Saguaro Lake - Sunflower, AZ


Fish Spot Details

Surface Area:1264 acres
Maximum Depth:110 ft.
Elevation:1506 ft.
Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, Green Sunfish, White Crappie, Tilapia, Flathead Catfish, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Yellow Bass
Saguaro Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir located in the Tonto National Forest northeast of Mesa, AZ. Formed by the Salt River and framed by Sonoran Desert scenery, it’s one of Arizona’s most popular warm-water fisheries and recreational boating lakes.

The lake offers year-round fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and more. Spring and fall are peak seasons for bass fishing using plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Channel catfish and trophy-sized flatheads are abundant, with flatheads best targeted at night using live bait. Bluegill and redear sunfish are numerous and provide fun action near docks and shallow brush.

Saguaro also holds tilapia, yellow bass, and occasional crappie. Yellow bass are prolific and can be caught with worms or jigs. Two developed ramps, marina services, and shoreline access at Butcher Jones and Saguaro Marina make it easy to fish from boat or shore.

Fishing regulations follow Arizona statewide guidelines: five bass, 25 sunfish, and unlimited yellow bass per day. A valid Arizona fishing license and a Tonto Pass are required.

Saguaro Lake combines accessible, consistent fishing with excellent desert scenery, making it one of the premier destinations for anglers in the Phoenix area and beyond.



Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
5-8-2025 Bass are moving to depths of 15 to 20 feet, favoring structures and trees
At Saguaro Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), fishing is... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
10-31-2024 Saguaro Lake Fishing Report
At Saguaro Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), fishing is rated... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
9-30-2024 Saguaro Lake Fishing Report
At Saguaro Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), fishing is... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department
8-30-2024 38-pound Flathead
Isaac L. wrote in, "Hey y'all! I'm new... more »
Fish Reports Staff
4-29-2024 Saguaro Lake Report
At Saguaro Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), for bass... more »
Arizona Game & Fish Department


Detailed Map