CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  Try lures such as (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches, (black or brown colors).  Anglers have been catching trout on spinners.  The lake is open to artificial flies and lures only.  Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is a challenging hike-in lake and is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. Brown trout spawn in November, so try fishing with Rapala’s and black and brown woolly buggers at the mouth of Chevelon Creek.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  It is a short but steep hike into the lake.  There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin),  Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Kastmasters, and small Rapala’s, and flies such as woolly worms, woolly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zugbugs, and nymphs in brown, black or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. The boat ramp is accessible. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

BLUE RIDGE — No recent reports.

GREEN VALLEY LAKEs (Payson — These Urban Program lakes were stocked with rainbow trout on October 20, kicking off an eight month stocking season.  Fishing is excellent for the 11-14 inch trout.  Best trout baits include Powerbait, worms and small spinners and lures.

KNOLL LAKE — No recent angler reports. Fishing should be good for larger holdover trout, although catch rates may be down some. This lake has not been stocked since August, but because of its remote location, it also does not receive as much angling pressure as most other Rim lakes. This lake is located in prime elk country.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for trout.  The stocking season has ended.  Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down.  There are no limits on illegally introduced bass.  Fish the stickups using rubber worms or lizards and bass lures. Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crank baits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  The stocking season has ended.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. Trolling with small Rebel crank baits or with a fly has been productive.  Trolling with cowbells with lures flies or bait is another good technique.  The store is open until Thanksgiving (unless early snows close the road), and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Angler report:
Hi Rory,

My brother Gary and I fished Woods Canyon Lake on Oct. 16. We arrived at the lake at first light and launched the boat, the air temp. was 41 degrees, and the water temp was 56. Just as in other reports that I have written, we slow trolled small Rebel crank baits ( Medium / Dark colors ). I have to emphasize, SLOW, SLOW Troll, the trout love that slow wobble of the lure. This day seemed like a difficult day for most anglers, we talked to a lot of people that were not catching much, we on the other hand did boat 39 Rainbows, mostly catch and release.

There still is some very nice quality fish, and are good fighters, you just have to find the right color of lure, and the area where they are concentrating. There are a lot of schools of trout minnows from 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch all over the lake, this is very encouraging for future wild trout in this lake !! My brother took some nice pictures of a Bald Eagle that was cruising the lake, then hanging out on a tree looking for the next meal. The migrating ducks are starting to make their way south and stopping by for a pit stop. The colors were very beautiful, the contrast of the aspens against the green pines in just gorgeous !!

So if you get a chance, make your way up on the Mogollon Rim, You can catch some trout, view the wildlife, or go for a hike around the lake and check out the amazing colors changing !!! Take your kids fishing, they will love it !!!
Go catch some fish !!!

Kevin Thompson

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim
The small streams are at their low flows for the year, but it is still possible to pick up some larger holdover trout in the deeper more remote pools.

Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
Horton Creek — Has not been stocked recently, but you might pick up some trout in the deeper pools.
Canyon Creek – No recent reports. Was stocked last month.
Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since May.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  Try lures such as (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches, (black or brown colors).  Anglers have been catching trout on spinners.  The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only.  Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak.  This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.  Brown trout spawn in November, so try fishing with Rapala’s and black and brown woolly buggers at the mouth of Chevelon Creek.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  It is a short but steep hike into the lake.  There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures

BLUE RIDGE LAKE — Fishing has been typically slow for rainbow trout, but this is the time of year to latch into a large trout. This is a very steep sided reservoir that is not shore-angler friendly. It is best fished from a boat, kayak, float tube or canoe.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE –This urban program lake in Payson is being stocked this week with rainbow trout. Fishing should be good. This lake also has bass, crappie, and bluegill. To reach the lake, just take Main Street.

KNOLL LAKE — No recent angler reports. Fishing should be good for larger holdover trout, although catch rates may be down some. This lake has not been stocked since August, but because of its remote location, it also does not receive as much angling pressure as most other Rim lakes. This lake is located in prime elk country.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for trout.  The stocking season has ended.  Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down.  There are no limits on illegally introduced bass.  Fish the stickups using rubber worms or lizards and bass lures.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  The stocking season has ended.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

Trolling with small Rebel crankbaits or with a fly has been productive.  Trolling with cowbells with lures, flies or bait is another good technique.  The store is open until Thanksgiving (unless early snows close the road), and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Angler report:
Hi Rory,

My brother Gary and I fished Woods Canyon Lake on Oct. 16. We arrived at the lake at first light and launched the boat, the air temp. was 41 degrees, and the water temp was 56. Just as in other reports that I have written, we slow trolled small Rebel crank baits ( Medium / Dark colors ). I have to emphasize, SLOW, SLOW Troll, the trout love that slow wobble of the lure. This day seemed like a difficult day for most anglers, we talked to a lot of people that were not catching much, we on the other hand did boat 39 Rainbows, mostly catch and release.

There still is some very nice quality fish, and are good fighters, you just have to find the right color of lure, and the area where they are concentrating. There are a lot of schools of trout minnows from 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch all over the lake, this is very encouraging for future wild trout in this lake !! My brother took some nice pictures of a Bald Eagle that was cruising the lake, then hanging out on a tree looking for the next meal. The migrating ducks are starting to make their way south and stopping by for a pit stop. The colors were very beautiful, the contrast of the aspens against the green pines in just gorgeous !!

So if you get a chance, make your way up on the Mogollon Rim, You can catch some trout, view the wildlife, or go for a hike around the lake and check out the amazing colors changing !!! Take your kids fishing, they will love it !!!
Go catch some fish !!!

Kevin Thompson

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim
The small streams are at their low flows for the year, but it is still possible to pick up some larger holdover trout in the deeper more remote pools.

Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
Horton Creek — Has not been stocked recently, but you might pick up some trout in the deeper pools.
Canyon Creek – No recent reports. Was stocked last month.
Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since May.

BLUE RIDGE — Has not been stocked since last spring. Anglers reported catching a few fish on lures and cowbells.

Anglers report catching a few fish on lures and cowebells. One group caught 12 trout in late September on cowbells with 10 of the 12 weighing 1½ to 4½ pounds.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try lures such as (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches, (black or brown colors). Anglers have been catching 12 to 13 inch trout in the slot on spinners.  The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak.  This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.  Brown trout spawn in November, so try fishing at the mouth of Chevelon creek during October and November.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  One angler has been catching limits on green chartreuse glitter Power Bait.  The lake was stocked two weeks ago with catchable size rainbow trout. It is a short but steep hike into the lake.  There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair for trout.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

