%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1623%2Fimages%2Fno_limmit_png.png&w=1200&q=100)
No Limit Fishing Guided Trip in Morristown
Striped Bass Fishing in Lake Pleasant
5.0
18 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F36daabc6-6b8c-4db3-8b1c-ff7eaff0c07f%2Fimages%2Flake-pleasant-striped-bass-catch-8985.png&w=1200&q=75)
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) are hard-fighting gamefish found in Lake Pleasant and are highly prized by Arizona anglers. These powerful predators can reach impressive sizes between 20-55 inches and weigh between 10-81 pounds, making them one of the most exciting freshwater catches in the region. - Lake Pleasant's striped bass population offers year-round fishing opportunities with various techniques. - Winter fishing at Lake Pleasant Regional Park has been producing consistent striped bass action with clear water conditions improving visibility.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Glenn Diaz in December
Meet your Guide Glenn Diaz
- Get your fill of Trophy Bites in Arizona!
Summary
Sunday December on Lake Pleasant delivered excellent striped bass action during our guided fishing trip. We launched early with clear conditions and worked multiple techniques throughout the day—casting along structure, bottom fishing deeper sections, and trolling the main lake. Lake Pleasant Regional Park's winter fishing has been consistently productive, with the lake structure holding fish at different depths. For anglers looking to experience Lake Pleasant's diverse fishing opportunities, our 5-hour trips provide the perfect balance of time and technique variety. Whether you're targeting the lake's famous striped bass or want to improve your fishing skills with professional guidance, No Limit Fishing provides the local knowledge and equipment needed for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Glenn Diaz – Rates & Booking
Guide Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing on Sunday December provided an action-packed day for two guests at Lake Pleasant. This 5-hour shared trip focuses on multiple bass fishing techniques across Lake Pleasant's diverse structure. All quality fishing gear and bait are included, so you can focus on landing striped bass and other Lake Pleasant gamefish. With winter conditions providing clear visibility and consistent action, this is an ideal time to experience Lake Pleasant's renowned fishery. Book your spot for the "Guided Fishing in Lake Pleasant – Bass, Striped Bass & Catfish Adventure" to secure expert guidance to the lake's prime fishing locations.
Highlights of Guided Fishing in Lake Pleasant – Bass, Striped Bass & Catfish Adventure | Shared- 5 Hour Trip (AM/PM)
This Lake Pleasant guided trip delivers personalized instruction on multiple fishing techniques—casting structure, bottom fishing deeper areas, and trolling main lake sections. The 5-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different approaches while targeting the lake's prized striped bass. Winter conditions at Lake Pleasant Regional Park have been particularly productive, with clear water and active fish providing consistent action throughout the day.
Recent guest Theodis gave this trip a perfect 5-star rating, noting: "Glenn was easy to work with and accommodating to myself and my son. We had a great time... Glenn made sure we grabbed a few and even hit multiple species. Definitely recommend and will be back." This testimonial highlights the guide's commitment to ensuring guests catch fish even during challenging conditions.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Lake Pleasant's striped bass population provides exciting fishing opportunities year-round. These hard-fighting fish typically hold along lake structure and transition to deeper water as temperatures change. During winter months, stripers can be found schooling in deeper sections of the lake, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing and trolling techniques. The relatively clear winter water at Lake Pleasant enhances visibility and improves your chances of connecting with these powerful gamefish.
No Limit Fishing specializes in targeting Lake Pleasant's striped bass using proven techniques that work regardless of the season. Whether you're jigging structure, presenting live bait in deeper water, or trolling the main lake areas, Guide Glenn Diaz shares local knowledge that maximizes your chances of success. The variety of approaches used during the 5-hour trip ensures you'll learn valuable skills while experiencing the thrill of battling Lake Pleasant's striped bass.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Lake Pleasant fishing adventure includes all necessary equipment—quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. The boat accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably, making this perfect for solo anglers, pairs, or parent-child fishing experiences. Morning trips typically begin early to capitalize on prime feeding periods, while afternoon sessions target the evening bite. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear sun protection, and bring any personal items you might need for a comfortable day on the water. Light snacks and water are recommended, as active fishing in the Arizona sun can be demanding even during winter months.
