5.0(2 Reviews)Bass Fly Fishing Trip Near Phoenix
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Target largemouth bass lakes near Sky Harbor AirportExpertguided fly fishing in Sonoran desert landscapesPersonalized instruction from Arizona bass fly fishing pioneer
Just an hour from Sky Harbor, you'll find some of Arizona's best-kept secrets for bass on the fly. This isn't your typical desert fishing story – we're talking about productive lakes tucked away in the Sonoran landscape where largemouth bass cruise the shallows and you might even bump into some striped or white bass if you're lucky. Todd, one of the original pioneers of Arizona's bass fly fishing scene, will put you on fish while teaching you techniques that work in our unique desert waters. Whether you're new to the fly rod or looking to dial in your bass game, this solo trip gives you the full attention you need to really step up your skills.
This is hands-on learning at its finest. You'll be working with Todd, who's been figuring out these desert bass for years and knows exactly where they hold throughout the seasons. The lakes we fish are a world away from the crowded urban spots – think clear water, dramatic desert backdrops, and bass that actually want to eat your fly. Since this is a one-on-one trip, every cast gets attention. Todd will break down presentation, reading water, and fly selection in real time as you're fishing. The flexible start times mean we can hit the water when conditions are prime, whether that's early morning during the warmer months or midday when the winter sun warms things up. From mid-March through early January, these lakes stay productive, but the tactics change with the seasons and Todd knows all the adjustments.
Desert bass fishing requires a different approach than what you might expect from traditional bass waters. We're working with streamers, poppers, and subsurface patterns that imitate the local forage base. Todd will have you throwing everything from rabbit strip patterns that push water to subtle nymphs when the fish get picky. You'll learn how to read the structure these bass use – rocky points, submerged timber, and weed lines that hold fish throughout the day. The casting techniques here focus on accuracy over distance since you're often working specific targets rather than covering water blindly. Strip sets become second nature when you're working streamers through cover, and Todd will coach you through the timing that separates missed fish from solid hookups. Since we're dealing with largemouth that can push decent size, you'll also pick up fight management skills that keep fish pinned in structure-heavy water.
"Wonderful guide (Todd) who fully engaged with my grandson. Made the trip fun and interesting! Derek took great care in making arrangements and follow up. Highly recommend! Cal Gauss" - Cal
"My son and I fly-fished with Todd the Frog and had a blast! Quality fish caught. Our guide was first class and the communication from the fly shop was awesome. We knew right where to meet and exactly what we needed to bring. I definitely will be booking again!" - Johnny
Largemouth bass are the main event here, and Arizona's desert lakes grow them with attitude. These fish have adapted to the clear water and varied structure, making them both challenging and rewarding targets on the fly. Spring through fall, they're aggressive and will smash topwater presentations, especially during the morning and evening hours. Winter fishing slows them down, but they still feed and become more selective, which actually makes for better technical practice. Arizona largemouth typically run 12 to 18 inches, with bigger fish definitely possible if you put in the time. What makes them special here is their willingness to come up for flies – the clear water means they can see your presentation from a distance, and when they commit, it's usually explosive. The desert environment keeps them healthy and scrappy, so even smaller fish will give you a solid fight on a fly rod.
Striped bass and white bass show up as bonus fish, especially during certain times of the year when they're moving through the system. Stripers can range from schoolie size up to legitimate bruisers, and they hit streamers with authority. When you find them feeding, it's fast action that'll test your stripping and fighting skills. White bass travel in schools and provide excellent practice for quick, accurate casting when you locate a feeding frenzy. Both species add variety to the day and keep things interesting when you're working water that might hold any of the three bass species.
This trip delivers exactly what serious fly anglers want – quality instruction, productive water, and fish that actually cooperate. Todd's reputation in the Arizona bass fly fishing world speaks for itself, and the one-on-one format means you're getting coaching that's worth way more than just a day on the water. These desert lakes offer something different from the typical bass fishing experience, and the techniques you'll learn translate to bass water anywhere. The season runs long, start times are flexible, and you're working with a guide who genuinely loves putting people on fish. Whether you're looking to add bass fly fishing to your skillset or you want to dial in your techniques with an expert, this trip checks all the boxes. Give Derek a call to lock in your dates – these solo spots book up fast with repeat customers who know what Todd brings to the table.
Navigate Arizona's bass-rich waters in this custom 16-foot Stealthcraft Flatscraft, purpose-built for fly fishing the desert's hidden lakes. This smooth-riding, high-powered boat gets you to productive water fast, then transforms into a precision fishing platform. The shallow draft design lets you work structure and shorelines where big largemouth bass hunt. Up front, you'll find a dedicated casting platform perfect for sight fishing those cruising bass in clear water. Eight rod holders keep your fly rods organized and ready for quick line changes as conditions shift. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS ensures you never miss a hot spot. A well-stocked cooler with ice keeps your drinks cold during those long Arizona days on the water. Todd's selection of proven bass flies covers everything from topwater poppers to deep-running streamers. The stable platform design makes casting easier, whether you're working the shallows or fishing deeper drop-offs where stripers roam.
5.0 out of 5.0Wonderful guide (Todd) who fully engaged with my grandson. Made the trip fun and interesting! Derek took great care in making arra...
My son and I fly-fished with Todd the Frog and had a blast! Quality fish caught. Our guide was first class and the communication f...
Phoenix, AZ