Here are some hot trout fishing tips for a trout-fishing getaway to the cool pines during the Fourth of July weekend.

Fishing from boats, float tubes, canoes or kayaks provide anglers with a great way to catch fish yet avoiding some of the possible shoreline congestion as folks flock to the refreshing mountain lakes.

There are boat rentals at Woods Canyon, Big Lake, Luna Lake, Reservation Lake and Hawley Lake.

Those looking for adventure should check out the Beaver Creek report below (Flagstaff area). Great pictures to go along with an angler adventure report.

One out-of-the-way fishing hole to consider is Knoll Lake along the Mogollon Rim. Knoll is a bit of an adventure to get there along the dusty FS 300 Rim Road, but there is plenty of shoreline access. Those willing to walk a little can find some nice quiet fishing spots at this picturesque lake in the tall pines. Keep on the lookout for osprey – there is a nesting pair there.

Bear Canyon Lake along the Rim is another option. This is a hike-in lake with steep switchbacks to navigate by foot. Bear Canyon is perfect for float tubers or those willing to stretch their legs a little. Don’t expect stores, campgrounds or other such facilities — this lake has none, it’s a pure fishing lake.

For those athletic anglers looking for lots of exercise, good fishing, and no crowds, try Chevelon Lake. This steep-sided canyon lake is NOT shore-angler friendly, so float tubes, canoes or kayaks are almost a must. The hike-in is knee-challenging on the way down and the long hike back up the steep trail will literally take your breath away – but so might the fishing and the scenery. For aging anglers who are out of shape, avoid this lake, it’s a cardiac stress special.

Long Lake on Anderson Mesa east of Flagstaff might be a little visually challenged in the pinyon-juniper country, nor does it have great camping facilities, but it does have good fishing. Most people assiduously avoid the long, bumpy dirt road into this lake; that in itself makes it attractive to me.

Another way to escape the crowds is to hike a ways to fish. For instance, Willow Springs Lake on the Mogollon Rim attracts lots of anglers, and with good reason. At 250 surface acres, it is one of the largest of the Rim Lakes (vies with Chevelon for top acreage). However, there is a neat trail all around the lake. Hey, just stick some lures on your old fishing hat, grab a sandwich and some water bottles, and try a day-long hike-and-fish adventure around this wonderful lake. You’ll feel like Daniel Boone with a fishing pole.

Or head to one of the streams and simply hike past the most popular spots. Both the East Fork and West Fork of Black River are stocked with Apache trout. Both forks offer some hiking-and-fishing opportunities for those willing to expend some boot leather to catch fish, solitude and maybe even so excitement – I once had a black bear steal my stringer of fish.

Although the Greer Valley and Little Colorado River are always popular, few hike up the LCR to explore shady pools where trout hide in the shadows. If you walk a mile or two up the Little Colorado River toward Mt. Baldy, you will enter a whole new world where majestic elk and wild turkey abound. Who knows, you might even hear a Mexican gray wolf howl or spy a reclusive blue grouse.

For those with kids, have the youngsters catch their own bait – grasshoppers and other insects abound. You might even try digging for night crawlers and grubs. Catching or collecting your own bait is part of the fun for kids, or those who want to feel young again.

The last tip is to take along a small bucket or other large container for crayfish. Even when the trout fishing slows down, you can catch lots and lots of crayfish at most of the trout waters. In a way, that is a sad commentary since crayfish are not native to Arizona, but on the other hand, they make excellent table fare, especially as a side dish to freshly caught trout.

By the way, to prepare crayfish, first bring the water to a rolling boil, take the pot off the fire, then add the crayfish. Once the crayfish turn bright red, they are done. Add some packaged crab boil if you like. It’s easy to overcook crayfish, and then they have the consistency of rubber. Off-heat cooking offers a simple yet effective way to avoid such a culinary travesty.

For tips on catching lots of fish in warmater lakes, look at the Canyon Lake report below — from a special angling correspondent.

Go catch some memories (even mud-bug ones) this weekend. Maybe I’ll see you out there.