Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
Winter is here. The cold weather shouldn’t keep you off the water though, as fishing can be great this time of year. With trout being stocked in all the Community Fishing Program (CFP) waters, Salt River and other areas, there is some great fishing to be found near you!
For those who aren't willing to brave the cold, now is a great time to restock your tackle boxes and get all your gear reorganized. Fly tying is also a popular winter activity for when it is too cold to get out on the water. Having organized and well stocked boxes can greatly improve your time on the water.
My favorite lures for trout in the winter are silver Kastmasters in a variety of sizes, worms under a bobber with some split-shot, and ⅛-ounce black or white Marabou jigs. In the rivers the trout will be moving into the deeper, slower-moving water; fishing these lures slow and along the bottom in the deeper pools should yield the best results.
For the fly fisherman out there, midges and small mayfly patterns are on the menu this time of year. Miracle Midges,Tasmanian Hares Ears, Perdigon’s, and NO-SEE-UMs all in a size 16-22, are my go-to flies this time of year.
The Salt River is one of my favorite local waters. The trout seem to be keying in on small midges and Blue Wing Olives. Try your luck at one of the many access points along the Salt. You will need a Tonto National Forest pass for these access points, make sure to pick one up before heading out. You can find more information on where to purchase a pass here.
Speaking of the Salt River, our partners over at Trout Unlimited are hosting Salt River Saturday River Cleanups every other Saturday. This is a great event if you are looking to help promote conservation and keep our waterways clean. After a few hours of picking up trash, you can relax and wind down with some fishing on the Salt River. This is a great opportunity if you are new to fly fishing, as there will be tons of experienced fly anglers who are willing to help. To find more information check out the FishAZ Network at the link below.
The FishAZ Network is filled with events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For a full list of up-to-date events, visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Here are just a couple of upcoming events:
Saturday, Dec. 27, 8-10 a.m. - Fly Fishing Primer, AZ Fly Shop, Phoenix. This course is designed to jumpstart the learning curve and get the beginner fly angler headed out to the water armed with the knowledge and skills to achieve maximum success with minimal frustration. During this in-store class we will explain the equipment in detail from rods, reels and lines to forceps, nippers and floatant. We will learn about the bugs and forage food that fish eat and the flies we use to mimic them. The essential fly-fishing knots are also covered, and of course the best places to go fishing, near and far. Cost is $50. For more information, click here.
Saturday, Jan. 3, 9-11 a.m. - Salt River Saturdays River Cleanup, Trout Unlimited Zane Grey Chapter, Blue Point Recreation Area - Salt River, Fort McDowell. Zane Grey Chapter is joining with the FishAZ Network and presenting Salt River Saturdays this month. We are continuing our conservation efforts by asking everyone to collect a net full of trash. #cleanmywater. What to bring: rod, waders, net* and flies (Green Weenie's, small black Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, green, black and yellow Wooly Worms and Wooly Buggers). Make sure you have a Tonto National Forest Pass, as well as a valid Arizona fishing license. You can get an Arizona fishing license at www.azgfd.gov. For more information on this event, click here.
Volunteers sought for Apache Lake fish habitat project
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will be installing donated Christmas trees into Apache Lake on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Jan. 9-11, starting at 9 a.m. at Three Mile Wash. Volunteers will need to register for each day they wish to help. (Sunday may be canceled if all of the work is completed Friday and Saturday).
We will be tying trees to cinder blocks and loading them up on department pontoons to distribute around the lake. Volunteers will be able to help build and deploy trees. We will provide some gloves, for those who need them, along with the habitat supplies to get the trees ready to deploy.
Volunteers should bring water, food, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and clothes appropriate for January weather. If you have any questions, please email Lacey Schmitt at LSchmitt@azgfd.gov or Nathan Bailey at NBailey@azgfd.gov.
Location: Apache Lake - Three Mile Wash
Date/Time: Jan 9-11 (Jan. 11 only if needed), 9 a.m. - completion (4-5 p.m.)
Other details: Although the Apache Trail (State Route 88) might be open, there is a section that is only accessible by high-clearance 4WD and UTVs only. It is recommended to drive up to Roosevelt on Highway 188, and head south on Highway 88 from there to get to Three Mile Wash at Apache.
Please be advised, your GPS might take you on the 88 by default because it is shorter. If you are hauling anything or do not have a high clearance vehicle, we recommend driving up to the 188 and then south on the Apache Trail.
The Three Mile Wash is a dirt area that may require 4WD in some areas of loose ground. If you'd like to participate but don't have a vehicle that can park on dirt, please email LSchmitt@azgfd.gov before 1/7/25 and we can coordinate a shuttle from one of the overlook parking areas.
Volunteers will need to register for each day they'd like to help:
Seasonal restrictions in place as bald eagle breeding begins
Arizona’s bald eagles will soon be preparing to raise the next generation of the large birds of prey at breeding sites statewide.
