Lake. For bass, try using plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits near rocky areas and submerged structures. Catfish are often caught using stink baits or chicken liver, especially during the evening. Crappie and sunfish respond well to small jigs or live minnows. Adjusting your technique based on the target species can enhance your fishing success.​
  • Saguaro Lake offers a wonderful fishing experience amidst Arizona’s stunning desert scenery. With its variety of fish species, accessible facilities, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. So pack your fishing gear, grab some bait, and head out to Saguaro Lake for a memorable day on the water!
  • For the most current information on fishing conditions, regulations, and amenities, it’s advisable to consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department‘s official resources or contact local authorities directly.
Guide To Fly Fishing In Arizona Best Arizona Fishing Books Guides

Best Fishing Spots At Saguaro Lake

  • Butcher Jones Recreation Area: This popular shoreline spot offers easy access for bank fishing. It’s great for catching bass, sunfish, and catfish. The area has picnic tables and restrooms, making it family-friendly.
  • Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site: Located near the marina, this area provides both shore and boat fishing opportunities. It’s a good spot for targeting bass and crappie.
  • Upper Canyon Areas: Accessible by boat, the upper canyon sections of the lake are known for their scenic beauty and excellent fishing for bass and catfish. These areas are quieter and less crowded.
  • Weaver’s Needle Cove: This cove offers calm waters ideal for fishing. It’s a good place to catch a variety of fish species, including bass and sunfish.

Top Fish at Saguaro Lake Fishing Guide 🎣

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Saguaro Lake
  • Surface Acres: 1,264
  • Avg Depth: 90 feet
  • County: Maricopa County
  • Website:
  • Fs.usda.gov
  • SaguaroLakeMarina.com
  • VisitArizo na.com
  • Saguaro Lake Marina:
    The Saguaro Lake Marina is located at the Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site. It offers boat rentals, a restaurant, and supplies for your fishing trip. The marina is a convenient starting point for accessing various fishing spots around the lake.
  • Fishing License: A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

Lake Amenities

  • Boat Launch Ramps
    Saguaro Lake offers two paved boat ramps suitable for both motorized and non-motorized boats, making it easy to get on the water.
  • Boat Rentals
    If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one at the Saguaro Lake Marina. They offer a variety of boats to suit your fishing needs.
  • ShipRock Restaurant
    After a day of fishing, enjoy a meal at the ShipRock Restaurant located at the marina. They offer indoor and outdoor dining with beautiful lake views.
    Picnic Areas
    There are several picnic areas around the lake, including at Butcher Jones Beach and Saguaro del Norte, where you can relax and enjoy a meal.
    Restroom Facilities
    Restrooms are available at various locations around the lake, including the marina and recreation sites, for your convenience.
  • Fishing Supplies
    The marina has a store where you can purchase fishing supplies, snacks, and other essentials for your trip.

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Smallmouth Bass

Sunfish Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Sunfish

Black Crappie Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Black Crappie

White Crappie Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

White Crappie

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Channel Catfish

Tilapia Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Tilapia

Walleye Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques

Walleye

Yellow Perch Fishing Guide Baits Lures Techniques.webp

Yellow Perch

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

Purchase on Amazon →

Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

Purchase on Amazon →

Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

Purchase on Amazon →

Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →


Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Directions

FAQs

You can catch bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and yellow), rainbow trout, catfish, crappie, sunfish, walleye, and even carp!

Yes, if you’re 10 years old or older, you need a valid Arizona fishing license. You can get it online or at a local store.

You can do both! There are great spots along the shore like Butcher Jones Beach, or you can fish from a boat if you want to explore more of the lake.

Spring and fall are usually the best seasons. Early mornings and evenings are perfect times when the fish are most active.

Yes! The Saguaro Lake Marina offers boat rentals and has a restaurant called ShipRock where you can grab a bite after fishing.

Similar Posts