Fishing At San Carlos Lake

AKA: San Carlos Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie and bluegill at San Carlos Lake in Arizona.

Located in eastern Arizona it is an easy one-half hour drive on US Highway 70 from Globe, AZ to the San Carlos Lake turnoff, south at State Highway 170. Check water levels before heading to San Carlos. The lake is often at low pool with very muddy-water conditions. Often 4-wheel drive is recommended for launching when the lake is low as ramps are out of water.

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San Carlos Lake, located in Arizona, is a hidden paradise for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse angling experience. Situated within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, this reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. The lake is known for its abundance of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.

Bass fishing is a major draw at San Carlos Lake, providing exciting action for anglers. The lake's structure, such as rocky points, submerged vegetation, and underwater channels, creates ideal habitats for bass to thrive. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques, such as casting with jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics, and enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful and aggressive fish.

Bass fishing in San Carlos Lake, Arizona is an exhilarating experience that draws anglers from near and far. San Carlos Lake is known for its healthy population of both largemouth bass, providing ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills and land some impressive catches. The lake's diverse underwater structure, such as rocky areas, submerged vegetation, and drop-offs, creates ideal habitats for bass to thrive. Anglers can employ various techniques, including flipping, pitching, and casting with a variety of lures and baits, to entice these elusive fish. The thrill of hooking into a powerful bass and experiencing its acrobatic leaps and powerful runs is a testament to the excitement that awaits bass anglers in San Carlos, Arizona.

Crappie fishing in San Carlos Lake, Arizona is a popular pursuit among anglers looking to reel in these delicious and sought-after panfish. San Carlos Lake is home to both black crappie and white crappie, offering a diverse fishing experience for crappie enthusiasts. Anglers can find crappie around submerged structures such as brush piles, fallen trees, and rocky areas. The key to a successful crappie fishing trip in San Carlos is to use light tackle, such as ultralight spinning rods, and employ techniques like vertical jigging or casting with small jigs or live minnows. The thrill of hooking into a slab-sized crappie and enjoying their delicate and flavorful meat is a true delight for anglers exploring the waters of San Carlos, Arizona.

Boating is a popular activity on San Carlos Lake, offering anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the expansive waters and access prime fishing locations. Whether you bring your own boat or rent one from the marina, the lake provides ample space for boating, water sports, and leisurely cruising. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make for a relaxing and enjoyable boating experience.

Camping facilities are available near San Carlos Lake, allowing anglers to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The reservation offers several campgrounds with amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and restrooms. Camping near San Carlos Lake provides anglers with the convenience of being close to the water, allowing for early morning and late evening fishing sessions.

San Carlos Lake offers a diverse range of fish species, boating opportunities, and camping facilities, making it a prime destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're targeting bass, seeking a tranquil boating experience, or simply enjoying the serenity of the campsite, San Carlos Lake provides an unforgettable fishing adventure in the picturesque Arizona landscape.

When full, San Carlos Lake is a 20,000-acre paradise for bass and crappie anglers.

Primary fish species residing in San Carlos Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

San Carlos Lake is famous for big bass and monster black crappie. Bass over 10 pounds are not uncommon, as well as crappie over 3 pounds.

Bass Fishing At San Carlos Lake

In spring and summer this can be a topwater haven, if the water is relatively clear. Big crankbaits, spinnerbaits and large worms work well when the bass are shallow. At higher pool levels there is plenty of brush in the shallows for bass and everything they eat. When the levels drop, rocks are the key to locating bass.

Crappie Fishing

Springtime, and especially during the spawn, is a crappie bonanza at San Carlos. The crappie are shallow and you'll have no trouble finding them. Look for the mass of boats in the river end of the lake. Small crappie jigs or live minnows fished on 6-pound line can deliver plenty of action with lots of 2-pound crappie - and occasionally some approaching 4 pounds. Casting or slow trolling are the preferred methods. Other times of the year, night fishing with crappie lights can deliver exceptional action.