Here's the latest Arizona fishing report as we sink into winter.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
If you're looking to get your trout fix in during the winter, tailwaters are a great option. Flows remain solid up at Lee's Ferry. Rainbows will continue their winter spawn, so watch your step and keep an eye out for redds, especially when wading.
Continue targeting fish with small flies. Midges, worms, eggs, and scuds all work well in this system.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Good
Although often surrounded by snowy banks, the rim creeks can fish quite well during the winter months. Watch for storms that will elevate these small creeks with runoff -- this usually triggers a better bite.
When the water is higher and stained, target soft pockets and edges, no matter how small. Use tungsten beaded flies to get them down in the water column.
Best Bets:
#16 Tungsten Jig Pheasant Tail Red Tie
Oak Creek - Good
Like the rim creeks, Oak Creek can flash hot after a weather system moves through. This is a great time of year to strip and swing streamers in the larger pools along the canyon.
When fishing the runs, smaller bead head nymphs will produce fish on Oak Creek. If fish are being picky, try adding a leech or an egg to your rig.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Good
The catch and release season continues through March up on Silver. The fish have seen quite a few flies at this point in the season, so be stealthy when approaching the water. Throw smaller dry flies and slowly strip streamers to get these picky fish to eat.
Best Bets:
Verde River - Average
February fishing on the Verde will look pretty similar to January. Target trout by drifting bead head nymphs through riffles and or swinging nymphs and soft hackles through runs. Bass can be caught by stripping leeches and buggers.
Rainbow trout stocking continues on the Verde. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the AZGFD fish stocking schedule.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
If you're able to stand the cold, you'll have one of the West's best tailwaters mostly to yourself compared to warmer times of the year.
While the water temperature remains the same year-round, fish behavior still changes in the winter months. Look for fish in slower moving water and target them with double nymph rigs fished under an indicator. Try using an attractor (like an egg or leech) above your small midges. Keep an eye out for BWOs and midges coming off the water. Don't be afraid to throw some dry flies if you see a hatch.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Excellent
Trout stocking will continue on the Salt throughout the winter. Catch these fish by drifting nymphs through riffles and swinging nymphs and soft hackles through runs. When the bridge area gets crowded, don't be afraid to move up or down stream. Stocking takes place at multiple locations and the fish have moved through much of the system. Everything upstream of the confluence with the Verde at Phon D Sutton is fishing well.
Sucker and carp seasons are in full swing on the Salt! These fish offer a fun alternative to trout fishing and are primarily caught while sight fishing. Use a tall rock or steep bank to spot cruising suckers and carp. Tip: Using colorful fly patterns will help tremendously when sight fishing.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Average
In the cooler months, slowly stripping wooly buggers and leeches is a great technique to hook up with multiple types of fish. Put these flies under an indicator; after a short strip, let them rest. Bites will usually come in between strips. Colorful egg patterns and mop flies will catch fish as well.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Poor
You'll have to break out your ice fishing setup if you want to fish lakes in the Whites this time of year. While fish can be caught through the ice, you won't need your fly fishing gear until the spring.
If there's a warming spell and you can catch some open water, try stripping leeches and chironomids under an indicator.
Best Bets:
Black River - Poor
Roads to the Upper Black River are not maintained over the winter, making access difficult. Expect cold water and slower-moving fish. In the depths of winter, fish often won't eat unless something is directly in front of their face. Nymph seams thoroughly before moving to the next spot. If you do make it to the water, try throwing weighted nymphs on deeper rigs.
Best Bets:
#16 Tungsten Jig Flashback Pheasant Tail
#16 Tungsten Rubber Leg Prince Nymph
Canals - Excellent
SRP is conducting regular winter maintenance on the Phoenix area canals, which is dropping water levels in many areas. Fish can still be caught but are especially spooky when the water becomes low and clear. To effectively fish these areas, use longer leaders and weightless flies.
Check here for the SRP canal maintenance schedule. Pro tip: Low water levels allow you to spot structure that you might not otherwise see. Use this time of year to mentally map out good spots when the water levels return.
Best Bets:
That's a wrap on the February Arizona Fishing Report.