KNOLL LAKE – No recent angler reports. Fishing should be good for larger holdover trout, although catch rates may be down some. This lake has not been stocked since August, but because of its remote location, it also does not receive as much angling pressure as most other Rim lakes. This lake is located in prime elk country.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for trout.  The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout, which was the last stocking for the season.  The stocking season has ended.  Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down.  There are no limits on illegally introduced bass.  Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The stocking season has ended but fishing will remain decent here as trout feed aggressively to put on fat before winter conditions arrive.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Trolling with small Rebel crankbaits or with a fly has been very productive lately. Trolling with cowbells with lures flies or bait is another good technique. The store is open until Thanksgiving (unless early snows close the road), and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Angler report:
Hi Rory,
We had a really good day on this trip fishing to Woods Canyon Lake on Oct. 7. I took a good friend Kevin Horton on this trip, and he had never experienced this kind of fishing. We arrived at the lake while it was still dark, and got the boat ready to launch in a lite cold rain. We launched the boat at first light, the air temperature was in the low 40’s and the water temp. was 56.  It was a cold day, the high air temp. for the day was 51 degrees. We slow trolled small rebel crank baits (medium / Dark colors ) and 6lb line. It wasn’t long before we started smacking them !! The morning ended up being very productive, with a little lull in the action in the middle of the day. But after lunch in the afternoon/ early evening we started hitting them again. We ended up boating 28 trout, and for some reason we had an unusual amount of fish that shook off the lure while bringing them to the boat. We brought home 11 nice rainbows for a big fish dinner that Kevin’s family and myself are going to enjoy Friday night !!YUMMY !!!! We saw a lot of wildlife on this trip, the ospreys were hammering the water to get trout, beautiful fluffy coyote, a King Albert squirrel swimming across the channel, that was weird, never saw a squirrel swim before. The Bald eagles are building their nest back up, and one even came down and grabbed a trout about 15 feet from the boat,, that was the coolest thing ever,  we never have seen a Bald eagle that close, and then flying away from us with a trout, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL !! We also saw what appeared to be a Big Golden Eagle !!

Take someone fishing that has never experienced this kind of adventure !! I promise you, there is no better feeling than teaching someone who has never done this type of fishing, and seeing their eyes light up when they hook a fish, those are memories that will never be forgotten, plus the scenery and wildlife is gorgeous !!!!!!

Thanks again Arizona Game And Fish for these awesome lakes and Fish!!!  And thanks Rory for the fishing report that you work hard on !!!
GO CATCH SOME FISH !!!

Kevin Thompson

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim
Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are getting the attention of trout.  The large trout seem to be interested in streamers and minnow imitations. Early October the trout will begin to bed so it would be nice to let them do their thing without too much interference.  It’s always nice to have the wild stock in there.

Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Has been stocked recently.
Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since May.

BLUE RIDGE — Has not been stocked since last spring. Anglers reported catching a few fish on lures and cowbells. I had a report from an angler last week who’s party caught 12 trout last week on cowbells with 10 of the 12 weighing 1½ to 4½ pounds. There are a large number of logs floating in the lake so be careful while boating.
CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is good. Try lures such as (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches, (black or brown colors). Anglers are catching 12- to 13- inch trout in the slot on spinners.

The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak.  This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.  Brown trout spawn in November, so try fishing at the mouth of Chevelon creek during October and November.  The lake level is about 5 feet below the spillway limits.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. One angler has been catching limits on green chartreuse glitter Power Bait.  The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. It is a short but steep hike into the lake.  There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is poor to fair for trout.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

KNOLL LAKE – Fishing should be good for larger holdover trout, although catch rates may be down some. This lake has not been stocked since August, but because of its remote location, it also does not receive as much angling pressure as most other Rim lakes. This lake is located in prime elk country.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is  fair for trout.  The lake was stocked last week  with catchable size rainbow trout, which was the last stocking for the season. Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down. There are no limits on illegally introduced bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. This lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout until the end of September. Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down.  Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Trolling with small Rebel crankbaits or with a fly has been very productive lately. Trolling with cowbells with lures flies or bait is another good technique. The store is open and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Angler report:

Rory

My Brother Gary and I fished Woods Canyon Lake on Sept 25. It was another excellent day on Woods !!!! We launched the boat at first light, the air temp. was 39 degrees, and the water temp. was 64. We slow, slow, trolled small Rebel crankbaits (medium / dark  colors) and 6lb line. This technique has been very successful for us for many years. We ended up boating a total of 68 trout; 56 were released to be caught again, and 12 went home for a big family trout meal!!  YUMMY!! The fish are still very nice quality, between 11 and 14 inch, and they are chunky, and good fighters!! We did have the opportunity to share the technique with several people on the lake that were not catching much fish. So again, as I have said in many other reports, Go up on the Mogollon Rim and enjoy some excellent trout fishing on these beautiful lakes in the beautiful pines. You will most likely see a bald eagle to add that much more enjoyment to your day.
GO CATCH SOME FISH !!!

Thanks again Arizona Game and Fish !!!!
Kevin Thompson

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim
Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are getting the attention of trout.  The large trout seem to be interested in streamers and minnow imitations. Early October the trout will begin to bed so it would be nice to let them do their thing without too much interference.  It’s always nice to have the wild stock in there.

• Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
• Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Has been stocked recently.
• Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
• Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
• East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
• Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since May.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. One angler has been catching limits on green chartreuse glitter Power Bait.  The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout.  It is a short but steep hike into the lake.  There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  The water temperature last week was 65 degrees.

BLACK CANYON LAKE —   Fishing is poor to fair for trout.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access. The water temperature last week was 66 degrees.
KNOLL LAKE — Fishing has been good for rainbow trout. Keep in mind you must drive 20-plus miles on dirt roads (mostly the Rim Road) to get here, but this lake is in the heart of elk country.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair for trout.  The lake is stocked weekly with catchable size rainbow trout until the end of September, but the fishing has been slow.  Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down. There are no limits on illegally introduced bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access. The water temperature last week was 66 degrees.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. This lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout until the end of September. Fishing generally improves during the fall as water temperatures cool down.  Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

Hi Rory,
Another awesome day fishing solo on Woods Canyon Lake on Sept 16!! I launched the boat at first light with the misty fog hovering over the lake, the air Temp. was 43 degrees and the water temp. in the morning was 62 degrees. With lures in the water only minutes, right away fish on, and it was non stop action all day !!!!!! I ended up boating my record number of trout in one day 89 !!!!!!! 83 were release to be caught again, and 6 went home for the frying pan. You know it’s a good day when you are releasing 13-14 inch trout all day, and they are beefy and good fighters. As I have share in previous reports, I was slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (medium/dark colors) 6-pound test line. Just remember slow, slow troll. I met a lot of people on the lake that had read previous reports, so I’m glad this information is helping people out. You don’t know how many times people in other boats go past and I ask how they are doing, and they reply not very good, and they ask me and I tell them that I’ve had a really good day, I then share with them the lures I’m using and the technique. It is very cool to be able to share with others, and then see them catching fish!!!! Don’t hide your secrets, there are a lot of fish in these lakes!!! So go up on the Mogollon Rim, and enjoy some awesome trout fishing on these beautiful lakes in the cool pines. you might even see the eagles flying, and then coming down to grab a trout !!!
Thanks again Rory, and the Arizona Game & Fish for all your hard work !!!!!!The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  Trolling with small Rebel crankbaits or with a fly has been very productive lately.  Trolling with cowbells with lures flies or bait is another good technique. The store is open and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access. The water temperature last week was 67 degrees.

