The Salt River in Arizona is a 200-mile-long waterway that offers exceptional fishing opportunities in a unique desert setting. The most popular fishing section is the Lower Salt River, which flows from Stewart Mountain Dam below Saguaro Lake through the stunning Tonto National Forest. Located just 25 miles east of Phoenix, this tailwater fishery provides anglers with the remarkable experience of catching trout in desert surroundings, where water temperatures remain cool (around 50-65°F) even when air temperatures soar to 100+ degrees. The Salt River is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and diverse fish population, making it a favorite destination for local anglers and visitors alike.
Learn what type of fish are at Salt River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ameiurus melas
Oreochromis aureus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Lepomis cyanellus
Oreochromis niloticus
Lepomis microlophus
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
Ictiobus bubalus
Morone mississippiensis
Ameiurus natalis
Learn how to get on Salt River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Salt River, and when to apply.
Highway 60 to Highway 288
Lottery permit · Private trips · Required Mar 1 to May 15
Floating the Salt River Canyon Wilderness from Mar 1 to May 15 needs a permit, drawn in a winter lottery.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Tonto National Forest
US-60 bridge to the reservation's west boundary
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
Everyone rafting or kayaking the Upper Salt below the US-60 bridge needs a White Mountain Apache daily rafting permit and a signed waiver for each day.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with White Mountain Apache Game and Fish
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Determined by the Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission. ANSAC says for a waterway to be navigable, it must have been capable of commercial trade and travel at the time of statehood (1912). The waterway must also be wet, with water from more than just precipitation. As of 2016, ANSAC only defines the Colorado River as navigable, though decisions are pending for other streams. The federal government and private owners control all other streambeds The extent to which the public has rights in non-navigable watercourses depends upon the ownership of the streambed. For example, if the federal government has retained ownership, the public likely enjoys rights to boat, fish, wade, recreate, and portage. If, on the other hand, the streambed is privately owned, then the public may not boat, fish, or otherwise access the watercourse without the owner's permission.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Salt River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Salt River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Salt River and check the forecast before you go.
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Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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