Video: Join biologist and angler Sam Simmons as he fly fishes for brown trout at Horton Creek
Join AZGFD's Aquatic Wildlife Specialist Sam Simmons as he fishes Horton Creek, one of his favorite spots in Arizona for catching brown trout. Lots of good tips for fly fishing this scenic creek located at the base of the Mogollon Rim east of Payson. See the video.
Electrofishing results for some Flagstaff/Williams area lakes
Arizona Game and Fish Department aquatics staff from the Flagstaff region recently conducted electrofishing surveys in some of the lakes near Flagstaff and Williams. Below are the results.
AZGFD stocks smallmouth bass into Apache Lake
Since 2018, AZGFD's Mesa region aquatics program has been working to get smallmouth bass to stock into Apache Lake. After multiple years of supply chain disruptions, the staff began working with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Valentine Fish Hatchery was able to spawn two cohorts of smallmouth bass and transferred them to the North Platte Fish Hatchery to grow out between 2 and 4 inches.
The Mesa region's aquatics staff drove to Nebraska and hauled the fish back to stock into Apache Lake on July 2. A total of 55,000 smallmouth bass were stocked. See the video.
Protect wildlife: Pick up your fishing line
Improperly discarded fishing line poses a serious threat to Arizona’s wildlife. Birds, fish, and other animals can become entangled, leading to injury or death. Monofilament is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
You can make a difference. Anglers can help protect wildlife by:
- Properly disposing of used fishing line in trash containers or MRP (Monofilament Recovery Program) bins. MRP bins are located at common angling spots and fishing retailers across the state.
- Using the appropriate test line. By doing this anglers reduce the amount of broken line and gear that can harm birds as they prey on previously hooked fish.
- Setting the drag correctly. An incorrect drag setting can cause the line to break, leaving line and gear that can harm birds. Set the drag to allow the line to properly spool out rather than breaking.
- Replacing fishing line annually. Arizona's extreme temperatures and bright sun weakens fishing line and can cause it to break easily.
- Taking the initiative. Pick up discarded fishing line and tackle along waterways and properly dispose of it.
Let’s work together to protect Arizona’s wildlife, one line at a time. Be responsible. Be respectful. Recycle your line.
Tiger muskie stocked into Horsethief Basin Lake
North Platte Fish Hatchery in Nebraska recently donated 500 4- to 6-inch tiger muskie to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They were stocked into Horsethief Basin Lake in the Prescott National Forest near Crown King on July 3. This is the second year in a row the department was able to stock tiger muskie into Horsethief Basin Lake.
Anglers asked to observe best practices when fishing for trout during high temperatures
Because of high water temperatures similar to summer heat conditions the last two years, trout anglers are advised to observe best practices when fishing for trout during this period of the summer.
Trout thrive in cool (below 68 degrees), clean, well-oxygenated water. During the summer months, when water levels and flows decrease due to lack of rainfall, water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen decreases, which in turn causes additional stress on trout.
Anglers are reminded to consider these conditions and take some personal responsibility when fishing for trout during these periods of stress. AZGFD recommends the following practices:
- Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.
- Land a hooked fish quickly – do not “play” the fish.
- After landing a fish, release it as quickly as possible without removing it from the water.
- Avoid fishing when water temperatures are above 67 degrees. This is especially important at special regulation waters (such as Becker Lake) that rely on low fishing-related mortality to maintain populations due to the limited number of trout that are stocked each year (in the hopes of growing trout as large as possible). Even a limited number of mortalities related to fishing during high water temperatures at Becker Lake could harm the fishery for years, because larger fish are generally more sensitive to increased temperatures than smaller fish.
- When fishing for stocked trout in waters with a temperature greater than 67 F, plan to keep the first four fish that are caught (check the 2025/2026 Fishing Regulations before heading out).
- Anglers seeking to catch Apache or Gila trout in recovery streams are advised to avoid the summer months of June, July and August, as elevated stream temperatures can create stressful conditions for trout and poor conditions for angling.
- Check with the appropriate AZGFD regional office for the latest fishing conditions before heading out.
AZGFD appreciates anglers for taking responsibility when fishing for trout during the summer months. The proper handling and care of trout can greatly reduce their stress and the potential for post-release mortality.
