Roosevelt Lake - Tonto National Forest, AZ

heodore Roosevelt Lake is Arizona’s largest reservoir and a premier warm-water fishery, located in Tonto National Forest at roughly 2,100 feet elevation. Covering over 21,000 acres at full capacity, the lake supports excellent populations of largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish.

Largemouth bass fishing is strongest in spring, particularly during the March–April spawn when anglers target shallow structure with plastics and spinnerbaits. Summer brings topwater opportunities, while winter fishing focuses on deeper ledges and drop-offs. Roosevelt also supports smallmouth bass in certain rocky areas.

Crappie gather in late winter and early spring near submerged brush and trees—particularly around the Tonto Creek arm—and are best caught with small jigs or live minnows. Channel and flathead catfish are available lake-wide, with flatheads reaching impressive sizes and responding well to live bait fished after dark.

Multiple public ramps, marinas, and campgrounds provide access for boaters, and there is limited but quality shoreline fishing near Windy Hill and Grapevine. Roosevelt is best fished from February through May, with summer and fall ideal for catfish.

AZGFD regulations apply—five bass (combined species), 10 crappie, and standard limits for catfish and sunfish.

Roosevelt Lake’s combination of scale, diversity, and fish quality makes it one of Arizona’s top warm-water fisheries and a must-visit destination for serious anglers.