Largemouth Bass

If you're heading to southeastern Arizona near Douglas with largemouth bass on your mind, you'll want to focus your efforts on the area's smaller lakes and ponds. While not known as a trophy bass destination, these waters can provide some surprisingly good action, especially during the spring and fall. Look for submerged vegetation and structure; the bass here tend to congregate around cover. The early morning and late evening hours are prime times, as the desert sun can make midday fishing tough. A local tip: check the water levels before you go, as some of the smaller ponds can fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall. Small plastic worms and crankbaits are usually productive. Also, be mindful of private property surrounding many of the ponds; always obtain permission before fishing on private land. The bass here are typically smaller, but their willingness to bite makes for an enjoyable day of fishing.