January fishing in Arizona

Arizona Fishing Report - January 2026

Want to catch more fish in 2026? Start here with our monthly Arizona Fishing Report

Lee’s Ferry - Poor

In the depths of winter, fishing can be tough up on Lee's Ferry. Expect cold conditions and plenty of solitude. Swinging buggers on a sink tip line through deeper pockets of water is a productive technique this time of year. When nymphing, use a combination of attractor patterns and natural flies. Keep your flies deep and try adjusting your depth before tying on a new pattern. Towards the end of the month and into February, keep an eye out for fish moving up into the riffles as they prepare to spawn. 


Best Bets:

#12 Tungsten San Juan Worm

#18 Tungsten Midge

#20 Bead Head Biot Midge Emerger

#10 Bead Head Kyrstal Bugger


Rim Creeks Average    

This time of year, continue throwing smaller nymphs and streamers. Be on the lookout for a change in water clarity after a winter storm. While the fish aren't nearly as active during the shorter and colder days, some of the largest fish in the Rim creeks are caught in the winter months. 


As always, keep an eye out for afternoon hatches. Dry flies aren't the most productive technique this time of year but it's worth bringing along a box of dries just in case. 


Best Bets:

#18 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail

#18 Tungsten Zebra Midge

#14 Soft Tex Scud

#10 Beldar Bugger

Oak Creek

Back to blog