Kevin Thompson

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim
Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are getting the attention of trout.  The large trout seem to be interested in streamers and minnow imitations. Early October the trout will begin to bed so it would be nice to let them do their thing without too much interference.  It’s always nice to have the wild stock in there.
* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since May.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked recently.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair.  Try lures such as (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches, (black or brown colors). The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

Brown trout spawn in the fall, so the action for these tough-to-catch salmonids should be getting better soon as they begin staging.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was last stocked in early September.  It is a short but steep hike in. There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE —   Fishing is poor for trout.  Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

KNOLL LAKE — Fishing has been good for rainbow trout. Keep in mind you must drive 20-plus miles on dirt roads (mostly the Rim Road) to get here, but this lake is in the heart of elk country.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout. The lake is stocked weekly with catchable size rainbow trout. The best trout bite usually occurs during cool weather and cloudy skies. There are no limits on illegally introduced bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.  Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Rapalas and crankbaits, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. This lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. The best trout fishing occurs during cool weather and cloudy skies. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  Trolling with small Rebel crank baits or with a fly has been very productive lately.  Trolling with cowbells with lures flies or bait is  another good technique. The store is open and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed.  The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. It is a short but steep hike in. There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair for bass and sun fish.  Fishing is poor for trout.

Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout and bass. The lake is stocked weekly with catchable size rainbow trout. Stocked with 1,500 rainbow trout the week of Sept. 7-11.

The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start piling up.  There are no limits on bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. This lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling cowbells with lures flies or bait is also productive. The store is open and has boats for rent.  This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Angler report:

Hi Rory,
Another awesome day on Woods Canyon Lake !! I fished Woods on Sept. 2, and all I can say is this lake is on FIRE!!!  I arrived at first light and launched the boat, and again, 2 weeks in a row it was on!! It was 56 degrees in the morning and 65 degree water temp. I was using the same technique, slow trolling with small Rebel crankbaits (medium to dark colors). I also did some plugging back in a couple of small coves, and tore them up !!!  The result was 72 trout boated for the day, 66 were released to be caught again, and 6 are going on the dinner plates. This is not a joke. All these fish are very nice quality between 11 and 15″, and fat and they fight hard. I met another friend on the lake that was trolling with a fly rig, Cadis flys I believe, and he boated 47. We had afternoon rain showers and overcast, that made the fishing that much better. Most people evacuated the lake when the first rain drops fell, BIG MISTAKE!! get some rain gear and fish, this can be some of the best times to catch some nice fish !!!
I know this may sound like a broken record, Go fish the Rim Lakes!!! You can make some memories for you and your family !!!

Thanks again AZ. GFD !!!
Kevin Thompson
Creeks along the Mogollon Rim

The best rig is to use hoppers with a dry fly droppers of copper johns, and pheasant tail nymphs.  Early morning and evening is still the best time. Use spinners in the deeper pools if you have no luck with the flies, especially at night.  Fuzzy Mepps can be productive. Super Dupers attract trout as well.

* Haigler Creek – The recent fish sampling didn’t shed light on any dark deep secrets.  Basically the same as what the anglers know already.  There were a lot of small pools with mostly rainbows and some browns hanging.  The rain helped replenish some of those small pools with some fresh water and added room for more stockers this week.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports. Stocked with 180 rainbow trout the week of Sept. 7-11.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports.
* Christopher Creek – No recent reports.
* East Verde – No recent reports.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports.

The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10 to 14 inches may not be possessed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. This is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.     It is a short but steep hike in. There are some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown) and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. Due to high water temperatures and pH’s, Arizona Game and Fish Department does not stock this lake during the summer months.
Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, Rapalas, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs in black, brown or green colors.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

BLUE RIDGE — The lake has been stocked. Anglers reported catching a few fish on lures and cowbells, but fishing has generally been slow.  There are a large number of logs floating in the lake so be careful while boating.

KNOLL LAKE —According to an angler, fishing was good over the weekend. This spring-fed lake can be one of the better summer trout fisheries, but reaching it entails crossing more than 20 miles of dirt road – access is via the Rim Road (FR 300).

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout and bass. The lake is stocked weekly with catchable size rainbow trout.
The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start piling up. Willow Springs also has plenty of smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits on the bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass and trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, KastMasters, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches (black or brown), and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. This lake is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling cowbells with lures, flies or bait is also productive. If you can get some live cicadas or grasshoppers to use, try fishing them during the early morning hours and the late evening hours. The store is open and has boats for rent. This lake is open to electric trolling motors only. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

Creeks along the Mogollon Rim

The best rig is to use hoppers with a dry fly droppers of copper johns, and pheasant tail nymphs.  Early morning and evening is still the best time. Use spinners in the deeper pools if you have no luck with the flies, especially at night.  Fuzzy Mepps can be productive.  Super dupers attract trout as well.

* Haigler Creek – The recent fish sampling didn’t shed light on any dark deep secrets.  Basically the same as what the anglers know already.  There were a lot of small pools with mostly rainbows and some browns hanging.  The rain helped replenish some of those small pools with some fresh water and added room for more stockers this week.

* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Get there early.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports.

* Christopher Creek –No recent reports. Get there early.
* East Verde – No recent reports.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. This  is a hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair . The lake will be stocked in late August with catchable size rainbow trout. It is a short but steep hike into this lake. There is some large holdover trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is  fair.  The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, salmon eggs, corn and Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

BLUE RIDGE – There is an alga bloom here and the fishing is very slow.

KNOLL LAKE – This spring fed trout lake has been providing decent angling opportunities all summer, especially at first and last light or when storms are building.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — This lake was stocked with 2,000 fish from the Canyon Creek Hatchery this week. Fishing is fair to good for trout, fair for bass. This deeper, larger lake is less susceptible to the summer doldrums, but you may find fish holding deep except at first and last light, or when thunder bumpers build up and the barometer drops (or rain).
Trout fishing has generally been good for boat anglers who fish early morning, and fair for shore anglers. Fishing can slow considerably during the heat of the day, unless monsoon thunderstorms visit the area. Bass fishing should be best in the afternoons.
The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Willow Springs also has plenty smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits of the bass. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.
Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, corn and salmon eggs, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
Angler report:
Hi Rory,

I fished solo on this trip to Willow Springs Lake on Aug. 12. I arrived at first light and launched the boat. It was a beautiful cool morning !!!! The water Temp. was 70 degrees on top, a couple of degrees cooler than 2 weeks ago. I had an excellent day slow trolling small Rebel crank baits ( dark colors ) and weighted down with 1 split shot a couple of feet up from the lure, and boated 39 trout ( mostly catch and release ) and 6 smallies. The trout were between 10″ and 13″, and the smallies were between 12″ and 15″, very good fighting fish, I fish with a 2-pole stamp with a different color lure on each, and I had several doubles on trout. I had a BLAST !!!!! The biggest tip I could give to people wanting to catch more trout on the rim lakes is slow, slow troll,  and get the lures a little deeper this time of year because the water is too warm on top. Take your rain gear, I got hammered by a huge afternoon thunderstorm, very wet and very loud !!!!
Get up to the rim lakes, you will have a blast also !!!!!

Kevin Thompson
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly with rainbow trout.   Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Also, before leaving home try catching some cicadas or grasshoppers for bait.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.
Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the southwestern (Not east as was first reported) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, and corn, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
Trolling Super dupers or Cowbells has proven very effective lately, as has trolling wooly buggers. If you can get some live cicadas to use, you might load up on trout.

It hasn’t changed much yet.  Terrestrials are still working for fly anglers and the water is still low.  There are occasional rain events that cool the water.  Air temperatures are slowly getting lower and by mid September the nymphs will be working for you.  Right now you have more of a chance real early in the morning and late evening.

