To the northwest, Bartlett Reservoir is another short drive away for bass. Ask Mark a Question Expert Answers Archive The Salt River is an option. But the river is crowded since it's only forty minutes away from Phoenix. You might want to check out Charles Meck's article on GORP about fly fishing the Salt River . And around Flagstaff, Sedona and Williams, you can drive north to JD Dam Lake, Lake Mary, Oak Creek, Upper Verde River and Wet Beaver Creek to name a few.
Oak Creek does get pressure every now and again but the creek is as pretty as any in the Southwest.
And there are quite a few worthwhile streams along the Mogollon Rim you might want to check out. You are right though about not being to able to find solitude on a stream within a half-hour's drive from Phoenix. Too many people, too many anglers, too many of them in search of the same solitude on the water in a state without much water. But if you are willing to drive just a bit, you can indeed find the streams and lakes you desire. All rights reserved.