Black River - White Mountains, Arizona Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions
Reported by Orvis Phoenix
Fly Fishing Map of Black River, AZ
Bookmark and Share
Black River - White Mountains, Arizona Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions
My tips of the week
Access to the black river should be do-able. Large BWO hatches will be occurring along with other bugs. There should be decent flow as well.
Fishing Conditions

Fly Fishing Black River is currently Good

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:

Water flow: Normal

Visibility: 24 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 36 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish:

Best stretch: Check road access

Best access point:

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

Fish species: Brown, Apache, Rainbow trout and Smallmouth Bass(lower river)

Fishing season: April through November(no winter access to upper river)

Nearest airport: Showlow

Person Fishing in a stream

Black River, East and West Forks Description

The Black River, from the East and West Forks high in the White Mountains to the 80 mile long main stem is some of the best moving water in the state. The upper reaches are trout water, once it enters the Apache Reservation it begins to transition into smallmouth bass water. Access on the upper portions is good with many forest service roads meeting the stream. The middle and lower sections of the Black ...

Techniques & Tips

Fish size 14-16 bwo nymphs or bigger buggers. Dry/dropper rigs could be good with an Elk Hair Caddis above a Pheasant Tail or Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear.

7-Day Forecast

Look for your typical sping BWO and caddis. dry dropper set up would be ideal. Unsure if the WMA or SCA reservation are issuing permits to the lower or not.


Add Your Fishing Report