%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1623%2Fimages%2Fno_limmit_png.png&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Guided Bass & Catfish Trip on Lake Pleasant
- Published Date: July 22, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Pleasant
- $175 - $450 price range
- Updated Date: August 31, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F36daabc6-6b8c-4db3-8b1c-ff7eaff0c07f%2Fratecard%2F14.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Reeling in the Big Ones
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for a day of jigging and trolling!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect combo for a day on the water!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a crystal-clear day!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a clear day!
Perfect night for jigging and trolling with light tackle under the moonlight.
Nice striped bass from today's jigging and trolling session!
Reeling in the stripers at Scorpion Bay Grill!
Reeling in a tasty Striped Bass on a crystal-clear day!
Striped bass on the line in Morristown's clear weather!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for fishing success!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for a day of jigging and trolling!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect combo for a day on the water!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a crystal-clear day!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a clear day!
Perfect night for jigging and trolling with light tackle under the moonlight.
Nice striped bass from today's jigging and trolling session!
Reeling in the stripers at Scorpion Bay Grill!
Reeling in a tasty Striped Bass on a crystal-clear day!
Striped bass on the line in Morristown's clear weather!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for fishing success!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect recipe for a day of jigging and trolling!
Clear skies and light tackle: the perfect combo for a day on the water!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a crystal-clear day!
Reeling in a 17-inch Channel Catfish on a clear day!
Bass Bonanza: Lake Pleasant's Hidden Fishing Gem
Ready for a day of non-stop action on one of Arizona's top fishing spots? Grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're heading out to Lake Pleasant for a 5-hour guided fishing adventure you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the best bass, stripers, and catfish Arizona has to offer. No need to fuss with gear or worry about finding the honey holes – we've got you covered from start to finish.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising across Lake Pleasant's glassy surface as the sun peeks over the Bradshaw Mountains. Your guide, a local fishing guru, is already scoping out the best spots while you sip your morning coffee. Before you know it, you're casting into prime bass territory. Whether you prefer the excitement of topwater action or the finesse of working a plastic worm, we'll tailor the experience to your style. And don't be surprised if you end up in a tug-of-war with a hefty striper or catfish – Lake Pleasant is full of surprises!
Top Catches This Season
Lake Pleasant isn't just pleasant – it's a powerhouse for multiple species. We'll be targeting largemouth and striped bass, the stars of the show, but don't sleep on the scrappy white bass or the bulldogging catfish. Our trips are all about "no limit" fishing, which means non-stop action and the chance to really dial in your technique. We'll use a mix of methods, from trolling to jigging, to make sure your line stays tight. And hey, if you've never experienced the thrill of a striper blitz, you're in for a treat – when these fish start busting on the surface, it's like the Fourth of July came early!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Glen was phenomenal. Great with kids and great with all!! We caught fish nearly non stop. Super conversationalist, Super fun guy. Don't hesitate, book him." - dave
"We had an incredible fishing trip with Captain Glenn! He was extremely knowledgeable and patient, especially with the first-timers in our group. Thanks to his guidance, everyone managed to catch plenty of fish. The boat was fantastic, and Captain Glenn provided all the equipment needed for a successful and enjoyable outing. We highly recommend this experience!" - Mohamad
"1st time using a fishing guide (Normally I'm a do it yourself when it comes to fishing) Glenn with No Limits Fishing knows what he is doing. We had a great experience and will be booking another trip in the near future. I would definitely recommend No Limits Fishing for your next adventure!" - Scott
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth Bass: The king of Lake Pleasant, these green machines are why anglers flock here year-round. Spring sees them pushing shallow to spawn, offering sight-fishing opportunities that'll make your heart race. In summer, they'll smash topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Fall brings a feeding frenzy as they fatten up for winter. Expect hard strikes and acrobatic jumps – a 5-pounder here will give you a run for your money!
Striped Bass: Lake Pleasant's stripers are the heavyweight champs of the lake. These hard-fighting fish school up and can create surface explosions that'll have you thinking the water's boiling. We target them year-round, but spring and fall are prime time. When they're on, it's not uncommon to boat dozens in a single trip. The lake record is over 29 pounds – imagine that on the end of your line!
White Bass: Don't let their size fool you – white bass pack a punch pound-for-pound. These silvery fighters run in schools, so when you find one, you've found a bunch. Spring sees them running up the Agua Fria River arm, offering fast-paced action that's perfect for kids or anyone who loves constant catches. They're also excellent eating if you're looking to take some home for the pan.
Channel Catfish: The whiskered denizens of Lake Pleasant, channel cats offer a change of pace from bass fishing. They're most active at night, but we can still target them during the day in deeper water. Using cut bait or stinkbaits, we'll drop lines near underwater structure and wait for that distinctive catfish pull. They average 2-5 pounds here, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of.
Flathead Catfish: The apex predator of Lake Pleasant, flatheads are the stuff of angler legends. These behemoths can top 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. We target them with live bait like bluegill or carp, fishing deep holes and submerged timber. Landing a big flathead is a true trophy experience – it might just be the fish of a lifetime!
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing at Lake Pleasant, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce the kids to fishing, or just enjoy a day on the water with the chance of hooking into something big, this trip has you covered. We provide all the gear, knowledge, and local intel – you just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky hat. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let another season slip by without getting out on Lake Pleasant. Book your trip now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back year after year. Trust me, once you've felt that first strike, you'll be hooked!
