Chad Lee Chad Lee

Lake Saguaro Fishing Report March 8th 2025

When I was younger, I always prayed for rain. It would either cancel practice or provide a welcome change of pace from the monotony of school. I was always fascinated by the sheer power of a rainstorm. Now, as an adult, I usually think of rain in terms of how much our waterways need it and how it might be the best day for fishing the next day. While it certainly wasn’t the worst day, it definitely wasn’t the best either. Here’s the report:

The Lowdown

  • Water Temp: 56-58 degrees

  • Water Clarity: Very Stained

  • Air Temp: High of 58, Low of 42

  • Wind: 2-7 mph, gusts up to 15mph clear

  • Moon Phase: 70% illumination (Waxing Gibbous)

  • Most Effective Baits:

    • Drop-Shot

    • Texas Rigged Worms

    • Shaky Head

    • Texas Rigged Craws

    • Spinnerbaits

    • Swim Jigs

    • Football Head Jigs

Opinion:

It was a bit chilly at first, especially considering the humidity from the previous night’s rain. While the water was beautiful, the bite was a bit slower. The water was definitely churned up more than usual, so we had to adjust our fishing techniques and patterns accordingly. Most of the fish were in the 15-18 foot range, and the big bass were nowhere to be found. I still believe that the spawn is about three weeks away, depending on the weather.

Lake Saguaro is a beautiful place, with its stunning views, especially when the four peaks in the background are covered in snow. Until next time…

CL

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Chad Lee Chad Lee

Roosevelt Lake, AZ Fishing Report March 1st 2025

Most people love March for the signaling of better weather, some people love it because it’s another excuse to drink on a Monday (St. Patrick’s Day), others love it because it is the month of Jon Bon Jovi’s Birthday… But I love March for the start of bass fishing season.

I know some may think that in the state of Arizona, there is no beginning or end to bass fishing, and while I agree, I also humbly admit that I suck at catching fish in the winter. Either way, bass fishing is warming up the bite is good.

Most people right now in early march are catching their bag limit and starting to swing a couple big boys in the boat. Overall, the fishing is good, most of the fish were in there 12- 18ft mark, primarily 1.5 to 2.5 lb fish being caught. Water levels looks to be down about 30-40ft

The Lowdown

  • Water Temp: 57-59 degrees

  • Water Clarity: Slightly stained

  • Air Temp: High of 78, Low of 48

  • Wind: 2-7 mph, gusts up to 15mph clear

  • Moon Phase: 4% illumination (Waxing Crescent)

  • Most Effective Baits:

    • Wacky Rig (most successful)

    • Drop-Shot

    • Texas Rigged Craws

    • Swim Jigs

    • Football Head Jigs

Opinion:

It’s hard not to have a remarkable experience on this lake. Its vastness and intricate waterways provide endless opportunities to catch fish, even when conditions seem less than favorable. Roosevelt Lake epitomizes the spirit of Arizona—rugged western landscapes, majestic mountains, and a plethora of cacti. Each time I make the journey here, it feels as if I’m stepping onto untouched territory, ripe for exploration.

When it comes to fishing, however, I found that the results left something to be desired. We landed numerous fish, yet we couldn’t quite surpass that elusive 3 pounder threshold. I have a feeling the bigger ones are lurking a bit deeper, biding their time until the water temperature rises above 62 degrees.

As the great Ernest Hemingway once said, “The first draft of anything is s***,” and this outing felt like just that—a first draft hinting at the promise of a bountiful season ahead. Until next time…

-CL

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Chad Lee Chad Lee

Lake Saguaro Fishing Report February 15th 2025

Fishing has been tough, but I have a feeling things will turn around soon. Every boat I spoke with on the water reported similar conditions and results- just a few fish, mostly deep, and nothing special.

The Lowdown

  • Water Temp: 54-56

  • Water Clarity: Slightly stained

  • Air Temp: High of 72, Low of 43

  • Wind: 2-7 mph, mostly sunny skies

  • Moon Phase: 95% illumination (Waning Gibbous)

  • Most Effective Baits:

    • Drop shot (most successful)

    • Texas-rigged craws

    • Lipless crankbaits

    • Deep-diving crankbaits

    • Wacky-rigged Senkos

Opinion:

Saguaro Lake is always a great place to spend the days”especially in February, when it’s in the 70s and you’re not dodging wake boats every 10 minutes. Fishing was challenging, with fish suspended in 30-40 feet of water. We also hit the lake right after our first “storm” of the winter, which may have affected the bite.

That said, I always remember a quote from Tommy Sanders, the voice of Bassmaster Opens:

“Doesn’t matter if they aren’t biting, the pros always find a way to catch fish”

It’s a reminder to keep fine-tuning my craft and exploring new techniques. No matter what, the views at Saguaro are incredible and they’ll be even better when the fish move shallow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

- CL

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