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Phoenix Carp Fly Fishing | Lo Water Guide Service
- Published Date: September 13, 2025
- Fishing
- Phoenix, AZ
- Updated Date: January 7, 2026
Summary
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Carp On The Fly
Carp Fly Fishing Minutes from Downtown Phoenix
Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, you'll find some of Arizona's most productive carp fly fishing in urban canals that most people drive right past. This isn't your typical backcountry fishing trip – we're talking about walking the concrete-lined waterways that wind through the Valley, where massive grass carp cruise in surprisingly clear water. It's affordable, accessible year-round, and perfect whether you've got a few hours to kill or want to try something completely different. Our guides Stan, Ryan, Bare, Derek, and Niko have spent years perfecting techniques that make these canal carp absolutely crush flies, and they're eager to share what they've learned.
What to Expect on the Water
This is sight fishing at its finest – you'll be walking along canal banks, scanning the water for cruising carp and making precise casts when opportunities present themselves. The setting might surprise you; these urban waterways hold some serious fish, and the contrast of hooking into a 20-pound carp with the Phoenix skyline in the background is something special. Your guide will have you rigged up with proven fly patterns and will coach you through reading the water, spotting fish, and making the kind of accurate presentations that get results. Beginners absolutely catch fish on these trips, but if you can cast accurately, you'll get way more shots. The guides are patient teachers who'll work on your accuracy and timing as needed throughout the day.
Proven Techniques & Tactics
Our guides have developed specific methods that consistently fool these canal carp – we're talking dry dropper rigs, swinging streamers, and sight fishing techniques that have been refined through hundreds of days on these waters. You might find yourself casting bread flies, nymphs, or even dry flies depending on what the fish are doing. The key is understanding carp behavior in these urban environments and knowing how to present flies in a way that triggers strikes rather than spooks. Your guide will handle all the technical setup and coach you through reading water, timing your casts, and playing fish in the concrete confines of the canals. The techniques you'll learn work on carp anywhere, but they're especially dialed for these Phoenix waterways.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Had a great day, tons of shots! Ryan had a good program, would recommend it!" - Ian. "We had a great time chasing carp in the canals with Derek. He was a great guide — flexible when storms affected the start of our trip, relaxed and friendly, and focused on getting us on the fish. Despite not having much experience, I was able to have success trying this new kind of fishing, and completed my goal of catching carp on a fly. Never thought I would be fishing a dry dropper rig or swinging streamers for carp — and yet I caught fish on both! Great trip and would love to be back." - Kjetil. "What a great time. We did the walking canal fly fishing with Stan...Stan the man!!! Caught some quite large ditch donkeys up to 30+ pounds. My son and I had a blast. Can't wait to go out on the lakes later in the spring!" - Jim Harris.
All About Arizona Carp
Common carp in these Phoenix canals are absolute beasts – we're talking fish that regularly push 20 to 30 pounds and sometimes even bigger. They're incredibly smart and spooky, which makes them perfect targets for fly fishing. These fish are active year-round in Arizona's mild climate, though they're most aggressive during spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal. Summer fishing can be fantastic early and late in the day. What makes carp so exciting is their power – when a big canal carp takes your fly and makes its first run, you'll understand why they're called "freshwater bonefish." They're also surprisingly selective eaters, often inspecting flies carefully before deciding to eat or flee. The combination of size, intelligence, and raw power makes every hooked carp a memorable fight, especially in the tight quarters of urban canals where they use structure and current to their advantage.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer-favorite trip offers incredible value – top-rated urban fishing just minutes from downtown Phoenix, experienced guides who know exactly where to find fish, and techniques that consistently produce results. Whether you're new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking to try something different, chasing carp in Phoenix's canal system delivers action and surprises. With multiple skilled guides available and year-round fishing opportunities, there's never been a better time to experience this unique Arizona fishery. Ready to hook into some canal monsters? Contact Lo Water Guide Service and let them know which guide you'd prefer – or if you don't see available dates, text 6023001881 to get your trip dialed in.
Customer Reviews
Dito Ladd
May 26, 2022
Great Day Tons Shots
Had a great day, tons of shots! Ryan had a good program, would recommend it! Ian
Ian Peyton
March 27, 2023
Fun Trip Stan Guide
What a fun trip! Stan the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful during the time we spent together on the water!
Michael Barger
March 10, 2024
Great Time People
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
Jon Huffman
February 2, 2024
Great Time Chasing
We had a great time chasing carp in the canals with Derek. He was a great guide — flexible when storms affected the start of our trip, relaxed and friendly, and focused on getting us on the fish. Despite not having much experience, I was able to have success trying this new kind of fishing, and completed my goal of catching carp on a fly. Never thought I would be fishing a dry dropper rig or swinging streamers for carp — and yet I caught fish on both! Great trip and would love to be back.
Kjetil odden
September 29, 2025
Niko Helpful Guide
Niko was very helpful and understanding of my limitations. Also, very knowledgeable about the carp.
Paul Downing
November 15, 2025
Niko Great Canal Pro
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 Dilla
September 1, 2024
Great Day Ryan Fish
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.
Nate Agee
January 29, 2024
Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
John Pollard
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!!
Jim Weatherwax
June 24, 2022
It was a blast can’t wait to go again, Thanks Derek
Charles Haskins
August 1, 2022
We had a great time with Derek and would definitely go fishing with him again.
Geoff Schultz
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.
Rick Federico
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!
Ray Bailey
October 23, 2022
Derek Canal Blast
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
Todd Zwiaska
May 29, 2023
Derek Great Job
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.
Jake Dominy
October 26, 2023
Awesome Carp Experience
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...
Peter Toothaker
October 31, 2023
Highly recommend! Derek is a great guide and a wealth of knowledge.
Jake Burke
January 22, 2023
Know Where To Go
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.
Jeff Allen
November 28, 2023
Amazing Guide Easy
Amazing guide. Very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. I would highly recommend.
Brence Bost
December 9, 2023
Three Excellent Guides
Have fished with three of his guides. All were excellent. Highly recommended
Bill Hegberg
January 29, 2024
Great Fun Ryan Guide
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.
Katie Mac
February 2, 2024
Great Time Nico
Had a great time fishing with Nico. My first time canal carp fishing and it was a blast! Nico did an excellent job of putting us on fish and providing patient instructions on how to cast to them. I’ll definitely book another trip with him!!!😎🎣
Ron Pinnell Pinnell
December 21, 2025
Great Time Stan Man
What a great time. We did the walking canal fly fishing with Stan...Stan the man!!! Caught some quite large ditch donkeys up to 30+ pounds. My son and I had a blast. Can’t wait to go out on the lakes later in the spring!
Jim Harris Harris
December 13, 2025
Amazing Experience Derek
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 :)
Ian Clancy
March 31, 2024
Learn more about the species
Common Carp
These golden-brown fighters are scattered throughout Arizona's lakes and slower river sections, typically hanging out in 4-8 feet of water near muddy bottoms where they root around for food. Common carp average 15-25 inches but the big ones can push 30+ pounds and will absolutely test your gear. They're active year-round here, but spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed aggressively. What makes carp fishing so addictive is their incredible strength - once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. These fish are smart and spook easily, so stealth is key. Here's a local trick: look for muddy water or bubbles on the surface - that's carp feeding below. Use a quiet approach and let your fly sit still. They're suspicious of anything that moves too much, but when they commit, you're in for a real fight.
About the Next Available Guide
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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'!!