Arizona Fishing Gear Rental - Premium St. Croix Rods
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Premium St. Croix fly rods available for daily rentalEquipment inspected and maintained in perfect fishing conditionGear suited for Salt River, lakes, canals, and trout fishing
Sometimes the best fishing trips are the ones you plan yourself. Whether you're a traveling angler who doesn't want to haul gear across the country or a local looking to try premium equipment before you buy, our fishing gear rental service gives you access to top-shelf St. Croix fly rods without the commitment. We've handpicked different rod weights to match Arizona's diverse fishing opportunities, from high-mountain trout streams to warm-water carp flats. Every rod gets inspected before and after each rental to ensure you're fishing with equipment that performs when it counts.
This isn't a guided trip – it's pure DIY fishing with professional-grade equipment. You get a pristine St. Croix fly rod matched to your target species and fishing location for a flat $60 per day. We stock different rod weights specifically chosen for Arizona's varied fishing scenarios. Heading to the Salt River for trout? We've got you covered with the right weight and action. Planning to target carp in one of the valley lakes? We have heavier rods that can handle those bruisers. Canal fishing for whatever's biting? There's a rod for that too. Each rental comes with a thorough inspection – we check every guide, the reel seat, and the rod's overall condition before it leaves our hands. You're responsible for bringing it back in the same shape, and any damage or negligence will run you $50 for replacement costs. It's straightforward and fair – treat the gear right, and everyone's happy.
We exclusively use St. Croix fly rods because they're built to last and perform consistently across different fishing conditions. These aren't budget rods that'll let you down when you hook into something substantial. The different weights we stock cover everything from delicate dry fly presentations on mountain streams to powerful streamer fishing in deeper water. When you pick up your rental, we'll match the rod weight to your intended fishing spot and target species. You'll need to handle your own flies, leaders, and tippet, though we can point you toward AZ Fly Shop for a full selection. If we have guide flies available from our own stock, we're happy to sell those at competitive prices. The beauty of this setup is flexibility – you can fish wherever and whenever you want without being locked into a guided schedule. Just remember that fly fishing success comes down to reading the water, understanding insect hatches, and presenting your fly naturally. The rod is just the tool that makes it all possible.
Apache Trout represent Arizona's native fishing heritage and are found primarily in high-elevation streams above 8,000 feet. These beautiful fish sport distinctive yellow-gold coloration with dark spots and can reach 12-16 inches in good habitat. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to small dry flies and nymphs that match local insect populations. What makes Apache Trout special is their rarity – they're Arizona's state fish and exist nowhere else in the world. Catching one connects you to the state's pristine mountain ecosystems.
Rainbow Trout thrive in Arizona's cooler waters and offer consistent action throughout much of the year. They typically run 10-14 inches in most waters, though some lakes produce fish pushing 20 inches or more. Spring and fall provide the best opportunities, with mornings and evenings being prime time. Rainbows are aggressive feeders that will hit everything from tiny midges to large streamers depending on conditions. They're known for their aerial displays when hooked, making them a favorite among fly anglers who appreciate both the fight and the photo opportunities.
Grass Carp might surprise you as a fly rod target, but these vegetarian giants offer some of Arizona's most challenging sight fishing. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and cruise shallow flats where you can spot them from considerable distances. They're spooky and selective, requiring precise casts with specialized flies that mimic their plant-based diet. Summer months provide the best visibility for sight fishing, and success often comes down to patience and stealth. Landing a grass carp on a fly rod tests your tackle and your skill – they're powerful fish that make long, determined runs.
Brown Trout represent the ultimate challenge for many Arizona fly anglers. These fish grow large, live long, and become extremely wary of artificial presentations. They often feed at night or during low-light conditions, making them frustrating but rewarding targets. Browns in Arizona waters can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon in the right locations. They prefer larger flies and streamers, especially patterns that imitate baitfish or large aquatic insects. Successfully fooling a big brown trout requires understanding their behavior, preferred lies, and feeding patterns.
