We're heading into peak summer. Our monthly Arizona Fishing Report details where to go (and where to avoid) fishing in July.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Fishing remains decent up on the Lee's Ferry tailwater. Flows are holding steady and there is plenty of midge activity in the water. If fishing from a boat, deeper pools and runs are producing fish, both on nymph rigs and small streamer patterns. If wading, there are fish to be found in the shallower riffles. Dry dropper rigs with a larger attractor pattern up front (try a cicada) with a midge dropper are working well.
Best Bets:
#20 Bead Head Biot Midge Emerger
Rim Creeks - Average
If you're heading up to the Rim, be prepared to fish early. By afternoon, the creeks are running very warm, so bring a thermometer! As we get closer to monsoon season, rainfall will hopefully give these fisheries a much-needed reprieve.
Expect plenty of caddis out and about. There are fewer terrestrials roaming around, but they are still working on dropper rigs. Use the summer foliage to your advantage! It can create small casting windows, but will also allow you to sneak up on a pool without spooking fish.
Best Bets:
#14 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail
Oak Creek - Average
Similar temperature concerns exist in Oak Creek, so pack a thermometer and plan to fish very early in the day. The fish will be holding in the colder water they can find - faster moving riffles and towards 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.
The bass bite continues to be good, but expect the fish to be in deeper pockets and in structure as we head futher into the summer. Poppers near structure during low light hours are productive, as are general baitfish patterns fished slow right up against the banks.
Best Bets:
#10 MFC Rowley Balanced Baitfish
#12 Bead Head Flashabou Bugger
San Juan - Excellent
July is an excellent time to fish the San Juan. While many of Arizona's creeks and lakes get too warm, this tailwater stays nice and cool all summer. The summer months are also prime time to fish both dry flies and streamers.
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.
Best Bets:
#20 Tungsten Jig Quill Body Baetis
White Mountains Lakes - Average
Water throughout the Whites is getting warm fast. By mid to late morning, temperatures are often well into the 60s. Like the creeks, pack a thermometer and consider calling the shop for current conditions before heading all the way up to the area. In years past, fish kills have happened on Luna and Becker this time of year. Typical stillwater fishing rigs continue to produce fish. Balanced leeches and chironomids are the go-to. Midge hatches are happening in the evenings.
Best Bets:
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:
Salt River - Good
Summer is in full swing on the Salt, which means plenty of crowds. If you can get out early, there are still plenty of fish to be found. There may be some trout leftover from earlier stocking rounds this season, and the bass are always present and hungry.
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- Good
Expect the bass bite to be a bit more sluggish in July as waters warm and fish move to deeper holding spots. Focus on fishing in the morning or evening. 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
Make sure to throw on a good hat and bring some water - the canals continue to fish well around town. Carp around town are actively feeding on the usual suspects: weightless mops, eggs, and boobies. Stillwater fishing in the ponds around town is slowing a bit in the heat. Downsize your presentation and focus on hitting local ponds in the evening.
Best Bets:
That's a wrap on the July Arizona Fishing Report.