Striped Bass Capital of the West

Lake Pleasant, located northwest of Phoenix, has evolved into one of Arizona’s top striped bass fisheries. Originally a smaller reservoir built in 1927, the lake expanded dramatically in 1994 with the construction of the New Waddell Dam, allowing it to store Colorado River water via the Central Arizona Project. This transformation created a deep, stable aquatic environment ideal for supporting striped bass, a non-native species originally from the Atlantic coast.

Striped bass were introduced into Lake Pleasant in the mid-1990s and quickly adapted, thriving on the lake’s abundant threadfin shad population. Today, the striper population is self-sustaining and offers consistent angling opportunities throughout the year.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages anglers to harvest stripers, as they can impact other sport fish populations when overabundant. Lake Pleasant serves as a prime example of how fisheries management and water infrastructure can create new recreational opportunities in desert environments.

The lake has become a hub for Arizona’s fishing community, drawing anglers, boaters, and nature lovers alike. As water resources and ecosystems continue to evolve in the Southwest, Lake Pleasant stands as a model of ecological balance, thoughtful management, and the enduring appeal of fishing in the desert.