Spring is on the way and the fishing is heating up. Here's the Arizona Fishing Report for March.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Flows have been fluctuating from 8,000 CFS up to around 12,000 and the water temperature is sitting in the upper 40s.
Expect to continue seeing signs of rainbows spawning in the shallows and keep an eye out for spring hatches to really get going. BWOs and midges should both be present throughout March.
When fishing the deeper pools, try fishing double nymph rigs with a smaller fly below a brighter attractor pattern, like a worm or bugger.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Average
Rim water has been clear but expect potential runoff after any storms or high country melts this time of year.
Nymphs and small streamers have been most productive recently but be on the lookout for surface activity during low-light hours. BWO nymphs and midge larva are catching fish.
Expect fishing to pick up towards the end of the month as we move into April.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Average
If the water gets high and stained from runoff, this is a great time of year to strip and swing streamers in the larger pools along the canyon.
When fishing the runs, smaller bead head nymphs will produce fish on Oak Creek. If fish are being picky, try downsizing your point fly and adding an attractor pattern above it.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Good
March is the final month of the catch-and-release season on Silver Creek. The fish have seen quite a few flies at this point in the season, so be patient and move/cast gently.
Best Bets:
Verde River -Good
Look for the fish to be a bit more active in March. Target trout by drifting bead head nymphs through riffles and or swinging nymphs and soft hackles through runs. Bass can be caught by stripping leeches and buggers.
Rainbow trout stocking will continue through March on the Verde. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the AZGFD fish stocking schedule.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
Now is still a great time for throwing streamers on the San Juan. Don't be afraid to work big patterns throughout the day.
Nymph rigs with bright attractor patterns are also fishing well. Leeches, worms, and eggs are catching fish. As the month progresses, fish should start keying in on the river's prevalent hatches. Small baetis and midges should be your go-to patterns.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Excellent
Trout stocking will continue on the Salt throughout March. As we get more and more daylight, the fish on the lower Salt are starting to get more active.
Catch trout by drifting nymphs through riffles and swinging nymphs and soft hackles through runs.
Besides trout, the Salt is also a great bass fishery. Hit the banks with small streamers and strip through the deeper holes with sinking line. During the mornings/evenings, try throwing poppers for the topwater bite.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Average
Slowly stripping wooly buggers and balanced leeches is a great technique to hook up with multiple types of fish in this state park. Put these flies under an indicator; after a short strip, let them rest. Bites will usually come in between strips. Colorful egg patterns and mop flies will catch fish as well.
As the water warms up, start targeting bass with topwater flies and actively stripped streamers.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Average
Lakes in the Whites are starting to fish better and should continue to heat up with the arrival of spring. Fish balanced leeches and midges under an indicator. Any chop on the water should be enough to add movement to the leech. If the water is completely calm, try slowly stripping this rig.
Best Bets:
Black River - Average
Access may remain difficult to some portions of the river in March. Expect cold days and muddy roads.
Fish seams thoroughly and keep your flies deep. Use tungsten bead heads to stay deep and use a sinking line if throwing streamers.
Best Bets:
Phoenix Urban Waters - Excellent
SRP canal dry-ups should be just about finished for the winter. As the weather begins to warm, expect the fish to become more active during the morning and evening.
On ponds, stripping minnow patterns and hanging damsels under an indicator has been a good bet.
Best Bets:
That's a wrap on the March Arizona Fishing Report.