January 2026 Crappie Fishing Report

[OneBlade]

January 2026 Crappie Fishing Report

The following up-to-date report was provided by AZ Crappie Sniper Guide Service. If you're interested in a guided trip for crappie contact Randy Howton at 623-640-9193 and randyhowton@yahoo.com.  Randy's guide service was mentioned in Crappie NOW, the biggest online crappie magazine publication in the US.

Alamo Lake
The lake is still on fire for crappie fishing and you can find lots of fish everywhere from 15ft to 60ft deep.  Most active fish are suspended in the 10-20ft depth. You can cast your jig to those active fish or also try an Aberdeen hook with a minnow and split shot as that is working also.

Bartlett Lake
Crappie are roaming in schools everywhere from Rattlesnake Cove all the way back to the river area.  You can find fish in structure but they may be more difficult to catch than the ones roaming in schools. Water level was is now at 73% full so there is more area open than in prior months.

Lake Pleasant
Crappie fishing is a bit tougher.  You will need to hit a lot of trees until you find the tree loaded with crappie where you should be able to catch a fair amount, and then move on to more trees looking for the ones holding crappie. Also remember, the Aqua Fria arm is currently closed so check the other arms/bays on the north end of the lake.

Roosevelt Lake
You'll find crappie on the structures so look for trees or fish the AZGFD habitats. Some reports have come in that crappie are being caught on the Tonto end in the trees so you can try that as well.

Notice
Check out our latest AZCA Crappie Fishing Report and Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/22a52672bf28/azca-crappie-fishing-report-newsletter-2362 (be sure and subscribe to receive them to your inbox)

And if you appreciate these fishing reports, please help this community and post your own crappie fishing report in our Lake Reports forum board: https://forum.azcrappie.com/index.php#c4