Urban Fly Fishing

The doldrums of summer are slowly coming to an end for the die-hard trout fishermen as we impatiently wait for the cooler weather to arrive so that we can pursue our favorite species in Arizona’s high country.  Until that time comes, many of us are faced with either becoming armchair fly fishermen, convert to conventional tackle, or improvise to make the best out of the summer heat.

Since my thresh-hold for not flinging feathers is only between 5 - 7 days, I choose to make the most out of the inactivity of summer trout by visiting as many city waters as I can.  Although this may not sound very appealing to many fly fishing purists, I believe it has many advantages.

·        You don’t have to drive 2 – 4 hours just to fly fish

·        You can go several times a week, including daily trips after work or on your way home from dropping off the kids at a friend’s house

·        You get to practice your casting and keep your form so you don’t slap the water in front of hoards of other fly fishermen

·        You learn new techniques that will improve your overall fly fishing ability and success

·        You can take a break from tying dozens of #18 flies and tie bigger bass and panfish flies

·        You get to keep spending money to buy more gear

The metropolitan area of Phoenix is abundant in urban fisheries.  Besides the lakes in the Game & Fish department’s Urban Fishing Program (don’t forget to purchase an Urban Fishing License if you plan on fishing these specially designated lakes), you can try fishing at several other types of waterholes that are available in the Valley area.  Just about every town has at least a few communities that are built around a system of lakes that are known for their fantastic fishing.  The only downfall to these areas is that you must be a member of the community or at least know someone who lives in one of them in order to have permission to fish there.  I’m fortunate enough to have one friend that has backyard access to some of the best fishing in Scottsdale.  Casting space in his backyard is limited, so roll-casting is a must for me there.  Regardless, I am able to catch bass, bluegill, catfish, and carp any day of the year.

Of the hundreds of golf courses that are in AZ, each one of them has at least one dreaded waterhole, if not several.  Besides golf balls and lost clubs in those waters, most of them also hold some trophy-sized fish.  In order to fish these waters successfully, try to talk to someone in management or a groundskeeper for permission to fish during sunset as the people are getting off the course.  From personal experience, the less of a scene, obstruction, or hazard you present yourself as, the more likely you are to be able to fish without being hassled or kicked off.  Leave the coolers and lawn chairs at home and always release the fish.  I even carry a small fly rod and box of flies with me in my golf bag!

City canals are loaded with fish, and lots of ‘em.  I noticed this several years ago while riding my mountain bike and seeing people fish there.  Take a walk along any canal and you’ll notice fish if you look closely enough.  I’ve caught bass, bluegill, catfish, tilapia, and carp from nearby canals and now make it a habit to stop my vehicle when I drive by one just to take a look around.  Landing big fish in these canals is a challenge if the water is low because of the steep banks and sometimes swift current.  Be extra careful when fishing canals so that you don’t fall in and end up in an irrigation ditch in Yuma somewhere. 

Several office parks in the Phoenix area also are host to private scenic ponds.  You’ll see women with dresses and tennis shoes walking around these waters during their lunch break, but if you time your fishing excursions to these places, you’ll run into less people.  A favorite little fishing hole of mine is in an office park only a few minutes from where I work and often make it a point to stop there while waiting for the rush hour traffic to die.  Bass, bluegill, and carp are plentiful in these ponds.  In fact, the best bass fishing I’ve had all year with my fly rod is from one of these ponds. 

Beware, many of these waters are not public property, so if you get permission to fish them, please release all your fish and don’t leave a mess for anybody to complain about.  Be courteous and thoughtful so that you are welcomed back the next time.  If you’re a fly fishing addict as I am, you’ll find that urban fly fishing offers you a great release from the daily stresses of work and will save you hours of driving time.

Terry Chia

Fly Fishing Editor

FlyFishing@AZOD.com