Manuscript as featured in the May / June, 2014
issue of Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.
Cover courtesy of Southwest Fly Fishing.
Cover photo by Adam Barker.

[dropcap]Like[/dropcap] most trips to Hawley Lake, ours begins by stopping at Hon-Dah Ski and Outdoor Sport—a small angling and ski shop located just south of Arizona’s Pinetop–Lakeside community on Arizona Route 260—where we pick up our required tribal permits ($9 daily/$100 annually). Additionally, we obtain the latest fishing reports trickling in from the White Mountain Apache Reservation’s lakes and streams. The reservation offers several fisheries for anglers to explore. However, because it’s the fall season, our interest lies specifically with Hawley Lake’s large resident brown trout. Once the conversation drifts in this direction, we learn that the browns are already displaying prespawning behavior, which is extremely encouraging.

Joining me and my angling companion, Joe Staller, on this adventure is our good friend and local fly-fishing expert, John Rohmer. Coauthor (with Charles R. Meck) of Arizona Trout Streams and Their Hatches and founder of White Mountain Lakes Foundation (www.wmlf.org), Rohmer is also renowned for his original fly patterns and innovative fly-tying materials, John Rohmer Materials, www.azflyfishing.net. Recently, he’s been developing a new soft-plastic egg material similar to the eggs used by steelheaders and he’s invited us to help “field test” his working prototypes.

Outfitted with a bit more knowledge than when we arrived, we head down the road. Continuing south on Route 260, we pass Hon-Dah Casino and Resort, before turning right onto State Route 473. At this point, we start following the signage along the well-maintained road leading to Hawley Lake. A word of advice: a good map will benefit those not familiar with this area. It’s easy to get lost on the reservation.

Spanning 260 surface acres when full, Hawley is one of the largest and most popular of the White Mountain Reservation lakes. Due to its size, Hawley is typically best fished from a watercraft. Contrarily, the browns move in tight along the banks during the fall spawn making a boat less necessary. The tribe primarily manages Hawley as a put-and-take trout fishery, which attracts anglers in great numbers, fly and spin alike, to its abundant lakeside camping spots and rustic cabin rentals—especially in the warmer months.

During the cooler months, however, Hawley Lake seems more like a ghost town. This observation is further evident as we pass by the remnants of Hawley’s once-thriving lakeside resort—a reminder of a time when non-Native Americans could lease property as part of a 20-year agreement with the tribe. Subsequently, these leases were never renewed, and, as a result, these abandoned homes were left to deteriorate until the forest returns them to a natural state one day.

Alive with color and wildlife, the reservation wilderness is a beautiful sight this time of the year. Approaching the lake, we spot a band of feral horses running wildly through a grassy meadow. The surrounding scenery includes tall pine trees and scattered groves of aspens set aglow with autumn’s fiery yellow leaves. Making our way to the water’s edge, we notice the leaves are not the only thing burning here. There, beneath the lake’s shallow surface, we mark the object of our quest: brown trout—spawning brown trout—their bright orange sides radiating like hot embers as they swim in and out of view.

We’ve found fish; however, this is only half of the challenge at Hawley. Catching them is an entirely different story. Suspending Rohmer’s egg patterns below strike indicators, we witness fish after fish ignore our offerings as the males relentlessly chase the females. It’s becoming increasingly apparent this will be an exercise requiring grit and composure on our part. While the fishing is less than expeditious for the browns, we make the most of our time by landing several 10- to 12-inch rainbows in the deeper water.

Assuredly, Rohmer explains, “It’s Hawely—it’s a numbers game. When these big browns are thinking ‘spawn,’ you might have a hundred fish swim right by your fly and not give it a second look before you get one to eat it. And even then, it’s often such a soft grab, you may not feel them take it.”

Rohmer’s advice is well received—and through our patience and perseverance, we’re eventually rewarded with a couple of trophy-class “Hawley Hawgs”—their size more than making up for their lack of numbers.

All images contained in this gallery are the sole property of Gentry Smith and may not be reused for any reason (personal, noncommercial, or commercial) without express written permission from the owner.

Manuscript as featured in the March / April, 2014
issue of Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.
Cover courtesy of Southwest Fly Fishing.
Cover photo by Jon Luke.

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]oncealed within the San Juan National Forest—just a short distance beyond the beaten path—ambitious fly fishers will discover the wildly rugged Cascade Creek. Because of its limited access, Cascade appeals to those with a sense of adventure. The stream’s banks are recurrently lined with tall cliffs and thick brush, and the water is frequently congested with large boulders and downed timbers, which make reaching the best fishing spots challenging. Light-duty bushwhacking and scrambling are requirements for traveling any significant distance along this creek—especially its upper reach. The reward, for those willing to accept the task, is the opportunity to land feisty, high-mountain trout in a classic Colorado setting of pine, spruce, fir, and aspen trees.

