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Striped Bass Adventures on Lake Pleasant
Striped Bass Fishing in Lake Pleasant
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Lake Pleasant's most exciting gamefish, drawing anglers for their powerful fights and quality size. These fish typically measure between 20 and 55 inches, weighing from 10 to over 80 pounds in ideal conditions. Lake Pleasant provides the perfect habitat structure for these predators. - Striped Bass are often found following bait schools in the main lake. - The species responds well to jigging techniques and trolling presentations.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Glenn Diaz in December
Meet your Guide Glenn Diaz
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Summary
Wednesday November on Lake Pleasant offers prime fishing conditions for Striped Bass. Our guided fishing trip with Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing takes advantage of the lake's diverse structure and fish population. We launched early morning with clear conditions, focusing on main lake structure where Channel Catfish and Striped Bass hold. Lake Pleasant Regional Park provides excellent year-round fishing opportunities with multiple species available. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, our private trips include all gear and expert guidance to put you on fish. From jigging deep structure to trolling productive points, we'll help you connect with Lake Pleasant's exciting fishery.
Fishing Charter with Glenn Diaz – Rates & Booking
Guide Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing on Wednesday November provides private fishing trips on Lake Pleasant targeting Striped Bass and Channel Catfish. Our morning trips accommodate 2 people with all necessary fishing equipment provided. We focus on productive areas throughout Lake Pleasant Regional Park where fish consistently hold. As a licensed guide with extensive local experience, Glenn knows exactly where to find active fish in various conditions. Whether you're interested in jigging for stripers or setting up for catfish, we've got you covered with the right gear and techniques.
Highlights of Lake Pleasant Fishing
Lake Pleasant offers excellent multi-species fishing opportunities throughout the year. During our trips, we target the lake's diverse structure where Striped Bass and Channel Catfish concentrate. The clear water conditions make for effective presentations whether jigging deep or trolling points. We provide a comfortable fishing experience with all the necessary equipment so you can focus on catching fish.
Early mornings on Lake Pleasant often provide the best action, which is why we schedule our trips to take advantage of prime feeding times. The lake's varied structure creates perfect habitat for different species, allowing us to adapt our approach based on what's biting best. From deep water to shoreline points, we'll put you in the right spot at the right time.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. These fish typically hold around main lake structure, following bait schools throughout the water column. During our trips, we target them using both jigging techniques in deeper water and trolling methods around points and other structural elements.
Lake Pleasant's Striped Bass respond well to vertical presentations when they're holding deep, but they'll also chase lures when actively feeding. The clear water conditions make them ideal targets for sight fishing in some scenarios. Seasonal patterns dictate their location, with fish often moving deeper during midday hours and becoming more active during low-light periods. Our local knowledge ensures we're fishing the most productive patterns during your trip.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Lake Pleasant fishing trips include a fully-equipped boat with all necessary safety equipment, fishing gear, and tackle. Trips are designed for 2 anglers with comfortable fishing platforms and ample space. We recommend bringing sun protection, appropriate clothing for the weather, and any personal items you might need during the trip. Water and snacks are suggested, especially for longer outings.
We typically begin early morning to take advantage of the best bite, but can adjust start times based on seasonal patterns and your preferences. Our focus remains on providing a productive and enjoyable fishing experience regardless of your skill level. From beginners to experienced anglers, we tailor the trip to ensure everyone has opportunities to connect with Lake Pleasant's fantastic fishery.
Fishing in Lake Pleasant: Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), also known as Stripers or Linesiders, are members of the Moronidae family within the order Perciformes. These distinctive predators feature seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along their silvery sides, making them immediately recognizable to anglers fishing Lake Pleasant in November. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails make them formidable fighters when hooked.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are prized gamefish known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability. Originally native to the Atlantic coast, they've been successfully introduced to many freshwater impoundments across the country, including Arizona's Lake Pleasant. Anglers value them for both their sporting qualities and table fare, making them a top target for fishing charters.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
While naturally anadromous along the Atlantic coast (spawning in freshwater but living primarily in saltwater), the Lake Pleasant population thrives entirely in freshwater. They typically inhabit open water around structure and drop-offs, following bait schools and utilizing the lake's diverse habitat. In Lake Pleasant, they're commonly found around the main basin structure, particularly near points, humps, and channel edges.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Lake Pleasant Striped Bass typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length and can weigh between 10 and 81 pounds, though most caught by recreational anglers fall in the 3-15 pound range. Trophy specimens exceeding 20 pounds are possible but less common, particularly during certain seasonal patterns.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are voracious predators that primarily feed on shad and other baitfish in Lake Pleasant. They exhibit schooling behavior, often hunting in groups to corral baitfish against the surface or structure. Their feeding patterns are most active during dawn and dusk, though they'll strike throughout the day when conditions are favorable, particularly under overcast skies or when bait is abundant.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
While Striped Bass naturally spawn in flowing rivers, Lake Pleasant's population attempts spawning activities in spring when water temperatures reach the upper 50s to mid-60s degrees. Though natural reproduction is limited in the lake, these fish still exhibit spawning behaviors and movement patterns during this period, often becoming more aggressive as they prepare for the spawn.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For Lake Pleasant Stripers, vertical jigging with spoons and bucktail jigs produces consistent results, especially when fish are holding deeper around structure. Trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or live bait rigs is effective when targeting suspended fish. In November, anglers around Lake Pleasant often find them schooling around deeper points and following shad schools in the main lake basins, making both jigging and trolling effective approaches depending on conditions.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white fillets that have a mild, sweet flavor. Their meat is versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, and frying. They're also nutritionally valuable with high protein content and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller to mid-sized fish (under 10 pounds) generally provide the best eating quality from Lake Pleasant.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant?
A: Live shad is the premium natural bait, but artificial lures like vertical jigging spoons, bucktail jigs, and deep-diving crankbaits in shad patterns are highly effective. During active feeds, topwater lures can produce exciting strikes.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Morristown?
A: Lake Pleasant's main basin structure holds the majority of Striped Bass. Focus on underwater points, humps, and channel edges, particularly in 20-40 foot depths. During low light, they may move shallower to feed, while holding deeper during bright midday conditions.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is excellent table fare with firm white meat and a mild flavor. Fish in the 3-10 pound range typically offer the best eating quality. They can be prepared numerous ways including grilled, baked, or fried with simple seasonings to enhance their natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass on Lake Pleasant?
A: Early morning and evening provide peak feeding activity, particularly around dawn and dusk. Fall through early winter (October-December) offers consistent action as stripers feed heavily before cooler water temperatures arrive. Spring can also be productive as they become more active during pre-spawn periods.
Q: What pound test line should I use for Lake Pleasant Striped Bass?
A: For most Lake Pleasant Striper fishing, 12-20 pound test monofilament or 15-30 pound braided line works well. When fishing deeper structure or around cover, heavier line provides more abrasion resistance and control when fighting these powerful fish.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass?
A: Medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with quality reels capable of holding sufficient line are recommended. For jigging, shorter rods (6-7 feet) provide better control, while longer rods work better for casting and trolling applications. No Limit Fishing provides all specialized equipment needed during guided trips.
