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Picture this: you're casting your line into pristine Arizona waters just an hour from Phoenix, surrounded by stunning Sonoran desert scenery that most anglers never get to experience. This isn't your typical crowded lake fishing – we're talking about hidden gems tucked away in the back country where the bass are hungry and the views are jaw-dropping. Todd, one of Arizona's pioneering bass-on-the-fly guides, will show you techniques that took him years to master while you soak up the desert wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your skills or someone ready to discover what Arizona's back country fishing is really about, this personalized trip delivers the goods from mid-March through early January.
This is pure back country fishing at its finest – no marina crowds, no weekend warriors buzzing around in their wake boats. We're hitting secluded lakes where the only sounds you'll hear are your line cutting through the air and maybe a coyote calling in the distance. Todd keeps this trip intimate with just one guest at a time, so you get his full attention and can really dial in your technique without distractions. The desert backdrop is something else – massive saguaros standing guard over the water, rugged mountain ridges cutting the horizon, and that famous Arizona light that photographers dream about. You'll start whenever works best for your schedule, and Todd's flexible approach means we adapt to conditions and your skill level. Don't worry about the learning curve – Todd's been perfecting the Arizona bass game for years and knows exactly how to get you hooked up while building your confidence on the water.
Arizona bass fishing requires a different approach than what you might be used to back home, and that's where Todd's expertise really shines. We're primarily working with fly gear, targeting structure and cover that largemouth bass love in these desert impoundments. Think rocky points, submerged timber, and weed lines where bass ambush their prey. Todd will walk you through reading the water – spotting those subtle differences in depth and structure that separate good anglers from great ones. The fly selection here is crucial since these fish see a lot of pressure from conventional tackle, but they're suckers for a well-presented fly. You'll learn to work streamers through the zones where big bass lurk, and Todd's got patterns that have been producing in these waters for decades. The striped and white bass that cruise these lakes add an element of surprise – when they're feeding, the action can get seriously hot with multiple species mixed in the same schools.
"Wonderful guide (Todd) who fully engaged with my grandson. Made the trip fun and interesting! Derek took great care in making arrangements and follow up. Highly recommend! Cal Gauss" - Cal
"My son and I fly-fished with Todd the Frog and had a blast! Quality fish caught. Our guide was first class and the communication from the fly shop was awesome. We knew right where to meet and exactly what we needed to bring. I definitely will be booking again!" - Johnny
Arizona largemouth bass are something special – they're scrappy, aggressive, and perfectly adapted to these desert lake systems. These fish average 2-4 pounds with plenty of opportunities for bigger specimens, especially during the cooler months when they're actively feeding to bulk up. What makes Arizona bass fishing unique is how these fish relate to structure in clear, deep water. They're incredibly sight-oriented and will crush a well-presented fly with savage strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The best action typically happens early morning and late afternoon when the desert heat backs off and bass move shallow to hunt. During the summer months, they go deeper but Todd knows the spots where they stack up in the thermocline. Spring and fall are absolutely prime time – the fish are aggressive, weather's perfect, and you'll often find them in predictable patterns that make for consistent action. These bass have serious shoulders on them from fighting the current and structure in these rocky desert lakes, so even a 3-pounder will give you a memorable fight on fly gear.
This back country bass experience delivers everything serious anglers are looking for – personalized instruction from a top-rated guide, access to waters most people never see, and the chance to target quality Arizona largemouth in their desert habitat. Todd's reputation speaks for itself, and the fact that guests keep coming back tells you everything about the quality of this trip. With nearly year-round fishing opportunities and flexible scheduling, there's no reason to wait. Whether you want to sharpen your fly fishing skills, explore Arizona's hidden bass waters, or just spend a day in some of the most beautiful country you'll ever fish, this trip checks all the boxes. The one-on-one format means you'll learn more in a day than most anglers pick up in a season, and Todd's laid-back approach ensures you'll have a blast while doing it. Give Lo Water Guide Service a call to lock in your dates – these personalized trips fill up fast, especially during the prime spring and fall periods when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
March 23, 2024
My son and I fly-fished with Todd the Frog and had a blast! Quality fish caught. Our guide was first class and the communication from the fly shop was awesome. We knew right where to meet and exactly what we needed to bring. I definitely will be booking again!
May 7, 2024
Arizona's largemouth bass are solid fighters that'll test your skills, typically running 12-24 inches and 2-4 pounds. These green bruisers love hanging around submerged structure, thick vegetation, and rocky drop-offs in our desert lakes. They're most active during the cooler months from March through early January when water temps are prime. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they'll jump and run when hooked - pure adrenaline on the fly rod. The meat's actually pretty tasty too if you keep a few from clean water. Here's a local trick: when the water's murky after recent rains, throw something bright and flashy. These bass are suckers for red colors and anything that creates vibration. They hunt by feel as much as sight, so don't be afraid to make some noise with your retrieve.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
Wonderful guide (Todd) who fully engaged with my grandson. Made the trip fun and interesting! Derek took great care in making arrangements and follow up. Highly recommend! Cal Gauss