Now
37°C · Clear
Today
37° / 25°
Sun
06:03 – 18:39
Moon
Waning Crescent · solunar good
Fishing around Tucson
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyTucson Fishing: Early Fall in the Desert Washes
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Rillito River, Santa Cruz River pools, and retention basins around Tucson; deeper holes and shaded banks in washes.
Early fall is prime time as water cools slightly. Fish dawn and dusk with topwater lures or soft plastics near structure; live shiners work well in deeper pools. Target shaded banks where water temperature drops.
Caution: Check Arizona Game & Fish Department for current season status and size/bag limits before fishing.
Sunfish (Bluegill, Longear Sunfish)
Where: Retention ponds, slow sections of Rillito and Santa Cruz rivers, urban park ponds.
Abundant year-round; excellent for beginners and families. Use small crickets, waxworms, or 2–5 cm (1–2 in) soft plastics near vegetation and structure. Early morning is most productive.
Caution: No special cautions; excellent eating if kept.
Flathead Catfish
Where: Deeper pools in Santa Cruz River, especially below dams and in slow-moving sections; active at dusk and night.
Nocturnal hunters now more active as temperatures drop. Fish live baitfish (shiners, sunfish) or cut mullet on the bottom after sunset. Bring headlamp and expect strong runs.
Caution: Invasive species; Arizona Game & Fish encourages harvest. Check current regulations for any special rules.
Desert Pupfish
Where: Sabino Canyon, Tanque Verde Creek, and spring-fed pools in the Rincon and Santa Catalina foothills.
Tiny (2–5 cm / 1–2 in), hardy, and native. Observe and photograph rather than keep; they're indicators of healthy riparian habitat. No bait needed—watch quietly near vegetation.
Caution: Protected in many locations; check local regulations before collecting. Primarily of scientific and conservation interest.
Carp (Common and Grass)
Where: Rillito River, Santa Cruz River pools, and larger retention basins; slow, weedy sections.
Underrated fighters. Use corn, dough balls, or specialized carp pellets; fish the bottom near weed beds early morning or evening. 5–15 kg (11–33 lb) fish are common.
Caution: Invasive species; harvest encouraged. Verify current regulations with Arizona Game & Fish Department.
Best times
Early morning (06:00–08:00) and dusk (18:00–20:30) are most productive. Avoid midday heat (11:00–16:00). Slight rain expected Sept 10–11 and Sept 13–14 may improve feeding; wind Sept 9 and 10 will churn surface water and increase visibility for bass and catfish.
Waters to try
- Rillito River (central Tucson, accessible at multiple parks), Santa Cruz River (south and west of downtown), Sabino Canyon (northeast foothills, scenic and reliable), Tanque Verde Creek (east side, cooler water), retention basins around Tucson International Airport area, urban park ponds (Himmel Park, Agua Caliente Park).
Regulations
Arizona Game & Fish Department sets all season dates, size limits, and bag limits. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/ to verify current regulations before you fish. Licenses are required for all anglers 10 and older. Some waters (e.g., Sabino Canyon) have special rules; check ahead.
Arizona Game & Fish Department ↗The fishing note for Tucson, every week
One email, Sunday evening. Unsubscribe anytime.