Winter Fishing Forecast: Mogollon Rim and White Mountains

MOGOLLON RIM

CC Cragin (Blueridge)

Rating: Unknown

The road to the lake is closed.

The lake is full and has been stocked with rainbow trout.

Knoll Lake

Rating: Unknown

Fishing at lakes in the Flagstaff and Williams area is hard to predict during the winter months.  Depending on the local winter conditions, the lakes can be covered with unsafe ice or the lake may clear of ice and fishing could be good. The roads to the lakes may also be closed (gated) or closed because of significant snowfall.  Remember ice cover on lakes in the Flagstaff and Williams area is not safe.

Bear Canyon Lake

Rating: Fair / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Bear Canyon Lake is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The U.S. Forest Service normally closes the 300 Road/Rim Road after the first significant snowfall, which occurred in November this year. If access to Bear Canyon Lake is possible, trout fishing should be fair. Trout were last stocked in September and some may persist into winter. Cool water temperatures may decrease trout activity, so fish during the warmest parts of the day. Try nymphs under an indicator, small gold lures, or PowerBait to attract hungry trout. Green sunfish were illegally introduced to this lake. Anglers are encouraged to remove any sunfish caught. Bear Canyon Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing

Black Canyon Lake

Rating: Poor / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Black Canyon Lake is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The US Forest Service normally closes the 300 Road/Rim Road and/or Forest Road 86/86B after the first significant snowfall, which occurred in November this year. Should access to Black Canyon Lake be possible, fishing will likely be poor. Catchable-sized rainbow trout were stocked during the spring and early summer. Trout fishing may be difficult throughout the winter. The lake also currently contains illegally introduced green sunfish and largemouth bass; anglers are encouraged to catch and remove these species to help control their populations. There is no limit for bass and sunfish here. Black Canyon Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Rating: Poor / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Chevelon Canyon Lake trailhead is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The US Forest Service normally closes the 300 Road/Rim Road and Forest Road 169 after the first significant snowfall, which this year happened in November. Should access to Chevelon Canyon Lake be possible, fishing will likely be poor. The fall rainbow trout stocking was not completed due to poor road conditions.

Trout will be less active during the winter, however rainbow trout and wild brown trout may be hungry during the warmest parts of the day.  Try small gold Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners and Rapalas. Fly-fishermen should try small crayfish-colored patterns, black or brown Wooly Buggers or Simi Seal Leeches, or small nymphs under an indicator. Chevelon Canyon Lake is a hike-in or ATV accessible lake only, with a two trout limit and artificial fly/lure only regulations. Chevelon Canyon Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Willow Springs Lake

Rating: Fair / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Willow Springs Lake is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The US Forest Service normally closes Forest Road 149 after the first significant snowfall, which this year happened in November. Should access to Willows Springs Lake be possible, fishing should only be fair. Willow Springs is stocked with catchable rainbow trout weekly until the end of September and tiger trout were stocked in May. Large numbers of trout remain uncaught into the winter and continue to provide good opportunity for anglers as long as weather allows. Try Kastmasters, small Rapalas or Panther Martins for either species during the warmest parts of the day when trout will be most active. Shore anglers fishing for trout can try nightcrawlers or PowerBait. Green sunfish and smallmouth bass were illegally introduced to this lake. Try a small hook with a worm under a bobber, especially during the warmer parts of the day. Willow Springs Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing

Woods Canyon Lake

Rating: Fair / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Woods Canyon Lake is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The U.S. Forest Service normally closes 300 Road/Rim Road and Forest Road 105 after the first significant snowfall, which this year occurred in November. Should access to Woods Canyon Lake be possible, fishing should only be fair. Large numbers of stocked rainbow trout and tiger trout remain uncaught into the fall and continue to provide good opportunity for anglers. If fishing for trout from shore, try PowerBait or worms. Fly anglers may have luck if open water remains using small nymphs under an indicator. Fish for illegally stocked green sunfish along the rocky shore with nightcrawlers. The store and boat rentals have closed for the season. Woods Canyon Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKES

