Silver Creek Season is here!
The long-awaited opener for Silver Creek, just outside of Show Low, AZ, kicked off at the beginning of this month — and the fishing has not disappointed. Anglers are already finding big, healthy trout in small water, with crisp mountain air and vibrant fall colors setting the perfect backdrop for the start of the catch-and-release season.
This time of year, Silver Creek rewards both patience and precision. A 9-foot 5- or 6-weight rod remains the go-to setup, giving anglers enough backbone to handle hefty fish while still maintaining finesse on the light tippets that the creek demands. As always, bring your stealth game — these trout are wise and well-fed, and light leaders can make all the difference.
Early Season Patterns
At the start of the season, fish are aggressive and willing to take a variety of attractor patterns. Anglers have found success swinging and drifting:
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Eggs & Worms
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Mops & Leeches
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Woolly Buggers & Larger Nymphs
The combination of higher oxygen levels and active fish makes now the perfect time to move big water and big bugs. Don’t be surprised if you hook into a true trophy early in the season — Silver Creek is known for producing some of Arizona’s largest trout each fall.
Mid- to Late-Season Transition
As the catch-and-release season progresses and temperatures drop, expect the fish to wise up and key in on smaller food sources. The bite often shifts toward more technical presentations. When that happens, downsizing your flies and focusing on subtle movement can turn the tide.
Think:
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Midges and Emergers in Sizes 18–22
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Sparse patterns drifted low and slow
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Tailwater-style tactics — light tippet, small flies, patient presentations
By mid-winter, Silver Creek begins to fish much like a tailwater. Clear water, cold conditions, and selective trout mean your approach should be deliberate and refined — perfect for those who appreciate a challenge and the reward of a hard-earned take.
Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water.
