Fishing At Lake Pleasant

AKA: Pleasant Lake

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, tilapia, white bass and striped bass at Lake Pleasant in Arizona.

An oasis in the desert, Lake Pleasant is a 10,000-acre lake offering a variety of fishing and boating choices. Located 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix the lake can be accessed via 99th Avenue north from Sun City or via the Cave Creek Highway - west off US Highway 17 north from Phoenix. It is a popular day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale and other valley cities. Camping, water skiing and swimming areas are scattered around the lake and are often used year round.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Pleasant

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Pleasant Bass Fishing

Bass fishing at Lake Pleasant has been the primary attraction for decades, to angler at Lake Pleasant. This deep, clear, desert lake has produced monster strings of bass, and at times been a favorite of tournament anglers. It can also be very tough fishing at times and test the skills and patience of even the most experienced anglers. This is excellent topwater lake when the water is clear. Texas-style worms, jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits also catch their share of Lake Pleasant bass.

Other fishing in Lake Pleasant

The lake is also known for its populations of white bass and stripers. Both are schooling fish that feed on shad. If you locate a school (often 20 feet deep or deeper), the fishing can be excellent as long as you stay with the school. Spoons and shad-imitating lures work best. Striped bass can be caught as deep as the 100-foot range - especially during summer and winter. Other species in Lake pleasant include crappie, sunfish and catfish.

Lake Pleasant Amenities

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

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.