Fly-fishing Hot Spots

Pro's Choice

First you've got to know where the fish are then it's just a matter of serving up the right fly to whet their appetites Where can you go to test your fly-fishing skills? We asked that question of a number of fly-rod experts: licensed guides, casting instructors, and fish conservationists. They surprised us with a long list of waters to choose from and a diverse quarry to go after, including not only lunker brown and rainbow trout, but also the rare native Apache trout, the unusual grayling, and the formidable northern pike. Here are their recommendations.

WHITE MOUNTAINS

Jim Lynch is past president of the Old Pueblo Chapter (Tucson) of Trout Unlimited, which has led restoration of the West Fork of the Black River. Not surprisingly, his fly-fishing recommendations for the White Mountains area include: Upper West Fork of the Black River: This small mountain headwater is strictly catch-and-release from Forest Service Road 116 upstream to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Tackle is limited to flies and lures only, and the fish are "wild and spooky," according to Lynch. Stalking and bushwhacking are required to approach them successfully, he says. Rainbow and brown trout occur throughout with some Apache trout lurking in the upper reaches.

To reach the West Fork, take FR 249E about five miles west and north of Big Lake to FR 116, which crosses the West Fork one mile west. Information: Springerville Ranger District (see contact addresses and telephone numbers on page 32).

Upper Black River: Lynch also enjoys a portion of Black River Canyon that stretches 11 miles between Wildcat Crossing and Buffalo Crossing. This water contains more of those wild brown, rainbow, and Apache trout from upstream. The area is suitable for overnight backpack trips as well as day trips. Wildcat and Buffalo crossings are both on FR 25, which can be accessed from U.S. Route 191 about five miles south of Hannagan Meadow.

Information: Alpine Ranger District.

Bill Poyneer is a licensed guide and the owner of Tightlines Flyfishing in Tucson. His recommendations for the White Mountains area include: Big Lake: This 500-acre lake, says Poyneer, is the closest you can get to a "sure thing" for catching trout. It holds brown, rainbow, and some cutthroat trout. Fishing by float tube or small boat is best, but some shore fishing also is possible. There is a store at the lake and campgrounds are nearby. To reach Big Lake, take State Route 260 three miles west of Eagar to the eastern end of State 273, then head south 23 miles to the lake.

Information: Springerville Ranger District.

Bob Anderson is the owner of Canyon Creek Anglers, a Phoenix fly-fishing shop. In the White Mountains area he recommends: Lee Valley Reservoir: Anderson likes to fish for many different species, so this lake is high on his list because it holds the sailfish-finned grayling. The lake is restricted to flies and lures; the possession limit is one grayling or one Apache trout at least 12 inches in length. To reach the lake, take State Route 260 about 35 miles east of Show Low to the western end of State 273, then head southeast about nine miles to FR 113 and continue about five more miles to the lake turnoff.

Information: Springerville Ranger District.

NAME More-on SIZE 16 HOOK MATERIALS

Head, black thread; body, peacock herl; wings, gray C.D.C. (duck feather); legs, white rubber band.

USAGE

Fished on the surface as a dry fly. Trout will take this for a caddis or a stone fly. When there isn't a lot of surface activity, this fly will lure fish to the surface.

FISH CAUGHT

Rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.

NAME Caddis Emerger SIZE 16 HOOK MATERIALS

Head, brown dubbing and black thread; body and tail, sand dubbing; wings, deer hair.

USAGE

Fished under the surface as a nymph. It imitates an emerging caddis. Rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.

FISH CAUGHT

Parachute Adams

SIZE 18 HOOK MATERIALS Body, muskrat dubbing; parachute, white calf tail; hackle and tail, red rooster cape.

USAGE Fished on the surface as a dry fly during a mayfly hatch. (It sits on the water like a parachute because the hackle is tied above the hook rather than around it.) Trout also will take this for a caddis.

FISH CAUGHT Rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.

Scud

SIZE 12 HOOK MATERIALS Head, green thread; body, sand-colored dubbing, plastic bag, and copper wire; tail, light-ginger rooster cape.