Stream-born brook trout are the predominant species throughout Cascade Creek. Due to the short growing season, these jewel-toned beauties are opportunistic eaters and, consequently, they’re easily fooled by attractor dry flies. Colorful patterns—Stimulators, Royal Humpies, and Lime Trudes—make excellent choices for fishing the water’s surface. Adding a beadhead dropper fly will result in even more hookups. Again, these trout aren’t very selective, so feel free to offer a variety of weighted nymph patterns.

At Cascade, double-digit fish totals are not uncommon; however, the fish populating this region are generally small. A large brookie will reach only 11 or 12 inches in length. Bigger ones prefer the prime lies, typically located near the head of plunge pools. Keeping this information in mind, anglers should take the time to identify all possible holding areas before making a first cast that will place the fly strategically. It’s best to fish out an area completely before moving on. Using shorter, 3- and 4-weight rods will open up more casting possibilities, but in most places, standard 9-foot rods are still capable of delivering a fly with a gentle flip or dap.

From Durango, there are multiple ways to approach Cascade Creek by driving north on US Highway 550. Twenty-five miles from town, anglers may park near the Purgatory Flats Campground and trailhead, located on the east side of the highway across from the ski resort, and then hike down to Cascade Creek to fish its lower section. Another option is to drive farther north on US Highway 550 until you reach the hairpin curve in the road, where, in the middle, you’ll find the signed turnoff to Cascade Creek’s upper section on the left-hand side.

A unique way to reach Cascade Creek is taking the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (DSNG) from Durango to Animas Canyon and getting dropped off near Cascade’s confluence with the Animas River. From here, you can catch the train on its return journey to Durango later the same day or spend the night in the backcountry and rendezvous with the train the next day. Reservations for the DSNG railway can be made by calling (970) 247-2733, www.durangotrain.com.

Neighboring streams include Hermosa Creek, East Hermosa Creek, and Cascade’s largest tributary, Lime Creek.

]]> http://fishbum.com/cascade-creek-colorado-2/feed/ 0 http://fishbum.com/west-fork-oak-creek-arizona/ http://fishbum.com/west-fork-oak-creek-arizona/#comments Tue, 13 May 2014 22:40:47 +0000 http://fishbum.com/?p=1051

Manuscript as featured in the March / April, 2014
issue of Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.
Cover courtesy of Southwest Fly Fishing.
Cover photo by Jon Luke.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]est Fork Oak Creek Trail 108, the gateway to Arizona’s Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, may be the most popular hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest—and for good reason. Its famously scenic views create a sense of wonderment as painted canyon walls climb to dazzling heights. Just a short distance beyond this iconic gorge’s trailhead, anglers will discover the namesake creek, where, beneath a dense canopy of canyon maple and Gambel oak, the charming little stream ripples peacefully along the canyon floor.

The West Fork is Oak Creek’s main tributary and a riparian refuge for migratory wildlife in an otherwise harsh desert landscape. The well-maintained trail frequently departs from the creek bed for long stretches but reconnects at several crossing points. The gently sloping terrain is easily traversed, providing increased accessibility. During peak seasons, this destination attracts a multitude of recreationalists daily.

Nevertheless, reclusive fly fishers can still find solitude, despite the sometimes overwhelming crowds. The trail’s developed tract is limited to the first 3 miles before it enters a 9-mile, undeveloped, canyon-bound region where going farther requires hiking right in the water. Most of the day-hiking traffic dissipates before this point, leaving dedicated trout seekers ample deep pools, sprawling gravel beds, and areas of downed timber to explore upstream, with fishing steadily improving the farther you travel.

The West Fork is a delight to fish throughout the four seasons. Spooky trout reward anglers, who execute delicate casts during prolific Blue-Winged Olive hatches, which occur in spring and summer. Autumn’s spectacular color bursts make landing richly-hued rainbows on bushy dry flies especially memorable. In the winter months, beneath the undercut snowy banks, wild, stream-born brown trout lie in wait, ready to ambush slowly drifting streamers such as leeches and buggers. The entire West Fork is catch and release year-round.

Light tackle is your best choice for this technical, clear-water fishery: short 3- and 4-weight fly rods with light leaders are ideal. Wet wading during warm months provides anglers welcome relief from the Sonoran heat. Your fly selection may vary from day to day, probably the result of the stress these fish routinely experience. Be prepared to offer a wide range of dries, nymphs, and streamers to these picky eaters. Monster fish are uncommon on the West Fork, so your expectations should be tempered accordingly. That said, larger fish do occasionally put monster grins on anglers’ faces.