• Haigler Creek – No recent reports. Will sample soon.
• Canyon Creek – Good reports.  Get there early.
• Christopher Creek – Good fishing. Get there early.
• Tonto Creek — Good fishing at Bear Flat
• East Verde – No recent reports.
• Workman Creek – No recent reports.

Note: Contact the US Forest Service in Springerville for up to date information on forest conditions.

BECKER LAKE— Fishing is fair to good. The lake is nearly full.  The boat ramp is accessible. Becker is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2-trout bag limit. Try lures such as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), rainbow colored Z-rays, and small spoons such as KastMasters. Try flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers in brown, black or gray, semi-seal leeches, prince nymphs, zug bugs, pheasant tails, hares ears, small scuds, and zebra midges. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a fishing pier located on the northwest shoreline of the lake. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
BIG LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  Boat ramps are accessible. Try worms, Power bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-rays, Crickhoppers (yellow and orange), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green.  Boat anglers are catching trout using lures, flies, and Cowbells with an attached worm. Shore anglers should try fishing off deep rocky shorelines. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open and has boats for rent.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access. The south cove boat dock has been installed.

CARNERO LAKE—  Fishing is  good.  Carnero is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2-trout bag and possession limit. Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, scud patterns, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear nymphs, and peacock ladies. Also try small nymphs in black, brown, green or gray colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. The lake is very weedy around the shoreline areas.  This lake is best fished with a small boat or float tube.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good for warm water fish species. The northwest boat ramps are accessible. Try fishing with a bobber, split shot and worms near rocky shoreline areas for sunfish and bass. Also try fishing off the bottom for bullheads and channel catfish.

Try worms, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), Z-rays, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and peacock ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is poor.  Concho is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The lake is very low and very weedy. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Boat ramps are accessible. During overcast days fishing is good. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as small Z-rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, leech patterns, peacock ladies, warden worrys, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Also try small nymphs in brown, black or green.
Fly-fishers have been catching rainbow and brook trout, about 12-15 inches, on brown nymphs. A good strategy is to fish early in the morning and late in the day. The lake has been a little weedy in some areas of the lake; however, the weed harvester has cut weeds at Crescent Lake.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open. This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

The fishing pier at the north end of the lake has been moved to the south boat ramp area. The boat dock at the west end boat ramp has been installed.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — The Fool Hollow Lake State Park is open because of a multi-agency agreement to run the park and fishing is good. The lake level is nearly full and all boat ramps are accessible.  Anglers have been catching bluegills and black crappies off the fishing piers. Some nice sized bass are being caught on lures and night crawlers.

Catfish and walleyes are being caught on night crawlers at night. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons, rubber lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

Try fishing around rocky areas, tree stumps and fishing piers. Black crappies, bluegills, and walleyes tend to congregate around the fishing piers during the summer months. Try small crappie jigs, spinners, Rapalas, and night crawlers.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.  This lake has easy boating and shore fishing access.

GREER LAKES — Fishing is fair.  All three Greer Reservoirs have been drawn down significantly for irrigation downstream. No boats can be launched at Bunch and River Reservoirs because water levels are very low and the concrete curb at the end of the two boat ramps are out of water.

Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs. Bunch Reservoir and Tunnel Reservoir are open to electric trolling motors only, and River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. These lakes have easy shore and float tube fishing access.
HULSEY LAKE — Fishing is poor. The lake is nearly full.  Weeds are present around shoreline areas. Water temperatures are generally high during the summer months, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as Peacock ladies, Prince nymphs, zug bugs, and woolly worms.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.   The lake has easy shore fishing access. There is a short hiking trail to the lake. There is no boat ramp.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing is poor to fair. Apache trout and grayling may be sluggish with the recent high pH levels associated with the recent algae bloom.  The lake looks good and the water is tea colored. Fish very early in the morning and late in the day. Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), small spoons such as Super Dupers and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear, scud patterns, and wooly worms.
Lee Valley Lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, a 2-trout bag and possession limit, and a 12-inch minimum length limit on all fish. No bait fishing is allowed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair. There is a green algae bloom on the lake. Some anglers have been catching trout on yellow Power Bait and night crawlers. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, lures such as Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps spinners, small spoons like KastMasters and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and brown Montana stones. The store is open. Luna is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

LYMAN LAKE — Lyman Lake State Park is open and Fishing is good. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms, hot dogs, and stink baits. Largemouth bass are being caught on lures and night crawlers. Sunfish are being caught on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), crankbaits, and Rapalas.

Try fishing lures along rocky areas for bass and walleye. During the summer months try fishing early in the morning and late in the day. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also cabins for rent. There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region 1 Office at 928-367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. The store is open.
NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. The lake has a green algae bloom.    The weed harvester is cutting weeds at this lake. The boat ramps at the eastern end and by the dam are accessible. The middle boat ramp and road is closed.

Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Mepps), small spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers, jigs, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Nelson Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
RAINBOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is several feet below spill. The boat ramp is accessible.  Bullheads are being caught off the fishing pier. The boat ramp is usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps) spoons (Super Dupers, Daredevils), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. Rainbow Lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

SCOTTS RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Scott Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only. The lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

The water level is low so use caution when launching a boat. The boat ramp is accessible.
SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair.  The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is accessible. The fishing piers have been straightened out and are accessible.  There is a new boat dock by the boat ramp. The boat dock at the boat ramp is only for boat anglers, no fishing or swimming is allowed.

Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures. Try trolling Rapalas early in the morning and late in the evening for walleyes. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, rubber lead head jigs, Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, prince nymphs, peacock ladies and brown Montana Stones. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The store is open.

This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.
WOODLAND LAKE — Fishing is poor. New regulations went into effect at Woodland Lake on Jan. 1, reducing the daily bag and possession limit to four trout. The lake is low and the boat ramp is usable.

Try worms. Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince Nymphs, and Zug bugs. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Woodland Lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  This lake has easy boat and shore fishing access.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  This is a short but steep hike into this lake. The lake was stocked in June with catchable sized rainbow trout. There are also larger holdover trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – An angler reports that the smoke from a fire in the general vicinity has created visibility problems at this lake. Also, he said there are hordes of hungry and aggressive green sunfish.

There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

Angler report:

I fished Blue Ridge this past Saturday 8/8/09 for four hours, and yes there is a heavy algae bloom that is severely affecting that reservoir. Every angler I talked to did not catch a thing, they should look at rehabbing it like they did Apache (When the money is there).

Used: Black Mepps, Pumpkin colored Powerbait, and worms, Caught Nada.

Thanks Rory,

Remigio Cordero

Editor’s note: Blue Ridge can be challenging to fish in summer. I suggested Remigio try one of our spring-fed summer jewels that typically don’t suffer as much from high summer temperatures — KNOLL LAKE and KINNIKINICK. Ashurst is another spring-fed bet.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Fishing is fair to good, and can be excellent in the hours before thunderstorms hit. But if there is lightning, be sure to get away from the water.

This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who enjoy spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Daniel: Fished Knoll on Sunday, July 12th in the AM. Caught 3 Rainbows – all stockers. Caught them by fishing off the bottom using green Power Bait.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout, fair for bass, and poor for crappie. Has been stocked recently. Trout fishing has generally been good for boat anglers who fish early morning, and fair for shore anglers. Fishing can slow considerably during the heat of the day, unless monsoon thunderstorms visit the area. Bass fishing should be best in the afternoons.

