Here's what's working across the state of Arizona
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Expect decent fishing to continue on the Colorado River as we move into September. Midges and annelids fished under a bushy attractor fly are catching fish in the riffles and even in some of the deeper pools.
Expect to see a transition toward the end of the month as fish move into their fall patterns. Double nymph rigs fished deep in pools and streamers fished from a sink tip will become more and more productive.
Best Bets:
#20 Bead Head Biot Midge Emerger
Rim Creeks - Average
As we turn the corner into fall, water temperatures are finally cooling off along Rim watersheds, and fishing is improving. Expect water levels and clarity to change frequently depending on recent rainfall. Low light conditions and light rain are currently producing the best fishing. Caddis and terrestrials are catching fish.
When the water clarity drops significantly, don't be afraid to throw some large streamers into small water - especially as we get closer to October.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Average
Similar conditions exist on Oak Creek. The upper stretches of the canyon will continue to be most productive in the early part of September. With summer crowds dying down, this is a better time of year to find some quiet water in Oak Creek canyon.
Dry dropper rigs fished around structure and deeper pools are the best way to catch fish when water levels are low. BWOs are out and about. Expect the fishing to pick up a bit after rainfall, and start throwing more streamers as we get closer to October.
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
The bass bite should continue to be decent in September. Keep stripping and swinging streamers through pools and around structure hanging in the current. In low light hours, poppers and terrestrials can be productive right up against brush and structure on the banks.
Trout stocking is not expected to begin until November this year. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on stocking schedules across the state.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
The San Juan is currently fishing great, with fish eating nymphs, dries, and streamers. If you're looking to try out some new techniques on the Juan, now is an excellent time to do so.
This tailwater is filled with the usual mix of small baetis and BWOs. Terrestrials are productive on the surface, and big streamers are moving plenty of fish. September should be a fantastic month to experience this fishery at its best.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Good
With school back in session and the peak summer heat dissipating, expect the Lower Salt to be much less crowded in September. Trout stocking won't begin until October, but in the meantime, bass will still be active. Expect the higher summer flows to continue throughout the month.
Target fish right behind structure and where riffles pour into deeper pools. The best way to effectively fish the Salt is from a small personal craft. Check out our selection of NRS crafts HERE.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Average
This state park has great access and is an awesome spot to learn how to fly fish or hone your casting skills. As we move into September, the fish should become more active. You’ll have the opportunity to catch a variety of species, from channel catfish and largemouth bass to bluegill.
In the beginning of the month, expect fish to be more active during low-light hours. If you're planning to fish, go early or late to find the fish that are willing to eat. Topwater poppers and small streamers are the best bets for bass. As we get closer to October, expect the feeding window to expand into the day.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Average
Warmer conditions are still present in a lot of small lakes, but expect temps to cool as we get further into September.
Balanced leeches remain a deadly rig in these stillwater fisheries. Let them drift under an indicator, especially when there is a good wind chop on the surface. Sink tip lines with booby leeches are effective as well.
Best Bets:
#14 Stalcups Maribou Damsel Nymph
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
Black River - Good
Fishing is solid for both trout and smallmouth up on the Black. On the water, try fishing dry droppers with terrestrials for trout. Plenty of caddis and mayflies are also present.
If you're going after smallmouth, bring a box filled with poppers. These fish fight hard for their size and are aggressively eating surface flies.
In the early part of September, remain vigilant about water temperatures when targeting trout during the middle of the day.
Best Bets:
#12 Bead Head Flashback Pheasant Tail
Phoenix Urban Waters - Excellent
The canal systems around town continue to fish really well. Fish are actively feeding and the grassies are eager to eat a dry fly. Multiple surface patterns are highly effective right now.
Continue targeting bass on the reservoirs in the mornings and evenings during cooler temperatures. Bass will still be in their summer patterns, holding in deeper pockets of cold water. However, these fish often move onto shallower rocky points during low light.
Best Bets:
#8 Fulling Mill Baby Fat Minnow
That's a wrap on the September Arizona Fishing Report.