Everything You Need to Know About Canal Fishing in Arizona

The canals in urban arizona can be loaded with fish! This is a brief breakdown of the most common species and how to catch them easily!
The srp canal system is loaded with fish, you just have to be willing to move around to find them!
Thank you guys for watching!
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[@davidsmith2942]

This was actually the best fishing video I’ve seen in a very long time, if not the best I’ve ever seen. Too many other fishing channels quickly devolve into: “Hey everyone, come watch me fish at another undisclosed location.” Or there is of course the other fan favorite: “Oooo! Watch me eat whatever I catch!” These videos grow tiresome very quickly. However, there was much more helpful information in this video than in perhaps 50 other videos from other channels. BRAVO!!!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Hey I’m happy to hear it! I always try to keep things fresh as I totally get they can get boring. I try to show something new each vid. Thanks for your comment!

[@WayTooSuppish]

Agreed, very helpful, great information here. Awesome videos too man! Hey, I'm out in the surprise area and have a canal by my house. Do you think it's possible to catch catfish in this area to cook and eat?

[@dhp4073]

Thank you for the great tips Im learning how to fish. And your channel has been huge help. Ill use these tips to fish the in the imperial valley CA

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Awesome CA is where I’m from. Glad you learned some stuff!

[@davidferguson5011]

Another great video, i tried walking following my bobber with the current yesterday and caught over 50lbs of carp and catfish, it was much more productive than sitting in one spot 😀

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Good stuff! Wish I had a cameraman to be more mobile but in due time

[@sebastianrios3133]

The flathead seems like a hard fish to find and catch. But there’s one fish that you missed. This fish is probably the most elusive out of the other species that live in the SRP canals. How they found their way there is a bit of a mystery And they are not easy to find or even catch for that matter. And that fish is… The striped bass

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Correct! And because of that very reason, I decided not to include them. I know of one maybe 2 canal sections that have them so I figured that was very scarce and not worth including. I haven’t even tried to target them myself actually

[@zealousoutdoors]

Our list of fish from the canals so far is red ear, bluegill, tilapia, large, small and striped bass, common and grass carp, flathead and channel cats. We fish the canal that you have in your recent desert canal videos. Catching the panfish really is a struggle. Our most caught fish is small mouth bass.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Very nice! You never know what your going to catch

[@wildturkey8752]

It’s best to get NASTY while fishing. You know what I mean. Great tutorial.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Still one of the best streams ever 😂😂

[@Justindoesit2]

Found your channel recently. Great content. Been watching non stop.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Welcome aboard! Thank you

[@PakManCam-dk3ry]

Great video man subbed

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Appreciate it!

[@buckmills6221]

I appreciate the tips looks like I'm heading towards pheonix.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Heck yea good luck

[@robbysmusic8507]

Very, very good video truly enjoyed it thank you so much.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@jordanbeutler]

Use to work right there at Amazon and I have caught a bunch of carp in that exact spot and when I would walk to work in the morning around 10 I would see no joke hundreds of carps and some that were massive!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Awesome! Its a good spot forsure

[@BM-uy4xp]

Where is this canal located?

[@officialtotino]

@@BM-uy4xpat the beginning they’re at the one on mcqueen and chandler heights behind the circle k

[@IEchuckie]

Make sure if you are on reservation land that you have a indian ,CRIT fishing license. If you do not and you get caught they can fine you and take your gear and vehicle. Be safe

[@hgherb]

I have a regular fishing License. Do I still need the CRIT License if I'm doing catch and release?

[@marktwaine9344]

@@hgherb yes, Reservation land is a separate nation, with their own rules and laws...

[@DeandreSteven]

Didnt the fact that we conqured them make that a null point?​@marktwaine9344

[@user-xv9bi3ne9m]

Great fishing tutorial. I hope you inspire some young kids to go fishing. It will make a great difference for them to get out and enjoy nature and have fun. Be blessed. My friend.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I hope so too! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@yumacubs]

Excellent video. I am planning to take up canal fishing here in Yuma and your video was VERY helpful. Thank you

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck!

[@amberbocanegra5370]

I'm in east mesa what do you recommend for bait in a private community?

[@kunaiwithchain5278]

thanks for the carp tips. a local pond near me has some huge carp and koi, will try for them this long weekend

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Good luck!

