As an avid angler and outdoor enthusiast living in Phoenix, Arizona, I frequently get asked what types of fish can be caught in the Lower Salt River. This gorgeous desert river flowing east of the city offers fantastic year-round fishing opportunities. In this complete guide, I’ll cover all the fish species found in the Lower Salt River based on my years of experience fishing these waters.
The Lower Salt River originates from Saguaro Lake as it winds its way through the stunning Tonto National Forest This makes for a beautiful fishing backdrop More importantly, the diversity of aquatic habitat allows the Lower Salt River to support a variety of sport fish.
Here is a complete overview of the fish species found in the Lower Salt River
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are likely the most popular fish targeted by anglers in the Lower Salt River. They are stocked on a regular basis from November through March to provide excellent cold water fishing during the winter months.
The highest concentrations of rainbow trout are found in the upper stretch of the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake. This is where water temperatures are cooler. Look for trout hanging out in deeper pools, near submerged structure, and in shaded areas.
Rainbows will hit a variety of lures and baits including small spoons, spinners, and flies. Nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, and PowerBait are effective baits for these stocked trout
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are an extremely popular warm water game fish that are found throughout the Lower Salt River system. The Lower Salt provides ample habitat for bass including vegetation, submerged structure, and varying depths.
Target largemouths near fallen trees, overhanging branches, weedbeds, and around big boulders. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to catch bass once the summer heat kicks in. Top lures are crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and topwater poppers.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are another widely dispersed fish species inhabiting the Lower Salt River. Channel cats can reach sizable proportions in this fertile river system with plenty of forage.
Channel catfish frequent deeper holes and pools especially with some current flow. The best baits for channel cats include cut bait, nightcrawlers, stink baits, and chicken liver. Pieces of cut carp also make great catfish bait on the Lower Salt.
Flathead Catfish
In addition to channel cats, the Lower Salt River also holds some massive flathead catfish. Flatheads prefer the slowest moving sections of river with very deep holes.
The best way to target a flathead is fishing live bait like bluegill, sunfish, or small carp on the bottom. Patiently wait for a heavy strike from these hard-fighting fish which can grow to over 50 pounds!
Common Carp
Carp are an often overlooked but fun fish species to target in the Lower Salt River. Known for their wariness and strength, you’ll have a battle on your hands once you hook into one of these “freshwater bonefish”.
Corn, dough balls, and bread are hard for carp to resist. Focus on wide open sandy or muddy areas in slow stretches of the river. Stay quiet and keep a low profile when stalking these large fish.
Yellow Bass
Yellow bass provide fast-paced action and are loads of fun for younger anglers. They congregate in large schools and will eagerly hit baitfish imitating lures.
Target Yellow bass in wider stretches of the river near current breaks. Small jigs, spinners, and crankbaits will all produce strikes. Just find the schools and hold on!
Green Sunfish
Green sunfish are small panfish that are very common throughout the Lower Salt River. Don’t let their diminutive size full you though – they provide nonstop action when a school is located.
Ultrameight gear like a light spin rod and 4lb test work best for sunnies. Fish small jigs, spinners, or pieces of nightcrawler around submerged structure and you’ll catch them one after another.
Redear Sunfish
Redear sunfish are larger cousins to green sunfish. They have distinct red colored edges around their ear flaps. Redears frequent similar areas and will take the same baits as other sunfish.
Walleye
Occasionally, walleye make their way into the Lower Salt River from the upstream reservoirs. Normally a cool water species, walleye can survive in the river as long as deep pools and structure are available.
These opportunistic fish will hit a variety of artificial lures and live baits making them a great bonus species in the Lower Salt River.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Lower Salt River boasts an impressive diversity of fish species to target throughout the year. From hard-fighting bass to acrobatic trout, this river has it all. No wonder it’s become such a popular fishing destination for anglers in the Phoenix area.
The next time you’re looking for fantastic fishing conveniently close to town, hit the Lower Salt River. Just bring the right tackle and bait for whatever species you’re after. With a little luck and good technique, you’re sure to cross a few fish off your fishing bucket list here!
Upper Salt RiverUpper Salt River begins in southcentral Boyle County just west of Danville and flows north passing by the communities of Harrodsburg, Salvisa and Lawrenceburg before entering into Taylorsville Lake. Upper Salt River is semi-remote and flows through an area predominantly surrounded by agricultural land, but does offer a number of public access sites. Several access points are close together offering the chance to float fish from one access point to another, along with plenty of options to wade fish at all access sites. Upper Salt River is a fairly narrow system and is comprised of riffle/run habitat and pools that support fishable populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, smallmouth bass, and white crappie.
| Put In Access Site | Take Out Access Site | Total River Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Branch Road access | Salt River Ramp 3 Access | 3.1 |
| Salt River Ramp 3 Access | Four Roses Distillery Access | 30.5 |
| Four Roses Distillery Access | Rice Road Ford Access | 3.8 |
| Rice Road Ford Access | Drydock Road Access | 7.5 |
These ratings are only recommendations. Skill and experience will dictate levels appropriate for each angler.
| Rating | Gauge Height (feet) |
|---|---|
| Low | <3.7 ft |
| Good | 3.7-4.5 ft |
| High | >4.5 ft |
| Rating | Flow (cubic feet per second) |
|---|---|
| Low | <130 cfs |
| Good | 130-400 cfs |
| High | >400 cfs |
- U. S. Stream Levels On The Salt River at Glensboro, KY (Provides real-time stream flows on rivers and streams across the state)
Why I FISH THE SALT RIVER So Much?
What fish are in the lower Salt River?
The Lower Salt River has plenty of different types of fish to shake a stick at. Large and smallmouth bass, carp, tilapia, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and Walleye! On Wednesday morning the river was flowing 8 7 cfs out of Stewart Mountain. Has been stocked with trout. No new reports of success.
What is lower Salt River fishing?
Here’s a quick overview of the key details about the Lower Salt River fishing: Water Surface: The river’s surface is typically calm and clear, ideal for fishing and kayaking. Shoreline: The riverbanks are lined with a mix of desert vegetation and shady spots, perfect for setting up a comfortable fishing spot.
What is Salt River fishing & kayaking?
The Salt river flows out of Saguaro Lake and continues its journey through the desert landscape, providing ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Here’s a quick overview of the key details about the Lower Salt River fishing: Water Surface: The river’s surface is typically calm and clear, ideal for fishing and kayaking.
How do you catch fish in the Salt River?
To increase your chances of a successful catch, it’s essential to use the right baits, lures, and tackle. Here are some top recommendations for the Lower Salt River: Rainbow Trout: Use small spinners, spoons, and flies. Bait options include nightcrawlers and PowerBait. Largemouth Bass: Opt for plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.