Most people think of Arizona as a desert wasteland with no water. Those people haven't fished here. Arizona has over 120 fishable lakes and reservoirs, miles of trout streams in the mountain country, and the Colorado River system running along the western border. The desert reservoirs produce trophy largemouth bass that rival anything in the Southeast. The mountain lakes and streams in the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim hold excellent trout populations in some of the most scenic water in the West. And the best part - you can fish year-round here because the low desert never freezes.
Fishing License in Arizona
You need a valid fishing license to fish in Arizona if you're 10 or older. Licenses are issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Buy online at azgfd.com, at authorized dealers, or at most AZGFD regional offices.
| License Type | Cost | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual (combo) | $37 | 1 year |
| Non-Resident Annual | $55 | 1 year |
| Resident 1-Day | $16 | 1 day |
| Non-Resident 1-Day | $16 | 1 day |
| Youth (10-17) | $5 | 1 year |
| Under 10 | Free | N/A |
| Trout Stamp (add-on) | $24.50 | 1 year |
Age exemptions: Children under 10 fish free in Arizona. Youth 10-17 pay a reduced rate. Residents born before September 1, 1930 can get a free Pioneer License.
Special permits: A trout stamp is required if you plan to fish for or possess trout. The combination license includes the trout stamp. If you buy a general fishing license separately, you must add the trout stamp for trout waters. Two-rod stamps are available for an additional fee.
Buy your license or check current fees on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Top 10 Fishing Spots in Arizona
From desert reservoirs to mountain trout streams, Arizona's best fishing spots cover a surprising range of terrain and species. Here are the ten you need to know.
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Download Free GuidePopular Fish Species in Arizona
Arizona offers a surprising variety for a desert state. Warm-water species dominate the low-elevation reservoirs while cold-water trout thrive in the mountains.
| Species | Season | Size Limit | Bag Limit | Best Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Year-round | 13" | 6/day | Jigs, senkos, crankbaits |
| Smallmouth Bass | Year-round | 13" | 6/day (combined) | Drop-shot, ned rigs, tubes |
| Rainbow Trout | Year-round | None (most waters) | 6/day | PowerBait, spinners, flies |
| Channel Catfish | Year-round | None | No limit | Cut bait, stink bait, worms |
| Crappie | Year-round | None | No limit | Small jigs, minnows |
| Striped Bass | Year-round | None (Lake Powell) | No limit | Anchovies, swimbaits, topwater |
| Walleye | Year-round | 13" | 6/day | Jig and nightcrawler, trolling |
| Flathead Catfish | Year-round | None | No limit | Live sunfish, live goldfish |
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Arizona's year-round warm climate means fishing never really stops. Low-desert lakes fish best in cooler months while mountain trout streams peak in spring and fall.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Rainbow Trout | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Catfish | - | - | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | - | - |
| Crappie | - | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | - | - | Good | Good | - |
| Striped Bass | - | - | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | - | - |
| Walleye | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | - | - | - | - | Good | Good | Peak | Good |
Fishing Regulations in Arizona
Arizona fishing regulations are managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Regulations vary by body of water, so always check the specific rules for where you're heading.
- Fishing hours: You can fish 24 hours a day on most Arizona waters.
- Rod limit: One rod per angler unless you purchase a two-pole stamp. Two rods allowed with the stamp.
- Live bait: Live bait is prohibited in many trout waters. Check specific regulations before using live minnows or crawfish.
- Trout stamp: Required if you plan to fish for, take, or possess trout. Included in the combo license.
- Tribal waters: Apache, Navajo, and other tribal waters require separate tribal permits. State licenses are not valid on reservation waters.
- Invasive species: It is illegal to release live bait fish into any Arizona waters. Drain boats and remove aquatic plants before moving between water bodies.
Always carry your current regulations booklet. Download the official PDF from the View official Arizona fishing regulations.
Tips for Fishing in Arizona
Fish the desert lakes in winter
While the rest of the country is frozen out, Arizona's low-desert reservoirs like Roosevelt, Bartlett, and Saguaro fish well from October through March. Bass and crappie are active in 55-65 degree water while your buddies back east are staring at ice. This is Arizona's secret fishing season.
Head to elevation for summer trout
When Phoenix hits 115 degrees, drive two hours to the White Mountains and fish at 7,000-9,000 feet where temps are in the 70s. Show Low Lake, Hawley Lake, and the East Fork of the Black River offer excellent trout fishing and a 40-degree temperature drop. Camping spots fill fast on summer weekends - arrive Thursday.
Chase the striper boils at Powell
Lake Powell's striped bass boils are one of the most exciting fishing events in the West. Schools of stripers push shad to the surface from May through September, creating visible surface eruptions. Keep a topwater rod rigged and ready - when you see birds diving, get there fast. Any surface lure that matches shad size will work.
Don't sleep on Lees Ferry in winter
Most anglers hit Lees Ferry on the Colorado River in spring and fall, but winter fishing produces the largest rainbow trout of the year. Cold water concentrates fish, and the dry fly fishing with midges on calm winter days can be outstanding. Fewer boats, bigger fish, and stunning Grand Canyon views.
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