Arizona Lake Fishing

Ya, I get that you probably think of carp as dirty bottom feeders, that aren’t worthy of your fly rod. But put aside those thoughts for a moment and you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Carp are one of the most exciting fish to catch especially on a fly rod. Often called “freshwater bonefish,” carp are most often found cruising the shallows or sipping at the surface. This allows anglers to sight fish them but are forced to make precise and delicate presentations if they plan on landing one. This fish will truly test your ability as a fly angler and your gear.

Arizona is home to several species of carp, including, common carp, grass carp, big mouth buffalo and several other varieties of goldfish and koi. Depending on the season, it’s best to get in a boat and head to the big water of Lake Pleasant or head out on foot around some of smaller ponds around Phoenix.

Lake Pleasant (about 30 miles north of Phoenix) is one the of the best lakes to fish in Arizona especially catching carp on the fly.

I understand that there are purists out there that make fly fishing into a semi-religion and fishing for any warm bodied fish be it carp, bass, or any fish other than trout is not worthy of your fly rod. They are knee deep in Lees Ferry every spring and summer. There are also those of use who love fly fishing but don’t have the access to the world renowned Lees Ferry and find ourselves expanding our horizons. And that leads us to fly fishing for carp in a bass boat at Lake Pleasant.

If you’re willing to try something new, you won’t regret it. Carp can be found in just about any body of water in Arizona from a golf course pond, and urban lake or the city canal.

It’s all about the presentation
Carp are as spooky as any bonefish cruising the flats and as selective as any small stream trout. It will take some practice and finesse to present your fly without them scurrying for cover. Even an unwanted false cast or light slaps on the water will results in a quick departure.

Selecting the right fly
There are flies out there designed just for carp. But if your lucky enough to get one to strike, tomorrow they most likely won’t go for the same one. So keep several flies around and see what they like. My most successful fly has been one that imitated a piece of the algae they like so much.

The thrill of sight casting
There are few words to describe the feeling of seeing the giant hanging in the water, carefully placing your fly in the exact location and watching as he takes it in and off you go - the best fight you will have! Hang on and enjoy the ride. He will turn and smack the water with his tail and it’s on! You’re in for a long and steady buzzing on your drag as he pulls the line out of your real and a good strong fight to get him into the boat. That’s if you’re lucky enough to land him. It takes the grace, power and patience it takes to land a fish like that without braking your line.

Fly anglers will be happy. Very good reports are coming in for Lees Ferry. The water flows are back to normal and the fishing is getting better every day.

Trout have moved back into the riffles and are feeding on all the food being stirred up with the fluctuations in the water flow. The trout have been large and healthy.

Fly anglers - Fly fishing is excellent. Try San Juan worms or zebra midges. Wading is a challenge with the fast moving water. Use caution. Not recommended for inexperienced fly anglers.

Walk in anglers - Fishing is very good. The trout are biting and feeding. Take care in this area with the water levels, it is moving very fast, you don’t want to get yourself into a mess and unable to get back.

Spin anglers - Spin casting is also working well for anglers. Try glo bugs bounced off the bottom. Contact the guides and Lees Ferry Anglers to inquire about the correct weight to be used.

Lees Ferry is hands down one of my favorite places to fish and I think many anglers will agree. Not only does it have some of the largest wild trout in the state but it is also a beautiful area.

The fish seem to be moving into the deeper water but the trout are looking healthy and the river is thriving. The spawn this year was 10x normal with a lot of fry and small trout in the river.

The Cicada hatch began in June and by July the trout were starting to jump on them. Here in August the cicada hatch is just about over and it seemed to be any normal hatch not like the “bumper crop” of last year.

Fly fishing on Lees Ferry try a 12′ to 14′ nymph rig with a lot of split shot and indicator from the boat drift. Also carry some scuds and midge patterns.

There isn’t much action for the walk in fisherman but it is better in the morning hours than any other time of the day.

Spin fishing is getting good results right now. Try an egg pattern in the drift or black and olive marabou jigs.

For best results: Get out on a cloudy or overcast day and use cicadas on your line.

Regular summer rain showers aren’t much to talk about but when the summer monsoons come rolling, now that’s a different story.

When the monsoon thunderstorms start building in the mountains, the barometer drops causing the insects to fly low in the sky, prompting the trout to feed actively.

The most active trout will be near the surface catching those unlucky bugs that have either fallen into the water or flying just above the water.

In these conditions most traditional trout fishing techniques will work. However, the best technique will be to mimic the environment. Fly anglers can easily take advantage of this situation but you don’t need a fly rod to mimic flying insects.

For best results try using a casting bubble with a tapered fly line attached with a fly on the hook. You can find the tackle for this rig at any fly fishing tackle shop. It really is a fun technique. Often you will see a trout jump out of the water and strike your fly in the air.

To cast your new rig, just throw it out with the leader and fly attached. Then slowly reel it in with a stop-and-go action. You’ll need to experiment to get the timing right. Sometimes little flicks of the wrist to make the fly dart will prompt a striker reaction from the trout.

Also try live insects such as grasshoppers or cicadas.

Once the thunderstorm opens up; seek shelter. All the new graphite fishing poles make for great lightning rods. So put away the pole and wait for the storm to pass. This is a great time to animal watch. The cooling rain brings out deer and other wildlife.

zug bug – A type of wet fly or fly pattern commonly used by fly fishers in lakes.

wooly worm, or wooly bugger – A popular type of wet fly often used by fly anglers fishing lakes.

wet fly – A fly fished underwater.

peacock ladies ­­– A type of fly used by fly-anglers.

fly, flies – A natural insect used by fish as food or an imitation of a natural insect used by fly-anglers.

false-casting, false-cast – Fly-casting line in the air (not touching the water) to increase length of line and perfect accuracy to the target.