Nov 5, 2021

Sitting not far from the southern Arizona desert and just a few miles from downtown Phoenix, the city of Chandler, AZ, is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of fishing spots or water activities. However, Chandler residents and visitors can find excellent and nearby destinations where they can test their skills and catch a wide variety of local fish species. Fill up your tank, pack your gear, and hit the road!

photo by: Olympus Property

3 Favorite Fishing Spots Near Chandler, AZ

1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Covering a surface area of about 7,500 acres, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is located along the shores of one of the most important reservoirs for the water supply system of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Created with the construction of the Carl Pleasant Dam across the Agua Fria River, this body of water covers encompasses over 10,000 acres and is used as a popular water sports recreation center for locals and residents of the region.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is located about 65 miles northwest of downtown Chandler, a distance that can be covered in a little over an hour by car along route I-17. This public recreation area offers visitors plenty of opportunities for boating, scuba diving, jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and fishing. Some of the fish species anglers can find in the waters of the reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, tilapia, redear sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish, and common carp.

2. Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Located a little over 100 miles northeast of downtown Chandler, Theodore Roosevelt Lake is the oldest of six reservoirs constructed as part of the Salt River Project. Some of the species that can be found here include crappie, flathead catfish, channel catfish, carp, sunfish, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. This body of water encompasses an area of about 21,500 acres and serves flood protection, water supply, and hydroelectric energy production purposes.

Driving from Chandler to Theodore Roosevelt Lake takes about an hour and 50 minutes, heading northeast along routes US-60 and AZ-188. Formed in 1911 with the construction of a masonry dam across the Salt River, this body of water is considered the oldest artificial reservoir in the state of Arizona. This lake is a major center for different recreational activities including fishing, boating, and camping, with most public access areas located along the southern shores.

3. Saguaro Lake

Managed by the authorities of the Tonto National Forest, Saguaro Lake is another artificial reservoir formed by the construction of a dam across the Salt River. This body of water covers a surface area of about 1,200 acres and is a popular spot for champion bass and carp fishing. Some other species that can be found here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, and sunfish. From Chandler, this lake can be reached in about 45 minutes by car.

Are you ready to hit the road and check out these fantastic fishing destinations? Before you set off, visit us at Earnhardt Chevrolet. Whether you are looking for a Chevy car or truck, we have an extensive lineup and a team of friendly sales agents who will help you find the best deal for you.