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Urban Carp Fly Fishing | Phoenix River Trips
- Published Date: July 23, 2025
- Fishing
- Phoenix, AZ
- Updated Date: January 4, 2026
Summary
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Carp Fishing Action
Phoenix Canal Carp Fishing - Urban Fly Adventure
Looking for something completely different? Our Phoenix canal carp trips are hands down one of the most unique fly fishing experiences you'll find anywhere. We're talking about world-class grass carp fishing just minutes from downtown Phoenix - no long drives to remote spots, no complicated logistics. Just grab your gear and meet us at one of our proven canal locations where these fish are absolutely stacked up waiting for the right presentation.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical mountain stream fishing. We're working urban canals that most people drive past every day without realizing they're loaded with massive grass carp. The setting might surprise you - concrete banks, city sounds in the background, and some of the most aggressive carp feeding you've ever witnessed. These trips run year-round because Arizona's climate keeps these fish active even when other species slow down. You'll spend your time sight fishing to cruising carp, learning to read their feeding patterns, and perfecting your presentation. Most trips run about half a day, making it perfect when you've got limited time but want maximum action. Our team includes Stan, Ryan, Bare, and Derek - all seasoned canal specialists who've spent years dialing in these techniques. You can request a specific guide when you book, and trust me, each one brings their own style and local knowledge to make your day productive.
Fly Selection & Techniques
Here's where things get interesting - canal carp fishing requires a completely different approach than what most fly anglers are used to. We've developed specific techniques over years of working these waters, and honestly, watching these grass carp go crazy for the right fly presentation never gets old. Accuracy is your best friend here. You don't need to be a casting champion, but the closer you can drop your fly to feeding fish, the better your odds. Our guides will work with you on reading the water, identifying feeding lanes, and timing your presentations. The flies we use are specialized patterns that mimic what these carp are naturally feeding on in the canal system. Beginners regularly catch fish using our methods, but experienced casters definitely have an advantage when it comes to placing flies in tight spots. We'll help you dial in your accuracy throughout the trip and share techniques you can use long after your day with us ends.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Quite honestly my trip exceeded my expectations on every level. It was one of the most fun fly fishing I have done in a while. Ryan was extremely knowledgeable, very passionate but most importantly just a really fun guy! The fishing was such a unique urban environment! I could not believe the volume of fish in the system. They were everywhere. Ryan had us keyed in on the flies to use and the techniques for the unusual species. It was just a blast. I really can't wait to come back to do some more exploring with Lo Water and Ryan!" - Jim Thompson
"Derek is patient and taught us some key techniques for canal carp. He was flexible with our dates due to a bunch of rain. He wanted us to have a great experience - and we did. We will be scheduling with Derek again! Thank you Derek." - Alan Thornton
"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
Target Species Breakdown
Common carp in Phoenix canals are absolute beasts, and these aren't your typical muddy bottom dwellers. Arizona's grass carp are clean, hard-fighting fish that can easily stretch over three feet long and pull drag like freight trains. These fish are most active during warmer months, but honestly, we catch them year-round thanks to our desert climate. What makes canal carp so exciting is their feeding behavior - they're opportunistic and aggressive when the conditions are right. You'll see them cruising just under the surface, tailing in shallow sections, and sometimes feeding so aggressively they're practically jumping out of the water. The size of these fish surprises everyone. When you hook into a 20-pound grass carp on fly tackle in a narrow canal, you're in for a fight that'll test your skills and your equipment. They use the concrete walls and current to their advantage, making every hookup a memorable battle. The best part? The sheer numbers we see in these canal systems means you're looking at multiple shots throughout the day, not just hoping for one good fish.
Time to Book Your Spot
This trip represents some of the best value fly fishing you'll find around Phoenix. It's affordable, accessible, and delivers consistent action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn fly fishing fundamentals or an experienced angler wanting to try something completely different, our canal carp trips offer the perfect mix of challenge and success. The urban setting might not be what you expect from a fly fishing trip, but the quality of fishing and the expertise of our guides makes this a customer favorite. Don't see the dates you want available? Give us a text at 602-300-1881 and we'll work something out. With multiple guides running these trips, we can usually accommodate most schedules and get you out on the water when it works best for you.
Customer Reviews
Dito Ladd
May 26, 2022
Urban Fishing Blast
Quite honestly my trip exceeded my expectations on every level. It was one of the most fun fly fishing I have done in a while. Ryan was extremely knowledgeable, very passionate but most importantly just a really fun guy! The fishing was such a unique urban environment1 I could not believe the volume of fish in the system. They were everywhere. Ryan had us keyed in on the flies to use and the techniques for the unusual species. It was just a blast. I really can't wait to come back to do some more exploring with Lo Water and Ryan! Thank you again! Jim Thompson
jim thompson
October 14, 2024
Expert Guide Ryan
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Professional Guide
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Ryan Goes Beyond
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Patient Pro Guide
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Excellent Guide Ryan
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Above and Beyond
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Ryan the Pro
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Knowledgeable Ryan
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
Guide Excellence
My guide Ryan Weddle was excellent very knowledgeable of the area, extremely patient and professional. Ryan went above and beyond to accommodate our groups needs and was very prepared to ensure we got the most fishing accomplished during our allotted time.
Rob Serrano
December 7, 2025
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 with Stan
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 Guides Nice Guys
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
Derek Teaches Carp
Derek is patient and taught us some key techniques for canal carp. He was flexible with our dates due to a bunch of rain. He wanted us to have a great experience - and we did. We will be scheduling with Derek again! Thank you Derek.
Alan Thornton Thornton
December 4, 2025
Patient Derek Rocks
Derek is patient and taught us some key techniques for canal carp. He was flexible with our dates due to a bunch of rain. He wanted us to have a great experience - and we did. We will be scheduling with Derek again! Thank you Derek
Alan Thornton Thornton
December 4, 2025
Piles of Fish Fun
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
Canal Carp 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
First Time Carp Win
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
Strong Carp Fishery
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
Fish Challenge Won
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
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 with Ryan
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
Amazing First Fly Fish
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 stocky, golden-bronze fish are surprisingly strong fighters that'll test your drag system. Most run 15-30 inches and 5-20 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in our canal systems. They're bottom feeders with those signature whiskers, constantly rooting around in shallow water looking for food. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into the shallows to feed aggressively - that's when sight fishing really shines. Summer mornings work great too before the heat hits. What makes carp fishing addictive is their raw power and endurance - they'll strip line and fight dirty, using their broad sides against the current. Here's the thing most people don't know: these fish are incredibly spooky. Keep your movements slow and deliberate, and avoid anything shiny that might catch their eye. The technique we've developed uses specific fly patterns that trigger their feeding response.
Did what a guide does....put me on the fish. Good day. Would recommend Derek for a great day fishin' and more importantly......catchin'!!