What special fishing regulations apply at Theodore Roosevelt Lake?

Theodore Roosevelt Lake carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override Arizona's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Channel catfish. One of them reads: "Largemouth + smallmouth bass 6 / day combined no min (2024 AZGFD simplification retired the former 13-16 in slot); AZ state-record smallmouth 7 lb 1 oz Roosevelt 1988; striped bass 10 / day; channel + flathead catfish 10 / day combined (5 / day when taken by bow + arrow); crappie 15 / day." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Theodore Roosevelt Lake?

Yes. Theodore Roosevelt Lake is in Arizona, so a valid Arizona fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Theodore Roosevelt Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Arizona rules.

Do Theodore Roosevelt Lake's special rules replace Arizona's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Arizona's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Theodore Roosevelt Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Theodore Roosevelt Lake?

Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Channel catfish have a water-body-specific rule on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, each linking to its full Arizona regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Arizona limits.

2026 regulation year

Theodore Roosevelt Lake 2026 — Arizona Fishing Regulations

Arizona statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 8, 2026

Theodore Roosevelt Lake carries 4 special-regulation overlays on top of Arizona's 2026 fishing rules — covering Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Channel catfish. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Largemouth + smallmouth bass 6 / day combined no min (2024 AZGFD simplification retired the former 13-16 in slot); AZ state-record smallmouth 7 lb 1 oz Roosevelt 1988; striped bass 10 / day; channel + flathead catfish 10 / day combined (5 / day when taken by bow + arrow); crappie 15 / day
Source: Arizona special-water list

Per-species rules on Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Largemouth bass regulations →
6 / day combined no min (former 13-16 in slot retired in the 2024 simplification); country's longest-tenured BASS Open + MLF Toyota Series tournament venue
Smallmouth bass regulations →
6 / day combined no min (former 13-16 in slot retired in the 2024 simplification); AZ state-record smallmouth 7 lb 1 oz Roosevelt 1988
Channel catfish regulations →
10 / day combined channel + flathead catfish; produces 5-15 lb channel catfish routinely

Official source

Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) publishes the authoritative 2026 Arizona fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Arizona fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Arizona Game and Fish Department's emergency-order feed — check it before any Arizona trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Arizona

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Theodore Roosevelt Lake?: Theodore Roosevelt Lake carries 4 special-regulation overlays that override Arizona's statewide 2026 rules, covering Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Channel catfish. One of them reads: "Largemouth + smallmouth bass 6 / day combined no min (2024 AZGFD simplification retired the former 13-16 in slot); AZ state-record smallmouth 7 lb 1 oz Roosevelt 1988; striped bass 10 / day; channel + flathead catfish 10 / day combined (5 / day when taken by bow + arrow); crappie 15 / day." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Theodore Roosevelt Lake?: Yes. Theodore Roosevelt Lake is in Arizona, so a valid Arizona fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Theodore Roosevelt Lake; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Arizona rules.
Do Theodore Roosevelt Lake's special rules replace Arizona's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Arizona's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Theodore Roosevelt Lake by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Theodore Roosevelt Lake?: Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Channel catfish have a water-body-specific rule on Theodore Roosevelt Lake, each linking to its full Arizona regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Arizona limits.

← Back to Arizona regulations overview