Since the inception of the fly fishing virus in my life, I have always wanted to go farther and fish harder. My research and attentive listening continually came back to one particular creek that is said to be the place to go in Arizona for big browns. The creek is a little deeper in the Arizona backcountry and in order to hit some of the better water, should be done as an overnighter.
With school out, I had the time to invest in just such a trip and I called a couple of buddies to see who would be up to the challenge. My buddy Jake was free and so we planned a non-weekend trip in order to skip the crowds and have the water to ourselves. The goal was to get into this creek while the water was still up (water is already getting skinny here in AZ) and to fish it before Memorial Day weekend, a holiday in Arizona where ever stretch of water is occupied with bobbers and beer cans.
With anticipation running high, Jake and I bounced the truck in to the trailhead and once the packs were loaded on our backs, we started our decent. Our first indication of the tribulations to come was the tent and spinning gear at the bottom of the canyon. The couple we spoke to were nice enough, but stated they had been camping since the week before and the fishing they had experienced was marginal at best. So much for a pristine, angler free creek. We hiked up the creek a mile or so and set up camp. With hammocks hung and fly gear ready, we worked some of pocket water close to camp.
The creek is dominated by brown trout who work their way up from the lake in the fall to spawn in the moving water. Many of the fish stay and live long lives in the deep pools of the creek. The fish grow to enormous sizes as do the stories about this fishery. We pulled several meaty brown trout in the 10 to 12 inch range in some of the faster water before moving on to some of the bigger pools… and then the wind came.
We fished diligently and threw everything in our fly boxes, but the wind was unbearable. With a steady wind (not breeze) and strong gusts, the fishing was not happening and at times there were actually whitecaps on the water. We continued to fish were we were able and made a good attempt to fish some of the deeper pools with only a bump here or there. Jake and I were both baffled because we were fishing what looked to be really quality water but with nothing really to show for it. After fishing almost two miles up, we found the reason for our problem. The first angler was coming back downstream and after chatting with him for a bit we hoped our luck would change once we went further than he did. Then we met the second angler.
At that point with the sun starting to dip behind the canyon walls we decided to turn back around and head to camp. Once there, the wind died down and gave us a chance to fish some of the same pocket water we had fished earlier in the day and the water seemed to come alive.
Feisty brown trout started coming to the surface and fed ravenously on the mini-hopper. Most of the trout were again in the 10 to 12 inch range, and on such a slim section of the creek really fought and dove for cover like old, wise fish.
Fish were coming out in just about every likely spot and crevice.
Even though the mayflies were showing up pretty steady, I stuck with the mini-hopper as it seemed to be getting it done.
I did pull this really nice fish after a slow and almost lethargic rise. Once I lifted the rod, the pool exploded as the big brown realized he did not like sharp objects in his lips. He made a strong run for an underwater rock but with a little persuasion I convinced him to turn and ultimately brought him to the net. I love big fish and just the excitement of cradling life in your hands if only for a moment and appreciating all the colors that are painted on the side of the fish.
We finished up with the pocket water and as the canyon started to get dark, we cooked up some easy mac which always tastes a little better with the cold mountain air and the smell of pine. After a hard day of hiking and fishing, it was not too hard to fall right asleep with high hopes for the next day.
Excellent pictures and great report so far Ben. Can’t wait for the rest. I really enjoy reading your reports. I had no idea you were a bother Ewok, we will have to chat hammocks some time. Cheers, Paul
Thanks Paul. Glad you like the reports. I am just getting into the whole hammock thing. Trying to lighten my load while hiking and am realizing the benefits for my back while sleeping in a hammock. I am really digging the hammock. After a few more uses, I’ll be offering up a report. Thanks again.
Ben
Ben, your in luck then if you want to save weight. Hammocks is my other gig, mostly replacement suspension systems. I can cut 8 or more ounces and a good bit of bulk off that ENO for you. I’ll send you some stuff to try in the next week or so. After we clean up that hammock we’ll have to put an ultralight rod in your hands. 🙂
Nothing for sure yet but I might try to get down your way in a couple weeks……I really need to do some hiking and fishing in some warm weather.
Paul
Very cool Paul. Email sent.
Ben
Ben why must you constant tease me with this fly fishing hiking porn????
That first photo made me sigh with appreciation of it’s beauty! Man you get to fish some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! When I come over next I’m so going fishing with you
Sorry Rohan. Just stretching my legs after a long school season. I would love to take you out when you get over here. Give me a heads up as I would love to meet up. Thank you for the kind words. Take care and tight lines.
Ben
Looks like great weather. We had snow here 2 days ago, its been a brutal spring for outdoor anything. Hoping for a day above 70 degrees soon. I would be going nuts if it weren’t for great write ups like this one. Your pictures are keeping me warm 🙂
Home Skillet
Snow! Woof…We are already hitting the 100s here in the valley and I’m a little concerned because our streams are looking a little skinny and it’s still early. We need some water in a bad way. Looking forward to coming up. Hoping that weather cooperates up there. Talk to you soon.
Ben
I’m in agreement with the two folks above beautiful scenery and fish. Oh and being a hammock camper myself I always love to see other people who like to swing while they sleep! Honestly your posts make me want to visit my wife’s aunt and uncle in AZ just so I can sneak away and fish. Looking forward to part II
Thanks Bruce. Anytime you’re going to be out this way, let me know. Would love to spend a couple of days on the water. The hammock is pretty cool and I’m excited to put some more use into it. Take care and tight lines.
Ben
that stream is beautiful. and fishes well.
psst. head back in the fall.
Thanks Mike. I might. Although I’m concerned with how much water will be there. I’ll keep my ear to the ground and maybe make another trip in…
Ben
I’m still waiting for July. I didn’t even know the hammock thing was a thing. hmmm… Great fish Ben! I’m sure day 2 was equally rewarding and I’m caught anticipating again.
We even had some snow over here last week or so ago. Crazy weather with the wind and all right?
David. The hammock thing is new to me and I am totally digging it. Thanks for the kind words. Be happy that you are getting some water where you are at. Our side of the hills are looking pretty dry. Crossing my fingers for a little rain and yes, I could definitely do without the wind…
Ben