You make a lot of good points. Thanks for the comment.

Ben

I do like the idea though of stocking Native trout species in the river, but again when AZGFD has 85% of their fish hatcheries dedicated to non-Native fish species that won’t occur either.

One thing I’ve been thinking of that could help to get rid of the tubers would be to tell the major cities of Maricopa county to invest in some kind of indoor slow moving water tubing tracks. I’ve seen this at new apartment complex at ASU, so I’m sure it’s possible. This could keep the tubers in the city and away from trashing the river, while providing a more safe experience for them that also helps conserve water by recycling it through the course. And if money is an issue here, I’m sure someone could forego the creation of another golf course, and instead build an indoor water tubing attraction.

I agree with proper monitoring and with a little education of the fishing community is could work. There already isn’t enough monitoring at the urban ponds though. I see guys with 3 lines in the water all the time and how many of them don’t have licenses, who knows? I would love to see it happen but like you, I doubt it will.

Kyle,

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. I definitely see your point. More people brings more problems. I am a little bit of an optimist and believe that if it was done right with proper monitoring and support from the fishing community that it could work over time. Probably never will happen, but it’s nice to dream…

Ben

Ben

All of the reasons you mentioned above are undoubtedly valid. Here is one reason that I think it is unlikely to ever become a blue ribbon fishery- it is too close to Phoenix. You and I, and I’m sure all of your readers, have nothing but the best of intentions and good habits when it comes to conservation of the areas and waters we fish. I don’t think thats true of all anglers. Unfortunately, I think that if the Salt ever started to hold a decent population of trout, urban fishermen and snow birds would hear the news and take over in no time at all. Human population, picnics and river side parties would increase to levels higher than they are now, along with resulting trash and rubbish, etc. This would ultimately still send us to the high country in search of a little solitude anyway. The river would then also have to be heavily regulated and policed in order to even have a chance at creating a sustainable environment for trout.

I don’t mean to sound like such a pessimist and this may be a bit of an exaggeration. I do have that same dream of having a great fishery so close to home. However, taking into consideration all of the reasons above, I just don’t think the conditions are right for this portion of the Salt River.

WFF – We do have some great local organizations and TU chapters that do some great work up north. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say about a project like this. That is a great idea to get them involved.

TR- You’re probably right about the money. In a state where we are just about broke, I don’t see too many people scrambling to spend extra money. And you’re also right in the fact that if there was money to be made, they probably already would have switched things up.

At the end of the day, this is a rant that kind of took on a life of it’s own. It would be interesting to hear what other locals have to say.