The Best Places to SUP Fish in Arizona: A Guide to Prime Fishing Locations and Techniques

Arizona, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant waterways, offers exceptional opportunities for Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) fishing. Whether you're an avid angler or a beginner seeking an adventure, this article will guide you through the best places to SUP fish in northern, western, eastern, and southern Arizona. We will explore the types of fish you can catch, the best time of year to fish each location, and the recommended lures or bait to maximize your chances of success. So lets check out some of the best places for sup fishing in Arizona.

Key Highlights

  1. Diverse Fishing Locations: Covering northern, western, eastern, and southern Arizona, showcasing a variety of serene lakes and reservoirs ideal for SUP fishing.

  2. Targeted Fish Species: Detailed insights on the types of fish available at each location, including largemouth bass, trout, catfish, and more, catering to the preferences of different anglers.

  3. Optimal Fishing Seasons: Guidance on the best time of year to fish each location, emphasizing spring and fall for most areas due to moderate water temperatures and fish activity.

  4. Recommended Lures and Baits: Expert recommendations for lures or bait to maximize your chances of a successful catch, tailored to the specific fish species of each location.

  5. SUP Fishing Tips: Additional resources on SUP fishing tips, techniques, and the right equipment, including the Glide O2 Angler—perfect for fishing adventures.

Northern Arizona:

  1. Lake Powell:

    Lake Powell

    Nestled within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is a vast reservoir that spans both Arizona and Utah. This scenic location offers superb SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can target a variety of species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and walleye. The best time to fish Lake Powell is during the spring and fall when the water temperatures are moderate. For bass, try using plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Cut bait or chicken liver can be effective for catfish.

  2. Ashurst Lake:

    Ashurst Lake

    Situated in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Ashurst Lake is known for its serene ambiance and excellent trout fishing. Here, you can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally northern pike. The best time to fish at Ashurst Lake is in spring and fall. For trout, use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or spinners like Panther Martins or Rooster Tails.

  3. Lake Mary:

    Upper Lake Mary

    Located just southeast of Flagstaff, Lake Mary is another fantastic spot for SUP fishing. This picturesque lake offers opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The prime fishing season at Lake Mary is from spring to early summer. Use bait such as worms, PowerBait, or small spinners for trout. Plastic worms, crankbaits, or jigs can be effective for bass.

  4. Willow Springs Lake:

    Willow Springs Lake

    Nestled in the Mogollon Rim region, Willow Springs Lake is renowned for its scenic beauty and thriving fish populations. Anglers can target a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and catfish. The best time to fish here is from spring to early summer and during the fall. For trout, try using worms, PowerBait, or small spinners. Catfish can be caught using stink baits or chicken liver.

  5. Lee Valley Lake:

    Situated in the White Mountains, Lee Valley Lake is a hidden gem for SUP fishing enthusiasts. This serene lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and it offers a tranquil fishing experience. The best time to fish at Lee Valley Lake is in spring and fall. No bait fishing is allowed, use small spinners to entice the trout.

Western Arizona:

  1. Lake Havasu:

    Lake Havasu

    Located on the Colorado River, Lake Havasu is a renowned fishing destination famous for its abundant populations of bass, catfish, and panfish. Largemouth bass are the primary target species here, with some individuals reaching impressive sizes. The best time to fish Lake Havasu is during the spring and fall. For bass, use plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Cut bait or chicken liver can be effective for catfish.

  2. Alamo Lake:

    Alamo Lake

    Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley, Alamo Lake is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and thriving catfish population. The prime fishing season at Alamo Lake is during the spring and fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures. Catfish can be caught using stink baits, chicken liver, or nightcrawlers.

  3. Lake Pleasant:

    Lake Pleasant

    Located northwest of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is a popular recreational destination that offers excellent SUP fishing opportunities. Anglers can target largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, catfish, and sunfish. The best time to fish Lake Pleasant is during the spring and fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits. Cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits are effective for catfish.

