FISHING REPORT
05/01/2024
Trout Report:
Streams and rivers in the white mountains have a lot of water moving through them. You may need to find smaller streams and particularly ones not draining off of Mt. Baldy to find fishable water. If you’re having a hard time finding fishable moving water. Head to the lakes which should be fishing well. Try fishing different depths if you’re not finding fish. Stripping streamers slowly and hanging nymphs like copper johns and zebra midges.
Mogollon Rim streams should be fishing better until the white mountains clear up a bit. Try hares ears, pheasant tail nymphs and small brown/black stone fly patterns. You can also trail these off of a small streamer pattern as well when there is more water involved. Also be prepared with some adult caddis, ant, and parachute adams patterns for when the opportunity arises.
Phoenix Carp/Salt River:
CANALS: Folks are having fun fishing the canals for carp and whatever else might find their way into the system.
SALT RIVER: You might find some left over rainbows as well as some bass until the flows are bumped up for summer.
Remember; You are not allowed to fish the CAP canal!
Lee’s Ferry
Check the Lee’s Ferry Anglers site for the best up to date information by clicking the link below.
ABOUT AREA WATERS
Arizona Stream Fishing Tips:
When fishing Arizona streams, stealth is the key. You can never be too slow or too low when approaching a stream in Arizona, especially when stalking the wild browns and rainbows that call these rugged and remote waters home. Crayfish are prolific in a lot of Arizona’s waters and the larger fish take advantage of that.
Other areas are stocked with native Gila and Apache trout. These streams/lakes can be a lot of fun, as these fish feed like cutthroat trout and can be easier to fool.
LEE'S FERRY COLORADO RIVER
A world class fly fishing experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a 15 mile stretch of the Colorado river from the put in to the dam. Wade fishing is possible at the walk-in area and campsites are available. Mainly a rainbow trout fishery, you have a shot at catching brown trout as well. To take in the full grandeur of Lee’s Ferry we recommend using a guide service or bringing your own boat.
FLY RODs: 10 ft 3 wt, 10 ft 4 wt, 9 ft 6 wt, 9 ft 5 wt, 9 ft 4 wt, 10.5 – 11.5 switch rods for swinging flies.
FLOATING LINE: For dries, nymphing, streamers.
SINK TIP LINE: for swinging streamers.
MOGOLLON RIM STREAMS
The Mogollon Rim is small stream country with a few lakes peppered throughout. Easy access can be had directly off of Hwy 260, but for a remote wilderness experience look for dirt road access and better yet hike in a ways. Access near highways are stocked with rainbows and wild trout haunt the more remote stretches of streams. The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and tiger trout.
FLY RODs: 7-9 ft, 3- 4 wt rods will cover most needs.
FLOATING LINE: 99% of the time.
SINKING LINE: For the occasional deep hole.
WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
From the small feeder streams to the confluence of the Black and White rivers forming the Salt river, the White Mountains offer up some great fishing. Campground areas are stocked with Apache and rainbow trout and wild brown trout can be found throughout the entire system. The White Mountains are comprised of Tribal land and National forest, so be sure to have the appropriate licenses and permits.
FLY RODs: 7-9 ft, 3- 4 wt rods will cover most needs.
FLOATING LINE: 99% of the time.
SINKING LINE: For the occasional deep hole.
WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKES
There are many lakes scattered across the White Mountains of Arizona, some of which are on National Forest land and others on Tribal land. Make sure you obtain the appropriate permits and licenses. These lakes are stocked with; Apache trout, Cutthroats, Arctic Grayling, Rainbows and also have wild browns that call these bodies of water home.
FLY RODs: 9-10 ft, 3- 5 wt rods.
FLOATING LINE: For nymphing, dries and streamers.
SINKING LINE: For dredging up the big fish.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
There are several lakes along the Mogollon rim that can be accessed just off of Hwy 260. They start just outside of Payson and continue on to the town of Heber. These lakes are stocked with rainbow and tiger trout and become quite busy during the summer months. The shoulder season’s are a great time to fish these lakes.
FLY RODs: 9-10 ft, 3- 5 wt rods.
FLOATING LINE: For nymphing, dries and streamers.
SINKING LINE: For dredging up the big fish.
OAK CREEK CANYON
Oak creek is perhaps one of the prettiest streams in the United States however, due to it’s popularity it see’s a lot of pressure from fisherman as well as day users. A road parralell’s almost its entire length and Rainbow trout are stocked at access points. Despite its popularity, there are still wary, wild brown trout that call this stream home, some of which are of formidable size. This creek is a great shoulder season destination as it sits lower in elevation and the crowds tend to dissipate.
FLY RODs: 7-9 ft, 3- 5 wt rods.
FLOATING LINE: 99% of the time.
SINKING LINE: For a particular spot.