Here's what's working across the state of Arizona
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Fishing has been consistent on Lee's Ferry lately, with lots of fish in the riffles accessible by wading. Keep throwing dry dropper rigs with large attractor patterns, especially in shallower water.
In the deeper runs, you can hook plenty of fish, but make sure you're getting your flies deep (around 10 feet). Make sure you're adding plenty of weight to get small midges into the strike zone.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Poor
This summer has led to tough conditions across the Rim. Creeks are running low and temperatures are getting quite high during the day. Early mornings and evenings may be suitable for fishing, but be sure to bring a reliable thermometer. Once the water approaches 68 degrees, it's time to call it a day and let the fish rest. Conditions likely won't improve until more monsoon activity moves through.
At the height of the summer season, consider fishing cooler tailwaters, higher elevation watersheds, or urban waters around Phoenix.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Average
Similar conditions exist on Oak Creek. Be sure to monitor the temperature if you're fishing up the canyon. Head towards the upper section for more reliable cold water and to try to beat the heavy summer crowds of Sedona. Fishing should pick up after monsoons roll through the area.
Dry dropper rigs fished around structure and deeper pools are the best way to catch fish when water levels are low.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Poor
The catch-and-release season has CLOSED on Silver Creek, and this water is now open to bait fishing. With other lakes and streams now open across the Whites, it's probably better to fish elsewhere.
Best Bets:
Verde River - Average
While trout stocking is long over, bass fishing can be productive on the Verde throughout the summer. Focus on fishing during the morning/evening when fish are more active in the heat. Target largemouth by stripping and swinging streamers through pools. In low light hours, poppers and terrestrials can be productive right up against brush and structure on the banks.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
Flows were recently bumped up on the San Juan, making wading a bit more difficult, but still doable. BWOs and midges are extremely prevalent. To catch the most fish, focus on drifting weighted nymph rigs under an indicator.
However, don't shy away from throwing big streamers for the larger fish in the system. Streamer fishing is most productive during low-light hours, but will still catch fish throughout the day.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Good
This is a fun time of year to fish for bass and try to beat the heat in colder water close to home. Expect the river to be very crowded with tubers; early mornings and sunset sessions are the best time to be on the water.
Target bass where riffles drop into deep pools and along brushy banks with good structure. Some of the pools on the Salt are surprisingly deep, especially against cliff faces. Try using a sinking line in these sections.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Average
Now that we're in the hottest period of the year, fishing will be best during dawn and dusk. Poppers and small baitfish patterns are both effective bass flies in the lagoon system. This is a great place to learn the basics of warmwater fly fishing.
Bluegill fishing in the lagoons in a great way to introduce kids to fly angling. Throw small poppers and terrestrials close to structure and expect plenty of fun action on a light fly rod.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Poor
With the warmer weather and lack of rain, the White Mountains Lakes are struggling. If you plan to fish in this region, bring a thermometer and make sure the water is cool enough (below 68 degrees) before fishing. Earlier this summer, both Becker and Luna experienced a fish kill tied to warm water. Until we get some rain or colder air temperatures, stay vigilant about water temperatures in this region and focus on fishing the larger/deeper lakes.
Best Bets:
#14 Stalcups Maribou Damsel Nymph
Black River - Good
Now is a good time to target smallmouth bass on the Black River. Baitfish and crayfish patterns are the best bet to bass fishing on the Black. Target deeper pools and focus on presenting your fly right in front of structure.
Caddis and stoneflies are still prevalent on the black. Try fishing dry dropper rigs through the pocket water. In the deeper pools, throw streamers to catch the larger browns in the system. Keep a thermometer on hand to monitor water temps, especially in the lower sections of the Black.
Best Bets:
#12 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail
Phoenix Urban Waters - Excellent
If you can handle the heat, the canal systems around town are still fishing well. If you're new to carp fishing, look for fish that are actively feeding. Fish will either have their tails up feeding in the mud, or will be slowly cruising and eating off the surface. Look for puffs of "smoke" in the water to key in on feeding fish if the water clarity is bad.
Bass fishing on the lakes around town continues to be great. Fish are targeting shad in open water. Be on the lookout for surface activity, especially in the morning hours.
Best Bets:
#8 Fulling Mill Baby Fat Minnow
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
That's a wrap on the August Arizona Fishing Report.