To reach the West Fork, follow State Route 89A—either south from Flagstaff or north from Sedona—and look for the signed turnoff that leads to the park’s paved entrance on the west side of the road. There is a day use fee of $9 per vehicle (good for up to 5 people) or $2 per person for walk-ins. In lieu of these entrance fees, anglers may present their Grand Annual Red Rock Pass ($40/annual) or their Big Three Pass ($18/week, $40/annual). But note that this area may be temporarily closed during periods of elevated fire danger.

Manuscript as featured in the January / February, 2014 issue
of Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.
Cover courtesy of Southwest Fly Fishing.
Cover photo by Michael Mauro.

[dropcap]Don’t[/dropcap] judge a book by its cover. The old adage may be somewhat threadbare, but it certainly holds true when applied to a nearly forgotten fishery in eastern Arizona. Outside the dense pine forest that is home to the White Mountains’ more famous regional waters sits an unassuming reservoir surrounded by 360 degrees of lunar landscape where, at the end of a dusty stone driveway, anglers find Becker Lake. Upon reaching Becker, you may not think it much out of the ordinary, but the 22-inch trophy rainbow trout thriving below the water’s surface make this place truly special.

Becker, possibly the oldest man-made lake in Arizona, was formed circa 1880 by impounding water diverted for irrigation purposes from the Little Colorado River. When full, its total surface area covers approximately 100 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 22 feet, with a median depth of 10 feet. The reservoir’s site—just within Springerville’s western boundary on US Highway 60—is also home to the adjacent Becker Lake Wildlife Area, where wintering bald eagles perch atop the nearby cottonwoods. The lake, is well known for its waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife.

Becker’s minimal lakeside amenities include ample parking, a paved boat ramp, a permanent fishing dock, and vault-style restrooms. Overnight camping is not permitted at the lake.

In 2011, as the result of an extensive survey conducted of area anglers, AZGFD elected to initiate catch-and release and year-round single barbless hook regulations on Becker Lake. The new restrictions were part of an effort to address anglers’ increasing desire for more opportunities to land larger fish by fostering a genuine trophy-trout fishery. With the new rules in place, there was only one question remaining: who would monitor the lake to ensure that everyone was following these guidelines?

Because of departmental constraints, the AZGFD lacked the resources to adequately police the lake. This situation is where the newly formed WMLF was able to step up to the plate. Its volunteer members raised donations in a grassroots effort to fund the infrastructure improvements necessary to install a full-time lake host, who now monitors the location for possible poaching and educates visitors on the proper handling of fish that are to be released.

In addition to introducing the new catch-and-release regulations, the AZGFD began stocking Becker Lake annually with triploid trout, which are genetically sterile rainbows unable to reproduce in any environment. Lacking the ability to spawn, they invest their reserve energy in eating and, as a result, grow large quickly. The combination of new angling conditions and the sound enforcement of them—along with fast-growing trout—has resulted in an incredibly productive fishery in a very short amount of time.

Through the Seasons

Being a weedy, shallow basin lake, already capable of producing the abundant food supply necessary to support a healthy trout population, Becker Lake became a perfect candidate for a trophy fishery. At first glance, this spot may not seem significantly different from any of the other White Mountains lakes. Many area waters have physical attributes similar to Becker and, therefore, also possess the potential to produce really big fish. However, while these other places may produce trophy-class fish for a year or two, they inevitably fall victim to the winterkills that routinely plague this area. As a result, the holdover trout become casualties of oxygen depletion below the frozen lake surfaces. Becker Lake sits at a slightly lower elevation than its neighbors (6,910-feet), which allows it to avoid these seasonal winterkills and remain fishable nearly year-round, with the exception of the coldest weeks of winter.

Spring fishing typically starts to heat up at Becker Lake earlier than it does at its regional counterparts. As the water temperature begins to warm, midges begin to rise daily. During this part of the season, the trout seem to key in on midge hatches almost exclusively. Savvy Chironomid anglers incorporate slip indicators to strategically suspend midges up to 20 feet deep in order to target gluttonous trout that are gorging themselves on the tiny morsels.

As summer approaches, mayflies, such as Callibaetis, make their first appearance on the lake. Shortly thereafter, damselflies arrive and remain throughout the warmer months. Simi Seal Leeches, tied in a variety of colors, are popular patterns with fly anglers who prefer to throw big streamers. The egg-sucking version of this fly can be particularly effective in the early months of the year.

