Fly Fishing Arizona: Creek Fishing (Part 1)

The Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim

It has been a month since I was last on the small streams and it has been too long. Saturday morning dawned cool and clear as my buddy, Jason, and I turned into the pullout. We decided he would drop my off on the lower part to let me fish up while he went up farther to fish the upper section.

Small Creek Brown
Small Creek Brown

The resident browns were eager to take flies off of the surface from amidst the pocket water, and some beautifully spotted fish came to hand.

Wild Brown Trout
Wild Brown Trout

While fishing up the small creek, I was greeted by two other fisherman who were walking down the bank. After a little small talk, we figured out we frequent the same online fly forum. We exchanged some flies and talked for a bit and it truly was a pleasure to meet these fellow Arizona fly fishermen.

Rainbow
Rainbow

Out of all of the trout that came to hand were browns, but one large rainbow made an appearance. After taking a an orange mini-hopper out of the film, he flipped and jumped around the pool until finally coming to the net.

Rim Creek
Rim Creek

All of the creeks are still cold but definitely running skinny. I spooked several deer and I was surprised to see some horns amongst them. Although that is usually how it goes when the season is over.

Sierra Nets
Arizona Brown and Sierra Net

Jason and I met up back it his vehicle around noon and headed to lunch. From there, we game-planned for the evening and settled on one of the popular rim creeks that holds a strong population of browns. With our minds made up we pointed the SUV towards the new water and spooky brown trout.

(Part 2 too follow…)

9 Responses to “Fly Fishing Arizona: Creek Fishing (Part 1)”

  1. Barry aka long ago

    Ben, sounds like I missed you Saturday. I took the kids fishing and ran into the two guys you ran into. Looking forward to the next installment.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      That’s too bad Barry. How did she fish for you in the afternoon? Were all those boy scouts still there? We’ll have to meet up next time…

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Ty

    Sounds like another good trip. Wish I could have made it. Took my boys to the Salt river to catch some bass and gills, it was too hot as usual.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Yeah, I won’t be said when fall get’s here. Next time we’ll make it happen…

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Definitely, i had a great time.. It had been far too long since I was last up there…

      Ben

      Reply
  3. Tenkara-Fishing

    Looks great Ben. Planning to get back down there in the spring again. Would really like to get on some good water next time. Going to be putting some Mini Hoppers in front of Greyling and Cutts next weekend up here in ID.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Very cool Paul. Give me a heads up when you’re down this way. Would love to meet up and fish some small streams.

      Ben

      Reply

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