Customer Reviews
Fish Frenzy with Glen
dave pfanzelter
March 4, 2025
Lake Pros Deliver
And Sean were awesome. They showed us a very good time. We caught fish right away. Taught me a lot about the lake and very helpful and very courteous, very informative top-notch. Would highly recommend him to anybody.
David Grill
August 29, 2025
Winter Catch Chase
Light bite on a winter day, but Glenn worked hard to put us on some active fish.
George Carter
February 11, 2025
Captain Glenn Rocks
We had an incredible fishing trip with Captain Glenn! He was extremely knowledgeable and patient, especially with the first-timers in our group. Thanks to his guidance, everyone managed to catch plenty of fish. The boat was fantastic, and Captain Glenn provided all the equipment needed for a successful and enjoyable outing. We highly recommend this experience!
Mohamad A.
August 3, 2024
Hooked and Returning
We caught plenty of fish and had an amazing time. We'll definitely be returning!
Tyson D.
December 28, 2024
Wise Guide Wows
Great guide, knowledgeable and facilitated a good time
Matt Perutz
February 23, 2025
Awesome Guide Thrills
Awesome trip and great guide!
Ben Buchheim-Jurisson
August 26, 2024
Pro Guide Converts DIY
1st time using a fishing guide (Normally I’m a do it yourself when it comes to fishing) Glenn with No Limits Fishing knows what he is doing. We had a great experience and will be booking another trip in the near future. I would definitely recommend No Limits Fishing for your next adventure!
Scott Jones
June 29, 2025
My wife and I had a great day at the lake with Glenn. I am an avid local angler, I learned some insightful techniques and tips. I would recommend this trip, and I will book Glenn again for future trips.
Glenn Shafer
February 19, 2023
Learn more about the species
Channel Catfish
Channel cats are the whisker-faced residents of Lake Pleasant, often hanging out near the bottom in 15-30 feet of water. They average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger. These fish are most active at night, making them a great target for evening fishing trips. They're not the prettiest fish in the lake, but they put up a good fight and are excellent eating. To catch them, try fishing with stinkbait, cut bait, or nightcrawlers near drop-offs or in coves. Use a sturdy rod and reel combo - these fish can really pull when they decide to run. A local trick is to use chicken liver marinated in garlic and anise oil - the scent drives catfish wild. Be patient when fishing for cats, and when you feel that distinctive thump on your line, set the hook hard.
Flathead Catfish
Flatheads are the giants of Lake Pleasant, with fish over 50 pounds possible. These big cats prefer deep holes and submerged structure, often in 20-40 feet of water. They're most active at night, making them a favorite target for after-dark fishing trips. Flatheads are ambush predators, so they like live bait - big bluegills or small carp work well. When hooked, these fish pull like a truck and can be a real challenge to land. They're also considered some of the best eating catfish around. To target them, try fishing near deep drop-offs or submerged trees. Use heavy tackle and strong line - these fish can snap lighter gear like it's nothing. A local secret is to use a big live bluegill on a circle hook - let it swim near the bottom and hang on tight. When a flathead hits, it'll be a fight you won't soon forget.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavyweight champs of Lake Pleasant. These fish can grow up to 10 pounds, though most you'll catch are in the 2-5 pound range. They love hanging around structure - submerged trees, rocky points, and weed beds. Early morning and late evening are prime times to target them, especially in the warmer months when they move shallow to feed. Largemouth put up a great fight, often leaping out of the water when hooked. They're also tasty if you decide to keep one for dinner. To up your odds, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. These bass can be finicky, so patience and stealth are key. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard and hold on tight!
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass in Lake Pleasant are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll hook into. They average 1-3 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Look for them around rocky points, submerged islands, and drop-offs, especially in 10-20 feet of water. Smallies love cooler water, so they're often more active in spring and fall. They hit hard and make acrobatic jumps when hooked. Smallmouth are also great eating if you want to keep a few. To target them, try dragging a tube jig or dropshot rig along the bottom near rocky structure. Early mornings with a bit of chop on the water can be prime time. Pro tip: when you catch one, work the area thoroughly - smallmouth often school up, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Striped Bass
Stripers are the bruisers of Lake Pleasant, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These hard-fighting fish school up to chase shad, often creating surface feeding frenzies that'll get your heart racing. Look for them in deeper, open water, especially near underwater points and humps. Spring and fall are prime times when they feed aggressively. Stripers hit like a freight train and can strip line from your reel in seconds. They're also excellent eating if you want to keep a few smaller ones. To target them, try trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons in 20-40 feet of water. When you see them busting the surface, casting topwater lures can lead to explosive strikes. Remember to beef up your gear - these fish can humble light tackle in a hurry.
White Bass
White bass are scrappy little fighters that school up in Lake Pleasant. They average 1-2 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and aggressive feeding. Look for them in open water chasing shad, especially in spring and fall. When they're actively feeding, you can often spot them busting the surface. White bass hit hard and fast, making for exciting light tackle action. They're great eating too. To find them, keep an eye out for diving birds or use your fish finder to locate schools. Small jigs and crankbaits that mimic shad are your best bet. When you find a school, you can often catch them one after another. Pro tip: have a second rod rigged and ready - when the school moves, you want to be able to quickly cast to them again.
About the No Limit Fishing
%2F%2Fusers%2F36daabc6-6b8c-4db3-8b1c-ff7eaff0c07f%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fbennington.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60
Glen was phenomenal. Great with kids and great with all!! We caught fish nearly non stop. Super conversationalist, Super fun guy. Don't hesitate, book him.