Fishing Season: Year Round, Trout Stocking in Winter

Phoenix Urban Lakes and Canals - AZ

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

63

Orvis Phoenix 's Tip of the Week

Fishing has still been great lately. Some canal systems have been a little dirtier than most. Make sure you are checking out different sections! If water is dirty and you still want to try and fish it we have a few techniques to try. Our favorite is swinging a dumbell eyed fly through the current. Change to a sinking leader if you think they are deeper. Otherwise, an indicator set up is always a solid way!

Directions open in app

Map of Phoenix Urban Lakes and Canals

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 9/10/25

Try swinging those leeches and see what happens! If water is deep and stained, dont be afraid to throw a glo-bug and san juan under an indicator! If you want a cheat sheet for checking urban canal flows, check the precipitation level of the salt river gauge. Can give you a clue if water is going to be clear or dirty.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/10/25

If targeting carp, make sure to spot the fish first and cast in front of them by 10-15ft giving your fly a chance to hit the water unseen and sink to the bottom as they approach. We have several carp specific flies in the shop, but we fish bright colored eggs as much as any other pattern. Carp in the canals are often seen surface feeding; try buggy dries and small hoppers.

Local Species Available Year Round, Trout Stocking in Winter

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Carp

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    Bass

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    Catfish

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    Bluegill

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    Crappie

Orvis Phoenix 's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
May's Identity Crisis natural 8
Jan's Carp Tickler olive,rust 8
Hise's Carpnasty rusty orange, grey 6
Meg A Egg Sucking Leech black 2
Baby Fat Minnow Olive 12
egans Headstand Chart, Orange 8-10
Clouser Minnow Black, white 6-10

May's Identity Crisis

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Item #5E18

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Orvis Phoenix 's Recommended Gear

Description: About Phoenix Urban Lakes and Canals

Arizona Game and Fish manages over 30 ponds in the Phoenix Metro area under the Urban Lakes Program. Most of these lakes are stocked throughout the winter with trout and always have some bass, catfish and carp present. Also there are a series of canals running throughout the Valley that are home to some giant carp as well as bass, tilapia and various other warm water fish. One of the best places to catch a carp on the fly in Phoenix is the Crystal Garden Lakes near 107th Ave and McDowell. There are over 21 ponds present there offering catch and release fishing for several types of Koi, Carp, Bass and Tilapia

Nearest Airport:

Phoenix Sky Harbor

Hatches:

Chartreuse Flies ( All Year), Leeches ( All Year), Hoppers ( July-September), Cicadas (June -September) ,

Best Time to Fish:

Early morning and late afternoons

Best Stretch:

NA

Best Access:

NA