Becker Lake

Rating: Good

Becker Lake can only be fished with artificial flies and lures with a single point barbless hook, catch-and-release for trout only. Becker is filling for the winter thanks to a newly-piped ditch, so expect lake levels to rise. Try fishing crayfish patterns or nymphs under an indicator near the inlet pipe to mimic small prey getting flushed into the lake. Try Wooly Buggers, Simi Seal Leeches, Prince Nymphs or Hare’s Ear. There is limited opportunity for shore fishing and wading especially due to low water, but there is a floating fishing pier that is handicapped accessible. Spin fishermen can try Z-rays, small Kastmasters or Panther Martins with the treble replaced with a single point barbless hook. Illegally introduced largemouth bass can also be found in this lake and anglers are encouraged to harvest bass to help the trout populations. Becker Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Big Lake

Rating: Poor / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Big Lake is more difficult due to heavy snow and road closures. The U.S. Forest Service normally closes State Route 273 and State Route 261 after the first significant snowfall. Big Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Greer Lakes (Bunch, Tunnel, River)

Rating: Good

As winter weather comes to the White Mountains, the Greer Lakes are filling again; expect lake levels to rise throughout the winter. When the lakes begin filling, fish near the inflows where the water is freshest. Try insect and crayfish mimic flies and lures and drift them through the flowing fresh water. Rainbow trout were last stocked in June at Tunnel and River, but in July in Bunch.  Trout will persist throughout the winter to be caught. Wild brown trout may be found in any of the lakes. Try using streamers like Wooly Buggers, or nymphs under an indicator. Spin fisherman will do well with PowerBait or small gold lures. Illegally introduced yellow perch can be found in River Reservoir; anglers are encouraged to remove any caught to improve trout fishing. The Greer Lakes may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Carnero Lake

Rating: Good / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Carnero Lake is more difficult due to heavy snow and unmaintained dirt roads. The U.S. Forest Service does not restrict access; however Forest Road 117 is prone to large, dangerous snow drifts. Fall fish surveys showed great numbers of rainbows. The largest rainbow trout caught was 18 inches long and weighed just under 2 pounds. Lake levels are low, though winter precipitation will help improve that. However, fishing from the shoreline or using spinners or lures is difficult at this lake because of the weeds. Try using a small boat, canoe or float tube as long as ice conditions allow. Fly fish for rainbow trout and tiger trout with Wooly Buggers, Prince Nymphs or light-colored nymphs in open areas. The water is deepest near the islands on the north end of the lake. Carnero Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Clear Creek Reservoir

Rating: Poor

As winter weather cools water temperatures, warmwater species like largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and common carp will be less active. Try fishing during the warmest parts of the day when fish will be most active. Look for areas of shallow water that will be warmest or near cover where prey fish might congregate. Use smaller, shallow-diving crankbaits moved slowly through the water or drop shot near structure. Try small hooks with a worm and bobber near rocks and structure for sunfish. For bullhead and channel catfish, use bait on bottom such as worms and chicken livers, especially at night when catfish are most active. Clear Creek Reservoir may be partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

 Concho Lake

Rating: Poor

Concho Lake is low from summer irrigation use and will likely not refill until winter storms or spring snowmelt. Current lake levels make launching a boat difficult or impossible. Concho Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Crescent Lake

Rating: Fair / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Crescent Lake is more difficult due to heavy snow and road closures. The US Forest Service normally closes State Route 273 and State Route 261 after the first significant snowfall. Fall fish surveys found few, but high quality rainbow trout. This lake has good fish, but weedy water can make sight fishing and dry fly fishing difficult – use flashy lures or streamers, or bait. Lake levels are low, but should improve as winter weather comes our way. Crescent Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Fool Hollow Lake

Rating: Fair

As winter weather cools water temperatures, warmwater species like largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish and common carp will be less active. Fish in the warmest parts of the day or near shallower water. Walleye are a cool water fish are will remain active even with cooler temperatures. Target these predatory fish using fish mimic lures, especially those that are noisy, scented or lighted. Catch catfish in fall and winter with nightcrawlers or chicken livers on the bottom. Fool Hollow Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Lee Valley Lake

Rating: Poor / Closed for winter

During a normal winter, vehicle access to Lee Valley Lake is impossible due to heavy snow and road closures. The U.S. Forest Service normally closes State Route 273 after the first significant snowfall. Lee Valley Lake can only be fished with artificial lures and flies. Lee Valley Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Luna Lake

Rating: Good

Luna Lake is already full from early winter rain and snow events. This lake holds the current state record for cutthroat trout at 6 pounds, 5 ounces. Fall and winter fishing are great at Luna. Hungry trout cruise near the surface looking for small meals on warm days. Try trolling with streamers like black Wooly Buggers, or brown Simi Seal Leeches, or flashy nymphs under an indicator like Prince Nymphs or Peacock Ladies. Luna Lake may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter; anglers should use caution and check recent weather reports when ice fishing.

