Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
With rainbow trout being stocked in all of the Community Fishing Program (CFP) waters and many of the rivers and lakes throughout the state, it is a good idea to freshen up on their behaviors. Trout are a cold water fish species and thrive in water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Trout will often be found cruising the shorelines of lakes searching for food. Good trout fishing spots are generally characterized by rocks, gravel bars, weed lines and a change in bottom contour. They are a predatory fish and will feed on many different types of aquatic insects and bait fish. Matching your lures/flies/bait to what the fish are naturally feeding on will help you be more successful on the water. Here is a great resource for helping you to identify what the trout are eating.
Now that you know how to target trout, you can try your luck at one of the 50+ Community Fishing Waters, many of which are found within the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Find one that is close to you here: www.azgfd.gov/community
This time of year the trout stocked in the CFP waters will be keying in on midges and small mayflies. Baitfish patterns and small spoons will also work and entice a reaction bite from the fish. Casting out a ¼-ounce silver Kastmaster and doing a slow retrieve with short and erratic pauses will elicit some reactionary strikes. If you find that you are having trouble getting the fish to commit to the bite, try downsizing or a different color.
The FishAZ Network is filled with great events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For an up-to-date list of events, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Here is one event coming soon:
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8-11 a.m. - Hook, Line and Leisure: An adult introduction to fishing, Peoria Park Rangers, Paloma Lake, 29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria. Rediscover the joy of fishing — or learn a new skill — at the community pond. This adult class covers knot tying, casting, fish handling, regulations, and more for a fun and relaxing day by the water. Pre-registration and fees are required. Interested? To register or for more information, visit Peoriaaz.gov/replace or call 623-773-7137. A valid Arizona fishing license is required. Adults 18 and older can purchase a short-term license, general fishing license, or combo license. To purchase a license, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing and click on Fishing Licenses & Regulations.
Game and Fish Commission approves changes to Arizona Fishing Regulations
Changes affect bag limits for striped bass and catfish at Lake Mead, Lake Mohave
At its Jan. 16, 2026 meeting, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission approved the following ouf-of-cycle fishing regulation changes for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave:
- Change the daily bag limit to unlimited striped bass
- Change the daily bag limit to 25 catfish
These changes apply to both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.
The regulation updates were approved to align Arizona’s fishing regulations with those of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), which changed its striped bass regulations on Jan. 1, 2026. Aligning regulations on shared waters helps ensure rules are clear and consistent for anglers and law enforcement.
NDOW determined that previous striped bass limits for 20 fish with a 20-inch minimum size were unnecessary and overly complicated. Creel survey data showed anglers rarely harvested 20 striped bass, and almost never harvested 20 fish over 20 inches.
Research also found that striped bass growth is driven more by food availability than harvest levels. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) agreed with the NDOW findings and found no concerns about negative impacts to the striped bass population.
During the review process, AZGFD also identified that catfish regulations at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave were no longer consistent with the fishing regulations for NDOW. In 2015, Arizona’s statewide catfish limit was reduced to 10 fish, which automatically changed the limit at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Returning the catfish limit to 25 fish restores consistency between states.
Fisheries data indicate no concerns for catfish populations, and statewide creel surveys show that approximately 70% of anglers release the fish they catch, suggesting the increased limit will not impact the population.
The Fishing Regulations with the changes have been posted online. Hard copies are anticipated to be available at department offices and license dealers in mid to late February.
AZGFD typically updates its fishing regulations on a two-year cycle, but occasionally a situation arises where the department proposes out-of-cycle amendments. Proposed out-of-cycle amendments go through the same public process as those proposed in the regular cycle.
Never assume lake ice is safe to walk on
Although this winter has been mild, there is still the potential for ice to form on high country lakes. This is the time of year when some people are tempted to wander out on the ice to fish or just enjoy the winter weather.
Because of the prolonged warm fall and early winter temperatures this year, outdoor recreationists are advised that no lake ice should be considered safe to walk on at this point in time. "First ice" and "last ice" (also known as "freeze up" and "ice out") are some of the most dangerous times to be on the ice. During these times, the ice may be inconsistent and is frequently too thin or of too poor quality to be safe. Many of the high elevation areas of northern Arizona are characterized by large changes in daily temperatures over short periods of time. These conditions frequently create ice typical of first and last ice throughout the winter.
