Best Arizona BackCountry Bass | Lo Water Guide

Arizona Bass Fly Fishing with Todd the Frog

Just one hour from Sky Harbor Airport, you'll find yourself casting flies to some of Arizona's best largemouth bass. This isn't your typical desert fishing story – these lakes hold serious fish, and Todd knows exactly where to find them. As one of the pioneers of Arizona's bass-on-fly scene, Todd has spent years perfecting techniques that work in our unique Sonoran desert waters. Whether you're new to fly fishing or looking to dial in your bass game, this personalized one-on-one trip puts you right in the action. The desert backdrop adds something special to every cast, and with our long season running from mid-March through early January, you've got plenty of opportunities to get out there.

What to Expect on the Water

This trip is all about you and the fish. With just one guest per trip, Todd can focus completely on your technique, whether you're learning to strip streamers or perfecting your topwater presentation. The lakes we fish are surprisingly productive – don't let the desert setting fool you. These waters hold quality largemouth bass that fight hard in the clear, warm water. You'll also have shots at striped bass and white bass when they're moving through the area. Todd's flexible with start times, so we can work around your schedule and hit the water when conditions are prime. The Sonoran landscape makes every photo worth keeping, but the real memories come from feeling that first bass slam your fly. Todd brings all the gear you'll need, but if you've got your own setup, he's always happy to help you fine-tune it for desert bass fishing.

Flies and Techniques That Work

Bass fly fishing in Arizona requires a different approach than what works in other regions. Todd has developed patterns and techniques specifically for these desert lakes, taking into account water temperature, clarity, and the unique forage base. You'll learn to work streamers through structure, present poppers and divers in the shallows, and read the water like a local. The stripping techniques that trigger strikes here are different from traditional trout methods – bass want aggressive, erratic movement that mimics the baitfish and crawdads they're feeding on. Todd's fly selection includes proven desert patterns in colors that work in our bright, clear conditions. You'll get hands-on instruction with casting, line management, and the retrieve patterns that consistently produce. The beauty of one-on-one instruction is that Todd can adapt the lesson to your skill level, whether you need help with basic casting or want to master advanced techniques for targeting structure.

What Anglers Are Saying

"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

Target Species Breakdown

Largemouth bass are the stars of this show, and Arizona's desert lakes produce some beautiful fish. These aren't the sluggish bass you might expect in warm water – they're aggressive, healthy fish that use the lake's structure to ambush prey. Peak action typically runs from late spring through early winter, with the best topwater fishing happening during the cooler months. Summer bass go deeper but still respond well to streamers worked slowly along drop-offs and submerged structure. What makes these fish special is their willingness to eat flies in clear water – they're not spooked easily, and once you dial in the right presentation, you can have multiple fish days. The average fish runs 12 to 16 inches, but Todd regularly puts clients on bass pushing 18 inches or better. These fish fight exceptionally hard on fly tackle, making long runs and jumping when they feel the hook. The bonus species – striped bass and white bass – show up seasonally and add variety to the day. When they're around, they travel in schools and can provide fast action between largemouth spots.

Time to Book Your Spot

Todd's calendar fills up, especially during peak season when the weather's perfect and the bass are most active. The beauty of this trip is its accessibility – you can fly into Phoenix and be fishing world-class bass water in under two hours. Todd's reputation as a top-rated guide in the Arizona bass scene means spots go fast, particularly for weekend dates. The personalized instruction and proven fish-producing locations make this a customer favorite for both beginners and experienced anglers looking to up their bass game. With flexible start times and Todd's expert guidance, you're guaranteed to leave with new skills and confidence on the water. The combination of quality fishing, desert scenery, and professional instruction creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait – these one-on-one trips book quickly, and the best fishing windows won't last forever.