Today we’re going to take a closer look at fly fishing in Arizona, presented by the experienced guide Danny Morris. He’s been living in Arizona for several years and is ready to spill the secrets and tips for successful fly fishing in this beautiful state. Danny covers the top spots to go fishing, including Sedona, Greer, and Mesa. He also shares his go-to flies and techniques for reeling in the most fish. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or just starting out, this video has something for everyone. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more fly fishing inspiration and check out the blog for additional resources, including a Fly Tying Page and gear recommendations. So grab your rod, tie on your favorite fly, and get ready for some unforgettable fishing adventures in Arizona!
Understanding Fly Fishing in Arizona
Table of Contents
In this article, we will explore the world of fly fishing in Arizona, a state renowned for its versatile and diverse fishing opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, Arizona offers an array of fishing spots that cater to all skill levels. To guide us through this captivating world of fly fishing in Arizona, we have Danny Morris, a passionate fly fishing guide who has called Arizona his home for several years.
About the Presenter: Danny Morris
Danny Morris is an experienced fly fishing enthusiast and guide who has spent the last few years exploring the fishing opportunities in Arizona. With his extensive knowledge of the state’s fishing spots and techniques, Danny is the perfect guide to introduce us to the world of fly fishing in Arizona.
Versatility and Variety: The Appeal of Arizona
One might not immediately associate Arizona with fly fishing, but the state offers an astonishing variety of fishing opportunities. From the beautiful red rocks of Sedona to the rivers and lakes of Greer and Show Low in Northern Arizona, and even the unique desert experience of the Lower Salt River in Mesa, Arizona truly has something for everyone. The state’s versatility in landscapes and fish species ensures that fly fishing enthusiasts can enjoy diverse and rewarding fishing experiences throughout Arizona.
Additional resources: Channel Subscription, Blog, and Gear Post
To complement this comprehensive article, Danny Morris has a fly fishing channel that offers insightful videos on various fly fishing techniques and tips. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the channel for more fly fishing and fly tying inspiration. For those interested in diving deeper into the world of fly fishing, Danny’s blog provides additional resources, including a Fly Tying Page that covers everything from gear and materials to tools and techniques. Additionally, Danny has a detailed Fly Fishing Gear Post that caters to viewers looking to purchase top-quality fly fishing gear.
Top Fly Fishing Spots in Arizona
Now let’s dive into the top fly fishing spots in Arizona, as recommended by Danny Morris. He will walk us through each location, from the hidden gem of Sedona, to the wonders of Greer and Show Low in Northern Arizona, and the unique experiences offered by the Lower Salt River in Mesa.
Sedona: A Hidden Gem
Sedona, known for its breathtaking red rocks and picturesque landscapes, has a secret that only a few fly fishing enthusiasts are aware of – Oak Creek. Oak Creek is a small creek located in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, just 12 miles north of the town. This creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities, particularly for rainbow trout.
Greer and Show Low: Northern Wonders
Heading north to Greer and Show Low in Northern Arizona, we discover a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. These areas are home to a variety of fish species, including small brook trout, rainbow trout, and even Apache trout. The East Fork of the Black River, located about 25 minutes away from Greer, is a prime fishing location, renowned for its beautiful scenery and abundance of trout. Additionally, the Alpine lakes in the area, such as Big Lake and Crescent Lake, offer incredible fishing experiences for anglers.
Lower Salt River: Unique Desert Experience
Finally, we come to the Lower Salt River, a designated cold water trout stream in the heart of the Superstition Mountains. This unique location stands as the only trout stream in a desert in the entire United States. Here, anglers can enjoy fly fishing for rainbow trout from November to March, making it a must-visit spot for any fly fishing enthusiast.
Fishing in Sedona
Now that we have explored the top fly fishing spots in Arizona, let’s take a closer look at each location, starting with Sedona and its flagship fishing spot – Oak Creek.
Oak Creek: A Popular Spot
Oak Creek, nestled in the scenic Oak Creek Canyon, offers fly fishing enthusiasts a unique and unforgettable experience. The creek is constantly supplied with rainbow trout from a local fish hatchery, making it an excellent spot to catch these beautiful fish. The upper reaches of the canyon provide the perfect conditions for trout, with ample shade and cold, highly oxygenated water.
Best Seasons for Fishing in Sedona
When planning a trip to Sedona for fly fishing, it is essential to consider the best seasons for fishing. Sedona’s climate can be quite hot during the summer, leading to a decrease in fish activity. To maximize your chances of a successful fishing trip, it is best to visit in the fall, winter, or spring. During these cooler seasons, the fish are more active, resulting in more bites and a more enjoyable experience for anglers.
Fish Species Found in Sedona
While rainbow trout are the prevalent species in Oak Creek, other species can also be found in this area. Brown trout, smallmouth bass, and even channel catfish are present in select sections of the creek. These diverse fish populations provide opportunities for anglers to try out different fishing techniques and target a variety of species.
