Methods of forming one or more fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including the steps of providing a high ionic strength treating fluid that comprises water and one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers wherein the high ionic strength treating fluid comprises one or more water soluble salts in a concentration of greater than about 8% by weight of the treating fluid, and introducing the treating fluid into the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures therein.