Owen Strogen with a beautiful little brook trout that grabbed his dry fly in a brushy creek. Photo courtesy of Jim Strogen and Payson Roundup.
Helping kids learn to fish
Payson angler Jim Strogen had a couple of great articles recently published in the Payson Roundup. One, "Helping kids learn to fish," talks about the importance of passing on fishing knowledge and tips to younger generations. It is important to consider the primary interest and skill set of each age group. Fishing is a great way to spend quality family time. Pass the joy of fishing to your kids and grandkids.
Jim's other article, "Warm water temperatures are tough on trout," echoes some of the information about trout and high temperatures included in the article above.
Interested in learning how to fish but don't know where to start?
Arizona has extensive opportunities and destinations to go fishing, from a local pond to a remote mountain stream, but many don’t know where to get started.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s FishAZ Network, done in partnership with outside sportsmen's groups and other organizations, brings all these opportunities in one place offering instructional and educational events, hands-on beginner fishing events, and other fishing based on your skill level and interest. To see a listing of upcoming events, visit https://www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Fire danger is still high: Check for restrictions or closures before heading out
Outdoor recreationists are encouraged to check with the agency that has jurisdiction over the area you wish to visit before heading out. While restrictions and closures vary by location and agency, they generally include prohibitions on campfires, open flames and certain types of outdoor recreation. Be sure to check before your visit.
Anglers: Store, retrieve licenses with ease through Arizona E-Tag mobile app
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that anglers download the department's innovative mobile application, “Arizona E-Tag,” from the Apple or Google Play stores before heading out on your trip.
One of the benefits of Arizona E-Tag includes the customer’s ability to store and view fishing and hunting licenses. A convenient feature, this can be particularly time-saving in the field if an angler or hunter should be requested to provide verification of a valid license.
It’s a simple, two-step process:
- Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android products.
- A free AZGFD portal account is needed in order to sync licenses with the app. Don’t have an account? Open one by visiting accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register.
Keep in mind that the app is handy not just for hunters who opt to receive an electronically generated hunt permit-tag, but also as a means for anglers and hunters to store and view their license in the app. This enables the license to be easily available if requested, even in areas or terrain that might not receive cellular network coverage.
For more information about Arizona E-Tag, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag (scroll down the page). Questions? Email: tagmodernization@azgfd.gov.
Help stop the spread of aquatic hitchhikers: Be sure to clean, drain and dry your boat
Golden mussels recently detected in Quail Lake, California
Boaters and anglers are urged to do their part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and the recently discovered (in California) golden mussels.
Most recently (June 2025), golden mussel veligers (larvae) were detected in Quail Lake, California, bringing them closer to Arizona. While Quail Lake is not open to boating, the mussels' presence is concerning because Quail Lake is part of the California State Water Project's West Branch, and water from the lake flows to other waters which are crucial components of California's water supply system.
Please clean, drain and dry your watercraft (and pull your plug) before launching in ANY Arizona waterbody.
Please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program at 623-236-7608 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection. For information on the golden mussel detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
For more information on aquatic invasive species in Arizona, including links to Director's Order #1 (list of aquatic invasive species of Arizona), Director's Order #2 (list of AIS-affected waters in Arizona), and Director's Order #3 (mandatory conditions for movement of watercraft, conveyances and equipment from affected waters), visit
https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/aquatic-invasive-species/.
In addition to the general AIS decontamination requirements and protocols described above, anglers should take note of the New Zealand Mudsnail Decontamination Options and Angling Recommendations.
Anglers reminded to not transport live fish from one water body to another
The video above is a good reminder to anglers that stocking or moving unauthorized fish from one water body to another is illegal and can harm existing native fish populations and sport fisheries. Following illegal stocking, fish can move on their own to other locations from where they were introduced and establish new populations.
Colorado River states have spent nearly $100 million to deal with illegally introduced fish – money that could have been better spent providing more angling opportunities. If you see anyone illegally stocking fish into our lakes or rivers, please report it to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700.
Recent stockings
Week of 7/14 to 7/18/25
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper), Oak Creek.
Mogollon Rim: Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake.
White Mountains: Big Lake (Apache trout), East Fork Black River (Apache trout), Silver Creek (Apache trout).
Week of 7/7 to 7/11/25
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
North Central Arizona: Oak Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams area: Ashurst Lake.
