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Fly Fishing on The Salt River

City Limitless

Fishing the Lower Salt River: Four Access Points to Know

The Lower Salt River runs below Stewart Mountain Dam through the Tonto National Forest, with multiple day-use areas that make bank fishing and quick wades realistic for a half-day trip.

What You Can Catch

Rainbow Trout
in the cooler season when fish are stocked (late fall through early spring is the local sweet spot).

Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Carp and Sunfish year-round especially in slower pockets and deeper runs

Granite Reef Recreation Site

Closest to Mesa and a reliable starting point when you want easy access and short walks to the water. Shoreline fishing is common here, and it’s also a launch area for non-motorized craft.

Local tip: If you’re there for trout, focus on seams and soft edges where current slides into slower water. Stocked fish often hold where they don’t have to work hard.

Water Users Recreation Site

This one can feel surprisingly lush for the desert, with good bank access and enough room to spread out when you arrive early.

Local tip: When the river’s running a bit higher, look for quieter backwaters and eddies along the bank. Catfish and carp will use those softer zones, especially as the day warms.

Phon D Sutton Recreation Site

A classic Lower Salt entry with a mix of shoreline, riffles, and calmer stretches.

Local tip: On busy days, keep walking. Even a five to ten minute move away from the main pull-offs can buy you calmer water and better concentration.

Sheep Crossing Recreation Site

Popular for river days in general, but still fishable if you time it right.

Local tip: Treat this as a dawn-to-mid-morning spot in warmer months. Once float traffic is active, shift to quieter edges, fish deeper, or relocate.

Must-know rules and logistics before you go

Get legal: Arizona fishing license and current regulations
Arizona Game and Fish covers licenses and regulations online. Buy your license before you head out and read the current rules for the water you plan to fish.
Bag limits vary by species and in some cases by location, so check the current Arizona bag limits and any special rules that apply.


Parking and passes
Many river access points sit on Tonto National Forest lands where a recreation pass can be required. Check current pass options like the Tonto Daily Pass or Discovery Pass before you roll in.


Flows change the whole river
This stretch depends on releases from Stewart Mountain Dam, and consistent summer releases are typically associated with the main warm-season river recreation period.
Higher flow can improve oxygen and movement, but it can also make wading tougher and shift fish into softer edges.

Practical local move: If the current feels pushy, stop fighting it. Fish the margins, not the middle.


Share the river with float traffic
When tubing season is active, the river gets busy. Salt River Tubing has a published opening day for 2026, and seasonal activity typically runs through late September.

You’ll fish better and have a calmer time if you prioritize:

  • Weekdays over weekends
  • Sunrise over midday
  • Quieter access points over the most obvious pull-offs


Respect wildlife, especially wild horses
The Salt River is known for sightings of wild horses. Give them space and admire from a distance. A common guideline shared for the area is at least 50 feet away.

Leave the place better
Pack out everything, even the small stuff: clipped line, bait containers, bottle caps. The river corridor is home to wildlife and sees heavy use.

FAQs

Where can I fish in Mesa, Arizona?
You can fish at both natural and urban locations in Mesa, including the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Riverview Park Lake, Eastmark Great Park and Greenfield Park.
Do I need a fishing license in Mesa, Arizona?
Yes. Anyone age 10 or older must have a valid Arizona fishing license to fish in Mesa and throughout the state.
What fish can you catch in Mesa, Arizona?
Common species include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, sunfish and walleye depending on location and season.
When is the best time to fish in Mesa?
Fishing is available year-round. Trout fishing is best from late fall through early spring, while bass and catfish are active year-round. Early mornings and evenings are typically most productive.
Where is the best place to catch trout near Mesa?
The Lower Salt River is one of the best places to catch stocked rainbow trout near Mesa, especially between late fall and early spring.
Are there free places to fish in Mesa?
Yes. Many urban lakes in Mesa, such as Riverview Park Lake and Greenfield Park, are free to access, though a fishing license is still required.
Can you fish in Mesa’s urban lakes year-round?
Yes. Mesa’s urban lakes are stocked regularly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and offer year-round fishing opportunities.
Is the Lower Salt River good for fishing?
Yes. The Lower Salt River is one of the top fishing destinations near Mesa, offering trout in cooler months and bass, catfish and other species year-round.
Can you fish from shore at Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake?
Yes, though access can be limited in some areas due to steep shorelines. Many anglers prefer fishing from a boat or kayak for better reach.
What is the best time of day to fish in Mesa, Arizona?
Early morning and late evening are the best times, especially during warmer months when fish are more active.
Do I need a Tonto National Forest Pass to fish near Mesa?
Some areas along the Lower Salt River and nearby lakes require a Tonto National Forest Pass for parking and access. Always check posted signage.
Are there family-friendly fishing spots in Mesa?
Yes. Urban lakes like Red Mountain Lake, Riverview Park Lake and Eastmark Great Park are ideal for families, with easy access, nearby amenities and frequent fish stocking.
What should I bring for a fishing trip in Mesa?
Bring your fishing license, water, sunscreen, sun protection and appropriate gear. Always check current regulations before heading out.