USAGE Fished under the surface as a nymph.

FISH CAUGHT Rainbow and brown trout.

Loren Bradley is a licensed guide for Troutback Guide Service in Springerville. He touts two local hot spots: Pratt Lake: This small out-of-the-way natural lake holds "well-toothed" browns that average 18 to 22 inches, says Bradley. The problem is the lake is hard to find and locals want to keep it that way. A four-wheeldrive vehicle, a good sense of direction, and a little luck are necessary to locate this intriguing spot, he says. Casting from shore is possible, but a float tube makes it easier. To approach Pratt Lake, take U.S. 191 southeast from Springerville about 13 miles to FR 275. Turn east and follow this winding road about eight miles to a dirt road immediately after a cattle guard just beyond Mud Springs. Turn onto this road and drive three miles northeast to the lake. Information: Springerville Ranger District.

Greer lakes: These three irrigation lakes, known individually as Bunch, Tunnel, and River reservoirs, can get very low in midsummer, but from April to early June, and again from late October until freeze-up in December, they often serve up 16-inch browns and rainbows. To reach the lakes, take State 260 about 11 miles west of Eagar to State 373, then go south about four miles to the well-marked turn to the lakes. Information: Springerville Ranger District.

FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION

(Apache fishing permits are required.) Guide Bill Poyneer prefers the White Mountain Apache lakes for summer trout fishing. His favorite spots include: Reservation Lake: "The fly-fishing is tremendous here," says Poyneer, who goes after rainbow, brook, and brown trout at the lake. Shore fishing is easiest by the dam, but float tubes and small boats allow more casting room. A campground overlooks the area. To reach Reservation Lake, follow the directions to Lee Valley Reservoir, but continue on FR 113 to FR 116 which will take you to Apache Y20 and the lake, at the reservation boundary. Pacheta Lake: A good trout producer in 1993, Pacheta holds fat browns and rainbows and some native Apache trout. A primitive campground is available. The lake is about 10 miles south of Reservation Lake via Apache Y20 and Y55. Tonto Lake: The lake is open to the public Friday through Sunday, and fishing is limited to 50 people per day at a fee of $5 each. Fly casters have a chance of landing rainbows and browns in the "teen" length range here. The lake is about 10 miles south of Pacheta Lake via Y70 and Y40. Craig Hegel is president of the Zane Grey Chapter (Phoenix) of Trout Unlimited. His recommendations on the Fort Apache reservation include: Hurricane Lake: Featuring the rare native Apache trout, this lake is limited to 20 people daily at a fee of $15 per day. Tackle is restricted to barbless lures and flies, and the possession limit is one Apache trout over 16 inches. The lake is about three miles west of Reservation Lake via Y20. Christmas Tree Lake: With the same type of management and restrictions as Hurricane, this lake holds not only native Apache trout, but also some healthy browns. To reach the lake, take State 260 approximately 25 miles southeast of Show Low to State 473, then south eight miles to Hawley Lake. From there continue south on Apache R26 to the signed turn to Christmas Tree Lake. Information: White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Department.

the area. To reach Reservation Lake, follow the directions to Lee Valley Reservoir, but continue on FR 113 to FR 116 which will take you to Apache Y20 and the lake, at the reservation boundary. Pacheta Lake: A good trout producer in 1993, Pacheta holds fat browns and rainbows and some native Apache trout. A primitive campground is available. The lake is about 10 miles south of Reservation Lake via Apache Y20 and Y55. Tonto Lake: The lake is open to the public Friday through Sunday, and fishing is limited to 50 people per day at a fee of $5 each. Fly casters have a chance of landing rainbows and browns in the "teen" length range here. The lake is about 10 miles south of Pacheta Lake via Y70 and Y40. Craig Hegel is president of the Zane Grey Chapter (Phoenix) of Trout Unlimited. His recommendations on the Fort Apache reservation include: Hurricane Lake: Featuring the rare native Apache trout, this lake is limited to 20 people daily at a fee of $15 per day. Tackle is restricted to barbless lures and flies, and the possession limit is one Apache trout over 16 inches. The lake is about three miles west of Reservation Lake via Y20. Christmas Tree Lake: With the same type of management and restrictions as Hurricane, this lake holds not only native Apache trout, but also some healthy browns. To reach the lake, take State 260 approximately 25 miles southeast of Show Low to State 473, then south eight miles to Hawley Lake. From there continue south on Apache R26 to the signed turn to Christmas Tree Lake. Information: White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Department.

