Fishing in Arizona: Power Your Trip Off-Grid with EcoFlow
Arizona offers incredible fishing opportunities from high-altitude trout streams to warm desert reservoirs full of bass, catfish, and walleye. Whether you’re chasing native Apache trout for catch-and-release adventures or hauling in monster flathead catfish for your next family meal, you’ll need the right gear to beat the heat, preserve your catch, and power your trip off-grid. This guide breaks down what to pack, where to go, and how to keep your devices and coolers running strong with EcoFlow power solutions, so you can focus on fishing without worrying about batteries or melted ice.
Arizona Fish Species
These are the most common species that anglers look for when fishing in Arizona.
Rainbow Trout are stocked each winter and spring by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Brook and Brown Trout are found in the colder streams of the White Mountains, where they may interbreed, producing Tiger Trout.
Walleye are found in deep, cool waters, including Lyman Lake, Show Low Lake, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, and others.
Pike are primarily found in the Flagstaff area, including Upper Lake Mary and Ashurst Lake.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, and some others, have been introduced in low and higher elevations, but the largest sizes are found in Arizona’s vast reservoirs.
Channel catfish thrive in warm-water lakebeds and rivers, with the state record reaching over 31 lbs!
Flathead catfish are also common in warm Arizona Lakes, with a whopping state record of over 76 lbs caught at Bartlett Lake.
You can catch crappies (mostly black, but some white) in Arizona’s lower elevation warmer water lakes and reservoirs.
Apache Trout and Gila Trout are Arizona’s only native trout, found in cool waters at high elevation. They are both threatened by habitat destruction and introduced species, and are catch-and-release only.
Roundtail chub is another popular native fish that’s also catch-and-release only.
What Do You Need to Go Fishing in Arizona?
License
Anyone over the age of 10 needs a licence, which you can get from the Arizona Fish & Game department or other authorized dealers.
Rod, Reel, and Tackle
Of course, you will need your fishing rod, reel, lures, bait, line, etc. Knowing exactly where you’re headed and what you are fishing for will help you choose the right gear, as the fish have different preferred baits and habitats.
Portable Refridgerator
With high temperatures, even in spring and fall, and usually no shade in sight, a portable refrigerator is essential. The EcoFlow Glacier Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer lasts up to 40 hours wirelessly and features a separate freezer and fridge compartment. You can remove the divider to make it a single fridge, perfect for holding your prize catch. Another bonus: it has a built-in ice maker for ice-cold drinks out on the water!
Emergency and Safety Gear
Always be prepared with a fully-stocked boating safety kit (ropes, whistles, life jackets, air horn, first aid kit, navigation tools, etc.). Also, bring a sunhat, sunscreen, and some polarized sunglasses.
Portable Power
Having a solar generator for fishing means you won’t drain your starting battery running your fish finder, GPS, lights, or other devices. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel is compact and lightweight, but has plenty of power to run your accessories. For large boats or multi-day adventures, you can set up the waterproof solar panel on your boat and recharge while you fish.
Top Arizona Fishing Spots
These four top fishing spots are great places for a guaranteed catch:
Roper Lake State Park is perfect for largemouth bass, channel cats, and stocked rainbow trout. Tip: the bass stick close to the cattails in the lake, so fishing with soft plastics in the weeds catches the most fish! Be sure to bring along the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) to recharge your phone for snapping pics, then no one can accuse you of telling “fish stories!”
Lyman Lake State Park is one of the best places for walleye and also offers plenty of largemouth bass. Tip: The murky waters make lures that make noise or vibrate the best, like rattling crankbaits and spinner baits with large blades.
Patagonia Lake State Park is popular for rainbow trout and large numbers of largemouth bass. You can also catch some monster catfish fishing the bottom at night! Tip: Shore fishing can be challenging here, so a boat is recommended.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park offers a wide variety of fish, including largemouth, smallmouth, and redeye bass, channel and flathead catfish, green sunfish, bluegill, roundtail chub (catch and release only), and the occasional rainbow trout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona Have Good Fishing?
Arizona offers excellent fishing opportunities in its low-elevation reservoirs and high-elevation trout lakes and streams. While there are few native fish, there are abundant introduced rainbow, brook, and brown trout, large and smallmouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappies, pike, walleye, and more.
Do I Need a License to Fish in Arizona?
Yes, anyone over the age of 10 is required to have a fishing license in Arizona. General fishing licences, youth licenses, and combination hunt and fish licenses are all available from the Arizona Game and Fish Department or authorized dealers.
What Is the Best Time to Go Fishing in Arizona?
The best time to fish in Arizona is in the spring when the fish are in shallower waters. Fall is also good, when the fish feed heavily before winter sets in. While you can fish in summer, it gets hot, and the fish migrate to deeper waters.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in Arizona is a rewarding off-grid adventure, but it takes the right gear to make the most of it. From essential rods and tackle to sun protection and safety gear, preparation is key. Keeping your catch fresh and your gear powered is easier with tools like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel. Lightweight, reliable, and built for the elements, portable power solutions let you fish harder, stay longer, and keep your devices and drinks cold and ready for adventure.