[@trinodiaz4862]

I always target striper where water churns probably my 3rd most caught fish after carp and bass. Definitely have caught many in the last couple years even more than catfish lol

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yes striper on the west side in only a few sections I’m aware of

[@RubenRodriguez-rw6xr]

Love watching your videos

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Glad you like them!🔥

[@user-gy1jc5tt4n]

Thank you for the tips hitting canals tomorrow morning

[@TheFishinMagician20]

How’d you do?

[@azbandit2747]

Great video. Might have to check the canals out

[@TheFishinMagician20]

You should!

[@lddelong]

Great job Mork! Miss ya buddy.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Heck yea man thanks!

[@lJoshAzl]

Forgot striper! I catch those out of the canals all the time. 👍🏽

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Since they’re only in a fairly small section or 2 I didn’t include them. I have actually never even attempted to catch one because of that. They are there but definitely not all over like these species are

[@davidferguson5011]

I have caught stripers on the Westside, best day was 4 over 3lbs

[@lJoshAzl]

@@TheFishinMagician20 I’ve caught them in Sdale and in Glendale. They aren’t as uncommon if you’re using the right bait! 👍🏽

[@lJoshAzl]

@@davidferguson5011 nice catch! 👍🏽

[@yungyyee]

@@lJoshAzlwhat’s the right bait? I’ve been wanting to catch a striper

[@gregoryhunt9494]

I have been fishing Az canals since 1980 . I caught a 30 pound stripper out of the canal I also caught my biggest flat head 26 pounds. I catch more large mouth bass in the canals then I do the lakes. Small crank baits from Walmart I use the cheap ones due to all the garbage you can get snagged on. Love the canal fishing.

[@giovannitallino6606]

A 30-pound... stripper? A dwarf?

[@Arnigonzales85225]

Great video man and very informative. Just wondering if it’s safe to eat the Tilapia and Large mouth Bass in the SRP canals? Thanks

[@Crow_Fishing]

You remind me a lot of Karl Von Dibble. Keep up the great videos!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Thanks, will do!

[@robertg9095]

Great video

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Thanks!

[@mikeirvin9538]

Great video, man, thanks

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Of course man thanks for watching!

[@scharbeldankha-nz4ky]

Hey mark! I’m new in arizona I just moved from Germany. I’ll watch you since I’m here. would be grate if you would do something like going fishing for a day with your community!! LETS GOO

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Welcome ! Germany that’s awesome. I will be having another meet and greet come October!

[@gregoryhunt9494]

Carp fishing is fun with a 6 pound test trout line its like fight a shark on a ultra light rod.😅😂 set the drag and let them run tons of fun . I just use a hook no sinker float a worm and let hit the current and float down loads of fun.

[@Ranoxic]

I've only ever caught a single baby flathead by the canal near Adobe & Lindsay around 6 years ago. I've also caught yellow bass in the same canal as well.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

That’s awesome. Yes I heard crappie, yellow bass, and a few other fish used to be more common but due to overfishing they’ve dwindled

[@timothybarr5729]

Caught a flathead last year on a morning dawn roboworm in the canal next to kiwanis.😅

[@TheFishinMagician20]

So sick 🔥

[@justinb4499]

W video, was wondering if you could do a fly fishing canal video, something different but would cool to watch

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Haven’t fly fished the canals yet but I may if it fits another video idea 🔥

[@Rick-wx4md]

The way you use the bridges fishing is very smart. Fish love structure. Especially in a place like Arizona weather wise. Ty I like your stream. Too warm there to support Walleyes. Also, how do these canals fish during monsoon season?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Oh yea the bridges hold a ton of fish. Monsoon season the fish is on! Usually at least. That’s fresh water into the ponds and canals gets them going a bit

[@Goofy-fo2hu]

There are big catfish in the srp canal on power rd and the 202 east freeway under the freeway or behind the quick trip

[@abrahamgarcia1924]

You should go fish the canal in Tempe by Kiwanis they have really big cat fish and big bass in them . Me and my daughter went other day and I got a 8lb channel cat and a 3 pound bass as well all on chicken liver !

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I have fished that canal a fair amount! Always something cool in there!

