White Mountains Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in Arizona’s White Mountains is heating up as spring runoff settles and water clarity improves. With lakes ice-free and rivers running clear, conditions are ideal for targeting Apache, rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The East and West Forks of the Black River are particularly active, as are Silver Creek, Earl Park Lake (fly-fishing only), and Big Lake. Look for increased hatches of caddisflies, blue-winged olives, and early stoneflies.
Subsurface patterns like bead-head pheasant tails, tungsten jig hare’s ears, and balanced leeches are producing well in moving and still water alike. On top, try elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, or small stimulators during morning and evening hatch windows. For those stripping streamers, olive or black Krystal Buggers and bunny leeches are effective, especially in deeper pools and lakes.
As always, pack a 5-weight rod, approach with stealth in clear waters, and make sure your licenses and tribal permits are current. This is a prime window for fly anglers in Northern Arizona—don’t miss it.
Stop by the shop and ask us for any specific details!
