🐟 Lake Pleasant, Phoenix Fishing Report Today 🎣

2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago

Lake Pleasant, located just north of Phoenix, is a favorite destination for anglers seeking a variety of freshwater species. Recent reports indicate steady action for several key game fish as late summer transitions into early fall.

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.

Striped Bass

Striped bass activity remains strong at Lake Pleasant, with anglers reporting consistent catches during early morning outings. A recent guided trip produced a solid 13-inch striper using a mix of bait fishing, trolling, and spin casting. The summer bite is described as steady, with fish responding well to a variety of techniques. Early morning remains the most productive window, and the action has kept both novice and experienced anglers engaged throughout their trips.

13-inch striper landed during a 5-hour morning trip
Effective methods: bait fishing, trolling, spin casting
Best timing: early morning

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass have been biting well, with anglers having success on Dropshots, crankbaits (diving over 10'), jerkbaits, walking topwaters, and Texas rigs. Natural-colored soft plastics over 3 inches have been especially effective. The bite has been described as good from both shore and boat, with productive areas including the waters around Scorpion Bay Marina. Depths over 20 feet are producing with finesse presentations, while reaction baits are drawing strikes in shallower water during low-light periods.

Best baits: Dropshot rigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwaters, Texas rigs
Productive area: Scorpion Bay Marina (shore)
Soft plastics in natural colors, >3 inches, are working well

White Bass

White bass are active and responding to spoons, Ned rigs, and Dropshots fished with soft plastic worms at depths over 20 feet. Anglers are finding schools of white bass in the same areas as stripers, with both species sometimes caught in quick succession. The bite has been steady, especially for those targeting deeper structure and using smaller, shad-imitating lures.

Effective lures: spoons, Ned rigs, Dropshots with soft plastics
Target depth: over 20 feet
Often found near schools of striped bass

Catfish

Catfish continue to provide reliable action, especially for shore anglers. The most productive baits have been worms, stink baits, and chicken livers on hooks sized 4–8. The bite is described as consistent, with catches reported around Scorpion Bay Marina and other accessible shoreline areas. Night fishing and fishing during low-light periods have produced the best results.

Top baits: worms, stink baits, chicken livers
Best hook sizes: 4–8
Productive locations: Scorpion Bay Marina (shore)

Trout

Trout have been challenging to catch recently, but some anglers have succeeded using spinners and Powerbait on treble hooks sized 12–16. The bite is described as tough, with sporadic success for those targeting cooler, deeper water and fishing during early morning hours.

Effective baits: spinners, Powerbait
Best hook sizes: 12–16 (treble)
Best timing: early morning, deeper water

Weather & Marine Conditions

Recent outings at Lake Pleasant have benefited from clear summer weather and calm water, making for comfortable and productive fishing trips. Water temperatures have been reported around 73°F, supporting increased fish activity as the season shifts toward fall. Early morning starts are recommended to take advantage of cooler temperatures and peak fish activity.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

Fish at Lake Pleasant are becoming more active each day, with both shore and boat anglers reporting success. For fly anglers, shad patterns, small leeches, and poppers have been effective, especially in the early morning. Carp are also present in shallow water and are not particularly picky if presented with a well-cast fly. For conventional anglers, targeting deeper structure with finesse rigs or reaction baits during low-light periods is yielding the best results. Consistent action is reported for those willing to adjust techniques and target fish during optimal windows.

Regulations & Notices

Anglers are reminded to check current Arizona fishing regulations for Lake Pleasant. Bag limits and size restrictions apply to several species, and all anglers must possess a valid fishing license except during designated free fishing days. Boaters should be aware that lake levels can fluctuate, potentially affecting boat launch access at certain ramps.