[@TDFishing]

Love the disclaimer @10:48 haha unfortunately need to do it on almost every video! Damn, 9 Times for the flats is crazy haha they are for sure very very tough in the canals!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Never fails bro lol yea I was determined but this year I know it’s just not realistic lol. I’ll stick to the big lakes

[@rluu86]

Fish jumps right behind ya @1:50 haha

[@TheFishinMagician20]

loool

[@rxbirthking]

This is my exact fishing spot! 😂😂

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Nice!! its a pretty popular one

[@user-kq8cb3le2j]

In Maryland, I've used shrimp, hot dogs, and even slim jim snacks for all types of catfish.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Heck yea I used to live in the DC area and fished MD a fair amount of times. The blue cats there are insane

[@trevor3659]

I catch carp on the fly rod in that exact spot lol. Hopefully I’ll seeya there one of these days

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Nice! I bet that’s a good place for that. Maybe sometime!

[@jackhines9587]

Bomb spot, i got my first carp ever this same spot just a few hours ago

[@readyforanything3]

Where’s this one at if you don’t mind me asking?

[@BM-uy4xp]

Hello . where is this canal located?.

[@Kelly-r1g]

Have you ever fished in the Welton Canal in the Mohawk Valley just East of Yuma? I did when I was a kid. Great catfishing.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

never tried

[@Kelly-r1g]

@@TheFishinMagician20 can you give some locations where you have gone?

[@kimbrigreen950]

Hey, Mark! Great vids! I see you’re using a different cast net than I’ve seen you use before. Is this new one somehow better. I’ve been scrolling through Amazon trying to pick one. Thanks for any insight! Brian

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I wouldn’t say better haha, just lost my other one and had to get another. Thanks for watching!

[@mmushashi2254]

Thank you!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

You're welcome!

[@Mr.REEP0]

Wow brother..Az is like Fl without all the tropical fish in the canals..alot of water ways / channels..its crazy

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yea right? Thats a good way to put it

[@ActividadesOutdoors76]

You should do a video fishing with Southwest Fishing that’ll be Dope seen you 2 fishing together 🤙🏼

[@TheFishinMagician20]

We’ve done a few already! And we have another coming Saturday

[@ActividadesOutdoors76]

@@TheFishinMagician20 yup I saw that after my comment I saw the one you guys were fishing at salt river for trouts and you guys were in a hot spot cool videos Bro 👍🏼

[@LeeKirkman88]

Carp love Shrimp too.

[@user-rt6fo1dn5x]

Tucson cap canal is a class 3 felony to fish in

[@hgherb]

sweet! will be heading to Arizona next week. where exactly these canal at? what street? thanks for your advice.

[@reachingforthesky5358]

It looks like Quuen Creek and McQueen Roads in Chandler behind the Circle K

[@robertleachman142]

Another canal to go to is Glamis Sand Dunes. There are tons of catfish in the canals if your in the area. You can’t put your pole down that’s it’s that fast

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the info 🔥

[@EverettN1]

We love glamis gunna take the side by side out there soon

[@SouthwestFishing]

I here me talking on your phone 😂

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I couldn’t play the first few seconds of that on video 😂

[@coloradocoinhunter6475]

Love the video bro isn't there stripers and those canals also??

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yes there is! But here in the Phoenix area they’re only in like maybe 2 sections that I know of and in small populations. So I didn’t include them

[@coloradocoinhunter6475]

That makes sense bro 👍🏻

[@Goofy-fo2hu]

There are big small mouth, and rainbow trout too

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Never seen a smallie in the srp. Not recently at least. Trout I heard people get every blue moon

[@phaedrus12134]

You can usually find maps showing public and private land in your areas. Can be a bit of a pain, but some Google searches can do wonders. If you're ever unsure, then do your research.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yea I’m sure that’s a good way. I just wish they made it easier like other states. Should be fairly common knowledge

[@phaedrus12134]

@TheFishinMagician20 In Wyoming it's pure hell haha. Everything is square gridded, luckily a large portion of our state is blm.

[@buckbuffaloe]

They alway bite when you leave your pole😂

[@TheFishinMagician20]

lol

[@KevinRapkochFishing]

Nice vid, Mark! I'd say with artificials and flies, panfish are easiest, followed by bass, then carp, then catfish... I only know a few guys who can consistently catch flatheads on artificials (which would be pretty epic)! Arizona canals .... 🤙🤙🤙🤙✌️🎣

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Heck yea definitely different using artificials only. Catfish I bet are a tough one on the fly haha

[@bajadan6034]

I throw a kvd 1.5 crawdad color sqaurebill catches catfish !

