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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a prized gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order. These powerful predators typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 81 pounds, making them a thrilling catch for anglers visiting Lake Pleasant. - They thrive in various habitats including rivers, lakes, and nearshore environments. - The distinctive seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along their silvery sides make them easily identifiable.
Join No Limit Fishing for an unforgettable Wednesday July fishing adventure at Lake Pleasant near Morristown, AZ. Guide Glenn Diaz specializes in targeting the lake's prized Striped Bass using effective techniques like jigging and trolling. This 5-hour guided fishing trip offers the perfect blend of action and instruction, with early morning departures from Scorpion Bay providing the best opportunities for success. Lake Pleasant's diverse fishery also yields Channel Catfish and White Catfish, making each trip unique. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to improve your striped bass game or a newcomer wanting to experience Arizona's premier fishing destination, this private charter delivers personalized attention with all gear provided. Book early as prime summer dates fill quickly!
Guide Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing offers Wednesday July guided fishing trips at Lake Pleasant Regional Park. This 5-hour adventure (available in AM or PM sessions) is perfect for anglers targeting the lake's abundant Striped Bass. Trips accommodate up to 2 guests with all fishing gear provided. Launch from the convenient Scorpion Bay Grill location, where you'll have access to prime fishing grounds. The base price covers two anglers, making this an excellent value for those looking to experience some of Arizona's best freshwater fishing. Book online to secure your preferred date, as summer slots fill quickly with anglers eager to catch Lake Pleasant's fighting Striped Bass.
Lake Pleasant lives up to its name as Arizona's premier Striped Bass destination. During this 5-hour trip, you'll experience the thrill of fighting these powerful gamefish using various techniques including bottom fishing, trolling, and bait casting. The early morning trips starting at 6:00 AM offer particularly productive fishing under the partly cloudy skies that provide ideal conditions.
Guide Glenn Diaz brings local knowledge that puts you on the fish quickly, sharing insights about fish patterns and behavior that help maximize your success. Beyond Striped Bass, the lake offers excellent opportunities for Channel Catfish and White Catfish, adding variety to your fishing experience. The comfortable fishing environment and personalized attention make this trip suitable for anglers of all skill levels who want to experience the best of what this Arizona gem has to offer.
Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant provide exciting light tackle action throughout the year. These hard-fighting fish typically measure 10-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional trophy exceeding 25 inches. During summer months, target them by jigging near underwater structures or trolling along deeper channels where they seek cooler water temperatures.
The Striped Bass at Lake Pleasant respond well to a variety of presentations, including bottom fishing with cut bait and casting artificial lures that mimic their preferred forage. Early morning trips yield the best results, especially during summer when the fish are most active before the intense Arizona heat sets in. Glenn's extensive experience on these waters ensures you'll learn productive techniques for targeting these prized gamefish while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of one of Arizona's most scenic reservoirs.
For your Lake Pleasant fishing adventure, dress in layers as Arizona mornings can start cool before warming significantly. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) as you'll be exposed during your 5-hour trip. The charter includes all necessary fishing gear and tackle, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if preferred.
Morning trips launch at 6:00 AM from Scorpion Bay, allowing you to experience the productive early bite. The comfortable fishing setup accommodates anglers of all experience levels, with Glenn providing personalized instruction tailored to your skills. Remember to bring water and snacks, and consider a camera to document your Striped Bass success. A fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older, which can be purchased online through Arizona Game & Fish Department before your trip.
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a highly sought-after gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes. These powerful predators are characterized by their distinctive dark horizontal stripes running along silvery sides, giving them their common name. In Morristown's Lake Pleasant during July, these fish provide exciting action for anglers of all skill levels.
Striped Bass are renowned for their fighting ability and sporting qualities. Originally an East Coast native species, they've been successfully introduced to inland waters throughout the United States, including Arizona's Lake Pleasant. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and delicious white flesh.
While naturally anadromous (living in saltwater but spawning in freshwater), Striped Bass have adapted well to landlocked environments like Lake Pleasant. They prefer clear, cool waters with abundant forage fish. In reservoir systems, they typically hold near underwater structures, along drop-offs, and around points where current concentrates baitfish. Near Morristown, they can be found throughout Lake Pleasant, particularly in deeper channels during summer months.
Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 to 81 pounds when fully mature. In Lake Pleasant, most catches average 12-24 inches, with trophy specimens occasionally exceeding 30 inches. The state record for Arizona Striped Bass is over 29 pounds.
These voracious predators primarily feed on shad, herring, and other baitfish. They're known for their schooling behavior, often feeding in frenzied groups that push baitfish to the surface. Striped Bass are most active during dawn and dusk, though in summer months they may feed throughout the night when water temperatures cool.
In Lake Pleasant, Striped Bass typically spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 60-70°F. Unlike their coastal relatives that require flowing water to reproduce successfully, the landlocked populations in Arizona reservoirs attempt spawning in tributary arms and upper portions of the lake. However, natural reproduction is limited, and populations are primarily maintained through stocking programs.
Several effective methods work well for Lake Pleasant Striped Bass. Vertical jigging with spoons or bucktail jigs near underwater structures produces consistent results, especially when fish are holding deep. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or live bait rigs effectively covers water when searching for actively feeding schools. In July, Morristown anglers often find success targeting main lake points and creek channels during early morning hours when surface temperatures are cooler.
Striped Bass offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that's mild and flavorful. The meat contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is relatively low in mercury compared to many other predatory fish. It can be prepared numerous ways including grilling, baking, or frying, with many anglers preferring simple preparations that highlight its natural flavor. Smaller specimens (under 24 inches) generally provide the best eating quality.
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant?
A: Live shad is the premier bait, but cut anchovies, chicken liver, and artificial lures like deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, and swimbaits in silver/white colors also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Morristown?
A: At Lake Pleasant, focus on main lake points, creek channels, and underwater humps. During summer, target deeper water (20-40 feet) during daylight hours and shallow areas during early morning.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass has white, flaky meat with a mild flavor that's excellent when prepared fresh. Smaller fish (under 24 inches) generally taste better than larger specimens.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass at Lake Pleasant?
A: Early morning and evening hours typically provide the best action, particularly during summer months. Spring and fall offer consistent fishing throughout the day, while summer fishing is most productive before sunrise or after sunset.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I expect to catch at Lake Pleasant?
A: Most Striped Bass caught at Lake Pleasant range from 12-20 inches, though fish exceeding 25 inches are caught regularly, with trophy specimens approaching 30 inches possible.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass?
A: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 10-17 lb test line works well. Heavier tackle may be necessary when targeting larger fish around structure.