Fishing Report for Tempe Town Lake, AZ (Maricopa County Lake)
Current Water Temperature: 78°F
Fishing Overview
Tempe Town Lake, known for its excellent trout, bass, and perch fishing, is poised for a successful week based on the evolving weather forecast. Anglers can expect a mix of partly cloudy and mostly clear conditions, with optimal fishing opportunities likely to arise around key periods.
Weather Summary
- General Forecast: Partly cloudy conditions transitioning to mostly clear days, with highs ranging from 68°F to 95°F and lows between 55°F to 63°F.
- Wind: Predominantly calm winds averaging 3 to 11 mph, with gusts reaching up to 21 mph on certain days.
- Rain Events: Expect some light rain on the 28th and 29th with total precipitation ranging from 0.4 inches to 13.15 inches.
Key Fish Behavior
Trout
- Activity Levels: Trout activity will generally increase with stable, mild temperatures. Expect prime feeding at dawn and dusk, particularly on cloudy days.
- Preferred Locations: Seek out coves and inlets, especially near submerged structures or shaded areas, where trout tend to congregate.
- Behavioral Insights: As water temperatures stabilize, trout may become more aggressive, particularly in early mornings and late afternoons.
Bass
- Activity Levels: Bass will be most active during periods of overcast weather following rain, as they chase baitfish into shallower waters.
- Preferred Locations: Focus on submerged structures, weed edges, and areas with changing depths, especially where wind pushes baitfish.
- Behavioral Insights: The wind direction will influence the bass’s feeding behavior. Windy days will see them more active on the windward shores.
Perch
- Activity Levels: Perch will school and actively feed, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Expect increased activity during warm afternoons.
- Preferred Locations: Look for perch near vegetation, submerged rocks, and drop-offs.
- Behavioral Insights: With stable temperatures and gentle winds, perch may be scattered, so keep moving until you find schools.
Summary of Fish Behavior Trends
Overall, expect trout and perch to be active throughout the week, peaking during morning and evening hours, while bass activity spikes on windy and overcast days. Rain will temporarily affect visibility, but post-rain conditions often enhance feeding opportunities.
Actionable Hotspot & Technique Advice
Location Recommendations
- Trout Hotspots: Fish near the southern shores and around the dam area where water is cooler and currents provide oxygenation.
- Bass Hotspots: Target windblown points and edges of rocky structures, particularly during breezy afternoons.
- Perch Hotspots: Focus on shallow weedy areas in the afternoons as they warm up.
Technique Suggestions
- Trout: Use smaller spoons and spinners; they often respond well during early hours.
- Bass: Consider using topwater poppers during dawn, transitioning to Texas-rigged worms in deeper structures throughout the day.
- Perch: Move between jigs and live bait like worms or minnows; slow retrieves often yield better results.
Lure Recommendations
- Trout: Try gold or silver spinners (1/16 oz) and small crankbaits (2-4 inches) to match baitfish size.
- Bass: Use 3/8 oz chatterbaits or spinnerbaits when searching for active fish.
- Perch: Micro jigs (1/16 oz or smaller) and small grubs work wonders.
Optimal Fishing Windows
Best Times: Mid-morning (8-11 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM) on most days. Rain can stir up activity in the late afternoon during rain events.
Lure Pattern Suggestions
- Morning Sessions: Start with a topwater lure for trout and bass during low light.
- Midday Transition: Switch to deeper swimming crankbaits or soft plastics as the day heats up.
- Evening: Return to surface lures or spinnerbaits as dusk approaches for bass targeting.
Water Temperature Insights
At 78°F, trout metabolism increases, making them more aggressive and willing to chase down faster-moving lures. Focus on fishing shallow areas or quick rocky shelves where fish can ambush prey.
Weather Considerations
- Rain: Fish near calmer, sheltered areas during rain and immediately after for improved catch rates.
- Wind Influence: Wind can improve feeding as it stirs food sources; target the side of the lake where the wind is hitting the shore.
Tackle Recommendations
- For Trout: Use a light to medium spinning rod with a 6-8 lb monofilament line.
- For Bass: Medium-heavy casting rod matched with 12-15 lb fluorocarbon line to handle tight cover.
- For Perch: Ultralight spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line is ideal for catching smaller fish.
Additional Fishing Information
Local Regulations and Guidelines
- Fishing Seasons: Year-round fishing is allowed for bass and perch, while specific trout seasons may apply.
- Size and Catch Limits: Minimum length for trout is 14 inches; daily limits are typically set at 5. For bass, consider 14-18 inches, with a catch limit of 5 as well.
- Licensing Requirements: An Arizona fishing license is required and can be obtained online or at local retailers.
Access Points and Facilities
- Boat Launch Locations: There are multiple ramps, including the Tempe Town Lake Marina, offering easy access.
- Shore Access Points: Available along the lake perimeter, particularly on the southern and eastern shores.
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby bait shops are available at the marina.
Historical Fishing Data
Previous years have yielded consistent catches in early mornings and late evenings, aligning with current behavior predictions.
Maps and GPS Coordinates
- Trout Hotspot Map: Use GPS coordinates (33.4145°N, 111.9404°W) for precision when targeting the deeper areas near the dam.
Safety Reminders
Be mindful of changing weather conditions and always wear a life jacket while on the water. Adhere to local regulations and practice catch and release where applicable, especially with trophy-sized fish.
Wishing you an enjoyable and fruitful fishing excursion at Tempe Town Lake! The conditions are promising, and the fish are eager for a good catch. Don’t forget to check the daily updates on fishing reports for any last-minute changes!