COLORADO RIVER

Terry Gunn is president of the Lees FerryGrand Canyon Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a guide for Lees Ferry Anglers specializing in fly-fishing trips. He recommends: Colorado River at Lees Ferry: One of the premier trout fisheries in the country, this 15mile stretch of big water from Lees Ferry up to Glen Canyon Dam draws a large number of sophisticated out-of-state fly casters, and with good reason. Many trout over 20 inches are caught in the river every season, says Gunn, some reaching 27 inches and 10 pounds. Because of dangerous currents, a guide with a power boat is strongly recommended when fishing Lees Ferry, but there are a few spots accessible from shore near the Paria River confluence. Fishing is good all year because of the even water temperature, but summer is least crowded because of the hot weather. Only two fish may be possessed; they must not fall into a slot of 16-22 inches in length; and only one of the two can be greater than 22 inches. To reach Lees Ferry, take U.S. Route 89 north from Flagstaff 111 miles, turn onto U.S. 89A and follow it north and west 14 miles to Marble Canyon, then turn north onto the road to Lees Ferry. A developed campground is located at the river.

Pro's Choice

Information: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or Lees Ferry Ranger District. Both are administered by rangers with the National Park Service.

MOGOLLON RIM

Craig Hegel's chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsored a restoration effort on upper Canyon Creek. Not surprisingly, his recommendation for the Rim country is: Upper Canyon Creek: "This is the closest quality fly-fishing area to Phoenix," says Hegel.

The narrow stream has "wily" browns up to 18 inches as well as stocked rainbows. Fishing is fly only, and the possession limit is two fish over 12 inches in length. To reach Canyon Creek, take State 260 approximately 30 miles east of Payson to the Young Road. Go south three miles to FR 34 and either follow it toward the OW Ranch or take the turn onto FR 33 to the fish hatchery.

Information: Pleasant Valley Ranger District. Text continued on page 30 (OPPOSITE PAGE) Stephen Bess of Tempe fly fishes for grayling at Lee Valley Reservoir south of Greer. DON B. STEVENSON (BELOW) The Colorado River at Lees Ferry is a favorite destination of trout fishermen. This spot is below Glen Canyon Dam. LES MANEVITZ (FOLLOWING PANEL, PAGES 26 AND 27) An angler tries his luck at Tonto Creek on the Mogollon Rim east of Payson. DON B. STEVENSON

Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Brown Stone Hy Pro's Choice

On top of the Mogollon Rim, Bob Anderson recommends: Chevelon Creek: This small stream is revered locally for holding trophy-size browns. Anderson says fishing is best in early spring and late fall along the few miles of water between Telephone Ridge and the lake inlet. The possession limit is two fish over 12 inches in length. To reach the Telephone Ridge access, take State 260 approximately 30 miles east of Payson to the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff (FR 300). Follow this road west and north about eight miles before turning northeast onto FR 169. Take this road another eight miles to FR 119 which leads to Telephone Ridge and a trail to the creek. These roads can be rough and rocky, and the trail is steep.

Chevelon Lake: This is a "blue-ribbon" lake, according to Anderson. Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only, and the preferred approach is by float tube. Big browns move at ice-out in spring and again in late fall, says Anderson. To reach the lake, follow directions to Telephone Ridge, but turn off FR 119 onto FR 180, and take it to the upper end of the lake. Short, steep trails lead down.

Information: For both Chevelon Creek and Lake, contact Chevelon Ranger District.

