Canyon Lake A Kayaker's Dream Come True Phoenix, AZ

A kayakers dream is hidden in one of the most unlikely of places, Phoenix Arizona. Canyon Lake is considered the jewel of the Phoenix lakes for it’s picturesque views and abundance of wild life. Created with the damming of the Salt River the lake has 20 miles of shoreline and is loaded with tulles and other types of cover which makes it a fishermen’s paradise.

   It is not uncommon to see kayaks on Canyon Lake because Canyon Lake is the smallest of the chain on the Salt River at 950 surface acres. The views created by the high red-rock canyon walls are breath taking and create great anticipation around every corner you turn. There a lot of hidden coves and gorges to explore while fishing keeping you entertained even when the fish are not biting.

During the winter months Lake Canyon is also stocked with Rainbow trout making it one of the top swimbait lakes in the Phoenix area. Is not uncommon to see double-digit bass taken from this lake especially during the mild winter months. Huddleston trout swimbaits work excellent in this lake. Just last week an 8-pound bass was caught using a Huddleston.

There are two main points to launch in this lake, a public launch and a private launch at the marina both located on highway 88. For kayakers I would recommend the marina because of the access point and close parking. You will also find a very unique area dedicated to non-motorized boats (electric or gas) that can be accessed through the marina.

The best part of about this area is it is where most of the biggest fish have been caught. Labarge Cove located under the second bridge has an abundance of tulles and rock formations bass love to hide out in. As you head towards the back of the cove it shallows out making a great spanning ground for bass in the spring. With out having to compete with bass boats this makes this area a huge advantage for kayak fishermen.

There are other areas that produce great results as well, including a cove under the first bridge named First Water cove. This cove also is loaded with tulles and shallows out towards the back as well. Of all the coves it also has some of the best views with tight spaces between the rock walls. You can also stroll up the Salt River with ease to explore all it has to offer.

As I mentioned before this lake is an excellent swimbait lake, also has a good crank bait bite in the spring, fall, and winter. It never hurts to keep a couple spoons and spinners in your kayak also. All of these lakes in the Phoenix area are loaded with shad making shinning lures a must. Top water bite can be hit and miss, it is really a matter of being in the right place at the right time. The Rio Rico is my favorite in a ghost blue gill color or the standard shad color.

During the sometime time months when the weather warms you will want to switch to a drop shot rig with a 5 inch Robo worm. Bass often go deep during the summer time and it is difficult to get cranks down deep enough to get to them.

If you are looking for a great adventure, a good fishing spot, or a sight seeing trip Canyon Lake is a must on your bucket list. I would rate this lake a ten out of ten for kayak friendliness.