The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Willow Springs also has plenty smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits of the bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Angler report:

Hi Rory,
I took my nephew Derek to Willow springs lake again. I wanted to show him how the technique would change from 2 months ago. We had a Good day, but we really had to work for the fish. We boated 24 trout (mostly catch-and-release) and 1 smallie. It was a blue bird day and the water temperature was 72, so the trout were running a little deeper. We were slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (medium to dark colors) weighted down with a split shot a couple of feet up from the lure to get it down to the fish. We did have some very nice quality between 12″ and 14″, some days you just have to work at it a little harder to find the right color and the right depth. Take a teenager fishing up on the Rim, give them a break from the computer, they will love it !!!!!!!

Thank again AZ. Game and Fish !!!
Kevin Thompson

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly with rainbow trout. There are some bass in this lake. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Also, before leaving home try catching some cicadas or grasshoppers for bait.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the southwestern (Not east as was first reported) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling Super dupers or Cowbells has proven very effective lately, as has trolling wooly buggers. If you can get some live cicadas to use, you might load up on trout.

CREEKS in the Rim area
Terrestrials are the ticket right now; hoppers, ant patterns and cicadas if you hear them chirp.  You want to be there early or real late so you  are the first to get on the water and hit the undercut shoreline and deeper holes.  In our past sampling you would be amazed how many bigger fish are in what seems like little holes.

• Haigler Creek – No recent reports
• Canyon Creek – Lower Canyon Creek is slow.
• Tonto Creek –   Good fishing at Bear Flat
• Christopher Creek – Good fishing in See Canyon.
• East Verde -  I haven’t heard any reports.
• Workman Creek – I haven’t heard any reports.
  

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  This is a short but steep hike into this lake. The lake was stocked in June with catchable sized rainbow trout. There are also larger holdover trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – An angler reports that the smoke from a fire in the general vicinity has created visibility problems at this lake. Also, he said there are hordes of hungry and aggressive green sunfish.

There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Fishing is fair to good, and can be excellent in the hours before thunderstorms hit. But if there is lightning, be sure to get away from the water.

This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who enjoy spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Daniel: Fished Knoll on Sunday, July 12th in the AM. Caught 3 Rainbows – all stockers. Caught them by fishing off the bottom using green Power Bait.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout, fair for bass, and poor for crappie. Has been stocked recently. Trout fishing has generally been good for boat anglers who fish early morning, and fair for shore anglers. Fishing can slow considerably during the heat of the day, unless monsoon thunderstorms visit the area. Bass fishing should be best in the afternoons.

The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Willow Springs also has plenty smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits of the bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Angler report:

Hi Rory,
I took my nephew Derek to Willow springs lake again. I wanted to show him how the technique would change from 2 months ago. We had a Good day, but we really had to work for the fish. We boated 24 trout (mostly catch-and-release) and 1 smallie. It was a blue bird day and the water temperature was 72, so the trout were running a little deeper. We were slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (medium to dark colors) weighted down with a split shot a couple of feet up from the lure to get it down to the fish. We did have some very nice quality between 12″ and 14″, some days you just have to work at it a little harder to find the right color and the right depth. Take a teenager fishing up on the Rim, give them a break from the computer, they will love it !!!!!!!

Thank again AZ. Game and Fish !!!
Kevin Thompson

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly with rainbow trout. There are some bass in this lake. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Also, before leaving home try catching some cicadas or grasshoppers for bait.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the southwestern (Not east as was first reported) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling Super dupers or Cowbells has proven very effective lately, as has trolling wooly buggers. If you can get some live cicadas to use, you might load up on trout.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.

The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  This is a short but steep hike into this lake. The lake was stocked in June with catchable sized rainbow trout. There are also larger holdover trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – An angler reports that the smoke from a fire in the general vicinity has created visibility problems at this lake. Also, he said there are hordes of hungry and aggressive green sunfish.

There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Fishing is fair to good, and can be excellent in the hours before thunderstorms hit. But if there is lightning, be sure to get away from the water.

This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who enjoy spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Daniel: Fished Knoll on Sunday, July 12th in the AM. Caught 3 Rainbows – all stockers. Caught them by fishing off the bottom using green Power Bait.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for trout, fair for bass, and poor for crappie. Has been stocked recently. Trout fishing has generally been good for boat anglers who fish early morning, and fair for shore anglers. Fishing can slow considerably during the heat of the day, unless monsoon thunderstorms visit the area. Bass fishing should be best in the afternoons.

The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Willow Springs also has plenty smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits of the bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Angler report:

Hi Rory,
I took my nephew Derek to Willow springs lake again. I wanted to show him how the technique would change from 2 months ago. We had a Good day, but we really had to work for the fish. We boated 24 trout (mostly catch-and-release) and 1 smallie. It was a blue bird day and the water temperature was 72, so the trout were running a little deeper. We were slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (medium to dark colors) weighted down with a split shot a couple of feet up from the lure to get it down to the fish. We did have some very nice quality between 12″ and 14″, some days you just have to work at it a little harder to find the right color and the right depth. Take a teenager fishing up on the Rim, give them a break from the computer, they will love it !!!!!!!

Thank again AZ. Game and Fish !!!
Kevin Thompson

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly with rainbow trout. There are some bass in this lake. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Also, before leaving home try catching some cicadas or grasshoppers for bait.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the southwestern (Not east as was first reported) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling Super dupers or Cowbells has proven very effective lately, as has trolling wooly buggers. If you can get some live cicadas to use, you might load up on trout.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  The lake was stocked in June with catchable sized rainbow trout. There are also larger holdver trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Fishing has slowed some, but a few anglers still report catching quality fish, especially those willing to walk a ways to the less-fished areas of the lake.

This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Daniel: Fished Knoll on Sunday, July 12th in the AM. Caught 3 Rainbows – all stockers. Caught them by fishing off the bottom using green Power Bait.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Will be stocked this week with catchable-size rainbow trout. Trout fishing has generally been good for boat anglers who fish early morning, and fair for shore anglers. Fishing can slow considerably during the heat of the day, unless monsoon thunderstorms visit the area. Bass fishing should be best in the afternoons.

The best trout bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Willow Springs also has plenty smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are no limits of the bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers. There are some bass in this lake. Woods Canyon is also a great place to load up on delectable crayfish. Also, before leaving home, try catching some cicadas or grasshoppers for bait.
There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the southwestern (Not east as was first reported) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Trolling Super dupers or Cowbells has proven very effective lately, as has trolling wooly buggers. If you can get some live cicadas to use, you might load up on trout.