Because Becker fish often look upward, the lake’s dry-fly bite is sometimes exceptional, which is the prime attraction for the many giddy anglers who have watched one of the lake’s monster rainbows rocket to the surface to slam an unsuspecting dry fly. The prime dry-fly fishing takes place in late spring or early summer, when the wind gusts begin to pick up hoppers from the lake’s grassy bank and deposit them on the water. The opportunity to fish big hopper patterns is somewhat unpredictable, but when it occurs, it’s no secret: anglers have trouble concealing their enthusiasm and containing their excitement, which can usually be detected from across the lake. A similar situation occurs around monsoon season—traditionally July and August, but less dependably now in these times of Southwest drought—when the seasonal storms sprinkle the lake with giant carpenter ants. (Be sure to have a few big foam ant patterns in your fly boxes.)

By late summer, the lake’s temperature begins to soar and creates stress on the fish population. The AZGFD  advises anglers to avoid “overplaying” the fish and, whenever possible, quick releasing them while they’re still in the water. If you must get a picture, try to minimize the time the fish is out of the water and be sure to completely revive a fish before releasing it.

Knowledgeable anglers are aware that autumn can provide Becker’s best fishing experiences of the year because the lake’s trout are trying to bulk up for the impending winter months. At Becker Lake, peak fall fishing usually happens sometime around mid-November. During this time, the big boys swim about freely, looking for substantial meals such as leeches and the last of the season’s terrestrials. A local fly pattern called a Dog Bone—it’s simply a small piece of chamois cloth tied to a hook—has gained quite a reputation as an irresistible leech imitation at Becker. This unique fly can be successfully fished under an indicator or while being stripped in.

Having some sort of watercraft will help you cover more territory on Becker Lake. Motorized boats with up to 10 horsepower are permitted, and inflatable pontoon boats and float tubes also make excellent choices for fishing Becker Lake. While a boat will certainly open up more angling opportunities here, there is still a fair amount of water that can be effectively fished from the shore or by wading. Much of the lake’s upper end, located near the parking lot, is very shallow. Wading this particular section is especially good on days when the winds are extreme and the lake is covered in whitecaps large enough to make an inflatable watercraft impractical.

Fly rods suitable for Becker Lake range from 4-weight to 6-weight. A two-rod setup—one rigged with a floating line and a second rigged with a sinking line (intermediate or type-2)—will prepare fly fishers for everything from fishing top-water bites to sounding the complete water column below. Lighter leaders generate more strikes but will consequently result in more break offs.

Every angler who has fished Becker Lake can likely tell a tale about the one that got away. And it’s probably more than one: the lake’s large rainbows are known for snapping tippets on the hook set or coming unbuttoned as they make powerful runs for the weedy bottom. Anglers fishing deep or off-color water quickly learn that heavier tippets equate to more big fish brought successfully to hand.

Lodging and More

Downtown Springerville, located only minutes away, provides convenient lodging and services close to Becker Lake. When traveling to Springerville, stay on US Highway 60, which becomes Main Street as you enter town from either direction. Here, anglers traveling on a budget will find no shortage of economy options in the form of local motor lodges. Those looking for a more memorable experience should check into the Rode Inn Motel’s John Wayne Suite, which features a spacious, tastefully themed room honoring the famous actor, who once owned a nearby ranch.

While Springerville is not a sprawling metropolis, anglers will find that it adequately provides all the basic necessities for them and their nonfishing companions. Hungry visitors will enjoy dining options ranging from fast food to full-service, dine-in restaurants. One notable eatery, Los Dos Molinos, (928) 333-4846, serves authentic New Mexican fare that is sure to impress “foodies” who like their dishes picante. Be sure to stop into Western United Drug & General Store on East Main Street to pick up anything you may have neglected to bring along. A part of the community for more than 76 years, it will probably have whatever you need… and then some.

There are several additional lodging options located within an hour or so of Becker Lake, with the next closest town being Eagar. The largest city in the area, Show Low, is west of Becker Lake on US Highway 60. Nearby communities of Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer feature rustic charm galore in a more traditional wooded setting. At both these locations, visitors will find cabin rentals that range from quaint getaways for two to grand mountain retreats capable of hosting even the largest groups.

The surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is home to many dozens of lakes and small streams, and provides ample outdoor recreation activities, including seemingly unlimited camping options. And if that isn’t enough, there are more lakes and streams tucked away on the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s (WMAT) Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Special permits are required for fishing on tribal land. The nearest fly shops are in Pinetop-Lakeside. The Hon-Dah Ski and Outdoor Shop, located at 787 State Route 260, boasts a full-service fly shop.