FLAGSTAFF AREA

Roger Cotter is on the board of directors of the Northern Arizona Flycasters Club in Flagstaff. This club worked on turning J.D. Dam Reservoir into a quality fishery, consequently his recommendations include: J.D. Dam Reservoir: Though only six acres in size, this lake holds rainbow and brown trout up to 19 inches long, and it is great for float tubers, says Cotter. The fishing is by fly and lure only; two trout may be taken, and neither fish can fall within a "slot" of 12-16 inches in length. Fishing is best between mid-March and mid-June and again in late fall when the water temperature has cooled. To reach J.D. Dam Reservoir from Williams, take Fourth Street south about seven miles, then follow the signs east toward White Horse Lake. After six more miles, follow the marked turn to J.D. Dam Reservoir.

Middle Tank, Elk Tank, and Perkins Tank: These two-acre ponds are in the same drainage as J.D. Dam Reservoir and are considered local secrets. They hold browns and rainbows, receive little fish fishing pressure, and have the same restrictions as J.D. Dam Reservoir. Float tubes are ideal, says Cotter, but waders can fish the tanks, too. All three waters are best fished early and late in the season.

Information: For current conditions at J.D. Dam, Middle Tank, Elk Tank, and Perkins Tank, contact Williams Ranger District.

Marshall Lake: This shallow lake produces rainbows up to 18 inches and is best fished before mid-June to avoid the weeds. Float tubes and small boats allow for the easiest fishing. Reach Marshall Lake by turning north off Lake Mary Road between Upper and Lower Lake Mary on FR 128 and following it four miles to the lake. The last mile or two can be difficult in wet weather.

Information: Mormon Lake Ranger District.

Oak Creek: Often overlooked because of the high number of visitors it receives, Oak Creek hides big browns along with its stocked rainbows, says Cotter. How big? Not long ago Oak Creek produced a seven-pounder. The upper third of the creek from Slide Rock on upstream holds the best fishing, he says, especially in winter when the crowds have thinned. To reach the creek, take U.S. Route 89A south from Flagstaff. After some initial switchbacks, the highway parallels Oak Creek for 20 miles. Respect private property along the creek when fishing.

Information: Sedona Ranger District.

While in the vicinity of Flagstaff, Bob Anderson recommends trying: Lower Lake Mary: This 100-acre lake attracts Anderson because it holds another unusual fish for Arizona, the northern pike. Although the lake can be drawn down to nothing in dry years, in wet years it provides excellent fishing, especially in the "narrows" section where float tubers and waders make their casts. It also is a good place for beginners to try their luck, says Anderson. Other species in the lake include rainbow trout and walleye. To reach Lower Lake Mary, take Lake Mary Road southeast from Flagstaff approximately 10 miles to the inlet.Information: Mormon Lake Ranger District.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN WATERS

Bill Poyneer says too many people put away their fly rods in winter when the big trout fisheries ice up. Instead they should enjoy Arizona's warm-water lakes and keep their skills honed by catching panfish. He recommends: Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake, Pena Blanca Lake, and Arivaca Lake: Dry flies will take a variety of species in this quartet of lakes, including bluegill, crappie, bass, and rainbow trout (not all species in all lakes). The best fishing platform is a float tube or small boat, but some shore fishing is possible at each lake. All four are in southern Arizona. Parker Canyon Lake is about 30 miles south and west of Sierra Vista via State Route 90 and State 83; Patagonia Lake is about 15 miles northeast of Nogales via State 82; Pena Blanca LakeBody, dyed green and yellow deer hair; legs, deer hair wrapped with black thread; weed guard, 20-lb. test line.

Pro's Choice

Fished on top of the water as a popper to imitate a frog.

Body, green dubbing wrapped with gold wire; back, Swiss straw; wings, dyed green and black rooster cape; tail, green marabou.

Fished under the surface. It imitates a dragon fly nymph.

Rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.

is about 15 miles north and west of Nogales via Interstate 19 and State 289; and Arivaca Lake is about 30 miles west of Pena Blanca, but is best reached via 1-19 to the Arivaca Road (Exit 48), then southwest 20 miles to Arivaca, and southeast on the Ruby-Nogales Road to the lake entrance.

