Guide To The Best Fishing Spots For Catfish In Arizona

All about fishing for flathead and channel catfish in AZ lakes and rivers

Most lakes in the state offer catfish opportunities. The major Arizona lakes with a healthy population of catfish include Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Pleasant, Lake Powell, Martinez Lake, Rainbow Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, San Carlos Lake, Show Low Lake and Watson Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

The state record channel catfish came form Upper Lake Mary.

Bartlett Lake yielded the state record flathead catfish.

What's the best bait for catfish in Arizona?

Choose from the top 5 all-time catfish baits and try them on local waters. Appealing to the keen sense of smell and taste could turn a so-so day into a memorable event.

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Catfish are found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers throughout Arizona. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Additional catfishing information resources.

Catfish Conservation Group

U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments

Planet Catfish

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Information for states with catfish.