Mogollon Rim: Christopher Creek, East Verde River, Tonto Creek.
White Mountains: East Fork Black River (Apache trout), Hulsey Lake, Silver Creek (Apache trout), West Fork of the Black River (Apache trout).
Southern Arizona: Rose Canyon Lake.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The weather forecast for the high country calls for chances for thunderstorms early in the week, becoming dry and sunny by the end of the week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the 70s to 80s and lows will be in the 40s to 50s for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim. Water temperatures will be in the 60s to 70s this week. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see chances for thunderstorms early this week transitioning to hot and dry conditions late in the week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the 90s to 100s and lows will be in the 50s to 60s for the Verde Valley. As the summer progresses and water temperatures continue to rise, trout fishing will slow down considerably as trout move deeper to find cooler temperatures. The summer months are a great time to pursue warmwater species (bass, bluegill, and catfish) and attempt the department’s new Arizona Bass Challenge. Due to high risk of forest fires, fire restrictions and closures are in effect for some areas. Check with the appropriate forest prior to planning your next fishing trip for the most up-to-date details and information.
Bait Anglers: Worms, corn, and PowerBait will be your best bet for trout this week. Nightcrawlers are a good bet for walleye, and anchovies are a good approach for northern pike. Catfish are commonly caught on worms, hot dogs, and anchovies. Small pieces of nightcrawlers and mealworms on small hooks are a good approach for panfish (bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and yellow bass). Reminder, the use of live minnows and fish as bait is not allowed on any waters in Coconino County including all of the bodies of water listed below.
Lure Anglers: Lures with flash and vibration such as Joes’ Flies, Panther Martins, Mepp’s spinners, Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, crayfish imitations, Pistol Pete’s, and Dare Devils are good choices. Think small for trout, 1/8 – 1/12-ounce lures are best (silver, gold, or copper). For warmwater species, crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits have been working well. Pay attention to what is working and duplicate that presentation. The topwater bite is happening at some lakes; frog, grasshopper, and mouse imitations can be a productive and fun way to catch bass this time of year.
Fly Anglers: Producing flies this week include #10 bead-headed Simi-seal leeches (brown, black, olive, and wine), #10 bead-headed Wooly Buggers (brown, black, olive, and wine), #10-12 Zug Bug, #12-10 Dragonfly Larvae (olive), #18-16 Zebra Midge, #16-#12 Pheasant Tail, #12-14 Prince Nymph, #12-14 San Juan worm, hoppers, damselfly, stonefly, mayfly, hopper, and caddis fly patterns.
Check the fishing regulations before heading out as many of the lakes around Williams and Flagstaff have special regulations. Reminder, the use of live minnows and fish as bait is not allowed on any waters in Coconino County including all of the bodies of water listed below. Your licenses pay for the fish you catch; poachers are stealing from YOU. It is illegal to transport and release live fish in Arizona including all of the waters listed below; the illegal introduction of unwanted species is costly and diminishes the quality of our fisheries. If you observe a violation, please report it to the Operation Game Thief Hotline (OGT) at 1-800-352-0700.
WILLIAMS LAKES (Kaibab National Forest):
Kaibab Lake - The Kaibab Lake campground, boat launch, and day use areas are open. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or single electric motor are allowed on Kaibab Lake. The lake is very low and launching a boat is challenging. Surface temperature 70.31 F, pH 8.60, dissolved oxygen 6.90 mg/l, and turbidity 160.80 NTU on 7/18/2025. See electrofishing survey results in second article in this Fishing Report.
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Cataract Lake - Both the County and Forest Service day use areas are open. Only boats with a 10-horsepower motor (or less) or single electric motor are allowed on Cataract Lake. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Fishing has been good for channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. Soft plastics, worms and hot dogs are a good bet. Surface temperature 71.50 F, pH 8.52, dissolved oxygen 6.45 mg/l, and turbidity 53.63 NTU on 7/18/2025. See electrofishing survey results in second article in this Fishing Report.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - Buckskinner Park and access to City Reservoir are closed due to wildfire concerns. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout. Surface temperature 71.85 F, pH 9.79, dissolved oxygen 8.04 mg/l, turbidity 32.53 NTU on 7/18/2025.
