Home to the rare Apache trout, Arizona is also full of spots for prime fishing of many species and in many areas. Ranging from mountainous regions to deserts and forests, the Grand Canyon State boasts diverse landscapes and serious fishing potential. Following are five regions for top-notch fishing in Arizona.
1. White Mountains
Chock full of freshwater lakes and streams, the White Mountains are considered by Arizonians to be the optimal fisherman's paradise. The Arizona government stocks the waters of the White Mountains with trout and other species every week from Memorial Day to Labor Day,
according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Fishermen can angle for Apache trout – only found in a few places in Arizona, and in no other state in the country – in the Black River's West Fork. Fool Hollow Lake is the body of water with the greatest variety of fish species on the White Mountains: rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappies, sunfish, catfish, and walleye inhabit its water. Northern pike catches are occasionally reported as well.
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2. Colorado River Northwest
One of the most remote, rugged regions of the state, the Colorado River Northwest region includes the Grand Canyon, the part of the Colorado River that stretches from Lake Havasu to Lake Powell, and Lake Mead. This desert region (except for the Grand Canyon) is unpredictable and extreme in its conditions; however, well-prepared anglers will find themselves rewarded. Three species of trout inhabit the streams of the Grand Canyon; other area waters contain largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, tilapia, sunfish, crappies, catfish, and walleye.
3. Mogollon Rim
Densely populated with lakes manmade by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in the 1950s and 1960s, the waters of the Mogollon Rim are teeming with trout. The lakes are surrounded by pine forests, and boast an elevation of 7,000 feet. Camping is widely available, making the Mogollon Rim the perfect place for a multi-day fishing expedition. In addition, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks area lakes from April to September. Rainbow trout and brown trout are plentiful. Apache trout only inhabit the Dude Creek while Bear Canyon Lake boasts a population of Artic grayling. Sunfish, northern pike, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass populate other lakes.
4. Central Arizona
Arizona's most popular fishing destination, the Central Arizona region is best for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappies. Home to white bass, striped bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and the occasional tilapia, Lake Pleasant contains the widest variety of species in the area. According to the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, the Salt River teems with trout, and stays a cool 65 degrees, even in the summer.
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