Recent posts

#61

All Other Lakes / February 2026 Crappie Fishing ...

Last post by OneBlade - February 24, 2026, 07:26 AM

February 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
Crappie fishing is on fire with suspended schools of fish scattered all over the lake. The crappie are starting to move shallower as they are staging, getting ready to spawn. You can catch them casting jigs to them.

Bartlett Lake
Crappie fishing is touch and go. Some days the crappie schools are moving around everywhere and other days they are just gone or buried deep in trees.  Some crappie might moving in so if you can't find crappie schooling around, then try fishing for them shallower water. Start off with jigs and if not working switch to minnows and keep on top of them.

Lake Pleasant
Crappie are suspended on tree tops in 20-30ft of water. Water a little colder so they aren't spawning yet. You can catch them casting jigs to them or try minnows if that fails.

Roosevelt Lake
Crappie fishing is on fire with multiple stages going on. On the Salt end, the water temps are 59-60 degrees and the crappie are spawning 5ft to 20ft. On the Tonto end, the water temps are 55-56 degrees and the crappie are in prespawn fishing so look in 20-30ft of water. Try fishing with jigs and if that doesn't work try minnows.

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)

The February newsletter will be sent out shortly so be sure and subscribe to receive them.

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

#62

Alamo / Re: How's the fishing?

Last post by OneBlade - February 24, 2026, 06:56 AM

Nice rig/setup.  Here's the Jan newsletter as it contains a bit of info on how they were being caught last month: https://mailchi.mp/22a52672bf28/azca-crappie-fishing-report-newsletter-2362

I just got an update from AZ Crappie Sniper and he said fishing at Alamo is on fire.  Now I'll caveat that statement that it's good fishing if you're able to use Livescope and cast well to crappie.  If you're not using Livescope, you can still can catch some crappie there.  He said the fish are suspended in schools over the lake, but they are starting to move shallower.  They are not yet spawning but are staging.  He fishes primarily with jigs but might be worth buying some minnows (they sell them at Alamo, but are pricey) and toss them perhaps with a slip bobber into schools.

Good luck!

#63

Alamo / Re: Feb 19/20 2026 Alamo Lake

Last post by Slayerfish - February 22, 2026, 05:31 PM

Thx. Headed there tomorrow!

#64

Alamo / Re: How's the fishing?

Last post by Slayerfish - February 22, 2026, 05:30 PM

T

#65

Alamo / Re: Feb 19/20 2026 Alamo Lake

Last post by FishMan - February 22, 2026, 01:07 PM

We found fish from 8 FOW to 30 FOW. When not suspended, they were hunkered down on the bottom. None of the males were blackened, water temps were 55 degrees.

#66

Alamo / Re: Feb 19/20 2026 Alamo Lake

Last post by Slayerfish - February 22, 2026, 10:17 AM

What was your best depth?  Thx.

#67

Alamo / Feb 19/20 2026 Alamo Lake

Last post by FishMan - February 21, 2026, 07:46 PM

Spent 2 days at Alamo, this past week Thursday and Friday. Cold and windy mornings, but able to make it work.  Lake is very healthy, but your attention to detail must be on point.

#68

Alamo / How's the fishing?

Last post by Slayerfish - February 21, 2026, 09:23 AM

I know, Dumb question but me and bro coming down on Monday gonna fish Tuesday. Wed. Thursday.
Just fishing in shorts and t-shirt is the bomb, catching is the icing.  Are they still deep or moving shallower?  I often fish Kansas throwing jigs into the trees.  2-12 ft deep. Thx and have a great day!  Mike.

#69

Spring Crappie Fest / Spring Crappie Fest 2026 - Rem...

Last post by OneBlade - February 20, 2026, 07:47 AM

Hey all! The Spring Crappie Fest is just over a month away, being held at Alamo Lake on March 28th.  Remember, we were unable to secure the group site so everyone must reserve their own site at https://azstateparks.com/reserve/#alamo-lake/camping.  Most AZCA members are in the D loop but there is just 1 site left there. There are still sites available in other loops.

I'm going to start ordering raffle prizes.  Reply with some new/fresh ideas for prizes and I'll see what I can do.

From the survey results, a majority of members ranked the fish fry & potluck high in the value it provides for the SCF and BHCC events.  However, to make it happen, we need people to step up to (1) run the fish fry, (2) clean fish, and (3) bring dishes to share. James Rollins was able to secure the large group site covered area for the fish fry so will be great to have that area for the meal. The AZCA has people who we be able to borrow the fish fry gear if needed.  However, the fish fry can be done using a high output propane stove and cast iron pans if you have them (these can be borrowed as well). The AZCA will reimburse the cost for oil, batter, etc. for anyone who runs the fish fry.  Please reply here or reach out to me (480-474-7955) if you can help run the fish fry or clean fish for this event.

#70

Upcoming Events / Bartlett Lake Crappie Stocking...

Last post by OneBlade - February 20, 2026, 07:10 AM

From the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD):

Boaters, please join us in stocking roughly 10,000 2-4 inch Black Crappie into Bartlett Lake. Bring your own boats, meet at Jojoba Boat Ramp at 7AM to help us distribute Crappie throughout the lake. We're looking for people to transport these fish by boat to desirable habitat near the shoreline, including vegetated areas, or other locations that provide cover from predators. We'll provide the trashcans, water, and fish. Beware, there may be some splashing of water on your boat. All gear (trashcans) must be returned by 9AM as the fish vendor continues on to Roosevelt.

No boats will be provided for this event. All those attending must bring their own boat or have previously coordinated to ride on another registered volunteer's boat.

Pre-Registration required. Limited to roughly 10 boats.

Registration Link: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1218370