Saguaro Lake - Sunflower, AZ

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.