At some point, prolonged colder weather will cause ice to thicken. There are many resources that offer tips to help mitigate the risk of going out on the ice. But be cautious, and NEVER assume that ice on Arizona's waters is safe to walk on.
 |
Volunteers help make Apache Lake fish habitat project a success
Volunteers really showed up to help make the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Apache Lake fish habitat project a success! More than 1,660 Christmas trees were tied to cinder blocks and placed in strategic locations into Apache Lake during the two volunteer work days in January. The more than 60 volunteers donated 530 hours of service.
The trees will provide much-needed cover and nutrients to the lake ecosystem. Christmas trees were donated to the department through municipal collection sites, or were un-sold trees from nurseries and tree lots.
Fish & Boat AZ application is a great resource to enhance your outdoor experience
Want to know more about where to fish and what fish species are there? The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Fish & Boat AZ application is a great resource.
The app was enhanced about a year ago to provide a more intuitive and efficient user experience for anglers and boaters exploring Arizona’s waterways. The enhanced version leverages the advanced capabilities of the ArcGIS Experience Builder platform to deliver improved search options, allowing users to find and filter outdoor recreation locations more easily and efficiently.
Some of the benefits of the enhanced application include:
-
Better User Experience: Attribute-driven searching and filtering is more intuitive, helping users quickly locate lakes, rivers, and other recreation spots based on specific features or amenities.
-
Smart Navigation Integration: The application makes better use of existing Google Maps links, helping users seamlessly access navigation directions from their desktop or mobile device.
-
Improved Attribute Querying: Users can explore detailed information about waterbody features, boat ramps, fish species, and more through simplified, interactive queries.
The application also provides quick access to important external resources, including:
- The AZGFD License Purchase Portal
- Official Fishing and Boating Regulations
- Trout and Bass Challenge information and updates
- Educational YouTube videos and tutorials for beginners and seasoned outdoorsmen alike
For more information, visit fishandboataz.azgfd.com or follow AZGFD on social media for updates.
A magnetic fly threader can help to easily thread your tippet onto the fly. Photo courtesy of Jim Strogen and Payson Roundup.
Fly fishing and getting older
Most of us still like doing the same outdoor recreational activities we liked doing when we were younger. But the reality is that none of us are immune to aging, and that can sometimes impact the things we’d like to do. Things like a wading staff, magnifiers on the bill of a ball cap, magnetic fly threaders, preloaded posts of small flies in your dry fly box, and indicators can all help.
Payson angler Jim Strogen has a good article in the Payson Roundup with some tips on what people can do to continue to enjoy our outdoor fishing recreation as we get older. Read the article.
Help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are threatening the public’s angling and boating recreation and our state’s water and electrical infrastructure. It is critical for anyone who owns or uses watercraft, or has a business reliant on watercraft, to understand the essential nature of this aquatic invasive species containment effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species has far-reaching impacts, both financial and ecological, that can touch virtually every resident of the state. Whether you fish, or boat, or simply get water and electricity to your home, these aquatic invaders WILL affect your lifestyle…and possibly your wallet.
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 a boat inspection.
For more information on aquatic invasive species, 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/.
Anglers reminded to not transport live fish from one water body to another
Anglers are reminded 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.
See the video on how illegal moving or stocking of fish can do serious damage to native fish populations and ecosystems.
Make it easy: Auto-renew your fishing license
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds anglers that they have the option to automatically renew their fishing, hunting or combo license when it expires.
To opt-in for license auto-renewal, customers must have an AZGFD portal account. Customers who have an existing portal account should use that account. Do not create a new portal account if one already exists. If assistance is needed to fix an existing portal account, email customer service at customer@azgfd.gov.
Selecting license auto-renewal is a three-step process: (1) Purchase a license, or use a valid license; (2) Add a credit card to be used to auto-renew a license; (3) Select the license(s) to be auto-renewed. Click HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Recent stockings
Week of 1/26 to 1/30/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper), Oak Creek, Verde River (middle).
Southern Arizona: Parker Canyon Lake.
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.
Week of 1/19 to 1/23/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
North Central Arizona: Deadhorse Lake, Watson Lake.
Southern Arizona: Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing Program:
Gila Bend area: Bender Pond
Payson area: Green Valley Lakes.
Prescott area: Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes.
Phoenix metro area: Chaparral Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Paloma Lake, Papago Ponds, Pioneer Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Riverview Lake, Steele Indian School Pond, Sundance Lake, Surprise Lake.
