Arizona's Hidden Bass Lakes | Lo Water Guide

Mountain Bass Adventure in Arizona's High Country

Looking for something different than your typical desert bass fishing? This Mountain Bass trip takes you into Arizona's rugged high country where the scenery changes everything. We're talking about Roosevelt and Apache Lakes - two of the most northern reservoirs in the Salt River Chain that sit tucked into massive canyons. These aren't your typical Valley lakes. Up here, you'll find cooler temps, dramatic rock walls, and bass species we just don't see down south. Plus, you get the bonus of fishing for smallmouth bass alongside the usual largemouth suspects. Fair warning though - Apache Lake requires a pretty gnarly drive, so we'll make the call on which lake we hit based on conditions and what's fishing best.

What to Expect on the Water

This is a boat trip through some of the most scenic water Arizona has to offer. Picture this: you're casting into deep canyon pools with towering rock walls on both sides, and the temperature is actually comfortable instead of blazing hot. Roosevelt Lake is the easier access of the two, with decent roads and plenty of structure to work. Apache Lake is where things get interesting - the road in is rough enough that not everyone makes the trip, which means less pressure on the fish. Both lakes offer that authentic Wild West vibe you can't find anywhere else in the state. The water is typically clearer than what you'll find in the Valley, and the fish behave differently up here. We're looking at drop-offs, rocky points, and submerged timber that create perfect ambush spots for both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Techniques & Tackle

Mountain bass fishing requires a different approach than what works down in the desert. The cooler water means fish are more active during midday hours, which is a nice change from those early morning or late evening Valley grinds. We'll be working a mix of deep water and shallow structure depending on the season and conditions. Jigs and plastic worms work great for probing the rocky drops, while spinnerbaits and crankbaits can trigger reaction strikes along the points. For smallmouth, we might downsize our presentations - these fish can be pickier than their largemouth cousins. The boat gives us the mobility to cover water and find active fish, plus we can reach spots that bank anglers just can't get to. Don't worry about bringing gear - I've got everything we need including rods matched to the techniques that work best up here.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the real draw here since they're basically non-existent in the Valley lakes. These bronze fighters are pound-for-pound some of the strongest bass you'll ever hook. In Roosevelt and Apache, they typically run 12-16 inches with some bigger ones mixed in. Spring and fall are prime time for smallies when they're shallow and aggressive, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their attitude - smallmouth bass fight harder and jump more than largemouth, giving you that rodeo experience every angler loves. They also tend to school up, so when you find one, there's usually more in the area.

Largemouth bass up here behave differently than their desert cousins. The cooler water keeps them more active throughout the day, and they grow fat feeding on the abundant shad populations. You'll find them relating to the same rocky structure as the smallmouth, but they also love the deeper timber and weed edges. These mountain largemouth average a solid 14-18 inches with some real giants lurking in the depths. The best part is they're less pressured than fish in more accessible lakes, so they're more willing to bite and fight harder when hooked. Late spring through early summer is peak time when they're post-spawn and feeding heavily to recover.

Time to Book Your Spot

This Mountain Bass trip offers something you won't find on any other Arizona lake - a chance to catch smallmouth bass in absolutely stunning canyon country. Whether we end up on Roosevelt with its easier access and consistent action, or make the adventurous drive into Apache for those pristine, less-pressured waters, you're in for a day that's completely different from typical desert fishing. The cooler temperatures, dramatic scenery, and unique species mix make this a top-rated choice for anglers wanting to explore Arizona's wild side. Since this trip only takes one angler, you'll get personalized instruction and the flexibility to target whatever species is biting best. Ready to see what mountain bass fishing in the Wild West is all about? Let's get you on the water and show you why these canyon lakes are becoming a customer favorite among serious bass anglers.