🐟 Barlett Lake Fishing Report Today 🎣

2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago

Barlett Lake, located in central Arizona, is a popular destination for anglers targeting a variety of warmwater species. As fall approaches, changing water conditions and seasonal patterns are influencing the bite and fishing tactics across the lake.

Content

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

Weekly Catches

The catches below cover the last 7 days.

Largemouth Bass

Anglers at Barlett Lake are reporting a transition to a more active shallow bite as water temperatures begin to cool and daylight shortens. The first signs of a strong topwater reaction bite are emerging, with fish becoming more responsive to surface presentations, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Covering water quickly with buzzbaits, chop-plopper style baits, and vibrating jigs has been effective for locating active fish. Once fish are found, slowing down with soft plastics can yield additional bites. Water clarity varies across the lake, with most areas offering 1 to 3 feet of visibility, which is considered ideal for bass fishing at this time of year.

Shallow areas near boulders and grass beds are producing consistent action.
Look for bass feeding around schools of bluegill; matching the hatch with green pumpkin jigs or lures resembling bluegill has proven successful.
Persistent anglers are catching quality fish on topwater lures even during midday hours, especially in the backs of coves and creeks.

Catfish

The catfish bite at Barlett Lake is expected to improve as the lake transitions out of the spawning period. Anglers are catching channel catfish using nightcrawlers and chicken livers, particularly in the river arms and deeper holes. The end of the spawning season typically brings more consistent action, especially during the evening and overnight hours.

Focus on deeper channels and the mouths of coves for the best catfish action.
Cut bait and prepared stink baits can also be effective alternatives.

Bluegill

Bluegill are active in the shallows, especially around submerged brush and rocky points. These panfish are providing steady action for anglers using small jigs and live worms. Areas with visible bluegill schools are also attracting predatory bass, making them key locations for multi-species action.

Target bluegill near docks, submerged timber, and shallow flats.
Ultralight tackle and small hooks increase catch rates.

Weather & Marine Conditions

Surface water temperatures at Barlett Lake are beginning to drop from summertime highs, now ranging in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Recent monsoon activity has caused some areas to become dingy, with water clarity generally between 1 and 3 feet. These conditions are considered favorable for bass fishing, as slightly stained water can make fish less wary and more aggressive toward reaction baits. Boaters should be aware of fluctuating water levels and occasional debris following storms.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

With the onset of fall, shallow water patterns are becoming increasingly productive. Anglers are encouraged to cover water quickly with reaction baits such as crankbaits, vibrating jigs, and topwater lures to locate active fish. Once a concentration of fish is found, switching to soft plastics or finesse presentations can help maximize catches. The presence of bluegill in the shallows is a strong indicator of nearby bass activity. Early morning and late afternoon remain the best times for topwater action, but persistent anglers can find success throughout the day, especially as October approaches.

Use green pumpkin and bluegill-colored lures to match local forage.
Focus on areas with visible baitfish activity, such as shad or bluegill schools.
Adjust presentations based on water clarity; brighter colors may help in dingier water.

Regulations & Notices

Current regulations at Barlett Lake include a daily limit of 2 bass (minimum size 13 inches), 4 channel catfish, and 5 sunfish per angler. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are permitted on the lake. Anglers are reminded to check for any temporary access restrictions or changes in bag limits before heading out, especially following significant weather events or management updates.