Safford area: Graham County Fairground Pond.
Tucson metro area: Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake, Sahuarita Lake, Silverbell Lake.
Yuma area: Council Avenue Pond, Fortuna Lake, Pacific Avenue Athletic Club Pond, Yuma West Wetlands Pond.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The forecast for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim calls for highs in the upper 50s and lows around 30 heading into the weekend. Water temperatures will be in the 30s. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see highs in the mid 70s with lows in the 40s.
Ice may form overnight on the highest elevation lakes. Trout fishing will remain good on most waters until the lakes ice over. Seasonal road closures on many of the forest roads are common this time of year. Check with the appropriate national forest before heading out for information on the latest road closures.
It is a great time to pursue one of the department's Trout Challenges https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/fishing-challenges/azgfd-trout-challenge/. Colder water temperatures means that fish are no longer limited to deeper water. Cold (trout) and tepid (walleye and pike) water species will often come close to shore searching for food (lethargic baitfish and crayfish). A successful winter technique is to cast, or troll, parallel to the shoreline in shallow water. Fan casting is also a successful 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. Ice may be present.
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. Ice may be present.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - Buckskinner Park and access to City Reservoir are closed for the winter season. 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. The recent storms have made the road into Dogtown quite muddy and access is challenging. Ice may be present.
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. Santa Fe Reservoir is full. Ice may be present.
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 full from recent storms. Ice may be present.
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 just barely on the boat launch and the water is currently dirty from recent runoff. Ice may be present.
Russel Tank - The limit is 4 trout. Access to Russel Tank is open.
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. 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.
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. Ice may be present.
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). Ice may be present.
Ashurst Lake - FR 82E to Ashurst Lake is closed for the winter season. 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. Ice may be present.
Kinnikinick Lake - FR 125 to Kinnikinick Lake is closed for the winter season. 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. Ice may be present.
Marshall Lake - FR 128 to Marshall Lake is closed for the winter season. 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. Oak Creek is at base flow with a recent reading of 27.4 cfs, stream temperature 48.4-52.0 F, turbidity 0.9-1.0 FNU @ 8:45 a.m. on 2/2/2026. 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, and Mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. 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.
 |
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 has increased with the recent storms with a recent reading of 16.7-17.4 cfs and stream temperature 48.2-50.7 F @ 8:45 a.m. on 2/2/2026. Average base flow is 12-15 cfs for West Clear Creek.
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 7.89 cfs @ 8:45 a.m. on 2/2/2026. Average base flow is ~4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
At Bartlett Lake, pro angler Gary Senft has a good video, "Bartlett Lake, Baits that Work." View the video.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - Rock Crossing 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. Reservoir elevation is 6,688.97 feet, current volume is at 8,078 acre feet or 54% full and dropping on 2/2/2026. Check with the Mogollon Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest for updates on access. This is the time of year when ice starts to form on the reservoir; access may be limited due to the presence of ice.
 |
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. Ice is beginning to form in the mornings at the lake's edge.
Huffer Tank - Huffer tank is likely fishless following very low conditions this summer.
MOGOLLON RIM STREAMS
February is a good time to head up to Rim Country to fish the regional creeks for wild trout and holdover stocked trout. This winter has been unseasonably warm, and not much rain or snow has fallen on the landscape. These conditions have translated to low and clear water, making fishing a little more difficult for wild trout. However, water temperatures have remained quite cold with many of the headwater sections of creeks in the low to mid 40s. Despite the water conditions, with a little stealth, anglers have been having success this winter season. During the mornings, small bead-headed nymph patterns drifted under an indicator or jigged along undercuts has been working well. Dry flies have been effective later on during the day as water temperatures increase and the fish become more active.