Lyman Lake

Rating: Good

Electrofishing surveys this year found walleye primarily feeding on juvenile largemouth bass. As walleye populations increase, bass may be harder to find. Try fishing for largemouth bass and sunfish along rocky or weedy areas of the lake during the warmest parts of the day when water temperatures will be highest. Low water and ice may limit access to the southeastern portions and coves. Predatory fish like walleye should be concentrated near prey sources; target these predatory fish using fish mimic lures, especially those that are noisy, scented or lighted. Fish for catfish with nightcrawlers or chicken livers on bottom at night. Catch common carp with corn or dough baits. Lyman Lake may partially ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Nelson Reservoir

Rating: Fair

From Sept. 1-March 31, there is no harvest limit on trout. Fish along the northern end by the dam and in the riprap along either shore. The southern end is the most shallow and generally becomes inaccessible due to weeds. Try spinners such as Panther Martins or Z-rays, artificial flies and bait, especially nightcrawlers. This lake has been known to produce trophy-sized black crappie; fish a little deeper near structure with minnow lures. Green sunfish are plentiful and can be easily caught along the rocky shoreline with nightcrawlers. Nelson Reservoir may partially or completely ice over throughout the winter, but ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Patterson Ponds

Rating: Fair

Located in St. Johns, this Community Fishing Water is stocked with rainbow trout in October and November. Try using small Panther Martins or gold Kastmasters, or PowerBait. Bluegill are stocked in early summer and channel catfish are stocked in the later summer months. Try fishing for these carryover fish in winter as temperatures cool. Fish with chicken livers or nightcrawlers on bottom during the evening and night when catfish are most active. A regular fishing license or a community fishing license is required to fish here. The pond daily bag limits in community fishing waters (2 trout; 2 catfish; 5 sunfish) apply. Patterson Ponds may get some shore ice throughout the winter, but should not inhibit fishing.

Rainbow Lake

Rating: Poor

Because so much shoreline is privately owned, Rainbow Lake is best fished from a boat. Water levels are very low and launching a boat may be impossible. Anglers may have some luck casting near structure with spinner baits for largemouth bass and Northern pike. Help remove illegally introduced Northern pike by harvesting any caught. Even in cold conditions, Northern pike should still be active and eager to take a crankbait or fish-mimic lure. Spring 2019 surveys found large numbers of black bullheads and good channel catfish populations. Fish on the bottom with nightcrawlers or stink baits to catch catfish. Grass carp (white amur) are stocked into this lake to control weed populations; statewide daily harvest limit is one per day, minimum 30 inches. Bow fishing is not a legal method of take for grass carp.

Scott Reservoir

Rating: Poor

Scott Reservoir was stocked with catchable sized rainbow trout and channel catfish this spring to help fish populations rebound from low water in 2018. Few trout are likely holding over to be caught. Other warmwater species like bass and sunfish are likely rare, though they will be restocked once dam maintenance is complete.

Show Low Lake

Rating: Good

Rainbow trout were stocked in spring and summer, and may be holding over into winter. Try small gold lures or PowerBait to attract them. Sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass will be less active as winter temperatures approach. Use smaller lures moved slowly through the water to tempt warmwater species during the warmest parts of the day. Walleye should still be active as temperatures dip. Use fish mimic lures or rattle baits to draw attention in riprap and near woody structure, especially in the evening. Fingerling channel catfish were stocked this year to increase populations in the future. Use nightcrawlers or chicken livers on bottom to target Channel catfish, especially at night. Ice may build up along the shore and in shallow water in the southern end, but Show Low Lake will likely not ice over completely; ice conditions are generally unsafe for ice fishing.

Woodland Lake

Rating: Poor

Water levels are low this year after irrigation and will not improve until winter snow melt in spring of 2020. Rainbow trout were stocked in the spring, though few are likely remaining. Some warmwater fish such as largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish may be active. Try bait fishing for catfish with worms or chicken livers during the evening when catfish are most active. Use small, shallow-diving crankbaits slowed reeled in to lure out resting largemouth bass. Repairs need to be completed on the fishing pier for public safety and will likely be completely in spring 2020.

