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Saguaro Lake, AZ Location and Overview Saguaro Lake is a man-made reservoir conveniently located in the Tonto National Forest approximately 40 miles from Phoenix, AZ (check out the map). The lake was created with the completion in 1930 of the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River, which generates hydroelectric power for Phoenix and the surrounding area as part of the Salt River Project. Saguaro Lake sits at an elevation of 1500 feet, and boasts a surface area of roughly 1100 acres and an average depth of 90 feet, making it an ideal place to fish year-round. Other popular recreational uses of the lake include picnicking, water skiing, boating, and swimming. Fishermen rate Saguaro Lake:

Fishin' Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is home to a number of different gamefish, including rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and walleye. This variety of species, coupled with the lake's relatively low elevation and consequent mild winters, means anglers can enjoy fishing here year-round. Largemouth and smallmouth bass tend to bite best from spring through fall, with various different baits and techniques producing results depending on the season and weather conditions. At different times during the year plastics, crankbaits, topwater lures, and swimbaits all do well. While the bass bite typically slows in late fall and winter, fishermen can sometimes get good results by fishing swimbaits around the times the DFG stocks the lake with trout, which the bass use as a food source.

Yellow bass are non-native fish that have been stocked in the Salt River system since the 1930's. They can get up to about two pounds, and will hit various jigs, spoons, and spinners, as well as small crankbaits and live bait such as minnows or worms. Bluegill tend to prefer small spoons (Kastmasters work well), spinners, and worms. Both trout and walleye do best in cold water, which means that during the warmer summer months they tend to go deep to get out of the heat. The Department of Fish and Game stocks rainbow trout in Saguaro Lake all through the fall and winter months. The most productive baits for rainbows are salmon eggs (try fishing them 2-4 feet below a bobber, with a small split shot to keep the bait down), Power Bait fished on a bottom rig with a sliding sinker, and flashy spoons or spinners. Walleye tend to bite most actively during the early morning and late in the evening or at night. For walleye, try minnows, nightcrawlers, jigs, and spinners, or plugs that simulate minnows or similar baitfish. Check out the AZGFD's website for the latest fishing reports and fish stocking information.

Boats are permitted on Saguaro Lake, with launch ramps located near the Saguaro Lake Marina at the northeast corner of the lake off Bush Highway. If you don't have a boat, you can rent one from Precision Marine, which is located at the marina (14011 Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215). For rental rates and other information call (480) 986-0969. Other facilities available at the marina include a restaurant, a store that sells an assortment of basic fishing tackle, foodstuffs, and fishing licenses, and a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office station.

Saguaro Lake Weather
Due to its low elevation, Saguaro Lake tends to have temperate winters and hot summers. Summer highs can get up to 105-110 degrees, making sunscreen and proper hydration a must. During the winter months, highs range from the mid 60's to around 70, with lows dipping as far down as the 40's at night. If you plan on boating on Saguaro Lake, always check the latest weather forecast before going out, and keep an eye on conditions while on the water. Be prepared to head back in if the weather should change.

Click here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the nearby city of Mesa, AZ.

Lodging and Camping
While camping facilities close to Saguaro Lake are limited, its relatively close proximity to the cities of Mesa and Phoenix makes it easy to find accomodations. The only campground located on the lake itself is Bagley Flat Campground, which is run by the U.S. Forest Service. It is accessible only by boat, and is open all year with a 14-day stay limit. The Forest Service administers various other campgrounds, including RV facilities, in the area, but none immediately adjacent to Saguaro Lake. A number of campgrounds and RV parks can be found in Mesa and Phoenix. For those more inclined toward hotel accomodations, Phoenix boasts a number of options, as does nearby Mesa If you're looking for something a little different, check out the Saguaro Lake Ranch Resort, a guest ranch located along the Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam.

Licensing and Regulations
Saguaro Lake is open to fishing year round, with no seasonal restrictions on any species of fish. Fishing is permitted at all hours of the day and night. All fishermen age 14 and older must have in their possession a current Arizona fishing license. Only one closely attended pole per angler may be used, unless you purchase a two-pole stamp. A trout stamp is required for any angler fishing for trout. You can purchase fishing licenses at the marina store.

Daily bag limits are as follows:
Rainbow trout: 6 fish.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass: 6 fish total, in any combination.
Walleye: 6 fish.
Channel catfish: 25 fish.

There are no bag limits on yellow bass, bluegill, or crappie. No more than one daily bag limit may be possessed at any time. The Arizona Department of Fish and Game has all the most current fishing regulations available on its website.

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