Arizona · Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations in Arizona.

Arizona has more variety than its desert reputation suggests — Colorado River reservoirs hold trophy striped bass while rim-country lakes and tailwaters provide year-round trout fishing.

Arizona Game and Fish Department · License: Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Arizona. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the AZGFD and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the AZGFD before purchase.

Freshwater

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and crappie are the warm-water staples on big reservoirs like Roosevelt, Bartlett, and Lake Pleasant. Trout fisheries are concentrated in the Mogollon Rim country and White Mountains. Arizona has urban fishing programs in Phoenix and Tucson with relaxed rules.

Rivers

Tailwater trout fisheries below Lees Ferry on the Colorado River and below Roosevelt Dam offer year-round trout. The Salt River has urban-accessible trout in winter. Smallmouth and bass live in the upper Verde and Black rivers.

Special

Lees Ferry has artificial-lure-only regulations and is a year-round fishery. Many high-country trout lakes are stocked weekly during peak season. Two-pole permits and Arizona Urban Fishing licenses are alternative options.

Popular species

Largemouth bass · Striped bass · Rainbow trout · Walleye · Channel catfish

State agency

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Agency site →

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