It’s time for high mountain trout

This is the time to get out for high mountain trout in Arizona.

Arizona Game and Fish Department experts advise that these last few weeks before the Memorial Day weekend typically provide the tail-end of the best spring-time trout fishing. The chilly nights help keep the water temperatures in the more optimum range for trout activity while the milder daytime temperatures provide optimum conditions for anglers.

Although trout fishing opportunities abound in Arizona, a great area to consider visiting is the Mogollon Rim lakes, which offer lots of fishing, camping and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Trout fishing can be simple. A lot of baits and techniques can work this time of year. Try night crawlers, mealworms, corn, salmon eggs, Power Bait, small spinners, Z-rays, or Super Dupers.

Here is a quick run down of the popular Rim lakes.

Woods Canyon near the edge of the Mogollon Rim escarpment has been providing the best catch rates for stocked rainbow trout. Woods Canyon has plenty of good shoreline access, plus there is a store and boat rentals. It’s a great place for youngsters or adults to catch their first trout.
Willow Springs Lake is the largest Rim lake and not only has trout, but smallmouth and largemouth bass as well. There is excellent shoreline access. With 250 surface acres, this classic mountain lake is also popular with boat anglers.
Bear Canyon Lake (just down the Rim Road from Woods Canon) does require a short hike down a steep, switch-back trail, which often means it is a place to escape weekend crowds. Despite being a fairly deep canyon lake, there is plenty of shoreline access here and you always have a chance of catching a larger carry-over trout. Fly anglers with float tubes also favor this fishery.
Chevelon Canyon Lake is a hike-in adventure down a long, steep trail, but don’t expect lots of shoreline access. This lake is best fished from a float tube or other inflatable. However, fly anglers in floats have been reporting great success for nice-sized rainbows and a few larger browns.
Knoll Lake requires driving a score of miles or more along the dusty Rim Road (Forest Road 300) through the heart of elk and turkey country. Catch rates can be good, but aren’t always. There is plenty of shoreline access. For boaters, it’s electric trolling motor only, so you can leave your gas engine at home in the garage.
Blue Ridge Reservoir is located in a steep canyon with little in the way of quality shoreline access. There is a launch ramp. Catch rates have not been great so far this year, but there are some larger carry-over trout here.
Black Canyon Lake near Heber/Overgaard is low this year, but is still providing some okay action for stocked trout.
For more detailed information on fishing conditions, visit the Game and Fish Department’s weekly fishing report at azgfd.gov/fish. You can also obtain the latest edition of the popular “Arizona Fishin’ Holes,” which is the premier guide to the state’s public fishing waters. Just visit any department office in the state or go to the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov and download an order form.

By the way, if you are camping in the high country, be sure to keep a clean camp and Be Bear Aware.