Across the state, fish are actively feeding before the onset of winter. Here's the Arizona Fishing Report for November.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Water releases from the dam are averaging around 8,000 CFS and the temperature is sitting just below 60 degrees.
Midges and worms can always catch fish in this system; make sure flies are very close to the bottom of the river. Try fishing an attractor pattern, like a wooly bugger, above the smaller midge when nymphing.
Target deeper water and tailouts with small streamers fished on a sink-tip line.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Excellent
Brown trout across the Rim are beginning to spawn. Keep an eye peeled for fish sitting on redds; when the water is clear they are easy to see. To keep our fisheries strong, avoid targeting actively spawning fish. However, redds give anglers the perfect opportunity to watch some of the larger (and usually well hidden!) fish in our small Rim creeks.
Terrestrials and caddis will continue catching fish that are still in feeding mode.
As the month progresses, larger fish will continue their upstream, pre-spawn journey. This is a great time to get a big eat on a streamer!
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Excellent
Like the Rim, Oak Creek will be filled with both actively spawning and pre-spawn fish in November. Pre-spawn browns will be active, and plenty of rainbows are sure to be camped downstream of spawning browns. Both dry droppers and nymph rigs will be productive.
Now is a great time to move larger with with a streamer! Focus on stripping through deeper pools and swinging through riffles and tailouts.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Good
Looking to net a lunker? Silver Creek is a good bet. The catch and release season on Silver Creek is open and stocking will continue through the winter. AZDGF stocks brood stock from the Silver Creek hatchery; these fish routinely reach 5+ pounds.
Silver Creek can be quite crowded, especially early in the season. Focus on fishing small flies, especially midges. Wooly buggers might be productive if the fish are more active.
Best Bets:
Verde River - Good
Fishing will be solid in November. As temperatures finally begin to cool, you should start seeing more productive fishing throughout the day (not just at dawn and dusk).
Try stripping and swinging small streamers across the edges of seams and around structure. In low light hours, work poppers near shore.
Trout stocking has returned to the Verde and will continue through the winter. Check out this page to stay up to date on the AZGFD fish stocking schedule.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
The San Juan is fishing extremely well. If you're looking to hook into a trophy trout, now is a great time.
Right now, small flies are the name of the game. These can be tricky to tie on, so be patient and take your time. Fluorocarbon tippet is a must when fishing these bugs. Add split shot above the nymphs to get them down into the strike zone.
As always, streamer fishing can be quite productive in this system. Swing streamers through riffles and tailouts during low-lights hours to switch things up from the nymph fishing during the day.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Good
Trout are back in our local tailwater! If you're new to fly fishing for trout (or just need to scratch the itch), this is an excellent opportunity to get out and practice close to home!
Focus your efforts above the confluence with the Verde and try to hit the water during the week.
Flows on the lower Salt are still closer to their summer averages; expect the daily flows to drop significantly as SRP transitions to their winter water schedule.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Good
This state park has great access and is an awesome spot to learn how to fly fish or hone your casting skills. Fishing should be good in November. You’ll have the opportunity to catch a variety of species, from channel catfish and largemouth bass to bluegill.
As the water cools off, expect better fishing throughout the mid-day hours. Fish activity will still be best early or late. Topwater poppers and small streamers are the best bets for bass. The lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch hold some BIG bass. 5 pound fish are not uncommon!
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - HOT
This month should be a great time to catch trout in the Whites. This is the season where anglers can have big number days while also finding large fish.
Stripping streamers and leeches remains the best way to get fish in the net on these lakes. Try using an intermediate sinking line. You can also fish a double nymph rig under an indicator; if the surface is choppy, that movement provides plenty of action for a bite.
The best way to get around these lakes? A float tube. Stop by the shop to learn about float tubes and get your kit dialed in.
Best Bets:
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
Black River - Excellent
November is a great month to hunt big fish on the Black. Dry droppers will be productive - try using terrestrials and caddis. If nymphing, throw bead-headed flies with legs.
Now is also the perfect time of year to commit to streamers. Hungry, pre-spawn browns will be active, especially if water levels rise.
Best Bets:
#10 Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs
Canals - Excellent
As the water clears up, canals and ponds continue to fish well across Phoenix. In the cooler temperatures, fish are active throughout the day. While the clear water is a blast to fish, it can be more difficult. Make sure you're using long leaders and lightweight flies to avoid spooking carp.
First time venturing out for carp? Stop in the shop for intel on the best spots around Phoenix!
Best Bets:
That's a wrap on the November Arizona Fishing Report. Stop by the shop to get set up for your next outing!