Bonita Creek - This stream is one of our recreational Gila trout fisheries that was stocked in the fall of 2024 and 2025. The fish have been doing well here. Access to the creek is provided by entry on the Tonto National Forest using FR144, which is east of the drainage and following the Highline Trail over to the west. Please do not use Bonita Creek Estates as that is private land. Please respect private property. Small stream fly fishing tactics such as dabbing and bow-n-arrow casting is essential on this small, brushy creek. Himalayan blackberries choke a few areas of the creek out. Eager Gila trout will eat a variety of flies, including dries, nymphs, and streamers. They have not been very picky as long as it is presented in front of them. Foam ants and beetles have been working in the afternoons as well as black hot head leeches and bead-headed nymphs (Prince Nymph, Hares Ear, and Pheasant Tails) have been the ticket. Targeting plunge pools, undercuts, logs, and other fish holding habitat will provide success.
 |
Tonto Creek - Tonto Creek has been slow for holdover rainbow trout, but if you find deeper holes, you’ll likely find schooled-up fish. The key is to get your fly down by the fish as they do not tend to move far for a meal. Anglers have had success of double nymph rigs (Hares Ear and Perdigon) 3 feet under an indicator slowly drifting through pools. Slow stripped leeches and nymphs will also work along the bottom of the creek. Brown trout have been more active this winter. Brown trout inhabit Tonto Creek downstream of the Horton confluence and their density increases as you move downstream. Areas near the campgrounds and downstream of Kohls Ranch (on Tonto NF property) will yield more browns and the chance of an 18-plus incher. Various techniques, including stripping streamers along undercut banks and drifting heavy leeches and nymphs, will lure them out. Some of the larger pools will hold stocked trout that have made their way down from upstream stocking locations. Throwing spinners or Rapalas are also productive in the downstream section of the creek in the deeper holes.
 |
Haigler Creek - Haigler Creek has been productive for wild rainbow trout in the headwater section of the creek upstream of Fisherman’s Point. Anglers accessing this portion should be prepared for a steep ½-mile hike down the stream. Once at the bottom, start working your way upstream. The trout in this part of the creek are eager for the fly or spinner. Pools and runs in this creek are deeper than others in Rim Country, making spinners and crankbaits easier to fish without getting hung up on the bottom. Fly patterns such as leeches with chartreuse or orange bead heads work well. Warm afternoons will provide good dry fly action with ants and smaller Elk Hair Caddis patterns. Further downstream there are chances to catch holdover rainbow trout and wild brown trout in the deep holes upstream of the Haigler Creek Campground, with heavy nymphs under an indicator.
 |
Webber Creek - Webber Creek is one of the harder-to-get-to wild rainbow trout fisheries in the region and a fan favorite of mine. Access to this creek requires a 1.5-mile hike bushwhacking to walk along the private Boy Scout camp. The wild rainbow trout population inhabits the creek upstream of the camp. The creek does not get much pressure likely due to the remote access and effort to get to fish, but if anglers can successfully get there, they will be treated with non-stop wild trout action. Eager fish will hit dries, streamers, nymphs, you name it. Lately I have had success on a variety of bead-headed nymphs such as black Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, Hares Ears. I like to catch a few then switch to another fly. For streamers, small black/purple jig-style leeches and hot head leeches are working well. In the late morning into the afternoon, dry flies have been great. Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis and even Hippie Stompers or Chubby Chernobyl have worked. Conventional spinning gear is more difficult to use due to the size of the stream. It is not uncommon to have a 20- to 30-fish day here, but expect smaller (pretty) fish.
Upper East Verde River - Upper East Verde River has been fishing well for wild rainbow trout with a handful of bugs working well. The fish here are very opportunistic and have been still eating the dry fly. Mini hoppers and other dry flies have been working well in the late morning to early evening, whereas a more subsurface presentation will be better in the morning as it warms up. Various small nymphs presented well around habitat will entice these fish to come out to eat. Try Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, or Prince Nymphs as well as leeches (black or olive). Please remember this is a special regulation water upstream of the Pumphouse. This is catch-and-release only for trout; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - From 2/2/2026: Water Temperature: 48.4-49.3 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 8.2-9.2 mg/l.; pH: 7.9-8.0 std units; Discharge Rate: 7,900-11,100 cfs; Turbidity: 0.4-.05 FNU. See the Lees Ferry Anglers River Report at https://leesferry.com/river-report/.
Lake Powell - From 2/2/2026: Water surface temperature (Wahweap Bay) 42.0-49.0 F; Lake Elevation 3,535.02 MSL (and dropping). Most recent report by Dan Keller (https://wayneswords.net/forums/dwr-dans-updates.43/)
WESTERN ARIZONA
At the Colorado River/Bullhead City, the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery stocked 2,400 rainbow trout at Bullhead City Community Park on Jan. 27.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, and Roper Lake are due to be stocked with rainbow trout this week.
COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM WATERS
Many CFP waters in Payson, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma are due to be 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.
|
