UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Arizona freshwater
In Arizona freshwater, smallmouth bass peak March–May and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Roosevelt and Apache smallmouth on the rock.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Arizona freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchPeakRoosevelt and Apache smallmouth on the rock.
- AprilSpawning
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Havasu
Desert reservoirs on the Salt, the Verde and the Colorado, the Colorado River itself, the trout tailwater at Lees Ferry, and the cold White Mountain and Mogollon Rim lakes.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Arizona freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and October–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. March: Roosevelt and Apache smallmouth on the rock.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Arizona freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lees Ferry.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Arizona freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Arizona freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and change — read the current rule at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/.
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