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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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