Fishing in Arizona. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Arizona

Below are 39 types of fish that can be caught in Arizona. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Arizona and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Arizona to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

American gizzard shad

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Arizona

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Arizona. Each Arizona body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Lake Powell

Lake Mead

Lake Havasu (CA, AZ)

Theodore Roosevelt Lake (AZ)

Lake Saint Clair (AZ)

Mittry Lake (AZ)

Alamo Lake (AZ)

Martinez Lake (CA, AZ)

Show Low Lake (AZ)

Islands Lake 2 (AZ)

Chaparral Lake (AZ)

Morrison Ranch Lake (AZ)

Licenses for fishing in Arizona

For a comprehensive list of all license types and detailed regulations, you should refer to the Arizona Game and Fish Department and eRegulations websites. These resources provide the most current and complete information about fishing licenses in Arizona.

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident	Details
General Fishing	$37	$55	-
Combo Hunt & Fish	$57	$160	-
Youth Combo Hunt & Fish	$5	$5	For anglers aged 10-17
Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish	$15/day	$20/day	Daily rate
Community Fishing	$24	$24	-
Migratory Bird Stamp	$5	$5	-
Pioneer License (70+ years)	Free	-	Requires 25 consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident
Disabled Veteran License	Free	-	Requires certification of 100% service-connected disability
Apprentice Hunting License	Free	Free	Valid for any two consecutive days
Boy Scout and Girl Scout High Achievement License	$5	-	For Scouts reaching the highest level in their organization

Fishing Regulations in Arizona

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is restricted to specific permits and designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is limited in certain waters to protect native species and ecosystems.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specified waters.

Catch Limits

Trout: Daily limit varies by area, typically 4-6 fish with size restrictions in some waters.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Daily limit of 6, with a minimum length of 13 inches in most waters.
Catfish (Channel and Flathead): Daily limit varies, often no more than 4 fish, with size restrictions in some areas.
Crappie: Daily limit of 15-25, depending on the water body.
Walleye: Daily limit varies, often 6 fish with size restrictions in some areas.
Bluegill and Sunfish: No daily limit, no size limit.
Carp: No daily limit, no size limit.
Pike: Daily limit varies, with size restrictions in some waters.
Striped Bass: Daily limit varies, especially in Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Yellow Perch: No daily limit, no size limit.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or public safety reasons.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in state parks and wildlife areas.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or barbless hooks.
Slot limits for bass and other species in certain lakes and rivers.
Special regulations in urban fishing waters and community fishing lakes.
Managed waters with specific bag and possession limits for sustainable fishing.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits and adherence to guidelines.
Conservation efforts for native fish species and habitat restoration projects.
Monitoring and enforcement to protect vulnerable ecosystems and species.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Seasonal fishing regulations for certain species to ensure sustainability.
Temporary closures of specific waters for conservation or emergency reasons.
Regulations adjusted based on annual fish population surveys and environmental conditions.
Special rules for ice fishing, including gear and shelter regulations, in colder months.

Most popular cities for fishing in Arizona

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Arizona. Cities in Arizona include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.