Techniques for Successful Fishing in Sedona
To increase your chances of success while fly fishing in Sedona, it is crucial to employ the right techniques. The narrow and slow-flowing nature of Oak Creek calls for finesse fishing. Short and accurate casts of around 10 to 15 feet are essential to avoid snagging the surrounding vegetation and spooking the fish. Practicing finesse fishing and being patient are key elements in successfully navigating the creek and catching trout.
Fishing Gear Recommendations for Sedona
When it comes to fly fishing gear, choosing the right equipment can greatly enhance your fishing experience. Danny Morris shares his recommendations for fishing in Sedona, including the appropriate rod, nymph patterns, and dry flies.
Choosing the Right Rod
For fly fishing in Sedona, it is recommended to use a 3 or 4 weight rod. These lightweight rods provide the flexibility and sensitivity required for finesse fishing in Oak Creek’s narrow stream. Opting for a rod that is 7 to 8 feet long allows for easier casting in the restricted spaces along the creek.
Recommended Nymph Patterns
Nymph fishing can be highly effective in Sedona, especially when targeting the resident rainbow trout. Fly patterns such as pheasant tails, prince nymphs, and hairs nymphs in sizes ranging from 10 to 16 are the go-to choices for enticing bites from these fish. Experimenting with different patterns and sizes will allow you to determine which patterns the trout in Oak Creek prefer.
Effective Dry Flies
When the conditions are favorable, dry fly fishing in Sedona can be incredibly rewarding. Parachute Adams, a versatile and effective dry fly pattern, is highly recommended for targeting trout in Oak Creek. Other successful choices include grasshopper imitations and terrestrial patterns like ants or beetles. Matching the hatch and observing the natural insect activity near the water’s surface will help improve your chances of success.
Fishing in Northern Arizona: Greer and Show Low
Moving on to the wonders of Northern Arizona, let’s explore the fishing opportunities in the Greer and Show Low areas. These regions are known for their small brook trout, rainbow trout, and Apache trout populations.
Trout Populations in Northern Arizona
Greer and Show Low boast healthy populations of small brook trout, rainbow trout, and even Apache trout. Each species presents its own set of challenges and rewards, making these areas a paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts looking to target various trout species.
Prime Locations: East Fork of the Black River and Alpine Lakes
For anglers looking to explore the natural beauty of Northern Arizona while indulging in their passion for fly fishing, the East Fork of the Black River is a must-visit location. The stunning Black River Canyon offers breathtaking scenery and abundant trout populations, including rainbow trout and brown trout.
In addition to the Black River, the alpine lakes in the Greer and Show Low areas provide excellent fishing opportunities. Big Lake and Crescent Lake are two prominent lakes known for their plentiful brown trout and rainbow trout populations. These lakes offer a relaxing and serene fishing experience surrounded by picturesque mountain landscapes.
Fishing Techniques in Greer and Show Low
Fly fishing in Greer and Show Low requires a combination of finesse and adaptability. Being able to adjust your fishing techniques to match the conditions is crucial for success. Nymph fishing, using patterns such as pheasant tails, prince nymphs, and Pat’s rubber legs, is effective in enticing strikes from trout in these areas. Additionally, fishing with streamer patterns, such as leeches and woolly buggers, can be highly productive, especially when targeting larger trout lurking in deeper sections.
Fishing Gear Recommendations for Greer and Show Low
To make the most of your fishing experience in Greer and Show Low, it is essential to have the right gear. Danny Morris shares his recommendations for choosing the appropriate rod and gear for fishing in these regions.
Choosing the Right Rod for Different Locations
For fly fishing in Greer and Show Low, a 4 or 5 weight rod is the ideal choice. These rods provide the necessary power to cast larger flies, such as streamers, while still maintaining the delicate presentation required for nymph fishing. Opting for a rod length between 8 feet 6 inches and 9 feet ensures good casting control and accuracy.
Recommended Gear for Black River
When fishing the East Fork of the Black River, it is crucial to have the right gear for the specific conditions. It is recommended to use a 4 or 5 weight rod to handle the varied fishing situations encountered in this location. Pairing the rod with leaders and tippets appropriate for the fly patterns being used will increase your chances of success.
Recommended Gear for Fishing Alpine Lakes
Fishing in alpine lakes like Big Lake and Crescent Lake requires different gear considerations. Opting for a slightly more powerful 6 weight rod is recommended due to potential windy conditions and the need to cast larger flies across the expanses of open water. Additionally, having versatile leaders and tippets will allow you to adjust your presentations to target specific areas of the lakes.
Fishing at Lower Salt River
As we continue our exploration of fly fishing in Arizona, we arrive at the Lower Salt River, a truly unique fishing destination. This river, located in Mesa, offers anglers the opportunity to experience a trout stream in the midst of a desert, making it a one-of-a-kind location for fly fishing.
