Extreme Fire Danger & Apache Trout
- Bear River Tackle
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
All of Arizona's high mountain lakes are four to five feet below normal and the country is extremely dry
When we arrived the fire danger was extreme, and the US Forest Service had closed the roads to three major lakes to help prevent forest fires.
A stationary dome of high pressure was also parked over the entire area bringing bright sun and hot temperatures.
We knew all of this would negatively impact fishing but hoped to salvage the situation by targeting areas that had been most productive in the past.
However, on day one we were confronted with a bright blue sky, high winds, and whitecaps on the lake. I felt fortunate to land one rainbow trout.
The next day we decided to try again. We had an entire mile of shoreline to ourselves and tried fifteen different patterns including those that had been highly effective on the same water in the past.
The poor fishing was not due to our choice of flies. Instead, low water levels, stifling hot temperatures, and a stationary high-pressure dome had shut down the fishing. Nobody was catching trout including the bait and boat anglers.
The next day we moved to another lake in a different area with catch and release fly fishing.
At this location we worked more than two miles of shoreline and did not get a hit.
What we observed was trout on the surface swimming in circles or on their side. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has confirmed that the lake is experiencing a fish kill due to poor water quality brought on by little rainfall.
Finally, we decided to take a road trip to remote location at a higher elevation. The drive gave us the opportunity to see bighorn sheep, antelope, and mule deer.
We also came across a herd of fifty elk that decided to swim across a lake to join another group that was calling them. I have never witnessed anything like this before; it was surreal.
When we arrived at our destination the small lake had less than 50% of normal pool but two fish were rising, so we decided to give it a try.
Within a two-hour period, we landed six Apache trout and had twenty or more hits. The trout hit hard and fought strong.
When conditions are poor, catching fish is a greater challenge.
This trip was a success because we were willing to try different locations, as well as spot and appreciate interaction with the wildlife.
On this trip the “Ash Special Red” was the best fly pattern. It consistently produces fish all over the country.
You can find this fly on the website under the Shop Tab by selecting the “Ash Special” family of flies or by selecting the "Trout Spin-Cast Kit" located near the bottom of the page.
All of us at Bear River Tackle are dedicated to helping you experience excellent fly fishing.
We do this by providing knowledge and exceptional streamer flies.
Order today, follow the fly-fishing tips that are included, and I am confident you will catch fish!
Glenn Personey
Founder and CEO
Bear River Tackle
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