Dogtown Lake - Dogtown Lake Campground, day use area, and boat launch are open. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Dogtown Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 trout. Fishing has been good and anglers are catching trout, bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass. Surface temperature 75.75 F, pH 9.09, dissolved oxygen 6.62 mg/l, and turbidity 21.80 NTU on 7/18/2025. See electrofishing survey results in second article in this Fishing Report.
Santa Fe Reservoir - Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Santa Fe
Reservoir. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Surface temperature 73.83 F, pH 9.56, dissolved oxygen 8.00 mg/l, and turbidity 22.63 NTU on 7/18/2025. An algae bloom is present, limiting fishing success. Try fishing 10-15 feet deep to find the fish.
JD Dam - JD Dam is catch-and-release only for trout; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single-pointed, barbless hooks only. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on JD Dam. No gas-powered motors. Water clarity has improved dramatically since the spring. However, water temperature and pH levels at the surface are high enough to be incredibly stressful to fish, and in the case of pH levels, lethal to fish. Surface temperature 75.13 F, pH 10.47, dissolved oxygen 11.58, and turbidity 54.28 NTU on 6/27/2025.
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Whitehorse Lake - The Whitehorse Lake campground, day use areas, and boat launch are open. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Whitehorse Lake. No gas-powered motors. The lake level is low and launching a boat is difficult. Fishing has been excellent for bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish. Surface pH levels are high. Surface temperature 74.42 F, pH 10.44, D.O. 8.91, and turbidity 43.78 NTU on 6/27/2025. See electrofishing survey results in second article in this Fishing Report.
Russel Tank - The limit is 4 trout. Access to Russel Tank is open. The water level of Russel Tank has dropped from last spring and will not be stocked at this time due to lower water levels and water quality issues.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES (Coconino National Forest):
Lower Lake Mary - The day use area is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Campgrounds along the Lake Mary Road corridor are open. The lake is currently dry.
Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary and Narrows boat launches are open. Statewide limits apply for the fish species in Upper Lake Mary, check your regulations (page 6). Surface temperature 67.79 F, pH 8.62, dissolved oxygen 7.08, and turbidity 123.50 NTU on 6/27/2025. The lake level is low and launching a boat can be challenging at the current lake level.
Frances Short Pond - The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout. Surface temperature 74.00 F, pH 8.90, dissolved oxygen 5.10 mg/l, and turbidity 39.74 NTU on 7/3/2025. Fishing has been slow due to low dissolved oxygen levels.
Ashurst Lake - The Ashurst Lake and Forked Pine Campgrounds are open. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are allowed on Ashurst Lake. The limit is 4 trout. Northern pike and green sunfish were illegally introduced and are not managed for in Ashurst Lake. Northern pike and green sunfish are unlimited in Ashurst Lake, please kill any northern pike and green sunfish caught. The lake is low and the boat launch is challenging, be cautious when launching trailered boats. Surface temperature 69.30 F, pH 9.03, dissolved oxygen 6.66 mg/l, and turbidity 20.89 NTU on 7/11/2025. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
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Kinnikinick Lake - Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Kinnikinick Lake. Please do not put rocks on the boat launch: As the lake levels rise, the rocks become hazards for boats and trailers and block access to the lake for boat anglers. Surface temperature 71.18 F, pH 8.72, dissolved oxygen 7.13 mg/l, and turbidity 79.68 NTU on 6/18/2025.
Marshall Lake - Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Marshall Lake. The lake is very weedy, making fishing challenging. Surface temperature 65.34, pH 10.73, dissolved oxygen 12.02 mg/l, and turbidity 54.51 NTU on 6/20/2025.
VERDE VALLEY STREAMS (Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest)
Oak Creek - As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only, barbless hooks only. Stream flow is at base flow conditions with a recent reading of 29.8 cfs, stream temperature 66.2-71.6 F, turbidity 0.7 FNU @ 10:45 a.m. on 7/14/2025. Cave Springs Campground will remain closed for repairs. Access to the Cave Spring area opened April 11 for walk-in and angling access. The Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The busy tourist season is in full swing. To beat the crowds, try fishing early in the morning. Anglers are finding success on inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.