  4. Mittry Lake:

    Mittry lake

    Situated near Yuma, Mittry Lake is a hidden gem in the southwestern region of Arizona. This peaceful lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and sunfish. The best time to fish Mittry Lake is during the cooler months of fall and winter. For bass, use plastic worms, jigs, or spinnerbaits. Catfish can be caught using cut bait, stink baits, or chicken liver.

  5. Lake Mohave:

    Lake Mohave

    Sharing its waters with Nevada, Lake Mohave is a stunning reservoir located along the Colorado River. Anglers can target smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and sunfish. The best time to fish Lake Mohave is during the spring and fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits. Cut bait, chicken liver, or anchovies are effective for catfish.

Eastern Arizona:

  1. Big Lake:

    Nestled in the White Mountains, Big Lake is a popular fishing destination known for its superb trout fishing. This picturesque lake offers opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally brook trout. The best time to fish at Big Lake is during the spring, summer, and fall. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners for trout.

  2. Becker Lake:

    Located near Springerville, Becker Lake is a well-regarded destination for trophy-sized trout. This catch-and-release lake is famous for its large rainbow trout and brown trout. The best time to fish at Becker Lake is during the cooler months of fall and winter. Use nymphs, streamers, or midge patterns for trout.

  3. Crescent Lake:

    Crescent Lake

    Situated in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Crescent Lake is a scenic lake known for its healthy populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and tiger trout. The prime fishing season at Crescent Lake is from spring to fall. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners to target trout.

  4. Lyman Lake:

    Lyman Lake

    Located near St. Johns, Lyman Lake offers a peaceful fishing experience with opportunities to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and sunfish. The best time to fish Lyman Lake is during the spring and fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits. Cut bait or chicken liver can be effective for catfish.

  5. Luna Lake:

    Luna Lake

    Nestled in the White Mountains, Luna Lake is a serene fishing destination known for its healthy populations of trout, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The best time to fish at Luna Lake is from spring to fall. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners for trout.

Southern Arizona:

  1. Patagonia Lake:

    Patagonia Lake

    Situated near Nogales, Patagonia Lake is a picturesque reservoir known for its diverse fish species. Anglers can target largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The best time to fish Patagonia Lake is during the spring and fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures. Cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits are effective for catfish.

  2. Parker Canyon Lake:

    Parker Canyon Lake

    Located in the Huachuca Mountains, Parker Canyon Lake offers a tranquil fishing experience with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and sunfish. The prime fishing season at Parker Canyon Lake is from spring to fall. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners for trout. Plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures are effective for bass.

  3. Pena Blanca Lake:

    Pena Blanca Lake

    Nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley, Pena Blanca Lake is a serene fishing destination known for its populations of stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. The best time to fish Pena Blanca Lake is during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners for trout. Plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits are effective for bass. Cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits can be used for catfish.

  4. Arivaca Lake:

    Arivaca Lake

    Situated near the town of Arivaca, Arivaca Lake is a small but productive fishing spot where anglers can catch largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. The prime fishing season at Arivaca Lake is from spring to fall. For bass, try using plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures. Cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits are effective for catfish.

  5. Riggs Flat Lake:

    Located in the Coronado National Forest, Riggs Flat Lake offers a peaceful fishing experience with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The best time to fish at Riggs Flat Lake is from spring to fall. Use PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or small spinners for trout.

Conclusion:

glide paddlesports

Arizona provides a wealth of fantastic locations for SUP fishing, ranging from scenic lakes and reservoirs to serene mountain streams. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, trout, catfish, or other species, each region of Arizona offers unique fishing experiences. Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses before venturing out. So grab your paddleboard, fishing gear, and explore the incredible SUP fishing opportunities Arizona has to offer.

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For wildlife tips check out our blog and this article on Beginners Guide To Bird Watching. And don't forget to read our article on Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wildlife Encounters. For a complete guide of where to paddle board in every state, this one is for you! The best places to paddle board in the United States a state by state tour of where to paddle board with Glide Paddle Boards. Or perhaps something international is what you are looking for, then these two articles will help out. Check out the ultimate guide on finding places to paddle board near you for tips and tricks on finding new and exciting places near you! And for international spots Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board is for you