Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake, or reservoir, was created in 1939 after construction of Bartlett Dam
which is fed by the Verde River. The lake was named after William Bartlett, surveyor
and engineer, who first identified the dam site. The lake has no hydroelectric use,
instead it serves only as a water storage facility, in addition to its recreational benefits.
Bartlett is the second largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area behind Lake
Pleasant. When full, Bartlett Lake has over 2,800 acres of water surface, is about 12
miles long, and has an average depth of 100 feet. Bartlett is a long and winding
reservoir on the Verde River and has numerous cuts, coves, and washes that hold
fish. Bartlett is known for being one of the state's most reliable bass fishing lakes.
At about 1600 feet above sea level, Bartlett Lake holds a variety if fish species including
Largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and carp. Bartlett is
one of our favorite lakes to fish year-round.
Bartlett Lake is located 48 miles from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles northeast of
Carefree in the Tonto National Forest. From Carefree, take the Cave Creek Road/
Forest Road (FR) 24 to the Bartlett Road/FR 19 junction. Turn right on this paved
highway; it is 13 miles to the lake.
If you have further questions about Bartlett Lake and/or want to book a guided
fishing trip please contacted us at Phoenix Fishing Guides. 480-264-1101. We'd love
to take you fishing!