Topwater Popper Fishing on Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake · Arizona · West
Bartlett Lake is a 2,830-acre reservoir located northeast of Phoenix in the Mazatzal Mountains, known for its crystal-clear water and abundant rocky structure ideal for bass fishing. The lake's steep canyon walls, rock ledges, and deep drop-offs create excellent habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass throughout the year. With minimal development and strong forage bases, Bartlett Lake consistently produces quality bass and attracts serious anglers seeking a remote desert fishing experience.
A floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Bartlett Lake
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
Seasonal Tactics on Bartlett Lake
Lake: Spring brings excellent topwater and transition bite as water temperatures warm into the 60s. Bass move from deep winter structure to shallow banks, making crankbaits and soft plastics effective around rocky points and coves.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
Lake: Summer heat pushes bass deep into rocky channels and drop-offs where water remains cooler. Early morning topwater and deep-water finesse techniques produce best results as fish retreat to structure in 30-60 feet of water.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
Lake: Fall cooling triggers aggressive feeding with bass returning to shallower structure and points. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs around rocky shelves produce excellent catches as bass prepare for winter.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
Lake: Winter bass suspend and school around deeper rocky structure and channel ledges. Slow-moving presentations like drop-shot rigs and vertical jigging in 40-60 feet of water produce the most consistent winter catches.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Bartlett Lake
Ready to fish Bartlett Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →