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Phoenix Fly Fishing

Phoenix Fly Fishing

For the business traveler who loves fly fishing, visiting new locales can offer unique opportunities to wet your line. Even if your destination isn’t a renowned fly fishing hotspot, you can often find great fishing spots just outside any city you visit.

Discovering Fly Fishing in Tempe, Arizona

A few weeks ago, a business trip took us to Tempe, Arizona, for three days. As any dedicated fly fisher would, I never travel without my trusty fly rod, fly box, and other essentials. Despite knowing little about the local fly fishing scene, I was thrilled to discover several excellent fishing spots close to the metropolitan area.

The Salt and Verde rivers, along with Oak Creek, all offer fly fishing access within a minimal drive. For someone used to the lush landscapes of the Northwest, the scenery in the Valley of the Sun is breathtaking and unique. There’s a certain exhilaration in fishing in surroundings so different from your home waters. Despite the urban sprawl, ‘forests’ and rivers are surprisingly close to the city. On the Salt River, development abruptly ends, revealing a playground for hikers, bikers, and fishers right next door.

Weather and Water Conditions

One thing I quickly learned is that what Arizonans consider a lot of rain is quite different from what we experience in the Northwest. While I don’t know how much rain had fallen before our arrival, it was raining, or at least sprinkling, when we got there. The impact on all three streams was significant. All were off-color, and Oak Creek was clearly above its banks. The Salt River was high and very murky. Following advice from the local fly shop, we spent some time on the Salt but were warned not to expect much in the way of fish. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch any, nor did anyone else we spoke to. Locals mentioned that the Salt River generally fishes well year-round through early spring, but we just had bad timing. Despite being a tailwater, the rain had a dramatic effect.

Looking Forward

We look forward to our next trip down south, likely around the same time of year. While we may not catch a once-in-a-lifetime fish, the Phoenix area offers a welcome break from the winter doldrums and a quick escape to winter sunshine and fly fishing. For the business traveler who loves fly fishing, the nearby rivers provide a nice respite from the hustle and bustle.


Call to Action: If you find yourself traveling to Phoenix for business, don’t forget to pack your fly fishing gear. Explore the Salt and Verde rivers or Oak Creek for a unique fishing experience in the Valley of the Sun. Happy fishing! 

 
 

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