Fishing is a popular activity in the southwest region of the United States, where anglers can enjoy a diverse range of fish species and stunning scenery. From mountain streams to desert reservoirs, the southwest has plenty of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best fishing spots in the southwest and why they are worth visiting.
- Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Lake Powell is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the southwest, spanning across the Arizona and Utah border. It is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River and is known for its clear waters and trophy-sized fish. The lake is home to striped bass, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass, as well as walleye, crappie, and catfish. Anglers can also fish for rainbow trout and brown trout in the nearby tributaries. With over 1900 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 500 feet, Lake Powell is an angler’s paradise.
- Rio Grande, New Mexico/Texas
The Rio Grande is a major river that runs through the southwest, offering plenty of opportunities for fly fishing and spinning. The river is known for its brown trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass, as well as catfish, carp, and sunfish. The Rio Grande is especially popular for its springtime caddis hatch, which brings plenty of hungry fish to the surface. The river runs through several state parks in New Mexico and Texas, offering anglers access to a range of different environments and fishing conditions.
- San Juan River, New Mexico
The San Juan River is a popular tailwater fishery that runs below the Navajo Dam in northern New Mexico. The river is known for its large rainbow and brown trout, with some fish weighing in at over 10 pounds. The river is also home to several other species, including kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass. The San Juan River is a year-round fishery, with excellent fishing conditions in all seasons.
- Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu is a reservoir located on the Colorado River in western Arizona, known for its clear waters and abundant fish populations. The lake is home to striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, as well as channel catfish and flathead catfish. The lake is especially popular for its springtime topwater bite, where anglers can catch trophy-sized bass with surface lures. With over 45 miles of shoreline and plenty of structure, Lake Havasu is a favorite spot for southwest anglers.
- Lake Fork, Texas
Lake Fork is a 27,690-acre reservoir located in northeastern Texas, known for its large bass population. The lake is home to both largemouth bass and spotted bass, with some fish weighing in at over 10 pounds. In fact, Lake Fork holds 34 of the top 50 largemouth bass records in Texas. The lake also has plenty of other fish species, including crappie, catfish, and sunfish. With plenty of cover and structure, Lake Fork is an excellent spot for anglers looking for a trophy-sized catch.
The southwest region of the United States is home to some of the best fishing spots in the country. Whether you are looking for trophy-sized bass or crystal clear streams, the southwest has something for every angler. From the clear waters of Lake Powell to the trophy bass of Lake Fork, the southwest is a must-visit destination for any avid angler.