RIM LAKES Most roads are now open and accessible.  Contact the US Forest Service’s Black Mesa Ranger District office at (928) 535-7300 for up to date information about forest and road conditions.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  The lake was stocked two weeks ago with catchable sized rainbow trout and there are also larger holdver trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled for stocking this week. Fishing was terrific following the last stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie. The limits have been removed on bass, crappie and the other warmwater fish.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the Southwestern (Originally reported on the East) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good.  The lake was stocked two weeks ago with catchable sized rainbow trout and there are also larger holdver trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:
Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.
Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s.   Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.
KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled for stocking this week. Fishing was terrific following the last stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Hey Rory – Knoll Lake Friday and Saturday, June 12 & 13. Windy and cold, the wind was blowing into the dam and the trout were stacked there feeding. After figuring out they were at or near the surface, I used a worm and bobber and limited out in a short time. My buddy used powerbait on the bottom and eventually limited out also. Good Fishing – Bob Dickinson
Hey Rory went up to Knoll last weekend and did alright with worms (caught mostly little stockers) however, the highlight of the trip was seeing an osprey pluck a rainbow out of the lake.  I’ve seen this on TV before, but never in real life (feel pretty lucky to have seen it).  Lucky for us one of my fishing buddies has a photography fetish and captured the bird in the act. My friend’s name who took the osprey picture is Kevin Knuth and he’s from Maricopa. Thought you and the good ol’ boys and gals over at the G&FD might like to see this. Thanks for your work on the fishing report you are doing a great job and the content seems to get better and better.
Justin Wiekhorst, Mesa

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie. The limits have been removed on bass, crappie and the other warmwater fish.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
Bob Dickinson: Saturday, June 27, threw Panther Martins and topwater plugs. Caught  20 smallmouth and largemouth, nothing real big, a couple that went 1 pound. Caught 12 trout on worms and bobber. Took a break and got out of the boat and caught over 30 bluegill from shore with worms and bobbers. Good fishing – Bob Dickinson
Hi Rory,

I took my Dad to Willow Springs Lake on June 26th for his Birthday. We boated 40 rainbow trout,(mostly catch & release) and a few small smallies, slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (dark colors). It was a really nice time with my Dad. It is really cool to be able to share trout fishing in the cool pines with my Dad now that he is 73 years old; he’s the one who taught me how to fish when I was kid. Kids, take your Dad, Or Dads take your kids trout fishing on the Mogollon Rim, you will have a great time. GO CATCH SOME FISH!!

Thanks again AZ.Game & Fish !!

Kevin Thompson

Rory;
Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers!
Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8″ – 14″. Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs.
Beautiful day out! Didn’t get to see any Bald Eagles yet though.
Thanks!
-Tony Lopez
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:

Hi Rory, I tried my luck fishing on the Verde River at the first crossing off of Houston Mesa Road but couldn’t get a bite. Went up to Woods Canyon hoping for better luck and caught 3 nice 10″ to 12″ Rainbows in a few hours. Lots of fishermen at the lake braving chilly temps — Tim C

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Stocked last week, fishing has been good. The lake level is down a little. There are also larger hold-over trout. This is a hike-in lake — short but steep walk in. There is decent shoreline access, but the sides are fairly steep.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:
Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.
Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout.  All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

Angler report:

Where:Blue Ridge
When:05/24/09
Caught:nothing
Technique:Power Bait spinners flies and KastMasters
Comments:people on boats and on other side of the lake were doing good on just about everything, and is there good fishing below the dam just wandering
Name:Andrew Althaus

Steve: Hiked Kinder Crossing. Fished from Kinder Crossing up towards Blue Ridge. Kept one fat feisty wild 11 inch rainbow on ultralight spinning with 2 lb test. Full tail and fins, pink flesh, stomach full of grasshopper and baby crayfish. Large aggressive crayfish tried to steal it from stringer. Some fingerlings in the larger pools. Road to trail head rutted out worse than usual. Beautiful scenery, too few catchables for this perennial. Maybe still not drought recovered. Could use some Browns to eat out the crayfish infestation.
KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Stocked last week. Fishing was terrific following the stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

Hey Rory – Knoll Lake Friday and Saturday, June 12 & 13. Windy and cold, the wind was blowing into the dam and the trout were stacked there feeding. After figuring out they were at or near the surface, I used a worm and bobber and limited out in a short time. My buddy used powerbait on the bottom and eventually limited out also. Good Fishing – Bob Dickinson

Hey Rory went up to Knoll last weekend and did alright with worms (caught mostly little stockers) however, the highlight of the trip was seeing an osprey pluck a rainbow out of the lake.  I’ve seen this on TV before, but never in real life (feel pretty lucky to have seen it).  Lucky for us one of my fishing buddies has a photography fetish and captured the bird in the act. My friend’s name who took the osprey picture is Kevin Knuth and he’s from Maricopa. Thought you and the good ol’ boys and gals over at the G&FD might like to see this. Thanks for your work on the fishing report you are doing a great job and the content seems to get better and better.
Justin Wiekhorst, Mesa

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
Hi Rory,

I took my Nephew Derek fishing at Willow Springs Lake on May 28th. We had a really good day !!! We slow trolled small Rebel plugs/crank baits (Dark Colors) and boated 35 rainbows and 10 smallies ( mostly catch and release ). This was Derek’s first trip to Willow and he loved it !!! Take a teenager fishing on the Rim lakes, they will love it too !!!!!!!!!!

Kevin Thompson

Hi Rory,
I fished solo on this trip to Willow springs on May 13th, and what a great trip it was !!!!!!!  I boated 46 trout (mostly catch-and-release), 12 smallies, and 2 crappie. Trolling real slow with Rebel plugs/crankbaits (dark colors).  Arrived at first light, and it was non-stop action !!!!!  I met some real nice people on the lake. You have to LOVE the Rim Lakes. Thanks again to all at AZ. Game & Fish !!!!!
Kevin Thompson

Rory;
Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers!
Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8″ – 14″. Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs.
Beautiful day out! Didn’t get to see any Bald Eagles yet though.
Thanks!
-Tony Lopez
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:
Hi Rory, I tried my luck fishing on the Verde River at the first crossing off of Houston Mesa Road but couldn’t get a bite. Went up to Woods Canyon hoping for better luck and caught 3 nice 10″ to 12″ Rainbows in a few hours. Lots of fishermen at the lake braving chilly temps — Tim C
Tim C. (the week before): I went to Woods Canyon last Saturday for my first trout fishing outing ever. I only had my first cast in the water for 3 minutes when I pulled out my first of two 10-inch Rainbow Trout. The bites came slower as the day wore on but, I can’t wait to go back!

Editor’s note: Congratulations Tim. Welcome to the smiling ranks of the fishing initiates.

Where: Woods canyon
When:05/01/09
Caught: Trout
Technique: Flies used: A Dave’s hopper #8 was fishing from float tube they also were hitting peacock ladies
Comments: Was up there for the weekend caught over 50 fish Saturday and 12 Sunday the 12 I  kept were in the 12-15 inch ranges two of the fish had eggs. I cut the stomachs open and some had real grasshoppers in them and some kind of green hard shell bugs
Name:mike

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is was pretty good during the Memorial weekend, with some float tube anglers doing exceptionally well. The lake is full. The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. There are also larger hold-over trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:
Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.
Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout.  All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

Angler report:

Where:Blue Ridge
When:05/24/09
Caught:nothing
Technique:Power Bait spinners flies and KastMasters
Comments:people on boats and on other side of the lake were doing good on just about everything, and is there good fishing below the dam just wandering
Name:Andrew Althaus

Steve: Hiked Kinder Crossing. Fished from Kinder Crossing up towards Blue Ridge. Kept one fat feisty wild 11 inch rainbow on ultralight spinning with 2 lb test. Full tail and fins, pink flesh, stomach full of grasshopper and baby crayfish. Large aggressive crayfish tried to steal it from stringer. Some fingerlings in the larger pools. Road to trail head rutted out worse than usual. Beautiful scenery, too few catchables for this perennial. Maybe still not drought recovered. Could use some Browns to eat out the crayfish infestation.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled to be stocked this week. Knoll is often good for early-season holdover trout, but don’t expect great numbers. This spring fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to, but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like wide open vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Hi Rory,

I took my Nephew Derek fishing at Willow Springs Lake on May 28th. We had a really good day !!! We slow trolled small Rebel plugs/crank baits (Dark Colors) and boated 35 rainbows and 10 smallies ( mostly catch and release ). This was Derek’s first trip to Willow and he loved it !!! Take a teenager fishing on the Rim lakes, they will love it too !!!!!!!!!!

