🐟 Apache Lake, AZ Fishing Report Today 🎣

2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago

Apache Lake, located in central Arizona’s Salt River chain, is known for its scenic canyon setting and diverse fishing opportunities for both warmwater and coldwater species.

Content

Weekly Catches
Weather & Marine Conditions
Fishing Conditions & Tips
Regulations & Notices
Fishing Dashboard 🎣
Fishing Spots Map

Weekly Catches

No verified catches in the last 7 days; the catches below cover the last 15 days.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass action at Apache Lake has been described as “hit or miss” in late September, with anglers reporting success by targeting fish chasing bait near grass beds and steeper banks. The bite is transitioning, with some fish moving shallow and others remaining mobile offshore. The topwater bite is present but inconsistent, producing occasional quality fish but not high numbers. Jerkbaits are recommended as a productive choice during this period, especially as fish begin to key in on baitfish in the fall.

Recent outings have produced up to 25 bass in a single trip using big worms, with several “good ones” among the catch.
Anglers are advised to focus on areas with grass and steeper banks for more consistent results.
The offshore bite is less reliable, with fish moving frequently and not yet settled into deep patterns.

Smallmouth Bass

While not as frequently reported as largemouth, smallmouth bass are present in Apache Lake. Anglers have found success along rocky shorelines using jig heads and swimbaits in shad colors. The bite tends to improve with cooler, cloudy days and drops in barometric pressure.

Target rocky areas and transition zones for smallmouth bass.
Best results come from using smaller jigs and plastics.

Channel Catfish

Channel catfish have been reported as active at Apache Lake, with the bite expected to pick up as the end of the spawning period approaches. Nightcrawlers and chicken livers are effective baits for targeting catfish in the river sections and coves.

Focus on evenings and overnight for best catfish action.
Use nightcrawlers or chicken livers for consistent results.

Bluegill

Bluegill fishing remains excellent, with anglers catching good numbers around submerged structure and near the shoreline. Small jigs and worms are the preferred baits.

Look for bluegill near brush piles and rocky points.
Use small jigs or worms for best success.

Weather & Marine Conditions

Apache Lake is experiencing typical late summer to early fall conditions, with water levels lower than average and visibility ranging from 1 to 3.5 feet. The water color is described as “dingy” in some areas, which is generally favorable for bass fishing. The cleanest water offers up to 4 feet of visibility. Boaters should exercise caution due to low water and exposed hazards.

Surface temperatures are seasonally warm, supporting active feeding for bass and panfish.
Monsoon activity has tapered off, leading to drier weather and stable fishing conditions.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

With the seasonal transition underway, anglers are encouraged to adapt their tactics to the changing behavior of fish at Apache Lake. Shallow water patterns are becoming more productive as temperatures begin to drop, and the fall migration of baitfish is triggering increased activity among predatory species.

Early morning and late evening are prime times for topwater and reaction baits.
As October approaches, expect the topwater bite to improve, especially for largemouth bass.
For deeper fish, electronics can help locate schools as they begin to move offshore later in the season.
Focus on areas with grass, steeper banks, and transition zones for consistent action.

Regulations & Notices

Apache Lake follows statewide Arizona fishing regulations. The current 2025–2026 rules specify open periods, general methods, and bag limits for all major species. Notably, the limit for bass is 2 fish with a minimum size of 13 inches, and the limit for channel catfish is 4 per day. Anglers are reminded that the use of live minnows and fish as bait is prohibited in many Arizona waters, and it is illegal to transport or release live fish. Always consult the latest regulations before fishing, and report any illegal activity to Operation Game Thief.

Bag limit for bass: 2 fish, minimum 13 inches.
Bag limit for channel catfish: 4 fish per day.
Bag limit for bluegill: 5 fish per day.
Check the official regulations booklet or portal for updates and special notices.