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West Clear Creek - Smallmouth bass are unlimited harvest in West Clear Creek. Roundtail chub are often caught in sections of West Clear Creek; please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. Stream flow is above base flow (12-15 cfs) with a recent reading of 71.2 cfs and stream temperature 74.3-79.3 F on 7/14/2025 @ 10:45 p.m. Be cautious of the potential for flash flooding from monsoon storms, particularly in the canyon-bound sections of the stream.
Wet Beaver Creek/Beaver Creek - Bass are unlimited harvest in Wet Beaver and Beaver Creeks. There is the potential to catch a native sucker or roundtail chub; please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. Stream flow is stable with a recent reading of 6.52 cfs @ 10:45 a.m. on 7/14/2025. Average base flow is about 4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek. Be cautious of the potential for flash flooding from monsoon storms, particularly in the canyon-bound sections of the stream.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Roosevelt Lake - Report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse. Anglers are reporting good to excellent fishing. Crankbaits early, buzz baits, spinnerbaits. These conditions are being driven mostly by the topwater bite, Connor's ledge, Drop Shots, 4- to 7-inch Texas Rigged Worms, and Texas Rigged Brush Hogs for bass. Try using the 6th Sense 9-inch Glide bait in deeper water. The CrushCity Mayor swimbait might be a good choice. Crappie fishing can be good around brush in 5-10 feet of water. Use minnows or 1/16-ounce jigs with 2-inch Kalins BBC or John Deere green around trees to load up with crappie. Catfish on stink bait (dips and nuggets) and circle hooks.
Bartlett Lake - Report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse. The crankbait bite is good, but dropshot and Texas rigs are producing fish. Use topwater early morning casting towards main lake points. The best bite seems to be later in the day. Remember, bass can be caught around boulders and in brush lines on 3-inch Yamamoto scope baits, Ducket sway/minnow with subtle head, Duckett revel jerkbait, Yo-Zuri lure, and spinnerbaits, buzzbaits. For crappie, try around the Yellow Cliffs with 1/16-ounce jigs and 2-inch Kalins. Slow trolling can work well. Catfish will be lurking the shallows in search of food. For channel cats, use live worms, stink baits and chicken livers. For flatheads, load up with big line 20-pound plus, fish 5-15 feet deep with live worms, live bluegill or small carp. Rig up a Carolina rig with 1-ounce egg sinker to help keep your bait on the bottom. Fish from dusk to dawn.
NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA
Deadhorse State Park Lagoons - Largemouth bass and channel catfish fishing at Deadhorse has been good. The middle and lower lagoon are proving more fruitful. When targeting bass, finesse set ups are a great way to start due to the high fishing pressure. Plastic worms seem to be producing well when Texas rigged or wacky rigged. Chatter baits have also been finding bass. Natural colors for both the plastic worms and moving baits would be a good starting point. Special Regulations: The limit is 2 bass, 4 catfish, and 10 sunfish. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Goldwater Lake (Upper) - The catfish bite should be picking up this time of year. Catfish can be found on many different baits, but the staples seem to be cut hot dogs, anchovies, and nightcrawlers. The largemouth bass will be pushing up into the shallow water this time of year. Small moving baits and plastics can be a good place to start. Special Regulations: The limit is 1 bass; minimum of 13 inches. Single electric motor only. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Goldwater Lake (Lower) - Artificial lure and fly only. Many rainbow trout are being caught out of the lower portion of Goldwater Lake. Small in-line spinners such as Panther Martins or Mepps are a go to for many anglers. Fly fishermen targeting trout in the lower portion of Goldwater Lake may want to try leech imitations or different midge varieties. Largemouth bass will be pushing up shallow this time of year and can be found keying in on smaller moving baits and plastics. Special Regulations: Catch and release only, artificial flies and lures only. Watercraft are prohibited on the lower portion of Goldwater Lake. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Watson Lake - The lake is producing some nice-sized channel catfish this time of year. If targeting catfish, nightcrawlers, cut hot dogs, and anchovies are typically great bait choices. Largemouth bass push up into the shallower water this time of year and can be targeted with many different techniques, but smaller plastics would a good place to start, especially as the aquatic vegetation gets thicker. Special Regulations: None. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - The Blue Ridge Campground is open. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Green sunfish are unlimited and invasive; please remove them if caught. Reservoir elevation 6,649.98 feet, current volume is at 2,918 acre feet or 19% full and dropping on 7/14/2025. The gate at the top of the boat launch is locked. Boaters can hand carry or drag small watercraft the approximately 100-200 yards down the boat launch to the water. Launching a boat becomes more difficult as the lake drops. Launching a trailered boat is not feasible at this time due to the locked gate. Check with the Mogollon Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest for updates on access.