Kevin Thompson

Hi Rory,
I fished solo on this trip to Willow springs on May 13th, and what a great trip it was !!!!!!!  I boated 46 trout (mostly catch-and-release), 12 smallies, and 2 crappie. Trolling real slow with Rebel plugs/crankbaits (dark colors).  Arrived at first light, and it was non-stop action !!!!!  I met some real nice people on the lake. You have to LOVE the Rim Lakes. Thanks again to all at AZ. Game & Fish !!!!!
Kevin Thompson

Rory;
Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers!
Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8″ – 14″. Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs.
Beautiful day out! Didn’t get to see any Bald Eagles yet though.
Thanks!
-Tony Lopez
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This lake was stocked last week and is scheduled to be stocked again this coming week. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:
Tim C.: I went to Woods Canyon last Saturday for my first trout fishing outing ever. I only had my first cast in the water for 3 minutes when I pulled out my first of two 10-inch Rainbow Trout. The bites came slower as the day wore on but, I can’t wait to go back!

Editor’s note: Congratulations Tim. Welcome to the smiling ranks of the fishing initiates.

Where: Woods canyon
When:05/01/09
Caught: Trout
Technique: Flies used: A Dave’s hopper #8 was fishing from float tube they also were hitting peacock ladies
Comments: Was up there for the weekend caught over 50 fish Saturday and 12 Sunday the 12 I  kept were in the 12-15 inch ranges two of the fish had eggs. I cut the stomachs open and some had real grasshoppers in them and some kind of green hard shell bugs
Name:mike

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is was pretty good during the Memorial weekend, with some float tube anglers doing exceptionally well. The lake is full. The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. There are also larger hold-over trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:
Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.
Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout.  All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

Angler report:

Where:Blue Ridge
When:05/24/09
Caught:nothing
Technique:Power Bait spinners flies and KastMasters
Comments:people on boats and on other side of the lake were doing good on just about everything, and is there good fishing below the dam just wandering
Name:Andrew Althaus

Steve: Hiked Kinder Crossing. Fished from Kinder Crossing up towards Blue Ridge. Kept one fat feisty wild 11 inch rainbow on ultralight spinning with 2 lb test. Full tail and fins, pink flesh, stomach full of grasshopper and baby crayfish. Large aggressive crayfish tried to steal it from stringer. Some fingerlings in the larger pools. Road to trail head rutted out worse than usual. Beautiful scenery, too few catchables for this perennial. Maybe still not drought recovered. Could use some Browns to eat out the crayfish infestation.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled to be stocked this week. Knoll is often good for early-season holdover trout, but don’t expect great numbers. This spring fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to, but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like wide open vistas along steep escarpments.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Hi Rory,

I took my Nephew Derek fishing at Willow Springs Lake on May 28th. We had a really good day !!! We slow trolled small Rebel plugs/crank baits (Dark Colors) and boated 35 rainbows and 10 smallies ( mostly catch and release ). This was Derek’s first trip to Willow and he loved it !!! Take a teenager fishing on the Rim lakes, they will love it too !!!!!!!!!!

Kevin Thompson

Hi Rory,
I fished solo on this trip to Willow springs on May 13th, and what a great trip it was !!!!!!!  I boated 46 trout (mostly catch-and-release), 12 smallies, and 2 crappie. Trolling real slow with Rebel plugs/crankbaits (dark colors).  Arrived at first light, and it was non-stop action !!!!!  I met some real nice people on the lake. You have to LOVE the Rim Lakes. Thanks again to all at AZ. Game & Fish !!!!!
Kevin Thompson

Rory;
Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers!
Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8″ – 14″. Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs.
Beautiful day out! Didn’t get to see any Bald Eagles yet though.
Thanks!
-Tony Lopez

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This lake was stocked last week and is scheduled to be stocked again this coming week. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:
Tim C.: I went to Woods Canyon last Saturday for my first trout fishing outing ever. I only had my first cast in the water for 3 minutes when I pulled out my first of two 10-inch Rainbow Trout. The bites came slower as the day wore on but, I can’t wait to go back!

Editor’s note: Congratulations Tim. Welcome to the smiling ranks of the fishing initiates.

Where: Woods canyon
When:05/01/09
Caught: Trout
Technique: Flies used: A Dave’s hopper #8 was fishing from float tube they also were hitting peacock ladies
Comments: Was up there for the weekend caught over 50 fish Saturday and 12 Sunday the 12 I  kept were in the 12-15 inch ranges two of the fish had eggs. I cut the stomachs open and some had real grasshoppers in them and some kind of green hard shell bugs
Name:mike

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full.  All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is was pretty good during the Memorial weekend, with some float tube anglers doing exceptionally well. The lake is full. The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. There are also larger hold-over trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:
Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.
Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout.  All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – Road is open. Full and overflowing. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

Angler report:

Where:Blue Ridge
When:05/24/09
Caught:nothing
Technique:Power Bait spinners flies and KastMasters
Comments:people on boats and on other side of the lake were doing good on just about everything, and is there good fishing below the dam just wandering
Name:Andrew Althaus

Steve: Hiked Kinder Crossing. Fished from Kinder Crossing up towards Blue Ridge. Kept one fat feisty wild 11 inch rainbow on ultralight spinning with 2 lb test. Full tail and fins, pink flesh, stomach full of grasshopper and baby crayfish. Large aggressive crayfish tried to steal it from stringer. Some fingerlings in the larger pools. Road to trail head rutted out worse than usual. Beautiful scenery, too few catchables for this perennial. Maybe still not drought recovered. Could use some Browns to eat out the crayfish infestation.
KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full and accessible and has been stocked. Knoll is often good for early-season holdover trout, but don’t expect great numbers.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.

Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

Hi Rory,
I fished solo on this trip to Willow springs on May 13th, and what a great trip it was !!!!!!!  I boated 46 trout (mostly catch-and-release), 12 smallies, and 2 crappie. Trolling real slow with Rebel plugs/crankbaits (dark colors).  Arrived at first light, and it was non-stop action !!!!!  I met some real nice people on the lake. You have to LOVE the Rim Lakes. Thanks again to all at AZ. Game & Fish !!!!!
Kevin Thompson

Rory;
Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers!
Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8″ – 14″. Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs.
Beautiful day out! Didn’t get to see any Bald Eagles yet though.
Thanks!
-Tony Lopez

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This lake was stocked last week and is scheduled to be stocked again this coming week. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:
Tim C.: I went to Woods Canyon last Saturday for my first trout fishing outing ever. I only had my first cast in the water for 3 minutes when I pulled out my first of two 10-inch Rainbow Trout. The bites came slower as the day wore on but, I can’t wait to go back!

