Fishing Horseshoe Lake

AKA: Horseshoe Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Horseshoe Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Horseshoe Lake, AZ

Popular Fish Species Horseshoe Lake, AZ

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Horseshoe Lake, because of its remote location and access via a dirt road, does not get a lot of fishing pressure. Largemouth bass fishing here can be very good at times, but can vary year over year due to dramatic water level fluctuations. Smallmouth bass also reside here in fewer numbers. Boat launching can be a problem at times, especially when lake levels are low. Fishing from the bank is a popular option here. Largemouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Horseshoe Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish Fishing

Horseshoe Lake is at the top of the lake chain, on the Verde River, and has a good population of flathead catfish. The state record flathead catfish is over 70 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river end of the lake around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Channel catfish are also present in the lake.

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Lake levels at Horseshoe Lake often vary drastically which causes brush and vegetation to grow when levels are low. Then this ideal crappie cover gets flooded when lake levels rise. This creates an ideal environment for black crappie and the baitfish they feed on. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout and bluegill at Horseshoe Lake in Arizona.

Horseshoe Lake Fishing Video

Horseshoe Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona. When full, it offers a great fishing experience for anglers. The lake is known for its diverse fish species and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for fishing trips.

Located northeast of Carefree, AZ, Horseshoe Lake is a 2,200-acre reservoir when full. Lake levels often fluctuate dramatically - often limiting access and fishing success. The boat launch is primitive, and parking is often limited. As a result, the lake receives limited pressure. When the fishing is good, avid Horseshoe fans may have it all to themselves. Fed by the Verde River, the lake has big catfish along with bass, crappie and sunfish. The primary road to the lake ends at the boat ramp, and offers access to some shoreline for bank fishing. Other shorelines are accessible via four-wheel drive roads, or walking the lake bed when water levels are low. Note that the lake bed may be muddy and unstable for vehicles.

Horseshoe Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish and sunfish. This wide range of species provides anglers with ample opportunities to target different fish and enjoy a varied fishing experience. Whether you're casting for bass, angling for catfish, or seeking a lively sunfish bite, Horseshoe Lake offers something for every angler's preference.

Horseshoe Lake in Arizona provides anglers with a diverse fishing experience, abundant fish species, and the opportunity to enjoy boating in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a recreational fisherman, Horseshoe Lake offers a memorable fishing adventure with its varied species and stunning surroundings.

Primary fish species residing in Horseshoe Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Horseshoe Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity at Horseshoe Lake when water levels are up, with both motorized and non-motorized watercraft allowed. Anglers can launch their boats from the primitive boat ramps and explore the lake's expansive waters. Whether you're cruising in a motorboat, kayaking, or canoeing, boating allows you to access different fishing spots and cover more water to increase your chances of success.

Horseshoe Lake's size and open waters make it an excellent location for boating enthusiasts who enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising along the lake's shores. However, it's important to note that during periods of low water levels, certain areas of the lake may become shallow or inaccessible to boats, so it's advisable to check the current conditions and restrictions before heading out.

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Catfish Point Recreation Area
A primitive launch area in the southwest corner of the lake, near the Horseshoe Dam.