The Future of Becker Lake

The future of Becker Lake is still widely unknown. Will this current trout strain continue to grow in size? If so, to what size will they grow before they begin to max out? No one knows the exact answers to these questions yet; however, the AZGFD is committed to identifying ways to improve this lake’s aquatic habitat by annually surveying the fish and monitoring its food sources. While only time will tell the whole story, one thing is for certain: Becker Lake is already providing many anglers a memorable world-class trout fishing experience in the White Mountains of Arizona

All images contained in this gallery are the sole property of Gentry Smith and may not be reused for any reason (personal, noncommercial, or commercial) without express written permission from the owner.

All images contained in this gallery are the sole property of Gentry Smith and may not be reused for any reason (personal, noncommercial, or commercial) without express written permission from the owner.

Manuscript as featured in the November / December, 2013
issue of Southwest Fly Fishing magazine.
Cover courtesy of Southwest Fly Fishing.
Cover photo by Ryan Bonneau.

[dropcap]While[/dropcap] the calendar proclaims that it’s merely midwinter, the air temperature strongly suggests otherwise. It’s only January and already, I find myself standing alongside a popular tailwater on what is expected to be the year’s first 80-degree day. Despite having relocated to the Phoenix metro area from the Midwest nearly 15 years ago, it still feels surreal. Not only can I fish at a time when I was once shoveling snow, I’m also immersed in the natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran landscape: giant saguaro cacti and expansive mountain views define a sizable watershed that seasonally supports a healthy rainbow trout population in the Lower Salt River Recreation Area.

The Salt River supplies water, power, and aquatic recreation to the Phoenix Valley. Formed by the confluence of the White and Black Rivers in the high mountains of eastern Arizona, the Salt meanders southwesterly, picking up several tributaries along its course. Downstream, where the river enters the Tonto National Forest, it is contained by a series of four massive impoundments: Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, and Saguaro Lake, collectively known as the Salt River Project (SRP). Just below Saguaro Lake’s Stewart Mountain Dam, the Salt River enters the Lower Salt River Recreation Area. Because water released from the dam is only 52 to 54 degrees, this 11.5-mile stretch of river has the unusual distinction of being a cold-water fishery in the middle of a desert.

Floating the river in a personal watercraft is a great way to escape the crowds and cover more water, but be sure to check the river’s flow rate beforehand to verify that it is safe.

Although the Lower Salt River Recreation Area lies within the Tonto National Forest, its close proximity to the city of Mesa lends an almost urban feeling, especially in the scorching summer months, when the water is often overrun with coeds who come to inner-tube the river, replete with beer, boom boxes, and bikinis.

However, from late fall through early spring, the river is almost exclusively occupied by anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. During these cooler months, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) stocks catchable-size rainbow trout at varying locations. In early winter, when the SRP releases water from Bartlett Lake, the AZGFD stocks fish at the Phon D. Sutton and Granite Reef Recreation Areas, located adjacent to and below the Verde Confluence, respectively. As SRP waters resume normal flows from Stewart Mountain Dam in early spring, the AZGFD begins stockings at the Water Users access area and Blue Point Bridge Picnic Area.

In addition to the seasonally planted rainbow trout, anglers may bring to hand bass, catfish, carp, and native suckers. When the rainbows are actively feeding, they will often readily take a variety of nymph patterns. However, angling pressure keeps these trout from being easy marks. Stripping baitfish imitations, such as Clouser Minnows, is a good bet for the Salt’s multiple bass species. Swinging Woolly Buggers and Simi Seal Leeches may result in a mixed catch of trout and bass. In the faster current, beadheads or added split shot may be necessary to keep flies on the bottom.

Wild horses evoke the river’s Wild West heritage.

Most anglers park and fish near the Salt’s many paved lots. To find seclusion, follow the unmarked paths leading from the Bush Highway to the river’s edge. Floating the river in a personal watercraft is a great way to escape the crowds and cover more water, but be sure to check the river’s flow rate beforehand to verify that it is safe.

Besides fishing, the area provides spectacular wildlife viewing: bald eagles and peregrine falcons nest nearby and soar overhead, bighorn sheep climb along the rocky cliffs, and, amazing to many anglers, wild horses evoke the river’s Wild West heritage. In addition to an Arizona fishing license with a trout stamp (check current regulations, as the trout stamp program may change for 2014) , anglers need a Tonto Pass for daily use of the designated recreation areas. Passes are available at most nearby convenience stores.

All images contained in this gallery are the sole property of Gentry Smith and may not be reused for any reason (personal, noncommercial, or commercial) without express written permission from the owner.