Preferably with shade and no rules prohibiting the use of my jet skis. I don't mind if I have to travel I just haven't had the best luck with fishing the lakes near me.

So for my opinion it would have to be San Carlos AZ. But it has no shade and its on a reservation so you have to pay extra for everything, like $25-35 a day for boat, fish, and camp. But still cheaper then canyon lake, az.

I like Roosevelt Lake. Lots of available shade to camp under, but not so much to fish under. Largemouth, smallmouth, cats, crappie, bluegill. Listen to the AZGFD fishing report though, as certain lakes gets good at different times of the year. Bartlett is also OK, but no real big bass, but HUGE cats are always available. Also, a lot of artificial cover to hold fish. Buy maps and you are golden to locating the habitat and contours of the lake beds.

i go to san carlos all the time and if you are gonna spend any time ther get a yearly permit for $132 and that covers you,wife,kids, boat,camping and fishing for you plus wife and kids can catch half the limit you can. that permit also covers jet skies. the only thing is ther aint NO shade we take a 20x20 canopy with us we also camp on the south side of the lake at "wire corral" or "catfish bay" alot more quiet over there! the fishing in that lake is some of the best in AZ and the water is nice and clear unlike rosey :flipoff2: to be serious me and our family spends 2 months a year out there and enjoy every minute:D