Looking for a unique fishing experience right in the heart of Phoenix? Our urban carp fly fishing trips are changing the game. Just minutes from downtown, you'll be casting to grass carp in city canals and waterways. It's a local secret that's quickly becoming a must-do for anglers visiting Arizona. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just getting started, our guides have cracked the code on making these canal-dwelling carp go nuts for the fly.
This isn't your typical day on the water. We're talking sight fishing in urban canals, where carp can grow to monster sizes. Our trips run year-round, making it perfect for squeezing in some fishing time, even on a busy schedule. You'll be amazed at how these fish have adapted to city life – and how much fun they are to catch. Our guides have fine-tuned techniques that work, even for beginners. That said, if you can put a fly on a dinner plate at 30 feet, you're in for some serious action. Don't worry if you're not quite there yet; we'll work on your casting and give you pointers throughout the trip.
Forget what you know about trout fishing – carp are a whole different ballgame. We'll be using specialized flies and techniques designed to trigger these fish. You'll learn to spot feeding carp, make stealthy approaches, and present your fly just right. We use light tackle, usually 5 or 6 weight rods, with floating lines and long leaders. The key is accuracy and a delicate presentation. These fish can be picky, but when you get it right, hold on tight! A hooked carp will test your gear and your skills. It's technical fishing that's as challenging as it is rewarding.
"Had a great day, tons of shots! Ryan had a good program, would recommend it!" - Ian
"What a fun trip! Stan the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful during the time we spent together on the water!" - Michael
"Niko was great! He knew the canals very well & knew exactly how to fish for those Carp. I learned so much about Carp & had so much fun! We landed 3 fish in 3 hours & if I was a better angler we could have landed a few more. Thank you very much! I will definitely fish with LoWater again at some point." - B
Common Carp: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing common about hooking into one of these canal cruisers. Phoenix's urban carp can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 30 inches and weighing over 20 pounds. These fish are incredibly strong, often described as "freshwater bonefish" for their powerful runs. They're also surprisingly smart, with keen eyesight that makes them challenging to fool.
Carp in Phoenix's canals feed year-round, but spring and fall often see increased activity as water temperatures are ideal. During summer, early mornings can be particularly productive. These fish primarily feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small crustaceans. Their bottom-feeding behavior means you'll often spot them "tailing" – with their heads down and tails breaking the surface as they root around for food.
What makes carp so exciting here is the visual aspect of the fishing. You're not just blindly casting; you're actively hunting, spotting fish, and making precise casts to feeding carp. When everything comes together – the stealthy approach, the perfect cast, and the take – it's a rush that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Our urban carp trips have become a bit of a Phoenix phenomenon. Here's why folks can't get enough:
1. Accessibility: No long drives or hikes. We're fishing right in the city. 2. Year-round action: While other fisheries slow down, our carp are always active. 3. Big fish, small water: These canals hold some surprisingly large carp. 4. Technical challenge: It's sight fishing that'll put your skills to the test. 5. Unique experience: How many people can say they've fly fished in downtown Phoenix?
Our team of guides – Stan, Ryan, Bare, and Derek – each bring their own style and expertise to these trips. They're not just guides; they're carp whisperers who've spent countless hours cracking the code on these fish. Whether you're looking to land your first carp on the fly or you're aiming to improve your urban fishing game, our crew has got you covered.
Ready to experience Phoenix's hidden fishing gem? Our urban carp trips are perfect for visitors looking for a quick fishing fix or locals wanting to explore their own backyard waters in a whole new way. It's affordable, accessible, and downright addictive. Don't be surprised if you find yourself planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Spaces fill up fast, especially during prime seasons. If you don't see the dates you're after, give us a shout at 6023001881. We'll do our best to get you on the water and into some of Phoenix's hardest-fighting fish. Book now and get ready to see the city – and carp fishing – in a whole new light!
May 26, 2022
Had a great day, tons of shots! Ryan had a good program, would recommend it! Ian
March 27, 2023
What a fun trip! Stan the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful during the time we spent together on the water!