Editor’s note: Congratulations Tim. Welcome to the smiling ranks of the fishing initiates.

Where: Woods canyon
When:05/01/09
Caught: Trout
Technique: Flies used: A Dave’s hopper #8 was fishing from float tube they also were hitting peacock ladies
Comments: Was up there for the weekend caught over 50 fish Saturday and 12 Sunday the 12 I  kept were in the 12-15 inch ranges two of the fish had eggs. I cut the stomachs open and some had real grasshoppers in them and some kind of green hard shell bugs
Name:mike

RIM LAKES Most roads are now open and accessible.  Contact the US Forest Service’s Black Mesa Ranger District office at (928) 535-7300 for up to date information about forest and road conditions.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full.  All access roads are open. Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE —  Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full. All Forest roads are open to the lake. The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout.  There are also plenty of larger hold-over trout.

Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  .

Angler report:

Rory:

Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using
semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just
a plump stocker. The rest were stockers.

Thanks, Brian

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good.  The lake will be stocked this week.  All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – Road is open. Full and overflowing. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full and accessible but is not scheduled for stocking until the second week of May. Knoll is often good for early-season holdover trout, but don’t expect great numbers.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners  (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats.  The lake is full. The lake will be stocked this week with rainbow trout but also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here.

All Forest roads are open to the lake. Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This lake is scheduled to be stocked again this week.

There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is closed due to nesting bald eagles. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Where:Woods canyon
When:05/01/09
Caught:Trout
Technique:Flies used: A Dave’s hopper #8 was fishing from float tube they also were hitting peacock ladies
Comments:Was up there for the weekend caught over 50 fish Saturday and 12 Sunday the 12 I  kept were in the 12-15 inch ranges two of the fish had eggs. I cut the stomachs open and some had real grasshoppers in them and some kind of green hard shell bugs
Name:mike

Where: Woods canyon
When:04/18/09
Caught: Trout
Technique: Fly-fishing from float tube with peacock lady beadhead and grasshopper
Comments: caught my limit in about 4 hrs very nice hold overs from 14 to 16 inches they were winter lean but had lots of fight and they were hungry. noticed that there was quite a few lady bugs floating, but didn’t have that kind of fly with me wasn’t prepared for them saw shore fishermen catching well to good place to take the kids
Name: Michael Hamilton

RIM LAKES Most roads are now open and accessible.  Contact the US Forest Service’s Black Mesa Ranger District office at 928-535-7300 for up to date information about forest and road conditions.

Campground status from the Black Mesa Ranger District

Aspen CG – will be open by Friday 4/17/09, 60 sites, water available in portable containers, dump station closed.

Sinkhole CG-open
Crook CG -open
Canyon Point CG – Open, Loop A only, the showers are closed, dump station is open.

Fees are in effect.  Water system is open at Canyon Point. Other open fee campgrounds will have portable water containers available.  Woods Canyon Dump station is closed.

Chevelon Crossing Campground and Chevelon Lake Campground are open.  No fees.  No water or trash. Vault toilets.

Dispersed camping

The 9350 road and the 195 road are open.  Dispersed campers should use caution when pulling off of main roads as vehicles may become stuck due to wet soil conditions.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free. The lake is full and spilling.  Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.

Forest roads from the south were still closed as of April 20 (check with the Ranger District for the latest status). Forest Road 169 from the north is open to Forest Road 169B and Forest Road 169B is open. Forest Road 504 from Heber to FR 169 is also open. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — This lake is now accessible, but there are still patches of snow and stretches of mud to navigate.  The Forest Road 300 is now open from Highway 260 through to Highway 87. This deep canyon lake often takes a little longer to warm up and the trails into it from the two parking lots probably have lots of snow still. It should have plenty if holdover trout. It will probably be stocked as soon as our hatchery guys can fit it into the schedule.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked the first week of April.  Forest Roads 300 and 86 are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – Road is open. Full and overflowing. No recent reports from anglers. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – This lake is now accessible, but there are still patches of snow and mud along the shady stretches of road.  This lake is not scheduled for stocking until the second week of May. Knoll is often good for early-season holdover trout, but don’t expect great numbers. The water temperatures could be hovering around 40 degrees or so, so the trout may be a little lethargic. Try salmon eggs or worms. Power Bait might not work as well due to the colder water temperatures.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is good.  The lake was stocked the week of April 6-10 with catchable size rainbow trout. Forest Road 149 is open to the lake. Anglers are catching trout on worms. Many anglers reported catching limits from boats, and some from shore as well. Although success varied, the more experienced anglers seemed to have little trout filling up a stringer and the less experienced anglers seemed to enjoy fishing no matter how many they caught.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait (green seems to work best), lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and Peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.  Water temperatures were in the low 50s last week.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — This lake is accessible the store is open, it has been recently stocked and fishing is to good, with lots of experienced anglers catching limits and novice anglers getting some nice trout as well. Anglers are also catching some larger hold-over trout as well as the plentiful stockers. Worms and salmon eggs seemed to work better than Power Bait, but many anglers caught trout no matter what they used.

Forest Road 300 and 105 to Woods Canyon Lake are open and the lake was scheduled to be stocked again this week. The store and marina are both open. This is the only Rim lake with boat rentals.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is good. Anglers are catching trout on lures. The lake is ice-free. The lake is full and spilling.  Forest roads (Rim Road especially) from the south are still closed. Forest road 169 north is open to Forest road 169B and Forest road 169B is also open. You can access via the FS 504 road from Heber. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

This is hike-in, steep sided canyon lake with limited shoreline access that is best fished from a float tube or other floating device.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Forest Roads 300 and 89 to the lake are closed due to snow drifts.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-free. Forest Road 86 is open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as woolly worms, woolly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – Road is open. Full and overflowing. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – Still not accessible. There are still large drifts over the Forest Service 300 Road (aka Rim Road).

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — This is a trout fishing hot spot. Fishing is good for larger hold-over trout. The gate and FS Road 149 are open. The lake is ice-free. The boat launch is accessible (no word on the dock). Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake.  The lake is inaccessible.  Forest Road 300 is full of snow drifts and still closed. The store is still closed for winter.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching trout on lures. The lake is ice-free. The lake is full and spilling.  Forest roads (Rim Road especially) from the south are still closed. Forest road 169 north is open to Forest road 169B and Forest road 169B is also open. You can access via the FS 504 road from Heber. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

This is hike-in, steep sided canyon lake with limited shoreline access that is best fished from a float tube or other floating device.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — The lake is inaccessible by motor vehicle, except snowmobiles.  Forest Road 300 is still closed.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-free. Forest Road 86 is open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as woolly worms, woolly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BLUE RIDGE – Road is open. Full and overflowing. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.

KNOLL LAKE – Still not accessible. There are still large drifts over the Forest Service 300 Road (aka Rim Road).

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — The gate and FS Road 149 are open. The lake is ice-free. The boat launch is accessible (no word on the dock). Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake.  The lake is inaccessible by vehicle, except for snowmobiles.  Forest Road 300 is full of snow drifts and still closed. The store is still closed for winter.