STREAMS

Show Low Creek Tailwater

Rating: Poor

Show Low Creek Tailwater has not been stocked since September.  There may be some fish holding over in the creek. Try nymphs such as a Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph, small black Simi Seal Leech or small lures to draw fish from bottom or under cover.

*Show Low Creek Meadows

Rating: Poor

Show Low Creek Meadows was stocked with catchable sized rainbow trout each month throughout the fall and there may be a few fish holding over. The most recent trout stocking was the first week of November and likely will not be stocked again until March. There may be ice forming on the pools making fishing difficult.  Fishing will be best when water temperatures are at their highest during the day.  There should also be holdover bluegill and large channel catfish from summer stockings.  Angling is permitted from the trailhead and bridge, upstream to the Hampton Inn on Hwy 260/White Mountain Blvd in Show Low.  Bait can be used, but daily bag limits are 2 trout, 2 catfish, 1 bass (minimum size 13”) and 5 sunfish.  For trout try nymphs, Semi Seal Leeches and Wooly Buggers.

Silver Creek

Rating: Good

Silver Creek was stocked with super catchable rainbow trout and catchable Apache trout at the beginning of the catch-and-release season, which began on Oct 1 and ends March 31.  Fishing will be good in the mornings and evenings, and at times when water temperatures are highest and it is overcast. Nymphs and midges drifted through the largest pools can be effective during the day. Small, gold single hook lures will also be effective. Silver Creek is a Game and Fish Commission-owned property; entry is only allowed from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset, about 7 am-5 p.m. During catch-and-release season in the fall and winter, both the upper and lower section may be fished. No unauthorized entry is ever allowed in the hatchery grounds.

Black River–West Fork

Rating: Poor / Roads closed for winter

Water temperatures are low and the spawning season has concluded, so wild brown trout are in their overwintering habitat. This means the biggest and slowest pools. There may be some stocked Apache trout left near the West Fork Campground.  Try nymphs and Wooly Buggers dead drifted through the pools.  Small Kastmasters may draw out a few fish during the warmest parts of the day.  West Fork Black River upstream of Hayground Creek is catch and release, artificial lure or fly only with single point barbless hook. Hayground Creek is closed to all fishing.   Shelf ice will continue to form and hinder fishing until spring temperatures warm water up.  Roads may be impassable during winter.

Black River-East Fork

Rating: Poor / Roads closed for winter

Water temperatures are low and the spawning season has concluded, so wild brown trout are in their overwintering habitat. This means the biggest and slowest pools. There may be some stocked Apache trout left between Diamond Rock and Buffalo Crossing Campgrounds. Try nymphs and Wooly Buggers dead drifted through the pools. Small Kastmasters may draw out a few fish during the warmest parts of the day. Shelf ice will continue to form and hinder fishing until spring temperatures warm water up. Roads may be impassable during winter.

Little Colorado River-Sheep’s Crossing/West Fork

Rating: Fair / Roads closed for winter

Fishing will be extremely slow here until after spring snow runoff.  There is substantial shelf ice along the creek banks.  Fish will be tucked up under the undercut banks and in the deepest pools.  If you can find open sections, small nymphs and Wooly Buggers dead-drifted through them may produce a fish. Winter fishing for brown trout can be good in the lower section of the river on warm days downstream of the Sheep’s Crossing Bridge, below the second fish barrier (approximately 2 miles downstream of bridge) to the town of Greer.  Be advised, Hwy. 273 and Hwy 261 are closed during winter.  If you don’t have a snow mobile, ATV or another means of access past the closed gates, you can access the West Fork from Government Springs Trail Head in the town of Greer and hike upstream.  Keep in mind there may often be deep snow on the ground and some roads during the winter in the White Mountains.

Little Colorado River – Greer

Rating: Poor

Water temperatures are down and the spawning season has concluded, so wild brown trout are in their overwintering habitat.  This means the biggest and slowest pools.  There may be some stocked Apache trout left in the deeper pools and undercut banks.  Try nymphs and Wooly Buggers dead drifted through the pools.  Small Kastmasters may draw out a few fish during the warmest parts of the day.  Shelf ice will continue to form and hinder fishing until spring temperatures.

* Community Fishing Program water

Veronica Corbett is an AZGFD Lakes Biologist out of Pinetop