Fishing Report For Canyon Lake, AZ

By Rick Seaman

March 13, 2025

Popular Fish Species Reports
Canyon Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Fishing License
Map
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Fishing Report Canyon Lake, AZ

Fishing Reports

Popular Fish Species Canyon Lake, AZ

Largemouth Bass

Current Report: Fair To Good
Outlook: Good To Very Good

Canyon Lake is a 950-acre lake with 28 miles of shoreline. It is home to the state record largemouth bass, and there are plenty of bragging size bass here. Due to the clear water, light line and small offerings are the key to catching some of the better quality bass. Early and late in the day, and on cloudy days, the fish are less cautious. According to local pro, Gary Kimball, 4-inch plastic worms, small grubs and live night crawlers are among the best bait options. Topwater can be good early and late in the day, after water temperatures rise into the 60's. A stick worm, rigged wacky style, often teases bass to strike.

Straight across from the Palo Verde Boat Launch, the section of river area around Blue Tank Cove up to Barranc Creek, and the rocky area around Ittindi Rock, have all been good areas for many years. Local anglers are using topwater lures, jigs and crankbaits along rocky shorelines, to catch aggressive bass.

Rainbow Trout

Current Report: Good
Outlook: Good To Very Good

Thanks to a regular stocking program by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Canyon Lake offers great fishing for rainbow trout. Anglers are consistently catching these trout in the area around Acacia Recreation Area, and the Palo Verde Recreation Site. Both areas offer easy access for fishing from the bank. Some of the bigger rainbows are being caught farther up lake, as some trout do migrate up lake where there is less trout-fishing pressure. Successful anglers report using small spinners, miniature swimbaits, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and prepared baits to trick these stocked rainbow trout.

Bluegill

Current Report: Fair To Good
Outlook: Good To Excellent

Bluegill drop down off the bank during the cold months and are difficult to locate at times. Once Spring arrives, and the water warms, bluegill move shallow to feed and spawn. They stay shallow through Fall, and good reports continue to arise throughout these warm months. Bluegill are a primary food source for predator fish in Canyon Lake, as well as a fun fish to catch. Small pieces of nightcrawlers make an ideal bait, on a small hook tied to light line. Ad as bobber and you are ready to go.

Fish species to fish for...

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

Canyon Lake is set in deep canyons with spectacular views. Largemouth bass are a favorite among anglers, and they grow big here. Light line is often a key to success, using finesse techniques. Stocked rainbow trout are another favorite species.

Primary fish species to catch

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Enjoy Fishing At Canyon Lake

Largemouth Bass

Gary Kimball shows off a nice bass from Canyon Lake, located north of Apache Junction, Arizona.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Click here for fishing boat rentals available at this lake.

Marinas

Click here for marinas available at this lake.

Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

There are several options for launching fishing boats at Canyon Lake. Click here for a list of boat ramps available at this lake.

Fishing License

Click here for a Arizona Fishing License.

Map - Fishing & Access

Rick Seaman is a fishing enthusiast with over five decades of fishing experience, a retired tournament fisherman, author of numerous published articles on fishing, and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing - It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it".