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Knoll Lake - Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Knoll lake. The lake level is low and the boat launch is out of the water, making launching a boat difficult. No gas-powered motors. Green sunfish were illegally stocked into the lake, please lethally remove all green sunfish caught. Reminder, the statewide limit is 4 trout per licensed angler per day.
Huffer Tank - Huffer tank is very low and likely fishless.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - Water Temperature: 55.8-58.5 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 7.2-9.4 mg/l; pH: 7.9-8.2 std units; Discharge Rate: 10,500-13,200 cfs; Turbidity at 1.0 FNU as of 7/14/2025. See the Lees Ferry Anglers River Report at https://leesferry.com/river-report/.
Lake Powell - Water Temperature (Wahweap Bay) 79-83 F, Lake Elevation 3,559.10 MSL (and dropping) as of 7/14/2025. Latest report is June 23 courtesy of Dan Keller (www.wayneswords.net).
WESTERN ARIZONA
Colorado River Below Davis Dam - The Colorado River is producing well this time of year. Striped bass can be found in the cooler water hitting swimbaits or anchovies. Anglers have reported success with swimbaits in trout color patterns. Catfish are also being caught out of the river, but are mainly being caught on anchovies or nightcrawlers. The catfish bite should be picking up soon as we are nearing the end of the catfish spawning period, which can decrease the bite. Special Regulations: From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam (including Lake Mead): The limit is 20 striped bass: minimum of 20 inches, unlimited striped bass under 20 inches, 5 trout, and 15 crappie. From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including Lake Mohave and Willow Beach): The limit is 20 striped bass: minimum of 20 inches, unlimited striped bass under 20 inches, and 5 trout in any combination. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing. From Davis Dam to the California-Nevada boundary: The limit is 6 bass; minimum size 13 inches, and 5 trout in any combination. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Lake Mead - Lake Mead has historically fished well this time of year. Striped bass tend to be found off-shore in the cooler water. They can be targeted with swimbaits and anchovies. When selecting swimbait colors, shad imitations are a good starting point. Channel catfish can also be caught well this time of year. Anchovies, nightcrawlers, and squid tend to attract bites. The best times to catch both striped bass and channel catfish are in the early morning hours and right before sunset. Special Regulations: The limit is 20 striped bass: minimum of 20 inches, unlimited striped bass under 20 inches, 5 trout, and 15 crappies. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Lake Mohave - As water temperatures rise the fish are moving to their typical summer patterns. Striped bass are being caught off-shore, largely on swimbait style lures or anchovies. Sticking to shad imitations when choosing color patterns would be a great place to start. Smallmouth bass have also moved off-shore, but are being caught on more finesse-style presentations such as small plastics. The largemouth bass are moving up into the shallows and can be caught in a number of different ways. Reaction/moving baits would be more effective in the morning and just before dark while the bass are cruising the shallows. Finesse-style lures may prove more effective when they are holding tighter to cover during the mid-day hours. Special Regulations: The limit is 20 striped bass: minimum of 20 inches, unlimited striped bass under 20 inches, and 5 trout in any combination. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Willow Beach on Colorado River - The fishing at Willow Beach continues to impress. Rainbow trout are being caught on PowerBait and nightcrawlers. Trout fishing seems to be best the first two days following stockings. Striped bass are being caught out of all different depths in the river. Large swimbaits and plugs in shad and trout patterns have been producing well. Special Regulations: The limit is 20 striped bass: minimum of 20 inches, unlimited striped bass under 20 inches, and 5 trout in any combination. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of Lake Mohave Between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Angler posts
For each edition of the Fishing Report, we'll select some photos and reports submitted by members of the angling public either through the Fish AZ Facebook Group or through the bfishing@azgfd.gov email address. If you'd like your photo/report considered for publication here, please indicate the species, place, date, name (we only publish first name and last initial), and any other information you'd like to provide. For more photos (including new photos each day), visit the Fish AZ Facebook Group.
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