Bartlett Lake, Arizona

Located on the Verde River in central Arizona, Bartlett Lake is an easy 45-minute drive northwest of Carefree AZ. Head northeast from Carefree on the Cave Creek road to the Bartlett Dam Road turnoff. A marina with a store, boat slips and boat rentals is nearby the main launch area and sheriff station. There are numerous camping areas located around the lake which are accessable by road.

Bass Fishing at Bartlett Lake.

Bass are the primary target of anglers heading to Bartlett Lake. This desert lake offers a variety of structure and cover. Much of the lake is comprised of flooded areas of de-composed granite. Other sections are strewn with giant boulders. The upper reaches of the river end of the lake offer brush and vegetation for bass and other species. The main food source for bass in Bartlett Lake are threadfin shad. Their secondary food source is crawfish (or crawdads). The water in the lake remains fairly clear unless water levels drop significantly, at which time the water gets murky from mud and silt on the lake bottom.

Once the water temperature rises above 60 degrees, the bass can be coaxed into taking topwater lures. Jigs, spoons and worms work year round - shallow in mild weather and deeper when the water gets very warm or very cold. When the bass are shallow, crankbaits and spinnerbaits catch a lot of bass.

Crappie, bluegills and other panfish populate these waters and make fun fishing for kids and other anglers new to the sport. The lake also contains channel catfish throughout the lake and monster flathead catfish are prevalent in the river end of the lake.

Bartlett Lake Map

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