Oak Creek
As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the State Route 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary, including West Fork Oak Creek. This section is catch-and-release only for trout, with artificial flies and lures only and barbless hooks required.
Current stream flow is at base flows, with a recent reading of 34.5 cubic feet per second. Stream temperature ranged from 48.9 to 51.1 degrees, and turbidity measured 2.3 to 2.4 Formazin Nephelometric Units at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 15.
Banjo Bill Picnic Area is closed for repairs, and Pine Flat Campground is closed for the winter season.
Anglers are finding success using inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi Seal leech, midge, elk hair caddis, hopper and mayfly patterns are producing. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow and brown trout.
With leaves off the trees, the leaf-peeper crowds have diminished, making now a great time to fish the catch-and-release section. Mornings are cold, but fish become active by mid-day.
West Clear Creek
Smallmouth bass are unlimited harvest in West Clear Creek. Roundtail chub are often caught in portions of the creek and should be released unharmed. The trout limit is four.
Stream flow is at base flow, with recent readings of 6.12 to 6.56 cfs and stream temperatures ranging from 48.7 to 51.6 degrees at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 15. Base flow typically ranges from 12 to 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 potential to catch native suckers or roundtail chub; release them unharmed. The trout limit is four.
Stream flow is at base flow, with a recent reading of 8.12 cfs at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 15. Average base flow for Wet Beaver Creek ranges from 4 to 9 cfs. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
Fall fishing techniques
Fall is a great time to pursue one of AZGFD’s Trout Challenges. Colder water temperatures mean fish are no longer confined to deeper water. Trout, walleye and northern pike often move into shallow shoreline areas in search of food such as lethargic baitfish and crayfish.
Casting or trolling parallel to shorelines in shallow water can be effective, as well as fan casting. Lure and fly anglers should experiment with various retrieval speeds and depths, and once a productive pattern is found, stick with it.
Bait anglers
Worms, corn and PowerBait are effective for trout. Nightcrawlers are good for walleye, and anchovies are effective for northern pike. Catfish are commonly caught on worms, hot dogs and anchovies. Small pieces of nightcrawlers and mealworms on small hooks are effective for panfish such as 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.
Lure anglers
Lures with flash and vibration such as Joe’s Flies, Panther Martin, Mepps spinners, Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, crayfish imitations, Pistol Pete’s and Daredevils are good choices. Think small for trout; 1/8- to 1/12-ounce lures in silver, gold or copper are best. Pay attention to what is working and duplicate that presentation.
Fly anglers
Producing flies this week include:
- #10 bead-headed Simi Seal leech (brown, black, olive, wine)
- #10 bead-headed Woolly Bugger (brown, black, olive, wine)
- #10–12 Zug Bug
- #10–12 Dragonfly larvae (olive)
- #16–18 Zebra midge
- #12–16 Pheasant Tail
- #12–14 Prince nymph
- #12–14 San Juan worm
- Hopper, damselfly, stonefly, mayfly and caddis patterns
Additional stockings and enforcement
The Verde Middle River and Dead Horse Lake were also recently restocked.
Remember, your license fees pay for the fish you catch. It is illegal to transport and release live fish in Arizona, including all waters listed above. Illegal introductions are costly and diminish fishery quality. To report violations, call the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700.
