Fishing Horseshoe Lake

AKA: Horseshoe Reservoir

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Horseshoe Lake, AZ

Popular Fish Species Horseshoe Lake, AZ

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Horseshoe Lake, because of its remote location and access via a dirt road, does not get a lot of fishing pressure. Largemouth bass fishing here can be very good at times, but can vary year over year due to dramatic water level fluctuations. Smallmouth bass also reside here in fewer numbers. Boat launching can be a problem at times, especially when lake levels are low. Fishing from the bank is a popular option here. Largemouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Horseshoe Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Flathead Catfish

Flathead Catfish Fishing

Horseshoe Lake is at the top of the lake chain, on the Verde River, and has a good population of flathead catfish. The state record flathead catfish is over 70 pounds. Fishing for flathead catfish is most often productive in the river end of the lake around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Channel catfish are also present in the lake.

Horseshoe Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Lake levels at Horseshoe Lake often vary drastically which causes brush and vegetation to grow when levels are low. Then this ideal crappie cover gets flooded when lake levels rise. This creates an ideal environment for black crappie and the baitfish they feed on. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Horseshoe Lake Fishing Video

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Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout and bluegill at Horseshoe Lake in Arizona.

Horseshoe Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona. When full, it offers a great fishing experience for anglers. The lake is known for its diverse fish species and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for fishing trips.

Located northeast of Carefree, AZ, Horseshoe Lake is a 2,200-acre reservoir when full. Lake levels often fluctuate dramatically - often limiting access and fishing success. The boat launch is primitive, and parking is often limited. As a result, the lake receives limited pressure. When the fishing is good, avid Horseshoe fans may have it all to themselves. Fed by the Verde River, the lake has big catfish along with bass, crappie and sunfish. The primary road to the lake ends at the boat ramp, and offers access to some shoreline for bank fishing. Other shorelines are accessible via four-wheel drive roads, or walking the lake bed when water levels are low. Note that the lake bed may be muddy and unstable for vehicles.