Mountain Bass: AZ's Wild West Lakes | Lo Water

Mountain Bass Fishing in Arizona's High Country

Picture this: you're cruising across pristine mountain waters surrounded by towering canyon walls, casting for bass species you won't find anywhere else in the desert. That's exactly what you'll get on our mountain bass fishing trips to Roosevelt and Apache Lakes. These aren't your typical Arizona fishing holes – we're talking about the Wild West's best-kept secrets, where smallmouth bass roam free and the scenery will blow your mind. Located in the northernmost part of the Salt River Chain, these reservoirs offer cooler temps, crystal-clear water, and some of the most technical bass fishing in the Southwest. Fair warning though – Apache Lake requires a seriously gnarly road to access, so we'll make the call on conditions before we head out.

What to Expect on the Water

These mountain lake trips are all about exploring Arizona's rugged backcountry by boat while chasing bass in some seriously dramatic settings. Roosevelt Lake spans over 21,000 acres when full, making it Arizona's largest lake, while Apache sits tucked into a narrow canyon that feels like you're fishing in a postcard. The cooler elevation means you'll escape the valley heat – we're talking 15-20 degrees cooler up here, which makes for comfortable fishing even during Arizona's brutal summer months. Both lakes feature deep, clear water with plenty of structure like submerged trees, rocky points, and steep canyon walls that bass absolutely love. You'll be fishing from our well-equipped boat, so no need to worry about navigating these waters on your own. The road into Apache can be pretty rough, especially after storms, so we always check conditions and make the final call on which lake we'll hit based on access and fishing conditions.

Techniques & Tackle

Mountain bass fishing requires a completely different approach than what most Arizona anglers are used to. We're dealing with deeper, clearer water and more finicky fish, so finesse techniques are your best friend here. Expect to throw drop shots, shaky heads, and small swimbaits around rocky structure and submerged timber. The water clarity means bass can see your line, so we'll be using fluorocarbon leaders and downsizing our presentations. Topwater action can be world-class early morning and late evening – nothing beats watching a smallmouth explode on a popper with canyon walls echoing the splash. We'll also work deeper structure with football jigs and Carolina rigs when fish are holding in 20-30 feet of water. All tackle and gear are provided, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. The key up here is patience and precision – these mountain bass have seen plenty of lures, so presentation matters more than anywhere else in Arizona.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the real stars of these mountain lakes, and they're something special in Arizona since you can't find them in the valley reservoirs. These bronze fighters are absolutely explosive when hooked – pound for pound, they're the strongest bass species you'll encounter. Smallies here typically run 12-16 inches, with some real bruisers pushing 18-20 inches if you're lucky. They love rocky structure and current, so we'll focus around points, boulder fields, and creek channels. Best time to target them is spring through fall, with peak action happening in late spring when they're staging for the spawn. What makes smallmouth bass so exciting is their aerial show – these fish will jump multiple times during a fight, and in the clear mountain water, you can watch the whole battle unfold. They're also incredibly smart, often requiring multiple presentations before committing to a bite.

Largemouth bass also call these lakes home, though they behave differently than their desert cousins. The cooler water makes them more active during midday hours, and they tend to relate more to deeper structure. You'll find them around submerged trees, steep canyon walls, and deeper coves. These mountain largemouth average 13-17 inches but can grow much larger – Roosevelt has produced some true giants over the years. They're most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round with the right approach. The clear water means they're extremely line-shy, so we'll often downsize to 8-10 pound test to get bites. What's really cool about these fish is how they've adapted to the mountain environment – they're much more aggressive than typical clear-water bass, probably due to the abundant forage base in these lakes.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience Arizona bass fishing like you've never seen it before, this mountain adventure needs to be on your list. These trips book up fast, especially during the cooler months when valley anglers are looking to escape the heat. With space for just one angler, you'll get personalized instruction and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. Whether you're a seasoned bass pro or looking to learn new techniques, these mountain lakes offer something for everyone. The combination of stunning scenery, unique fishing opportunities, and cooler weather makes this one of our top-rated trips year after year. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best bass fishing Arizona has to offer – give Lo Water Guide Service a call and let's get you on the water where the Wild West meets world-class fishing.