Fishing At Saguaro Lake

AKA: Lake Saguaro

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill and yellow bass at Saguaro Lake in Arizona.

By Rick Seaman

A picturesque, 1,200-acre reservoir, Saguaro Lake is the last of four lakes on the Salt River chain of lakes, in central Arizona. It is an easy 45 minute drive northwest of Mesa AZ on State Highway 87 to the Bush Highway turnoff. The marina offers boat rentals and has a nice restaurant for lunch or dinner overlooking the water. Camping is limited, most requiring boat access, with limited facilities.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

In summer months get up early if you want to fish or go boating at Saguaro on the weekends. Often the parking lot is full by 6:00am and no other boats will be allowed into the lake parking areas.

Josh Schreck Bass at Saguaro Lake
Josh Schreck of Gilbert, AZ likes his new favorite lure, a spinnerbait. This big bass took it very shallow and made his day!

Saguaro Lake, located in central Arizona, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Known for its stunning desert scenery and crystal-clear waters, Saguaro Lake offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Fishing is a major attraction at the lake, as it is home to a diverse range of fish species. Anglers can target popular game fish such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and crappie. Whether you prefer casting from the shoreline or fishing from a boat, Saguaro Lake provides ample opportunities to reel in a prized catch.

Lake Video

Bass fishing at Saguaro Lake in Arizona is an exhilarating adventure for anglers seeking to catch trophy-sized largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake's abundant underwater structures, including rocky shorelines, submerged vegetation, and man-made brush piles, provide the perfect habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques, such as casting with topwater lures early in the morning, flipping and pitching soft plastics into cover, or using crankbaits to target suspended fish. Saguaro Lake's clear waters and scenic desert backdrop add to the thrill of the chase. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, bass fishing at Saguaro Lake offers the opportunity to reel in some impressive catches while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Primary fish species residing in Saguaro Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bass fishing at Saguaro Lake

Bass fishing here can vary from real tough to really good. It is a deep canyon lake with relatively cleat water. Very little brush or vegetation resides in the lake, so bass tend to use rock structures as holding and feeding areas. Light line and small, finesse baits catch the bulk of the fish here. However, at times you can have luck with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, top water, jerk baits and a host of soft plastic lures.

Trout fishing at Saguaro Lake

Arizona Game & Fish Department stocks rainbow trout at the marina and at Butcher Jones Beach.

Saguaro Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: VIA BOAT
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Saguaro Lake is also a haven for boating enthusiasts. With its expansive size and calm waters, the lake is perfect for all types of watercraft. Boaters can enjoy leisurely cruises, water skiing, wakeboarding, or simply soaking up the sun on their boats. The scenic beauty of the Sonoran Desert surrounding the lake adds to the overall experience, making boating at Saguaro Lake a memorable adventure.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Precision Marine
Rentals: fishing boats, runabouts, pontoons, kayaks and canoes.
480-986-0969

Marinas

Saguaro Lake Marina
14011 N Bush Hwy
Mesa, AZ 85215
480 986-5546

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Saguaro Lake Marina
14011 N Bush Hwy
Mesa, AZ 85215
Two public boat launch ramps (#1 and #2) are located just north of the marina. Both are paved, with docks and paved parking.
480 986-5546

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

For those who want to spend more time in nature, Saguaro Lake offers limited camping facilities, available only by boat. Camping at Saguaro Lake allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert landscape and enjoy the peacefulness of the area. Campers can indulge in activities such as hiking nearby trails, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the campfire under the starry night sky.