Lake Fishing Guide

Theodore Roosevelt Lake Fishing Guide

Home › Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Theodore Roosevelt Lake is a Lake known for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish. Our lure recommendations are matched to seasonal patterns and today's exact conditions.

Heading to Theodore Roosevelt Lake?

Get real-time lure recommendations matched to today's exact conditions.

Get Theodore Roosevelt Lake Lure Recommendations →

Fishing Guide: Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Theodore Roosevelt Lake in central Arizona is a Salt River reservoir known for largemouth and smallmouth bass around rock, brush, flooded salt cedar, and points, with big level swings.

Known For

Desert-reservoir largemouth and smallmouth in brush, rock, and flooded salt cedar.

Best Spots & Structure

Flooded salt cedar and brush
Flooded salt cedar and brush along the shoreline and channels hold largemouth; flipping, punching, and cranking edges.
Depth: 5-18 ft
Rocky points and channel banks
Rock points and channel banks hold smallmouth and largemouth; jigs, drop shots, and jerkbaits.
Depth: 8-25 ft

Top Techniques

  • Flipping and punching flooded brush
  • Crankbaits and Carolina rigs on points
  • Drop shot and jigs on rock for smallmouth

New to these rigs? View our Rig & Technique Guides →

Seasonal Patterns

Spring
Bass spawn in brush and on rock; reaction baits and flipping as levels allow.
Summer
Deeper brush, rock, and points; early/late shallow bite.
Fall
Fish chase shad; reaction baits.
Winter
Deeper, slower bite on rock and brush.

Best Times of Day

Early and late in the desert heat; water level and flooded brush drive the fishing.

Local Knowledge

  1. Rising water into fresh salt cedar turns on the bite.
  2. Rock holds the smallmouth.
  3. Track the fluctuating level.
What fish can I catch at Theodore Roosevelt Lake?
Theodore Roosevelt Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill. Select a species below for full seasonal lure recommendations.

Best Lures at Theodore Roosevelt Lake by Species

Select a species to see full seasonal lure recommendations.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. PerfectLure earns a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are based solely on angler data — never sponsorships.