Get ready to wet a line in some of Arizona's best bass lakes, just a stone's throw from Phoenix. This trip hooks you up with Todd, one of the area's top guides and a true pioneer in the Arizona Bass on the Fly scene. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or just enjoy a day on the water, you're in for a treat. We'll be targeting largemouth bass primarily, but don't be surprised if we tangle with some striped or white bass along the way. It's a full-on desert fishing experience, with the Sonoran landscape as our backdrop.
We'll meet up about an hour from Sky Harbor International Airport, so you can go from tarmac to tackle box in no time. This trip is all about flexibility - we can start early to beat the heat or hit the water later if you're not an early riser. The sweet spot for this trip is from mid-March to early January, when the bass are most active and the desert weather is prime. It's just you and Todd on this one-on-one adventure, ensuring you get the undivided attention of a true Arizona bass expert. No need to pack a lunch - we're focused on fishing, not food, on this trip.
Depending on the season and conditions, we might be throwing topwater lures at dawn, working soft plastics along submerged structure, or even trying some fly fishing techniques if you're game. Todd's got a sixth sense for where the bass are hiding and what they're biting on any given day. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat, with all the gear you need provided. Don't worry if you're new to bass fishing - Todd's a patient teacher and can break down the techniques so even beginners can start hooking fish. For the more experienced anglers, he's always got some advanced tricks up his sleeve to help you land that trophy bass.
"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
Largemouth Bass: The star of the show in Arizona's lakes. These bucket-mouthed predators can grow to impressive sizes here, thanks to the warm climate and abundant forage. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but with the right tactics, you can catch largemouth year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a big bass blow up on a topwater lure at dawn.
White Bass: These scrappy fighters often show up in schools, providing fast and furious action when you find them. They're smaller than largemouth but make up for it in numbers and fight. White bass tend to be more active in the cooler months and can often be found chasing bait fish near the surface. When they're on, you can catch them one after another.
Striped Bass: The biggest and baddest of the bass in Arizona's waters. Stripers, as they're often called, can grow to monster sizes and put up an incredible fight. They're often found in deeper water, especially during the hot summer months. Catching a big striper on light tackle is a thrill that'll have you coming back for more. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, especially during the warmer months.
While every day on the water is different, we've been seeing some stellar action lately. Anglers have been hooking into chunky 4-5 pound largemouth with some regularity, and there's always the chance of tangling with a true Arizona giant in the 8-10 pound range. The white bass have been schooling up nicely, providing some rod-bending action when we find them. And for those looking for a real tussle, we've had some encounters with stripers pushing the 20-pound mark. Remember, it's not all about size - the thrill of the catch and the beauty of the desert surroundings make every fish special.
If you're itching to experience some of the best bass fishing Arizona has to offer, now's the time to lock in your date. Remember, it's just you and Todd on this trip, so you'll get personalized attention and a chance to really dial in your techniques. Whether you're a seasoned bass angler looking to explore new waters or a novice eager to learn from one of the best, this trip is tailored for you. The desert lakes are calling, and the bass are waiting. Give us a call to check availability and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, once you've fished with Todd and experienced the thrill of Arizona bass, you'll be hooked for life.
March 23, 2024
Largemouth bass are the stars of our Arizona lakes. These green-backed fish with their signature black stripe can grow up to 24 inches long, though most are in the 12-18 inch range. You'll find them lurking near structure - sunken logs, weed beds, and drop-offs. They're ambush predators, so look for them in shady spots during hot summer days. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass are actively feeding. Anglers love largemouth for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. These fish will test your skills, especially on light tackle. For a local tip: try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near submerged trees. The key is patience - let that worm sit still, then give it the slightest twitch. That often triggers the bite these bass can't resist.
Stripers are the heavyweight champs of Arizona's lakes. These powerful fish can top 20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40. You'll find them roaming open water, often near schools of shad. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times, especially in summer when they seek cooler depths during the day. Stripers are known for their hard-fighting nature - be ready for screaming runs when you hook up. Anglers love the challenge and the potential for trophy-sized fish. To target them, try trolling deep-diving crankbaits along underwater ledges or casting big topwater lures at dawn. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds to find feeding stripers, then quickly cast into the frenzy with a silver spoon. The action can be non-stop when you find a school on the feed.
White bass offer fast action and tasty fillets here in Arizona. These silver-sided fish typically run 10-12 inches, with some reaching 18. Look for them schooling near the surface, especially in river mouths and along points. They're most active in spring during their spawning run, but fall can be hot too when they chase shad. White bass hit hard and fight above their weight class, making them a blast on light gear. Anglers enjoy the fast-paced fishing when you find a school - it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast. To get into them, watch for splashing on the surface and cast small inline spinners or jigs into the fray. A local secret: troll crankbaits along bluff walls in the evening for bigger whites.
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