Unique Trout Stream in a Desert
The Lower Salt River distinguishes itself as the only designated cold water trout stream in a desert in the entire United States. This means that anglers can enjoy the unparalleled experience of fly fishing for trout against the backdrop of the arid Superstition Mountains.
Rainbow Trout Population in Lower Salt River
Rainbow trout are the primary species found in the Lower Salt River. These fish provide a thrilling fishing experience, making this location a must-visit for any fly fishing enthusiast. The best time to target rainbow trout in the river is from November to March when the cooler temperatures create an optimal environment for these fish.
Best Seasons for Fishing in Lower Salt River
When planning your fly fishing trip to the Lower Salt River, it is important to consider the best seasons for fishing. As previously mentioned, the cooler months from November to March offer the most favorable conditions, with the water temperatures being ideal for trout activity. It is advisable to avoid the summer months when temperatures can rise, affecting both fish activity and angler comfort.
Fishing Gear Recommendations for Lower Salt River
To ensure a successful and enjoyable fly fishing trip to the Lower Salt River, it is essential to have the right gear. Danny Morris shares his recommendations for choosing the appropriate rod and flies for fishing in this unique desert environment.
Choosing the Right Rod for Lower Salt River
When fly fishing in the Lower Salt River, a 5 or 6 weight rod is recommended to handle the diverse fishing conditions. These rods provide the necessary strength for casting larger flies such as streamers, while still maintaining sensitivity for delicate presentations when fishing with dry flies or nymphs.
Streamer or Dry Flies: Which One to Use?
Determining whether to use streamers or dry flies when fishing the Lower Salt River depends on various factors, including current conditions, fish activity, and personal preference. Streamers are effective for targeting larger trout by imitating small baitfish or crayfish. On the other hand, dry flies can be highly effective during mayfly or caddisfly hatches when the fish are actively feeding on the surface.
Successful Fly Fishing Techniques in Arizona
Having covered the top fly fishing spots in Arizona and the appropriate gear for each location, let’s delve into the successful fly fishing techniques employed by Danny Morris. His expertise and insights will help you become a more effective and proficient fly angler.
Fly Fishing Techniques Used by Danny
Danny Morris, an experienced guide, employs a variety of fly fishing techniques depending on the conditions and fish behavior. One technique he favors is nymph fishing, which involves using weighted fly patterns to imitate underwater insects. This technique allows for precise presentations and can be highly effective, particularly when targeting trout in various water depths.
Another technique Danny utilizes is dry fly fishing, which involves casting fly patterns that imitate insects floating on the water’s surface. This method is often employed during hatches, when fish are actively feeding on insects. By carefully observing fish behavior and matching the hatch, anglers can present a convincing imitation fly and entice strikes from trout.
How to Choose Effective Flies for Fishing
Choosing the right flies can greatly influence your success as a fly angler. Danny recommends considering the local fish species, current hatches, and entomology of the area you are fishing in. Researching the specific fly patterns that match the local insect activity and imitating their color, size, and behavior will significantly increase your chances of attracting fish.
Furthermore, experimentation plays a crucial role in fly selection. Trying different fly patterns and observing fish reactions can provide valuable insights into what the fish are actively feeding on. Keeping a diverse selection of fly patterns in your arsenal will allow you to adapt to changing conditions and maximize your chances of success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Fly Fishing
Fly fishing, like any sport, has its fair share of common mistakes that anglers should be aware of. One common mistake is presenting flies poorly, such as splashing them onto the water or dragging them across the surface unnaturally. This can alert fish to your presence and discourage them from biting.
Another mistake to avoid is using the wrong leader and tippet size. Choosing leaders and tippets that are too thick can make your presentation less natural and reduce fish interest. Conversely, using leaders and tippets that are too thin may result in lost fish due to break-offs.
Lastly, neglecting to observe and understand fish behavior and feeding patterns can hinder your success as an angler. Taking the time to observe the water, look for rising fish, and understand the local insect activity will give you a significant advantage when selecting the appropriate flies and presenting them correctly.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unique Fly Fishing Experience in Arizona
In conclusion, fly fishing in Arizona offers anglers a diverse and captivating experience. Whether you explore the hidden gem of Sedona, the wonders of Greer and Show Low, or the unique Lower Salt River, Arizona promises unforgettable fishing adventures. Danny Morris, our knowledgeable presenter, has shared his secrets and tips for fly fishing in Arizona, showcasing the top fishing spots and providing gear recommendations.
It is important to remember the importance of finesse fishing, adapting to changing conditions, and experimenting with fly patterns. Arizona’s versatility and variety of fish species make it an outstanding destination for fly fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
So, next time you plan a fly fishing trip, consider Arizona and embrace the unique fly fishing experience it has to offer. Remember the secrets and tips shared in this article, and without a doubt, success and excitement await you. Tight lines!