Information: For Parker Canyon Lake, contact Sierra Vista Ranger District. For Pena Blanca Lake, contact Nogales Ranger District. For Patagonia Lake, contact Arizona State Parks and Recreation. For news on Arivaca Lake, contact Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Bob Anderson also likes warm-water lakes for winter fly-fishing. In the Phoenix vicinity he recommends: Lake Pleasant: This enlarged easily accessible lake has great top-water activity from bass, crappie, and bluegill. Shore fishing can be effective, says but float tubes work best dock and in small coves. To reach Lake Pleasant, take Interstate 17 about 20 miles north of Phoenix to State Route 74, head west about 13 miles to the well-marked Lake Pleasant turnoff.

Information: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department.

POTENTIAL HOT SPOTS

Dave Cohen is president of Arizona Flycasters Club in Phoenix. He believes the White Mountains area may soon produce even more topquality fisheries - if the waters are properly managed. His list of top "potentials" includes: Mexican Hay Lake: When full of water, this lake south of Springerville is capable of producing rainbows and browns in the fourto fivepound range. Unfortunately the lake is drawn down periodically and the trout die. Cohen believes that a different water-management regime could keep big trout alive and growing.

White Mountain Reservoir: This large ephemeral lake, a few miles west of Greer, is periodically drawn dry for irrigation, but an effort is under way to maintain a minimum pool for trout. With such a pool, Cohen says, this lake could produce big trout.

Carnero Lake: Years ago this privately owned lake contained rainbow trout in the fiveto 10pound class, says Cohen. Then it was drained. Now the city of Springerville has purchased Carnero's water rights, and its future may again include trout. If so, Cohen believes Carnero has the potential to become a true "blue-ribbon" fishery.

Information: Springerville Ranger District.

INFORMATION CONTACTS: (All area code 602) ALPINE RANGER DISTRICT, Apache-Sitgreaves Natl. Forest, P.O. Box 469, Alpine, AZ 85920; 339-4384.

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023; 942-3000.

ARIZONA STATE PARKS AND RECREATION, 800 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007; 542-4174.

CHEVELON RANGER DISTRICT, Apache-Sitgreaves Natl. Forest, H.C. 62, P.O. Box 600, Winslow, AZ 86047; 289-2471.

GLEN CANYON NATL. RECREATION AREA, 258-4511.

LEES FERRY RANGER DISTRICT, 355-2234.

MARICOPA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, 3475 W. Durango, Phoenix, AZ 85009; 506-2930.

MORMON LAKE RANGER DISTRICT, Coconino Natl. Forest, 4825 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001; 556-7474.

NOGALES RANGER DISTRICT, Coronado Natl. Forest, 2251 N. Grand Avenue, Nogales, AZ 85621; 281-2296.

PLEASANT VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT, Tonto Natl. Forest, P.O. Box 450, Young, AZ 85554; 462-3311.

SEDONA RANGER DISTRICT, Coconino Natl. Forest, P.O. Box 300, Sedona, AZ 86336; 282-4119.

SIERRA VISTA RANGER DISTRICT, Coronado Natl. Forest, 5990 S. Hwy. 92, Hereford, AZ 85615; 378-0311.

SPRINGERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, ApacheSitgreaves Natl. Forest, P.O. Box 640, Springerville, AZ 85938; 339-4384.

WHITE MOUNTAIN APACHE GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT, P.O. Box 220, Whiteriver, AZ 85941; 338-4385.

WILLIAMS RANGER DISTRICT, Kaibab Natl. Forest, RT. 1, Box 142, Williams, AZ 86046; 635-2633.

Author's Note: Most of our experts recommend using barbless hooks and learning the "noharm" method for releasing live fish. Also, be sure to check up-to-date road maps, local conditions, and current fishing regulations before traveling to any of these waters.

Rick Heffernon also wrote about a fly-fishing school at Greer Lodge in the White Mountains area in this issue.

Eric Moser, who tied all the flies shown in this article, has been a professional fly-fishing guide for 12 years and has fished in rivers and streams throughout the West.