Common Carp provide year-round action and grow to impressive sizes throughout Arizona's warm-water fisheries. These fish can exceed 15 pounds and offer powerful fights that will test both your equipment and your drag system. They're most active in warmer months and can be targeted using sight fishing techniques in shallow water or traditional bottom fishing methods in deeper areas. Carp are intelligent fish that can be surprisingly selective, making them more challenging than many anglers expect. They're also excellent practice for testing your knots, leader strength, and fish-fighting techniques.
Premium fishing gear shouldn't be a barrier to getting on the water. Our St. Croix rental program puts professional-quality fly rods in your hands for less than most guides charge per hour. Whether you're testing equipment before making a purchase, traveling light, or just want to experience how top-tier gear performs, this service delivers real value. The $60 daily rate covers everything – no hidden fees, no complicated pricing structure. You get a clean, inspected rod that's ready to fish, and we handle the maintenance and storage. Arizona's fishing opportunities are too good to miss because you don't have the right equipment. Reserve your rod weight preference in advance
Oncorhynchus ApacheArizona's state fish is something special - our native Apache trout with that distinctive yellowish-gold color and black eye stripes. These beauties average 12-18 inches in the White Mountains streams and high lakes around eastern Arizona. They love cold, oxygen-rich water with rocky structure and overhanging cover. Spring through early fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. What makes them fun to target is their scrappy fight and the fact you're fishing for a true Arizona native that almost went extinct. They'll hit small nymphs, dry flies, and spinners readily. Here's a local tip - use light tippet and small hooks, size 14-18, because these fish can be pretty selective. The cooler morning and evening hours usually produce the most strikes in our desert climate.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart guys of the trout world, typically running 14-22 inches in our Arizona waters. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and heavy structure in streams like the Salt River. These fish are most active during low-light conditions - early morning, evening, and overcast days. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning. What makes them special is their wariness and hard fighting ability once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. They'll hit streamers, nymphs, and terrestrials, but you need to be stealthy. Unlike other trout, browns often feed at night, so don't overlook evening sessions. Local tip - try crawfish patterns and woolly buggers near rocky structure. These fish have seen a lot of flies, so go smaller and more natural than you think. A dead drift nymph in deeper water often outproduces flashy stuff.
Cyprinus CarpioDon't underestimate these golden fighters - common carp are some of the strongest fish in our Arizona lakes and canals. They average 10-25 pounds but can hit 40-plus in the right waters. Look for them in shallow, muddy areas where they're rooting around for food, especially near vegetation. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are 60-80°F. What surprises people is how hard they fight - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and patience. They're bottom feeders, so corn, bread balls, and boilies work great. The trick is being patient and quiet since they spook easily from vibrations. Here's a guide secret - use a hair rig setup to keep the hook away from the bait since carp are naturally suspicious. Once you hook one, settle in for a 15-20 minute battle. They don't give up easy.
Ctenopharyngodon IdellaThese silver giants are some of the toughest fighters you'll find in our Arizona lakes and canals. Most run 20-40 pounds, though some monsters push 60-plus. Look for them in shallow, weedy areas of lakes and slow canals where they're munching vegetation. They're surface feeders during warmer months, so you'll actually see them cruising and feeding. Spring through fall are your best bets when water temps are up. What draws anglers is the sheer power - they'll make screaming runs and even jump when hooked. Since they're herbivores, forget traditional baits. Cherry tomatoes, watermelon chunks, and sweet corn work best. Here's the key - stay dead still and quiet because they spook easily. Once you hook one, hang on tight because you're in for a serious battle that can last 20 minutes or more.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the bread and butter of Arizona trout fishing, running 12-20 inches in our cooler waters. You'll find them in the Salt River system, mountain lakes, and stocked urban ponds. They prefer temperatures around 55-65°F and love areas with good current and structure like boulders or fallen trees. Spring and fall are prime time, but early mornings work great in summer too. Anglers love them because they fight hard with those classic jumps and they taste fantastic on the table. They'll take everything from nymphs to dry flies to small spinners. Pro tip for our local waters - when the midday sun gets bright, switch to deeper pools and use weighted nymphs or small streamers. They get spookier in our clear desert streams, so approach quietly and keep your shadow off the water.
Phoenix, AZ