Striped Bass

Striped bass fishing near Buckeye, Arizona, is largely focused on Lake Pleasant. This reservoir is stocked with stripers, offering anglers the chance to catch these hard-fighting fish in the desert. The cooler months (October-April) are generally the best time to target stripers, as they become more active in the cooler water. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or swimbaits is a popular and effective technique. Live shad, if available, can also be highly productive. A local tip: look for birds diving on baitfish schools, as this often indicates the presence of stripers feeding below. Also, pay attention to areas with submerged structure, such as humps and points. The Agua Fria River arm of Lake Pleasant is known to hold stripers. Be aware that stripers can be sensitive to temperature changes, so adjusting your tactics based on the conditions is crucial. Remember to check Arizona fishing regulations for size and bag limits.