Now is the time to hit the water! Here's the Arizona Fishing Report for June.
Lee’s Ferry - Average
Throughout May, water flows rapidly decreased during daylight hours, which had a negative effect on the fishing. In June, we're hoping to see increasing or steady flows during the day and hopefully improved fishing.
Annelids and midges remain the ticket to catching the most fish. If you'd prefer streamers, try throwing a sink-tip line with a wooly bugger or baitfish pattern. In shallower riffles, try prospecting with a dry dropper.
By the end of June, keep an eye out for cicadas!
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Good
Rim creeks are fishing well, but expect warmer water temps and incoming Hoot Owl restrictions as we head into the hottest months of the year.
The dry fly bite has been good. Caddis are abundant and terrestrials are catching plenty of fish. This time of year, it's especially important to keep a low profile and slowly work yourself into a good casting position. Good first casts are key on these smaller waters!
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Good
There are still plenty of caddis and BWOs up Oak Creek Canyon and dry fly action is heating up. Prospect with dry dropper rigs through the pocket water.
Expect this area to get more crowded as the summer tourist season heats up. Look towards the head of the canyon for fewer people and colder 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
During the summer months, the Verde is more of a warm water fishery. Target largemouth bass 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
Our neighboring tailwater continues to fish well. The bug factory is typically on fire this time of year, with abundant 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.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Excellent
Elevated summer flows are back on the lower Salt River. Although this stretch of river can become quite crowded in the summer months, it still holds plenty of good fish. Make sure to get an early start to beat the crowds and heat.
Rainbow trout stocking will continue through June. The higher flows will allow the fish to move a bit more throughout the system. Largemouth bass are prevalent in this system. Target them where riffles drop into deep pools and along brushy banks with good structure.
Now that higher summer flows are back, this is a great time to fish from a SUP or raft. Shop our selection of NRS rafts today!
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Good
These lagoons hold some large bass. Double-digit fish are not unheard of here. Bass are less active with the heat, so focus on fishing at dawn/dusk and look to pockets of deeper water.
Bluegill and catfish should both be active as the water continues to warm.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Good
As we move into summer, water temps are still hovering around 60 degrees, and fish are actively feeding on the surface. Midge and leech rigs will still work but start using small stillwater dry flies as well. Expect plenty of damselfly activity in the mix.
Best Bets:
#14 Stalcups Maribou Damsel Nymph
Black River - Good
As the heat sets in at lower elevations, now is a great time to get out and explore the Black River.
Dry fly activity is heating up. Expect plenty of caddis and more stoneflies to start appearing. In the mornings and evenings, streamers are the best ticket for hooking the larger browns.
As we get later into June, start using the same dry dropper rigs that are working well across the Rim streams.
Target smallmouth with streamers, especially those that mimic their primary food source on the Black: crayfish.
Best Bets:
#12 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail
Phoenix Urban Waters - HOT
The hot fishing streak continues across the Phoenix metro. Carp continue to actively feed across the canal system and take dry flies.
Both bass and carp fishing are still excellent in the local reservoirs. Sight fishing for carp in stillwater is a bit different than in our moving canals. Without a current to steer your fly and mask the movement of your leader, you need to deliver precise casts that get a fly within inches of the fish's face. Focus on fish that have their faces in the mud and tails out of the water.
Best Bets:
#8 Fulling Mill Baby Fat Minnow
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
That's a wrap on the June Arizona Fishing Report.