Maricopa County, AZ · Reservoir
Saguaro Lake
A scenic Salt River reservoir in the Phoenix metro, walled by desert cliffs — largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, and crappie within easy reach of the city.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish & Crappie — tied at the top (68/100)
4 species tied for best of 4 tracked at Saguaro Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Saguaro Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 4 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 6
6/day, no statewide minimum length.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 6
6/day in aggregate with other black bass.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 10
10/day in combination (Colorado River district); no size limit.
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 5 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 25
25/day (10 on some waters).
Source: Arizona regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Arizona
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Saguaro Lake: Arizona Game & Fish fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Saguaro Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Saguaro Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Saguaro Lake?
Saguaro Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Saguaro Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Saguaro Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Saguaro Lake have?
Saguaro Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Saguaro Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Saguaro Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Saguaro Lake tidal water?
No. Saguaro Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.