March 10, 2024
Great time, great people Derick & Kyle were great guides and really nice people.Even got a roadrunner in the photo with a Bass, other is a grass crap on the canal in the city Thanks, Jon
February 2, 2024
Niko was great! He knew the canals very well & knew exactly how to fish for those Carp. I learned so much about Carp & had so much fun! We landed 3 fish in 3 hours & if I was a better angler we could have landed a few more. Thank you very much! I will definitely fish with LoWater again at some point.
September 1, 2024
Had a great day fishing with Ryan today. He got us onto piles of fish. Great guy to go fishing with, a very knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and a solid individual. I’ll book with them again for sure.
January 29, 2024
Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
June 13, 2022
Got to fish the canals with Ryan after work. Had to take a pause and a beverage as a big storm blew over then back tonthe water. Tons of fun, these fish are a blast to chase and Derek and his team are all top notch!!
June 24, 2022
It was a blast can’t wait to go again, Thanks Derek
August 1, 2022
We had a great time with Derek and would definitely go fishing with him again.
September 19, 2022
It was my first time fishing out canals and had a great time. Grass Carp are fun and good sized. Derek was an awesome guide and I look forward to fishing with him again.
October 21, 2022
I always use a guide when I travel around the country. I must say Derek was one of the best that I've worked with! I've always wanted to catch carp on a fly. Derek put me on fish quickly and I landed some beautiful and large carp. Derek was very professional. I've been fly fishing for a long time but needed to make some adjustments to catch these fish. Derek provided just the right amount of advice and successfully corrected my backcast and hook set. I highly recommend Derek. If you visit AZ and want to get some time on the water you must give Derek a call!
October 23, 2022
I fished with Derek a few weeks ago and had a blast. I did the walking canal carp fishing in Phoenix and it was very entertaining trying to get my cast in the right spot to get them to eat. If I am in the area again I would 100% do it again. 10/10
May 29, 2023
Derek did a great job. Well prepared, on time and a great communicator. This was my first time on carp, and he did a great job of explaining the difference between fishing for trout and carp. Would recommend him to anybody who wants to get into the carping world.
October 26, 2023
Awesome experience. I had no idea the carp fishery was so strong. Derek knows where to go and what flies to use. Some of those fish are over 3 feet long. Freight train...
October 31, 2023
Highly recommend! Derek is a great guide and a wealth of knowledge.
January 22, 2023
These guys know where to go, what the fish are eating and the technique. These carp are a challenge but we were on them. Had a great day and landed fish.
November 28, 2023
Amazing guide. Very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. I would highly recommend.
December 9, 2023
Have fished with three of his guides. All were excellent. Highly recommended
January 29, 2024
We had great fun with our guide Ryan. Derek set up the trip and helped with all the logistics. It was a great experience we will remember for a long time.
February 2, 2024
First of all, I have never done fly fishing in any capacity but I’ve been intrigued with learning it and going after carp. Before and during the booking process, Derek answered all my questions and ensured I had all the information I needed. When the day finally came, the whole experience was amazing. I learned a lot and was fortunate to capture good-looking fish. One thing that should be known though is fly fishing is no easy business but so long as you are open-minded and willing to learn from Derek and the rest of his crew ... You’ll get your fish! I will be fishing with these guys again :)
March 31, 2024
Common carp are hardy fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These golden-yellow bruisers average 15-30 inches but can top 40 pounds in our waters. You'll find 'em in slow-moving sections, often rooting around the bottom in 8-12 feet. Spring and fall are prime, when they push into the shallows to feed aggressively. Carp get a bad rap, but hooking one on the fly is a blast – they're strong, smart, and spook easily. Sight fishing for them is like hunting – you've gotta spot 'em, then make a perfect cast without spooking the fish. My go-to trick? Use a "hair rig" to present your bait just off the bottom. It's deadly on hook-shy fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a challenge or a beginner wanting to bend a rod, carp are an underrated target that'll keep you coming back for more.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Did what a guide does....put me on the fish. Good day. Would recommend Derek for a great day fishin' and more importantly......catchin'!!