Now is the time to hit the water! Here's the Arizona Fishing Report for May.
Lee’s Ferry - Good
Expect the fishing to improve as consistent warm weather moves in. Continue targeting fish with the usual suspects on this tailwater: midges, scuds, and worms.
In deeper water, try nymphing with attractor patterns as a top fly (like a brightly-colored worm or bugger) and a smaller natural pattern below it.
Be on the lookout for BWO and midge hatches. This is a good signal to move away from the deeper pools and try fishing the shallower riffles.
Best Bets:
Rim Creeks - Good
After a year of lower winter precipitation, Rim creeks are running low, but for now are still maintaining cold temperatures.
Expect to see a mix of BWOs and stoneflies throughout the day. As the warmer months arrive, it's always a good idea to bring along plenty of terrestrials.
Try prospecting with a dry dropper rig fished tight to structure and riffles.
Best Bets:
Oak Creek - Good
Like the Rim creeks, be on the lookout for both caddis and BWOs. Typically, caddis hatches will be stronger towards the evening. BWOs are more common when the creek gets a bit of cloud cover.
Terrestrials should be very productive, especially in the lower reaches of the canyon.
Best Bets:
Silver Creek - Average
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
Trout stocking ended in March, so very few rainbows will remain in the system.
This time of year, the Verde can turn into a solid bass fishery. Target these fish with baitfish patterns and poppers, primarily in the mornings and evenings.
Best Bets:
San Juan - Excellent
Now is a great time to head up to the San Juan to enjoy warmer days before the summer crowds arrive. Expect extensive baetis activity up and down the river this month. Double nymph rigs will continue catching fish. If the water is crystal clear, move away from attractor patterns and begin using more natural baetis and midge imitations.
While nymphing is the most productive on the Juan, don't be afraid to throw both streamers and dry flies. Large fish in the system will eat a streamer (even during the day) and fish will rise for surface presentations.
Best Bets:
Salt River - Excellent
The tube hatch is on the horizon! Hit the river now before summer crowds take over many of the fishiest holes. Trout stocking will continue through May, providing an excellent opportunity to scratch the trout itch close to home. You can catch these fish by drifting nymphs through riffles and swinging nymphs and soft hackles through runs. On occasion, you can get these stocked fish to rise to a BWO or terrestrial.
Post-spawn bass will start moving into slightly deeper water. Try stripping small streamers through the deeper holes with sinking line. During the mornings/evenings, try throwing poppers for the topwater bite.
Best Bets:
Dead Horse Ranch- Good
These lagoons hold some large bass. Double-digit fish are not unheard of here. This month, expect bass to be a bit less aggressive as they finish spawning.
Bluegill and catfish should both be active as the water continues to warm.
Best Bets:
White Mountains Lakes - Good
Leeches and midges continue to catch lots of fish up in the Whites. The bite is improving as we move into late spring.
Hatches will become more prolific the closer we get to summer. Keep an eye out for damselfly activity as the water warms towards the end of the month.
Best Bets:
#14 Stalcups Maribou Damsel Nymph
Black River - Good
Runoff has typically moved through by now, making May a great time to start fishing this excellent summer fishery.
Expect to see lots of caddis and BWOs in the early part of the month, with stoneflies showing up as we get towards June.
Target smallmouth with streamers, especially those that mimic their primary food source on the Black: crayfish.
Best Bets:
Phoenix Urban Waters - Excellent
Local waters are still fishing incredibly well and should continue their hot streak into May. The canals remain clear, and carp are actively feeding on surface presentations.
In our local reservoirs and ponds, bass will begin transitioning into their post-spawn habits and can be found in slightly deeper water. Continue targeting them with baitfish imitations.
Best Bets:
#8 Fulling Mill Baby Fat Minnow
#8 MFC Chan's Las Vegas Booby Leech
That's a wrap on the May Arizona Fishing Report.