Thread: So anyone here fish in Arizona?

Might go to the Fiesta Bowl... Figure I should go fishing right?

My folks live up in Payson Az for the winter...bout 1.5 hrs from central phx. So, I've done plenty in AZ.

There is top quality bass fishing in Roosevelt res. about halfway between Scottsdale and Payson, (as you're driving NE). Boats help but you can fish from shore. Typical bassy fly gear is fine.

If you wanna take the time to drive up to the White mtns/Rim country you'll find some fun trout angling. Rainbows, (stockers but fun) and Apache trout!!! Lots of small mtn streams with nobody around!! All the lakes on and around the Mogollon rim, (pron = mug e on) hold trout. Some large bows can be found.

Can't remember the names of the couple trout shops in phx/Scottsdale but they have been helpful to me. There is also some more urban fishing this time of year down there that they can point you too. I've never done any.

There might be too much eye candy to wanna go fishing though!

is mountain fishable possible in Jan?

Originally Posted by ak_powder_monkey

is mountain fishable possible in Jan?

I did some mtn fishing last January around the Rim and White mtns. It can be tricky. The weather can be full on winter or 65 degrees and sunny. I will be happy to make a call to a couple avid anglers in Payson and get a report for you closer to your trip if you'd like.

my homewaters, so let's see if i now anything.

first, when is fiesta bowl? thats in winter right? so, mountain fishing is likely not possible. if the waters not frozen, the fish will definitely be dormant due to cold water.

the lakes around phoenix are known for quality bass fishing. you might be told you can fish for rainbows in the lower salt river. don't be fooled. this will be for small pellet head rainbows with no fins. fuck that.

my first recommendation would be canyon creek, by payson. lower elevation= not as cold. probably no snow either. (except there is a big storm hitting there right now, and 18-24" snow is predicted! extremely rare!) stream bred browns, some of decent size. and the creek is spring fed so fairly stable water temps. go there if schwerty can hook you up. bring a 7' to 8' 3wt.

my second would be oak creek above sedona. small to medium stream bred browns and some rainbow hatchery fish. can be fun, i fish this crick all summer. again, bring the 3wt.

lastly, if you have the time, make the drive up to lee's ferry. it's 5 hrs. from phoenix but it's arizonas only blue ribbon trout fishery, for high quality river bred rainbows. you'd most likely have to do it as an overnighter. bring the 5wt and waders. and warm clothing layers.

shoot me a message. i could be persuaded to fish even though it's ski season. i might even be talked into trailering my boat up to the ferry if it's not snowed in.

well, it looks like you've gotten some predictably hit-or-miss info on the drake. fuk heads.
sounds like your interested in the ferry? well, i could be talked into that. guides? well, they're great folks up there, and they'll put you onto fish for sure. but $200+ a day? well, i work for cheap: gas, food, beer. and my little outboard is faster than those ghey jet powered john boats.
keep in mind, that canyon is narrow as a virgins you know what. at that time of year, there are spots on the river that literally do not see the light of day. but there are a few spots that do see good mid-day sun.

Ok I got my tickets I'm flying in the 5th of march and flying out the 14th...

Should be fun!

Fishing, Baseball, and Warmth