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:
#20 Bead Head Biot Midge Emerger
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:
Oak Creek - Average
Like the Rim, Oak Creek is generally slower this time of year, but can still produce some big fish. If storms around Flagstaff bump the water levels up slightly, streamer fishing can be pretty good. Expect lots of ice towards the top of the canyon and be prepared for some stealthy sight fishing if there hasn't been any weather in recent days.
Smaller bead head nymphs are the best technique for catching these winter fish. Expect fish to be holding in deeper water this time of year. During the peak of warmer afternoons, fish might move up into riffles to feed.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Good
The catch-and-release season is still in full swing, but these fish have seen quite a few flies at this point. Use smaller dry flies and focus on moving nymph rigs very slowly. If you're not having any luck, try downsizing flies.
Best Bets:
Verde River - Good
Trout stocking continues this month, with two planned stocking events. Check the stocking schedule here to stay up to date on the AZGFD stocking program. Stocking primarily occurs between Cottonwood and Camp Verde. Target trout with attractor patterns like worms above a more natural fly fished on an indicator rig. Swinging woolly buggers and wet flies down and across riffles is a productive technique as well.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Good
Winter tailwater fishing is in full swing on the San Juan, which primarily means one thing: nymph season. Get your rigs heavy and make sure they're down in the water column. Drift soft spots and edges thoroughly because the fish won't move far for a meal this time of year.
Luckily, mild winter weather has made the San Juan a manageable wading trip so far this season. This is the least crowded month on this legendary tailwater. If you're looking for solitude and trophy fish, this is the spot.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Excellent
Flows are back at their winter lows, creating clear pools, soft riffles, and plenty of sight fishing opportunities. Trout continue to be stocked and are very active. Try throwing a mix of junk (worms and mops) and natural nymphs. Fish have also been on the surface eating small BWOs, especially during the morning around Blue Point.
When fishing for carp and suckers, find some high ground to scout the water. Suckers are best targeted by sight fishing from ledges above deeper pools. Approach carp from the banks downstream of feeding fish. In both cases, it can help to bring a spotter! Bright-colored flies will help you see the take and assist with the hookset timing.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Good
Trout stocking will continue every other week in January. Slowly stripping woolly buggers and floating worms under an indicator is a successful way to target these fish. After a recent stocking, you might find the trout schooled up in a large ball cruising the lagoons.
Now that there are stocker rainbows in the system, consider increasing the size of your streamers when fishing for bass. There are some large fish in these lagoons and they will definitely take advantage of the incoming trout as a food source.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Average
Now that winter is officially underway, the bite of late fall has cooled considerably. Fish are slowing down and require a very subtle presentation. Expect ice to start forming on multiple lakes as we get further into January.
Best Bets:
Black River - Poor
Most access roads to the Black aren't maintained in the winter, making travel potentially difficult depending on the weather. If you do get on the river, expect the water to be cold and the fishing to be slow. Thoroughly cover soft spots with clean drifts and make sure to cover all feeding lanes because the trout won't move far for a meal this time of year.
Best Bets:
Phoenix Urban Waters - Average
SRP's annual dry-ups for canals on the north side of town are expected to start soon and last into February. This is a great time to scout new areas and spot structure.
When fishing urban waters in the winter, focus on slower presentations and smaller patterns. Small streamers fished along the bottom of the ponds in town will keep producing bass. Make sure to add a long pause between strips.
Best Bets:
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
That's a wrap on the January Arizona Fishing Report.