Water temperature is a concern this time of year, but there are still great opportunities to get out fishing.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Fishing has been improving on the Ferry, and anglers should expect to start hooking into more fish. If you can deal with the summer heat, now is a good time to head up to our state's premier tailwater.
Try throwing dry dropper rigs with larger attractor patterns up top and smaller midges below the surface. Right now, this is a productive technique in both the wadeable riffles and deeper sections of the river.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Average
Water temperatures are a real concern across the Mogollon Rim. Early mornings and evenings may be suitable for fishing, but be sure to bring a reliable thermometer. Once the water goes above 68 degrees, it's time to call it a day and let the fish rest.
Caddis flies are the predominant hatch right now. Expect to see fewer mayflies and terrestrials than we had in June.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Good
Like the Rim, Oak Creek Canyon will be battling warm water until we get some rain or a break from the heat. Focus your fishing on low-light hours and make sure to check water temps as the sun gets higher in the sky. Head towards the top of the canyon for pockets of cooler water.
Dry dropper rigs through the riffles will continue to be productive. With lower water levels, focus on fishing to structure (boulders, logs, etc.) and finding buckets of deeper water.
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
Bass fishing will still be fun on the Verde this time of year. 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
Expect to continue seeing plenty of baetis hatches. When the water is crystal clear, focus on matching the hatch with natural baetis and midge patterns fished under an indicator. You'll need to add splitshot to keep these tiny flies in the strike zone.
As always, don't shy away from dry flies and streamers on this fishery. Both can be quite productive, even on warm sunny days.
Pro tip: if you're planning to wade or fish the banks, pack some bug spray. The mosquitoes can be really thick in the summer months.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Good
With summer in full swing, expect to battle crowds of tubers on a daily basis. If you want to fish, it's best to hit the water at first light or late into the evening.
Trout stocking has ended, so any fish in the system will be holdovers from the spring and winter. Largemouth bass are prevalent in this system. Target them where riffles drop into deep pools and along brushy banks with good structure.
Spending an evening on the Salt fishing is one of the best ways to beat the heat during the summer. Shop our full selection of NRS rafts and boards to get on the water today!
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Good
As the water heats up, expect the fish (especially the larger bass) to be most active during dawn and dusk. Poppers and small baitfish patterns are both effective bass flies in the lagoon system.
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. Currently, both Becker and Luna are experiencing 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 consider fishing elsewhere.
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.
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:
#12 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail
Phoenix Urban Waters - Excellent
Bass fishing on the big reservoirs around town continues to be great. Fish are starting to push around schools of shad; look for boils and surface activity in the morning hours to find these actively feeding fish.
Canal carp fishing continues to be quite good. Fish are actively cruising and are still eating flies off the surface. If you're planning to fish the canals, make sure to bring a bike to cover more ground!
Best Bets:
#8 Fulling Mill Baby Fat Minnow
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
That's a wrap on the July Arizona Fishing Report.