If you’re looking for a fly fishing adventure close to Phoenix, the Salt River is a hidden gem worth exploring. With trout, bass, Sonoran suckers, and even carp swimming through its waters, there’s always something to target no matter the season.

But knowing where to go, what to use, and how to adapt to changing conditions makes all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, this tips will help you navigate the Salt River and make the most of your time on the water.

Know What You’re Targeting

While it’s tempting to try to catch everything at once, success on the Salt River is more about understanding the type of water you’re fishing rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. 

From experience, I’ve had more success focusing on 1 (or maybe 2) species at a time rather than a totally inclusive approach. These fish inhabit different types of water and it’s more efficient to pick a species to target and stick with it. Constantly switching out leaders and flies becomes frustrating and ultimately slows you down during a day on the Salt. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Bass

The bass in the Salt River are generally found in deep, slow-moving pools and areas with structure. There’s a ton of weeds, vegetation, and sunken trees that cover the banks and bass like to hang out there. Find areas with a good combination of these elements and you’ll be sure to pull out a bass or two.

Sonoran Suckers

The Sonoran Suckers prefer deeper, slower moving runs. I’ve found success fishing the tail-outs of longer runs where the water is deeper but still moving at a walking pace. 

During the spring, also keep an eye out for suckers travelling in schools. If they are crusing in groups, it may be tempting to plop a cast on them but it seems as though when they’re moving, they aren’t feeding. However, when in these large groups, you may see a couple of them feeding with their noses down. These are the fish to target!

Trout

The trout in the Salt River typically hold in shallow runs and shallow pools. Focus on your typical trout-y looking water- runs, riffles, shallow undercut banks, etc. During low-light conditions, you may even see them rising on small mayflies in shallower pools. 

Get Away from the Crowds

The Salt River can get crowded, especially during trout stocking and tube floating season. However, there’s plenty of water available if you’re willing to put in the extra steps.

Access points offer miles of fishable water, so choose a direction and start walking to find less-pressured areas. While a parking lot may be full, most people stick to spots on the river closes to their cars. Go up or down river and you’ll be sure to find open space.

Popular spots can get packed on weekends, turning your day into a game of “battle fishing.” This seems to happen most often when trout stockings occur and people take advantage of a new batch of fish. However, there are plenty of fish to be had if you’re willing to move up or down the river. 

Additionally, I’ve found that the stocked trout need a day or two to acclimate to their surroundings and are more willing to feed when they have some time to settle in. Most anglers don’t think like this and will go the day of the stocking. That can be productive, but you might have to deal with many other anglers. Check out the AZ Game and Fish Trout Stocking Schedule and plan your trip a couple days after the stocking to ensure that you’ll have enough room to cast peacefully.

Some of the best fishing spots are found through sheer effort. The more effort you put into finding a secluded stretch, the better your experience will be. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the scenery and may even run into a wild horse or two!

Carry (At Least) Two Rods

Different species require different approaches, and carrying multiple rods saves time and effort. Personally, I like to carry a nymphing rod and a streamer rod for easy exchange of tactics. Leave the extra rod on the bank, fish your spot, then pick it up and move along.

Nymphing Tactics for the Salt River

Streamer Tactics for the Salt River

Fishing streamers on the Salt River is an excellent way to target bass and aggressive trout. The key to success with streamers is covering water and triggering reaction strikes. Unlike nymphing, which relies on a dead drift, streamers should be actively worked to imitate fleeing baitfish or other prey. Varying your retrieve speed, depth, and action can help determine what the fish are responding to on any given day.

Depth control is crucial when fishing streamers. Bass and larger trout tend to hold in deeper pools and slower runs, so getting your fly down is essential. Using sink-tip lines or weighted streamers can help you reach these fish. I sometimes take a spinning rod (gasp) for longer casts and deeper water.

In shallower water or when targeting fish near the surface, an intermediate line or an unweighted fly on a floating line can keep your presentation more natural. Pay attention to water clarity—darker flies work well in murky water, while more natural patterns are effective in clear conditions.

Presentation makes all the difference with streamers. Short, erratic strips can mimic an injured baitfish, while a steady retrieve can resemble a confident, cruising forage fish. Experimenting with different retrieves and incorporating pauses can help trigger aggressive strikes. 

Covering water is also important—if fish aren’t responding in one area, move on to the next. I’ve found the most success by giving a spot 3-5 good, clean presentations and then moving on. 

Be Aware of Timeframes and Seasons

Timing can make or break your day on the Salt River. I’ve had days where the fishing has been fantastic and others where the action is slow and difficult.

Here are a few key timeframes that I’ve noticed help produce more active fish:

• Trout are most active in low-light conditions, such as mornings, evenings, and cloudy days. When the sun is shining and beating down on the water, the trout seem to go into hiding.
• Weekends can be busy, especially during stocking season and the warmer months. Many people in the Phoenix area head out to the Salt River for fishing, tubing, or just a day on the water. To avoid the crowds, going in the early mornings or late evenings gives you the best chance to have more of the river to yourself.
• Tubing is a HUGE attraction during the summer months. Thousands of people throughout the day will be floating down the river, which is a great time but does impact the fishing. I do my best to avoid the “plastic hatch” at all costs and avoid the peak mid-day hours when most tubers are out.

Fishing Seasons on the Salt River

Although Arizona’s seasons are generally, hot, hotter, and hottest, there are some seasonal fly fishing patterns on the Salt River that are good to be aware of.

Spring

Spring on the Salt River is a transitional period where both trout and warmwater species become active. As water temperatures rise, trout continue to feed aggressively before the heat of summer sets in. 

Nymphing remains productive, but trout will also start taking dry flies during afternoon hatches. Sonoran suckers remain in deeper runs and can be targeted with nymphs, occasionally cruising ths shallows as well. Bass begin moving into shallower water as they prepare for spawning, making streamers and small baitfish imitations effective. This is one of the best times to fish before the crowds of summer arrive.

Summer

Summer fishing on the Salt River shifts toward warmwater species, as rising temperatures make trout fishing more challenging. Unfortunately, most of the trout do not make it through the summers, as the fish can’t withstand 100 degree temperatures beating down on them for very long.

Bass become the primary target, holding in deeper pools and shaded areas during the heat of the day. Streamers and topwater flies work well early in the morning and late in the evening when bass are more active. 

One of the biggest challenges in summer is dealing with tubers, who flood the river during peak hours. Fishing early or late in the day, or venturing to less crowded stretches, is the best way to avoid the chaos.

Fall

As temperatures drop, trout fishing becomes productive again, and bass remain active before winter slows them down. Trout, recently stocked by Arizona Game and Fish, can be targeted with nymphs, dries, and small streamers. 

Sonoran suckers remain in deeper runs and will continue to take well-presented nymphs. Bass will still hit streamers, especially during warmer afternoons. 

Fall is one of the most enjoyable times to fish the Salt River, with cooler weather, fewer tubers, and a variety of species available to target.

Winter

Winter is prime time for trout fishing on the Salt River. Stocked rainbow trout provide consistent action, and colder temperatures keep crowds to a minimum. Nymphing is the most effective method, with midges, small mayflies, and egg patterns being reliable choices. 

On warmer days, trout may rise to midges or other small dries. Bass and carp become less active, but persistent anglers can still find them in deeper pools with slow-moving presentations. Checking water flows and stocking schedules is key to planning successful winter outings.

Conclusion

Fly fishing the Salt River is all about adaptability and effort. By understanding where to target specific species, escaping the crowds, carrying multiple rods, timing your trips wisely, and staying mobile, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable experience. Get out there, explore, and enjoy everything the Salt River has to offer!