[@randybrodman3959]

Caught a 7lb. Cat on a smokey sausage link. Watched it swim by my bait. Catch a wif of the oil in the sausage and turn back to it.

[@randybrodman3959]

Caught the 7lb. Cat in Lehigh,Mesa.

[@TannerB73]

Is there descent fishing in July? I’m traveling here for work, and trying to figure out if it’s worth fishing in 110-115 degree heat! Haha

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Absolutely all summer long. 🔥

[@bajadan6034]

Im in Yuma and ive never caught any carp - Mainly channel cat and bass -- and striper

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yea the canals down there are definitely different

[@gustavovarela3871]

Dude you need to fish Florence az. I live there but haven't had any kind of I fo about these canals please let me know im dieing to get in there

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Haven’t tried there yet but it’s on the list!

[@ThugBug-mx9nw]

I always catch talipia on small roster tails

[@TheFishinMagician20]

heck yea

[@dylanbernstein5373]

Hey. If all the fish come in from the salt does that mean that there may be trout in the canals during the winter. If there are that would make a fire videoz

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yes there is sometimes! Its rare but they get in there

[@tylerlb7968]

Yo man that first spot is right by my house i have fished there good spot. Definitely would like to meet up and go fishing lmk

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yea it’s a great spot ! Maybe I’ll see it out there sometime

[@ThothTablet15kBC]

This may be a dumb question (I just started fishing), could/should you eat any of the fish you catch in the canal? I know some some fish like carp aren’t great to eat but what about the bass or catfish?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

@@ThothTablet15kBC I don’t out of srp just because there’s a limited amount in there to begin with. The bass popular has been low the last couple years, and it takes fish some time to work there way through the canal system. Catfish there’s more on the west side but the pollution that is in the canals also can be pretty gross. If your going to keep fish to eat I recommend doing it when the ponds are freshly stocked, or from a bigger lake like pleasant or Bartlett

[@ThothTablet15kBC]

@@TheFishinMagician20 Cool thanks for the info!

[@timb8970]

What canals do you go to? Where do you park? Can you please list some locations. Thank you!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I just showed you how in this video😅 spread your wings and fly 🎣

[@lorenerman9335]

its now 110 for the next 4 months or so. whats the plan for the heat? btw, i did the free floating bread and it works. saw a fish position for the bite but i set the hook too early

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Nice! They bite in the heat too haha doesn’t slow down until they cut the flows around November

[@lorenerman9335]

The carp were easy to see because of the irrigation and really low water. I was at the grand canal. I'll try again later tonight

[@donniewinter5331]

I catfish carp on Carolina riga

[@monkeys689]

can you go to maricopa copper sky AZ also can we fish together

[@DadBeard-pi2oy]

Where did you get your net? Did you make it? Thanks

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I went over that in the video brother

[@christianlarsen9470]

Hey I live in az and want to try to get familiar with salt river for trout, is there anyway we could meet up and you show me the ropes?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Salt River is fun! I have a bunch of videos there. I don’t really have time to take people out like that

[@Scumfrog74]

Is the water in these canals clean? It looks good. Can you eat the fish? Just curious

[@WellDamn1]

I'd say it depends on the location of the canal because the Phoenix Metro area is very spread out so there are a lot of canals and some canals are cleaner than others

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I generally say no, the water is fairly clean coming from the salt river but in between going through the city with pollution and god knows what I don’t think I’d ever eat a fish out of the city limits

[@Topsniper120487]

you ever catch bass with senkos in the canals?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I throw swimbaits mainly and occasionally the dropshot. I know people that do well on senkos tho

[@donniewinter5331]

59th Ave and thunderbird I caught my 8lb large mouth

[@EverettN1]

Can you please drop the spot or cross roads of this canal? please

[@donniewinter5331]

Corn n bread will catch carp and white amur in 30 mins

[@devinmaney2288]

I have a question mark! Or anyone else with knowledge on the topic I have a small pond where I'm at in Tennessee and there is two absolutely MASSIVE catfish that are coming up eating off the lily pads and will only bite at floating things, I hooked one with a marshmallow but he broke my line and I haven't got him to bite since. What's a good floating bait for fish who are eating off the top?

