Lower Salt River Fishing Guide 🎣

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Learn To FISH The Lower Salt River AZ

Fishing the Lower Salt River in Arizona is a fantastic spot for fishing, just a short drive from Phoenix. It’s unique because it’s one of the few places in the desert where you can fish for trout in a flowing river. From late October through April, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the river with rainbow trout, making it a great time for trout fishing. You can also catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, carp, and sunfish year-round. Popular fishing spots include Phon D Sutton, Blue Point, and Granite Reef. Whether you prefer fly fishing or using bait like worms and PowerBait, there’s something for every angler. Just remember to check the water flow levels before you go, as they can affect fishing conditions. So grab your gear and enjoy a fun day of fishing at the Lower Salt River!​

Lake Details

Lower Salt River Fishing Guide 🎣 :

  • The Lower Salt River in Arizona is a unique fishing destination, located just a short drive from Phoenix. It’s one of the few places in the desert where you can fish for trout in a flowing river. The river offers year-round fishing opportunities, with rainbow trout stocked from late fall through early spring. Anglers can also catch bass, catfish, and sunfish throughout the year. The river’s scenic beauty, including the chance to see wild horses, adds to the appeal of a fishing trip here.​
  • Lake Details: The Lower Salt River flows from Saguaro Lake and is managed by the Tonto National Forest. Water levels and flow rates can vary depending on releases from the Stewart Mountain Dam. These fluctuations can affect fishing conditions, so it’s a good idea to check current flow rates before heading out.​
  • Fish Species: Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish in the Lower Salt River, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, sunfish, and carp. The diversity of species makes it an exciting spot for both novice and experienced fishermen.​
  • Fishing Conditions: Fishing conditions are best from late fall through early spring when the river is stocked with rainbow trout. During the warmer months, bass and catfish become more active. Early mornings and late evenings are typically the most productive times to fish, especially during the summer.​
  • Boating Regulations: Boating is allowed on the Lower Salt River, but there are regulations to ensure safety. All watercraft must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, and children 12 years and younger must wear a life jacket at all times. Additionally, a Tonto Pass is required for parking at river access points.​
  • Fishing Techniques: For trout, try using small spinners, flies like zebra midges, or PowerBait. Bass anglers often have success with soft plastic worms, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits near structures and submerged trees. Catfish can be caught using stink baits or chicken liver, especially during the evening hours.​
  • The Lower Salt River offers a unique and enjoyable fishing experience amidst Arizona’s desert landscape. With its variety of fish species, accessible fishing spots, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. Remember to check current conditions and regulations before your trip, and enjoy a memorable day of fishing on the Lower Salt River!​
  • For the most current information on fishing conditions, regulations, and amenities, it’s advisable to consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department‘s official resources or contact local authorities directly.
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Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Lower Salt River
  • County: Maricopa County
  • Website:
  • Fs.usda.gov
  • Fishing License: A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

Lake Amenities

  • Easy Shore Access
    Popular spots like Phon D Sutton, Water Users, Blue Point, and Granite Reef offer convenient parking and easy access to the riverbank, making it simple to cast your line.
  • Picnic Areas
    Many recreation sites along the river, such as Water Users Day Use Area, provide picnic tables and shaded areas, perfect for a relaxing lunch between fishing sessions.
  • Restroom Facilities
    Vault toilets are available at several locations, including Phon D Sutton and Water Users, ensuring comfort during your fishing trip.
  • Fly Fishing Opportunities
    The river offers excellent conditions for fly fishing, with various fish species like rainbow trout and bass available throughout the year.
  • Guided Fishing Services
    Local guide services, such as Lo Water Guide Service, offer expert-led fishing trips, providing valuable insights and enhancing your fishing experience.

Fish Types

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

SunFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Sunfish:
    Sunfish are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Sunfish Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Gear & Tackle

Directions

FAQs

You can catch bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and yellow), rainbow trout, catfish, crappie, sunfish, walleye, and even carp!

Yes! If you’re 10 years or older, you’ll need a valid Arizona fishing license. You can buy one online or at a nearby outdoor shop.

Fall through early spring is great for trout fishing. For bass and catfish, try early mornings or evenings during warmer months.

You don’t need a boat! There are plenty of good fishing spots right from the shore, like Phon D Sutton and Granite Reef.

Yes! Fly fishing is really popular here, especially for rainbow trout. Just bring your favorite flies and enjoy the calm, flowing water.

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