Roosevelt Lake was created in 1911 by the completion of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. It is Arizona’s largest lake located entirely within the state of Arizona and the oldest lake in the 48th state. At the time, Roosevelt Dam was the world’s tallest masonry dam at about 280 feet high and Roosevelt Lake was the largest man made lake in the world. When Roosevelt is at full pool its water surface is 21,000 acres with 128 miles of sandy shore lines and 22 miles long.
Roosevelt Lake has now become one of the states best fisheries for Largemouth Bass with multiple stockings of over 1,000,000 Florida Strain Largemouth over the past years. Those Florida Strain have grown up and whether you are fishing for fun or fishing tournaments, it’s not uncommon to see 8, 9, to 10lb Largemouth weighed in. It’s a good thing our Roosevelt Lake Fishing Guides have the experience to assist you here. Besides the Largemouth, fishing Roosevelt Lake in Arizona is attractive because it has a wide variety of species. It is known for some amazing crappie fishing, smallmouth bass, sunfish, flathead and channel catfish, and carp. For Fisherman, there are tournaments here year round make sure to check out the Cactus Cup Team Trail if you would like to participate in one of our events.
Roosevelt Lake is located in the Tonto national forest so you will need a Tonto pass when you go. Before 2019 you used to be able to take the famous Apache Trail but now it’s closed indefinitely due to flooding and fires. If you are planning on fishing Roosevelt Lake in Arizona, there are two ways to get there depending on which part of the valley you are coming from. If you are coming from the east valley it’s best to take US 60 East past Apache Junction. Continue to Miami, and just before entering Globe, turn left at AZ 188. Roosevelt Lake will be on the right; after turning onto AZ 188, it’s a 28-mile drive to the Roosevelt Lake Marina. For folks that are coming from Scottsdale or North Phoenix, it is best to take the beeline highway to highway 188. Once you get the 188 hang a right and it’s about 30 miles to the lake. After you’ve arrived, our Roosevelt Lake Fishing Guides have the knowledge and experience you need to catch some big ones!
Roosevelt Lake has 6 different ramps and some great camping available. It’s a wonderful place for leisure boating with its massive size and great for paddle boarders, jet skiing, and fishing. The Roosevelt Lake Marina has recently added Ffinch’s Waterfront Kitchen and Bar which is a great spot for food and drinks, and you can even play cornhole with your Roosevelt Lake fishing guides and take in a great view of the lake. Roosevelt, like the rest of our Arizona lakes, is great for wildlife as well. If you’re lucky you will see Deer, Bald Eagles, Gila Monster, and even Bears on occasion while fishing Roosevelt Lake in Arizona. The one thing you are almost sure to see if you go at the right time are the rattlesnakes so watch your step if you are out at night during the summer or hanging out by the water during spring or fall. Sometimes those creepy crawlers will even swim right past your boat.
If you would are interested in fishing Roosevelt Lake in Arizona, Lake make sure to check out our guided fishing trips that are available to book year-round. As expert Roosevelt Lake fishing guides, we have the experience and equipment you need to have a great time! Another staple in the Tonto Basin and one of my favorites is the Butcher Hook Restaurant and Saloon. Don’t forget to try the double-fried wings! We hope we can take you out on your next trip and if not we still hope you enjoy one of Arizona’s best fisheries in the state.
Address
28085 AZ-188
Roosevelt, AZ 85545
Hours 7pm – 7am
https://rlmaz.com