Fishing in Lake Pleasant: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is a powerful, line-stripping gamefish belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order. Known for their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery sides, these fish have become a prized catch for anglers visiting Lake Pleasant in Morristown, Arizona. Despite being originally native to Atlantic coastal waters, striped bass have been successfully introduced to many freshwater impoundments across the country.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are aggressive predatory fish characterized by their torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive horizontal stripes. These adaptable fish thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments, making them perfect candidates for stocking programs like the one at Lake Pleasant. Anglers prize them for their strong fights, sizable weights, and excellent table fare.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
While native to Atlantic coastal waters, Striped Bass have been successfully introduced to many freshwater lakes and reservoirs nationwide. At Lake Pleasant near Morristown, they thrive in the deeper, cooler sections of the lake but will move to different depths depending on season and water temperature. They typically prefer open water with access to deep structure but will move shallow to feed, especially during low light conditions.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Lake Pleasant stripers typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 81 pounds for trophy specimens. Most catches average between 5-15 pounds, but the lake has produced larger specimens that give anglers truly memorable battles. The fish's streamlined body and powerful musculature make even average-sized specimens feel much larger when hooked.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Striped Bass are voracious predators that primarily feed on threadfin shad and other baitfish in Lake Pleasant. They often hunt in schools, corralling baitfish against the surface or structure to feed. Their feeding behavior is most active during dawn and dusk, though winter months can see active feeding throughout daylight hours. They tend to follow baitfish schools and can be found at varying depths depending on water temperature and oxygen levels.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Unlike native environments where striped bass spawn in rivers, Lake Pleasant's striped bass population is primarily maintained through stocking programs as they require flowing water for successful reproduction. The fish do exhibit spawning behavior during spring when water temperatures reach the 60s, typically moving into shallower areas and tributaries. December in Arizona represents a post-spawn period when fish are actively feeding to regain condition.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
At Lake Pleasant, three primary techniques prove most effective: jigging along structure, bottom fishing with live bait, and trolling the main lake. Vertical jigging with spoons or bucktail jigs in 20-40 feet of water produces consistent results, especially along submerged points and drop-offs. In December around Morristown, anglers find success trolling umbrella rigs or deep-diving crankbaits at varying depths, usually starting at 15-25 feet and adjusting based on fish finder readings. Live-bait fishing with anchovies or shad is particularly effective during winter months when fish school in deeper water.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that offers a mild, sweet flavor. The meat is relatively low in fat with a pleasing texture that holds up well to various cooking methods. Stripers from Lake Pleasant are particularly good eating since the clean, freshwater environment produces less fishy-tasting meat than their saltwater counterparts. They're rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to other predatory species.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant?
A: Live or fresh-cut anchovies and shad are the top baits for Lake Pleasant stripers. For artificial lures, try deep-diving crankbaits, jigging spoons, and white or chartreuse bucktail jigs that mimic the local threadfin shad.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Morristown?
A: Lake Pleasant's main basin and deeper points hold stripers year-round. Focus on the dam area, submerged creek channels, and underwater humps in 20-40 feet of water. During winter months, look for large bait balls on your fish finder with stripers typically holding below or around them.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Lake Pleasant stripers are excellent eating with firm, white, mild-flavored meat. They're best prepared grilled, baked, or blackened. Smaller fish (under 10 pounds) generally taste better than larger specimens.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass in Lake Pleasant?
A: Early morning and evening hours typically produce the best action, but winter months like December can see active feeding throughout the day. Seasonally, late fall through early spring offers the most consistent fishing as stripers school more predictably in cooler water.
Q: What size Striped Bass can I expect to catch at Lake Pleasant?
A: Most Lake Pleasant stripers average 2-8 pounds, though fish in the 10-20 pound range are caught regularly. The lake record approaches 30 pounds, and the potential for larger fish exists as the population matures.
Q: Do I need special tackle for Striped Bass fishing?
A: Medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line is ideal. Guided trips with No Limit Fishing provide all necessary equipment, but if bringing your own, ensure reels have smooth drags as stripers are known for powerful initial runs.