To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 111 eagle breeding areas.
To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily closed to help these majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring. For information on specific closures, click HERE.
Jeff Sorensen, AZGFD invertebrate wildlife program manager, checks for upstream advancement of New Zealand mudsnails on Lower Canyon Creek with eDNA equipment he uses to sample water from the streams. Photo courtesy of Jim Strogen and Payson Roundup.
How anglers can help slow the spread of aquatic invasive species
Payson angler Jim Strogen has a good article in the Payson Roundup educating anglers on the threat that New Zealand mudsnails pose to Mogollon Rim streams and other waters. The spread of these invasive snails can potentially cause great harm to native macroinvertebrates, trout fisheries and hatcheries. He includes tips on what steps anglers can take to stop their spread. Read the article.
 Reserve your spot for the Commission Awards Banquet, Jan. 17 in Phoenix
Come help celebrate your fellow wildlife conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts at the Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s annual Commission Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. The event will be held at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Highland Plaza, 11111 N. 7th Street, in Phoenix.
Individual tickets are $90. Reserve your spot today by completing and submitting the 2026 Commission Awards Banquet Registration Form.
Sponsorships, including the new $500 Event Supporter level, are still available on that form as well.
For more information and a list of award winners who will be recognized at the banquet, click here.
Important items
Recent stockings
Week of 12/8 to 12/12/25
Stocked with rainbow trout.
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper), Verde River (middle), West Clear Creek, Wet Beaver Creek.
Mogollon Rim: Willow Springs Lake (tiger trout).
Community Fishing Program:
Phoenix metro area: Copper Sky Lake, Desert Breeze Lake, Discovery Ponds, Eastmark Park Pond, Freestone Pond, Gilbert Regional Park Pond, Greenfield Park Pond, Kiwanis Lake, Mansell Carter Oasis Lake, McQueen Pond, Roadrunner Pond, Veterans Oasis Lake, Water Ranch Lake.
Yuma area: Fortuna Lake, Redondo Lake.
Week of 12/1 to 12/5/25
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Deadhorse Lake, Goldwater Lake (upper), Oak Creek, Verde River (middle).
Southern Arizona: Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing Program:
Casa Grande: Dave White Regional Park Pond.
Prescott area: Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes.
Phoenix metro area: Alamar Park Pond, Bonsall Park Pond, Chaparral Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Evelyn Hallman Pond, Festival Fields Pond, Friendship Park Pond, Heroes Regional Park Pond, Kiwanis Lake, Pacana Pond, Paloma Lake, Papago Ponds, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Riverview Lake, Steele Indian School Pond, Sundance Lake, Surprise Lake.
Tucson metro: Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake, Sahuarita Lake, Silverbell Lake.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The forecast for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim calls for mild weather over the
weekend and early into the week, with cooler weather and a chance of rain by mid week. Highs over the weekend will be in the 50s to low 60s and lows will be in the 30s. Water
temperatures will be in the 40s. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see warm
temperatures over the weekend, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.
Fall is a great time to pursue one of AZGFD's Trout Challenges. This is the time of year when campgrounds start to close; check with the appropriate forest before planning your next trip for updates. Colder water temperatures mean that fish are no longer limited to deeper water. In the fall cold (trout) and tepid (walleye and pike) water species will often come close to shore in shallow water searching for food (lethargic baitfish and crayfish). A successful fall technique is to cast, or troll, parallel to the shoreline in shallow water. Fan casting is also a successful fall technique. Lure and fly anglers try various retrieval speeds and depths. Once you find what is working, stick with it.
Bait Anglers: Worms, corn, and PowerBait will be your best bet for trout. 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). Pay attention to what is working and duplicate that presentation.
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. Remember, 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 campgrounds are closed for the winter season. The day use and boat launch will remain 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.
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. Anglers have been catching some of the recently stocked tiger trout. Flies and small lures are a good choice.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - Buckskinner Park and access to City Reservoir are open. 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.
Dogtown Lake - The Dogtown Lake campground has closed for the winter season. The day use and boat launch will remain 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. Rainbow trout were stocked this week.
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. Rainbow trout have been biting on #10 bead-headed, black, Simi Seal leeches, #12 Prince Nymphs, and small lures.
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. JD is very low and weedy.
Whitehorse Lake - The White Horse Lake campground and access to the boat launch and day use area are closed for the winter season. Angling access is walk-in only. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Whitehorse Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish. The lake is very low.
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 closed for the winter season. Campgrounds along the Lake Mary Road corridor are closed for the winter season. When there is water, the daily bag limit is 4 trout per day and 4 channel catfish per day. Northern pike are unlimited, but must be immediately killed or released. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are allowed on Lower Lake Mary. The lake is currently dry.
Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary main launches are open, but The Narrows boat launch is closed. Statewide limits apply for the fish species in Upper Lake Mary, check your regulations (page 6). The lake level is low and launching a boat can be challenging at the current lake level. Walleye and northern pike should still be active.
