Fishing San Carlos Lake
AKA: San Carlos Reservoir
By Rick Seaman
Popular Fish Species San Carlos Lake, AZ
Largemouth Bass Fishing
San Carlos Lake continues to deliver decent catches of largemouth bass, despite the continual water level fluctuations. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass remains rewarding. Largemouth bass, the crown jewel of San Carlos Lake, captures the attention of anglers with its size and predatory nature. These elusive bass thrive in the lake's submerged trees, rocky points, and coves. Techniques such as soft plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits prove effective in enticing strikes from largemouth bass. The thrill of hooking into a trophy-sized bass makes San Carlos Lake a premier destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. Plenty of underwater structure and brush provide great hiding and ambush points
Black Crappie Fishing
San Carlos Lake is literally a black crappie factory, with over 3 pounds very common. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. Crappie, a prized panfish species at San Carlos Lake, inhabit the deeper waters of the lake, presenting a different challenge for anglers. Known for their schooling behavior, crappie are often found near underwater brush and drop-offs. Techniques such as jigging and using live minnows prove effective in enticing crappie strikes. The crappie at San Carlos Lake grow to unusually large size and make for a fantastic fish fry. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range in the upper reaches of the lake. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Channel Catfish Fishing
For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish at San Carlos Lake, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 35 pounds, and San Carlos Lake holds some big catfish just waiting to be caught. For those seeking the thrill of night fishing, San Carlos Lake is home to channel catfish and flathead catfish. These nocturnal predators offer a unique challenge for anglers, with stink baits, cut bait, or live bait being popular choices for enticing catfish strikes. The moonlit waters of San Carlos Lake provide an opportunity for anglers to engage in the excitement of battling with robust catfish after sunset. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie and bluegill at San Carlos Lake in Arizona.
San Carlos Lake Fishing Video
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, often with quite muddy-water conditions. At most boat launching options 4-wheel drive is recommended for launching when the lake is low as ramps are out of water.
San Carlos Lake, AZ Fishing
San Carlos Lake, situated in the arid landscapes of Eastern Arizona, provides a captivating fishing experience with its diverse array of fish species. This expansive reservoir is known for its rugged landscape and varied underwater structures, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Bluegill Fishing
San Carlos Lake hosts a variety of other fish species that contribute to its diverse fishery. Bluegill, with their vibrant colors are often found near the shoreline and submerged vegetation. Anglers can enjoy the simplicity of bluegill fishing, using worms, small jigs, or prepared bait to entice these feisty sunfish. The accessibility of bluegill fishing makes it an excellent option for anglers of all skill levels, adding a relaxing and enjoyable dimension to the fishing experience at San Carlos Lake.
San Carlos Lake's diverse habitats, including rocky shorelines, submerged brush, and drop-offs, contribute to a balanced and thriving fishery. Whether casting from the shoreline, navigating these by boat, or trying different techniques to target specific species, San Carlos Lake offers a rewarding fishing adventure.
San Carlos Lake, located in Eastern 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.
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.
San Carlos Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Guides On San Carlos Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing Permits & AZ License
San Carlos Lake requires a fishing permit from San Carlos Recreation & Wildlife.
Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
San Carlos Lake Campground - 928 475-2343
Sodacanyon Complex Campground - 928 475-2756
San Carlos Lake AZ Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
San Carlos Lake
San Carlos Apache Nation
P.O. Box 1809
San Carlos, Arizona 85550
928 475-2343
Rick Seaman is a bass fishing enthusiast with over five decades of bass fishing experience, a retired bass tournament fisherman and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing. It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it" .
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San Carlos Lake in Arizona.
ARIZONA
General Fishing Info
Information about fishing lakes in Arizona
San Carlos offers some of the best crappie fishing in AZ.