[@devinmaney2288]

I should add, I've tried bread with no luck.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

try floating powerbait garlic scent, inflating a nightcrawler and letting it float on the top, or even some cheese if you can!

[@devinmaney2288]

@@TheFishinMagician20 thanks for the reply man! I'm going out soon and will try these options and see if I can finally get him!

[@adanflores4523]

Have you tried a top water frog lure? Seems like a good option

[@b.g.bbeezo100]

I wonder how many people drove their car into that canal 😮

[@TheFishinMagician20]

So many lol

[@donniewinter5331]

Striper tilapia and channel caught on white Mr twister flathead on night crawler

[@danieljohnson8437]

Sally. The brown fish.

[@woodybogg]

What about crappie do you catch them?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

They fall in the panfish category they used to be more common in the canals but now they’re mostly gone I’d say

[@Fishingbaits124]

Where do you get the minnows from?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Liars corner

[@DJ118USMC]

Where does the Striper rank?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Since they’re only in like 1 maybe 2 sections of the canal and I have never caught one here in the urban areas I don’t include them.

[@FishingWithPorter]

Lets gooooo

[@Geterdone_fishing210]

No way he hearts me

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Waaaaay

[@slackfrog7891]

How do the talapia get into the canals?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I think they got in from irrigation ditches and then overpopulated. Not completely sure honestly

[@mayitoslim3707]

2:24 got fish jumping out the water behind you

[@TheFishinMagician20]

👀👀

[@ZacGoFish]

Would you eat a catfish out of that canal?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

nah from the urban ponds after a fresh stock i would tho

[@petercatchescarp]

Corn does not kill carp, as they can digest it effectively. In fact, carp are attracted to and consume corn. However, the juice found in canned corn may contain preservatives or salt that may deter carp

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Correct

[@giovannitallino6606]

Obviously one wouldn't eat any fish caught in these canals, right?

[@soupman7274]

Are there stripe bass in these canals?

[@abrahamgarcia1924]

There are strippers in the canals specially the ones in Scottsdale ! I live here in phx as well and I fish all over the place here !

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yes there are, but I have personally not caught one here in the urban areas and I’ve heard they are only in like one maybe 2 sections of the canal. So I figured I’d leave em out if this vid. Its more geared toward beginners and species your most likely to catch

[@soupman7274]

@@TheFishinMagician20 That would be a great video to make :)

[@TylerChristoher]

Hell yeah dude. You going to watch out for all the homeless people that are going to try to get over on you on the west side

[@TheFishinMagician20]

lol I don’t fish there often. I’ve never had an issue with them actually. But if they want they can F around and find out 😅

[@qiruoa]

Do you need a fishing license to fish the canals?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yessir

[@bradstoops8862]

Anyone having success using spinners, spoons or plastic worms?

[@Bigwillfishing]

Yesirr this video was probably my 1 or 2 favorite hey brother do you think I can get a shot out I’m at 91 subs i fish in Chandler I hope one day I can see you while I’m fishing🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Thank you man. I don’t do shoutouts, it’s better to grow organically anyway. Keep at it!

[@Bigwillfishing]

@@TheFishinMagician20 OK I understand man I appreciate that and will do 🔥🔥 thanks man

[@fishermancounty777]

why do you prefer to keep a short liter length from your swivel/weight? i noticed the bobber length was longer like 24 inches but your bottom rig setup was shorter? good job!!

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Good question! The bobber is longer so is sinking deeper into the water. Fish typically are about mid water column to on the bottom. With the bottom rig it’s already in the bottom so no need to worry.

[@stanford2444]

First you say it is a Grass Carp, then you discribe a Mirror Carp. Did I miss something?

[@TheFishinMagician20]

yessir grass carp, amur carp. i pronounced it uhmeer some people say aymur

[@CatfishingwithDaniel_YT]

What about bluegill

[@TheFishinMagician20]

They fall under panfish

[@bryancastillo2951]

If there’s minows does that mean there’s fish in canals

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Not necessarily

[@SICBOI808]

Bass guys like what? 😛🤣😂

[@TheFishinMagician20]

The bass guys man they go crazy for Any bass here it’s INSANE 😅

[@SICBOI808]

@@TheFishinMagician20 duddeeee I love your videos

[@juanacosta5565]

Hello

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Yo