Here's how things are fishing across the state of Arizona. This is our monthly Arizona Fishing Report for August.
Lee’s Ferry - Average
Target trout in this tailwater fishery using the usual methods: swinging and stripping smaller streamers through the pools on a sinking line, or nymphing with midge patterns. If wading, you can try tossing dry dropper rigs in the riffles. This time of year, don't be afraid to tie on a larger attractor pattern (like a cicada) up top.
As the water levels in Lake Powell continue to drop, the future of the Lee's Ferry stretch of the Colorado River as a cold-water trout fishery is in jeapardy. You can learn more here: Save Lees Ferry — Protect the Colorado River Trout Fishery.
Best Bets:
#20 Bead Head Biot Midge Emerger
Rim Creeks - Good
Continue to keep an eye out for high water temperatures across the Rim streams. Recent monsoon activity has improved water levels and temperatures, but keep a thermometer handy regardless. The current forecast looks like August will continue to see a good monsoon season on the Rim, which is great news for these fisheries as we begin turning the corner into fall.
Surface flies are still getting the job done across the Rim. Caddis and a good mix of terrestrials have been catching fish lately. When the water gets skinny and shallow, a single dry fly is working fine. After rain when the creeks begin to swell, add in a dropper and fish tighter to structure. Bouncing a caddis pupa under a hopper is a great technique this time of year.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Good
August up on Oak Creek will look very similar to the Rim Creeks. Keep an eye on the temperatures and try to time your fishing around monsoon activity. When the water is low and warmer, the fish will be holding in the coldest water they can find, which means faster-moving riffles and the bottom of the deeper pools. Dry dropper rigs are still the go-to. Terrestrials or attractor patterns like stimulators work well, with caddis nymphs below.
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
It's been a few months since trout stocking wrapped up on the Verde (check the stocking schedule here to stay up to date on the AZGFD stocking program). For the rest of the summer, this will primarily be a largemouth bass fishery.
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:
#10 MFC Rowley Balanced Baitfish
#12 Bead Head Flashabou Bugger
San Juan - Excellent
August remains an excellent time to fish the San Juan. The water is always cold, and the fish are always feeding. The summer monsoon season is usually the best window to fish dry flies and streamers on this fishery known more for its tiny midges.
If nymphing, continue to use small, natural presentations fished a bit shallower in the water column. Dry fly action will be best in the late afternoons and early evenings. Keep an eye on the flows. When they bump up towards 800 cfs, there is a lot more structure to target with streamers. Keep in mind that when flows increase, wading this icy river becomes more difficult.
Best Bets:
#20 Tungsten Jig Quill Body Baetis
White Mountains Lakes - Poor
Stillwater throughout the White Mountains has been warm. On many waters, temperatures are already in the 70s by early morning. Until we get significant rainfall or cooling nighttime temperatures, it's best to steer clear of these fisheries for catch-and-release fishing.
Best Bets:
Black River - Good
Expect much of the Black to be too warm to trout fish by mid-afternoon. However, 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. Boulders, downed trees, and shady banks are all good holding water for smallmouth.
If you're targeting trout, expect plenty of caddis and more stonefly activity. In the mornings and evenings, streamers are the best ticket for hooking the larger browns. Keep a thermometer on hand to monitor water temps, especially in the lower sections of the Black.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Good
Expect plenty of crowds out on the Salt in August, although they should start tapering off during the week as the back-to-school season kicks in. If you can get out early (or late), there are still plenty of bass to be found.
Target fish where riffles feed into the deeper runs and pools and along brushy banks where there is significant cover. While morning is the best way to beat the crowds, don't shy away from fishing the hour around sunset as well.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch - Average
The bass bite has slowed a bit and the fish are holding in deeper water and primarily feeding during morning and evening. Focus on fishing during the low light hours. Terrestrials, streamers, and leggy nymphs are all good tickets for getting bass in the net. There are some large fish holding in these lagoons so don't be afraid to throw something big!
Best Bets:
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 reservoirs around town continues to be solid. Fish are targeting shad in open water. Be on the lookout for surface activity, especially in the morning hours.
Best Bets:
That's a wrap on the August Arizona Fishing Report.