Where to Fish – February 2026

Now is a wonderful time to enjoy what may be the tail end of our Salt River fishing season. Flows are currently low, giving anglers a unique opportunity to target native Sonoran suckers while conditions remain manageable. Once irrigation releases resume and flows bump back up, getting flies down to these bottom-oriented fish becomes much more challenging—so take advantage while you can.

Trout at the Bridge:
Fishing for trout near the bridge is very doable with as light as a 3-weight, though most anglers will be perfectly comfortable with a 9’ 5-weight. That same 5-weight transitions nicely into the slower column water where suckers hold. At current flows, productive trout patterns include BWO emergers fished below a dry or indicator, black/red leeches, and small Pheasant Tails in sizes 18–20. Focus on clean drifts through deeper seams and buckets.

Targeting Sonoran Suckers:
For suckers, stick to the “junk.” Mop flies in chartreuse, red twisted worms, black/red perdigons, and egg patterns are all effective. The key is depth—make sure you are ticking bottom. Suckers eat efficiently and subtly; often the indicator won’t move much at all. Take your free hooksets when you can, especially if anything feels slightly different in the drift.

With low flows, clear water, and cooperative fish, February and March offer some of the most technical—and rewarding—fishing of the season on the Salt. Get out there before those irrigation releases change the game.