5.0(2 Reviews)Carp Flats Fishing in Arizona
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Sight fishing for tailing carp in shallow Arizona lake watersPoling skiff allows close approach to feeding fishBest fishing occurs late March through December with high sun
Get ready for some of the most exciting sight fishing Arizona has to offer. Our carp flats trips put you right in the middle of the action, using a poling skiff to get within casting distance of feeding carp in crystal-clear shallows. This isn't your typical lake fishing – we're talking about stalking fish you can see, getting your heart pumping with every cast, and testing every skill you've got as an angler. Whether you're at Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, or Roosevelt Lake, you're in for a day that'll make you see carp in a whole new light.
This trip is all about the hunt. We'll launch in our poling skiff and head to the flats where carp come to feed in shallow water. The beauty of this style of fishing is that we can pole right up to these fish without spooking them – sometimes getting within just a few feet of tailing carp. You'll see their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for food, and that's when the adrenaline kicks in. We typically start later in the day because we want that sun up high, creating the perfect visibility to spot fish. The boat holds up to two anglers plus your guide, but only one person can cast at a time – this keeps things organized and gives everyone the best shot at success. These trips run from late March through late December, giving you plenty of opportunities throughout the year to get out there and chase these challenging fish.
The magic happens with our shallow-draft poling skiff that lets us access water other boats can't reach. Your guide – either Derek or Niko – will pole the boat silently through the shallows while you stay ready on the casting platform. We're looking for tailing carp, mudding fish, or cruising singles and small groups. The technique is all about precision casting and quick reactions. When we spot fish, you'll need to make accurate casts without lining the fish or landing too close and spooking them. We'll coach you through reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and timing your presentations. The shallow water means every movement matters – these fish can disappear in a heartbeat if something doesn't look right. You'll use sight-fishing techniques that translate to other species, making you a more complete angler whether you're chasing bass, redfish, or any other fish that feeds in shallow water.
"Great day out on the flats! Derek is very professional, knowledgeable, and hard working and got us onto the carp. Saw tons of fish, birds, burros, and all that sonoran scenery. This was our first time fishing in Arizona and our first time targeting carp. Stalking the flats by poling skiff is a great way to chase these fish! 10 out of 10 will be going again." - Jacob
Common carp are the stars of this show, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why we're so passionate about targeting them. These fish are incredibly strong and smart, often reaching 10-20 pounds in Arizona lakes, with some real giants pushing 30 pounds or more. They're most active in the shallows during warmer months when they come up to feed on vegetation, insects, and anything else they can find. What makes carp so exciting is their combination of size, intelligence, and fighting ability. They'll test your drag, make long runs, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. In the clear water of Arizona's lakes, you can watch the entire fight unfold, seeing exactly how these fish react and move. Carp are also incredibly spooky in shallow water – they can detect the slightest vibration or shadow, which makes getting a good presentation a real challenge. The best fishing happens when water temperatures are between 60-80 degrees, typically from spring through fall. During summer, early morning and late afternoon produce the most activity, while spring and fall offer all-day opportunities. What keeps anglers coming back is that carp never stop learning, so each fish presents a new puzzle to solve.
If you're ready to experience some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing Arizona has to offer, it's time to get on the calendar. This customer-favorite trip fills up fast, especially during prime season when conditions are perfect for sight fishing. You'll walk away with new skills, a deeper appreciation for carp as a game fish, and probably some sore arms from fighting these powerful fish. The combination of technical fishing, beautiful scenery, and the expertise of guides Derek and Niko makes this a top-rated experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't miss your chance to see why this is one of our most popular trips – book your carp flats adventure with Lo Water Guide Service today.
Our custom poling skiff is perfectly rigged for stalking carp in Arizona's desert lakes. This nimble motorboat gets you into those shallow flats where big carp come to feed, letting us pole within casting distance of tailing fish. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools, while GPS keeps us on productive water at Bartlett, Pleasant, or Roosevelt. An ice box keeps your drinks cold during those hot afternoon sessions when the sun is high and the carp are active. The boat's shallow draft design allows us to access skinny water that bigger boats can't reach. Built for sight fishing, this rig puts you in perfect position to make those adrenaline-pumping shots at cruising carp. With room for two anglers plus your guide, one person casts while the other watches for targets. The stable platform gives you a solid base for fighting these hard-pulling desert warriors that'll test your tackle and skills.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day out on the flats! Derek is very professional, knowledgeable, and hard working and got us onto the carp. Saw tons of fish...
Thank you, Jacob!
Phoenix, AZ