LAKE FISHING
LAKE PLEASANT ON Northwest of Phoenix
As Lake Pleasant expanded, small coves that were once only around 100 yards long began stretching deep into the surrounding mountains, extending for over a mile. This transformation has turned the lake into a paradise for anglers, with submerged brush, timber, and abundant vegetation now providing ample cover and nutrients to support a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Key upstream areas, such as Castle Creek, Humbug Creek, Cole’s Wash, and the east-side coves of Jackass and Honeymoon, have emerged as prime fishing spots.
The lake now hosts around sixteen different fish species, including Florida-strain largemouth bass and crappie, which have flourished in this enhanced environment. Lake Pleasant is particularly notable for being home to Arizona's only significant population of white bass.
This species, introduced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in the early 1960s to diversify fishing opportunities, went largely unnoticed at first. However, after several years, anglers began catching what they initially thought were unusual crappie, only to discover they were white bass.
Today, white bass are plentiful, especially in areas like Humbug Creek, where they aggressively hunt silver threadfin shad, causing the water to froth with activity. Lake Pleasant has also set records for white crappie and produced impressive trophy largemouth bass. The Arizona Game and Fish Department even regards the bluegill fishing here as the best in the state.
Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and bluegill.
Best Times: Early morning or late evening are typically the best times to fish, especially during the warmer months.
Gear Guide: If you're looking for a portable and reliable fishing boat, the Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat™ is our most popular boat. It’s a lightweight, inflatable pontoon boat that’s easy to transport and set up, making it a good option for anglers who want flexibility without needing a trailer. The boat is designed for one or two people and features a sturdy platform with enough space to stand and cast comfortably. Its dark green color helps it blend into natural surroundings, which can be an advantage in clear waters.
The 375fc is equipped with a Scotty™ Mount System, allowing you to attach various fishing accessories, and the boat’s durable 1,000 Denier material ensures it can handle bumps and scrapes during use. It folds down to a compact size for storage and is light enough for two people to carry. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you need a boat that offers stability, durability, and ease of use, especially in areas where traditional boats might be difficult to launch
The lake now hosts around sixteen different fish species, including Florida-strain largemouth bass and crappie, which have flourished in this enhanced environment. Lake Pleasant is particularly notable for being home to Arizona's only significant population of white bass.
This species, introduced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in the early 1960s to diversify fishing opportunities, went largely unnoticed at first. However, after several years, anglers began catching what they initially thought were unusual crappie, only to discover they were white bass.
Today, white bass are plentiful, especially in areas like Humbug Creek, where they aggressively hunt silver threadfin shad, causing the water to froth with activity. Lake Pleasant has also set records for white crappie and produced impressive trophy largemouth bass. The Arizona Game and Fish Department even regards the bluegill fishing here as the best in the state.
Fish Species: The lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and bluegill.
Best Times: Early morning or late evening are typically the best times to fish, especially during the warmer months.
Gear Guide: If you're looking for a portable and reliable fishing boat, the Sea Eagle 375fc FoldCat™ is our most popular boat. It’s a lightweight, inflatable pontoon boat that’s easy to transport and set up, making it a good option for anglers who want flexibility without needing a trailer. The boat is designed for one or two people and features a sturdy platform with enough space to stand and cast comfortably. Its dark green color helps it blend into natural surroundings, which can be an advantage in clear waters.
The 375fc is equipped with a Scotty™ Mount System, allowing you to attach various fishing accessories, and the boat’s durable 1,000 Denier material ensures it can handle bumps and scrapes during use. It folds down to a compact size for storage and is light enough for two people to carry. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you need a boat that offers stability, durability, and ease of use, especially in areas where traditional boats might be difficult to launch
This is one of the largest lakes in Arizona and is popular for both fishing and recreational activities. The lake is well-stocked and has several fishing tournaments.
