The Verde River has been stocked with trout, so you can expect to find some decent trout fishing there – see this week’s fishing report at http://www.azgfd.gov for more details. We have also stocked the Dead Horse Ranch lagoons (Cottonwood area). They are a ball to fish, especially for kids (there are even swings etc. there). Take along night crawlers and meal worms. You might even catch a big bass. One of my favorite places to fish in the Verde Valley is Beaver Creek. Take the Oak Creek/Sedona turnoff from I-17, then simply turn right (east) instead of left, then go until you cross a picturesque bridge over a stream (about five miles). Fish beneath the bridge.

If you don’t catch fish there (we haven’t stocked since the ball and won’t stock there for another week or so), back track about 200 feet past the ranger station and you will see a turnoff to a parking lot. Park there, and walk the trail about a quarter mile or so. It will lead you to one of our best fishing experiences in a nice canyon with lots of deep pools that will have trout and smallmouth bass. Once you fish there, you could end up making it an anniversary trip every year – it’s absolutely delightful: Especially for kids. It is an adventure.

If you are headed past Payson, I would try the streams, such as Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Haigler or Canyon Creek just below the Mogollon Rim. They will likely be running a little high, we haven’t stocked them since the fall, but it could get pretty exciting if you hook into some of the holdover trout. Canyon Creek also has brown trout. The waterfall along Tonto Creek (go toward our hatchery) should be spectacular right now. There are cabins to stay at in around community of Christopher Creek that are honeymoon perfect.

Further afield in the Show Low area, you can catch some beautiful, gold-colored native Apache trout (catch-and-release only) along Silver Creek (near out hatchery there out past the Show Low airport). It is artificial-lure and fly-only with barbless hooks only from Oct. 1 through March 31. The upper section is open to fishing. Stream banks are snow packed. Waders will help tremendously. Try small lures such as Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster tail, and flies such as woolly worms, woolly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, and small beadhead nymphs. Try dry flies such as Adams, parachute Adams, midge and caddis fly patterns. Silver Creek is a spring creek that does not get ice covered during the winter months. The creek is not clear, but slightly murky, due to runoff from Brown Creek.

If you want some fishing in gorgeous scenery, try the Little Colorado River through the Greer Valley. You might have to wear boots and walk though deep snow, and you might not catch many fish in the frigid waters, but I can guarantee it will be an experience you will long remember.

So get out and catch some memories for your anniversary. Wherever you go, let me know how you do. Good luck.

Rory

Thanks a million,

Eric