Question:
Phoenix area, for the holidays and was
thinking of hauling the boat with me. What are the hot lakes in
late December, Lake Pleasant, or the Salt River lakes? Or would
it even be worth trailering the boat 1000+ miles?
Answer:
Lake Pleasant is slowly turning on again for largemouth bass - they are in
their typical winter pattern. Try Carolina-rigged worms along the creek
channels in 25 to 35 feet of water. Crankbaits are also working along the major
points. ?Bartlett Lake is still the hot spot for crappie, try jigs or live
minnows. Key on artificial structure. Anglers finding crappie are often
catching up to 10 fish in one spot - the key is finding that spot. ?Lake Havasu
is the hot spot for striped bass fishing; they are hitting crankbaits and
anchovies. ?Canyon Lake is the hot spot along the Salt River. Lots of anglers
are catching rainbow trout. Power Bait and salmon eggs are working. Good action
for shore angling. Boat anglers are catching largemouth, smallmouth and yellow
bass on a variety of methods. No reports on walleye, but they are always a
possibility.