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. Anglers are finding success catching rainbow trout on worms, inline spinners, and flies (#10 black bead-headed Simi Seal leech and #10 black and brown Wooly Bugger patterns).
Ashurst Lake - The campgrounds at Ashurst Lake are closed for the winter season. Access to the boat launch and day use areas will remain 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. Fishing has been good with anglers catching trout on bait, lures and flies.
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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. Fall is a good time of year to target the brown trout and tiger trout that reside in Kinnikinick Lake. Brown trout and a few tiger trout have been active, biting on # 10 Simi Seal leech patterns and inline spinners. Brown trout were stocked this week.
Marshall Lake - Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Marshall Lake. The lake has been reduced to a small puddle at the boat launch that is only 3-4 inches deep and the lake is currently fishless.
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. The current stream flow is at base flows with a recent reading of 34.5 cfs, stream temperature 48.9-51.1 F, turbidity 2.3-2.4 FNU @ 7:45 a.m. on 12/15/2025. Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The Pine Flat campground is closed for the winter season. Anglers are finding success using 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. With the leaves off the trees, the leaf peeper crowd has diminished, so now is a great time to fish the catch and release section of Oak Creek. Mornings are cold, but the fish get active by mid-day.
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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 at base flow with a recent reading of 6.12-6.56 cfs and stream temperature 48.7-51.6 F @ 7:45 a.m. on 12/15/2025. Base flow is 12-15 cfs. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
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 at base flow with a recent reading of 8.12 cfs @ 7:45 a.m. on 12/15/2025. Average base flow is ~4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
At Bartlett Lake, reservoir release was 478 cfs on 12/18 per SRP. The following report is 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. Use the strobe 3.7 shaker from 6th Sense for subsurface casting. 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, Duckett sway minnow with subtle head, Duckett reveal jerkbait, Yo-Zuri lures, and spinnerbaits, buzzbaits. Crappie is just starting, try around the Yellow Cliffs with 1/16-ounce jigs and 2-inch Kalins; slow trolling can work well. Catfish are becoming active. In the days and weeks to come, they will be lurking in 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. If you have live scope, use minnow look-alike imitations bobbing up and down in 25 to 35 feet of water.
NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA
Deadhorse Lake was stocked with rainbow trout this week.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - Blue Ridge campground is closed for the winter season. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Green sunfish and golden shiner are unlimited and invasive; please remove them if caught. The recent storms have helped to increase the water level of the reservoir; however, the lake is still low and boating access is limited. Reservoir elevation 6,686.19 feet, current volume is at 7,580 acre feet or 51% full and stable on 12/15/2025. The gate at the top of the boat launch is locked. Boaters can hand carry or drag small water craft the ~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 - Knoll lake is currently fishless following AZGFD's efforts to remove illegally
stocked green sunfish. The department plans to restock Knoll Lake in the spring of 2026.
The illegal stocking of unwanted fish diminishes the quality of our fisheries, costs the
department time and money, and in some cases restricts public access to fisheries while
removal efforts are being conducted. If you see anyone illegally stocking fish into any of the state's fisheries, please contact the Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. 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. Reminder, the statewide limit is 4 trout per licensed angler per day. The campground is closed for the winter season.
Huffer Tank - Huffer tank is likely fishless following very low conditions this summer.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - From 12/15/2025: Water Temperature: 54.7-55.0 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 7.5-8.3 mg/l.; pH: 7.9-8.0 std units; Discharge Rate: 6,090-9,960 cfs; Turbidity: 0.04 FNU. See the Lees Ferry Anglers River Report at https://leesferry.com/river-report/.
Lake Powell - From 12/15/2025: Water surface temperature (Wahweap Bay) 42.0-49.0 F; Lake Elevation 3,541.88 MSL (and dropping). Most recent report by Dan Keller (https://wayneswords.net/forums/dwr-dans-updates.43/)
WESTERN ARIZONA
At Alamo Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse), fishing is rated as good, with bass biting on various lures like Senkos, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits, particularly around structures and deep water. Try Carolina rigs and Texas rigs, Robo Worms for drop shot, Z-Man chatter baits and Strike King spinner baits, Keitech swim baits, and Missile flipping jigs. For open waters, try swim/glide baits 6th Sense, storm and Fish lab. For deep water, Strike King and Rapala crank and jerkbaits, Berkley bad shad. Crappie fishing is happening; try slow-trolling with minnows and Roadrunners around 30 feet deep. Kalin's and Crappie Magnets or white/ chartreuse minnow grubs. Catfishing can be really good after dark, try stink bait, live worms.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, Parker Canyon Lake, and Roper Lake were stocked with rainbow trout this week.
COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM WATERS
CFP waters in Payson, Prescott, Tucson, Yuma. and many metro Phoenix waters were stocked with rainbow trout this week.
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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