Fly Fishing Opportunuties & Tips For Sedona AZ
If you're planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona, and wondering whether there's good fly fishing nearby, my quick answer is yes—but with a few important tips and things to consider before you head to the water.
I've been fly fishing Oak Creek in Sedona for more than 20 years. In fact, Oak Creek was where I essentially taught myself how to fly fish. Living in the Phoenix area, I had a beautiful trout stream roughly two hours away, and I spent years learning its water, experimenting with different flies, and figuring out how to catch finicky wild trout in some of challenging conditions that Oak Creek presents.
Oak Creek isn't the easiest place to fly fish in Arizona, or anywhere for that matter, but that's part of what makes it special. If you enjoy beautiful canyon and red rock scenery, crystal clear water, and the challenge of pursuing wild trout in a rugged creek, it's well worth your time.
Why Oak Creek Is Worth Fishing
Where I Fish
Although Oak Creek flow nearly 50 miles from its headwaters to the Verde river near Cottonwood, I primarily fish the 12 miles of the steep and forested Oak Creek Canyon section that begins just North of uptown Sedona and that ends when state Highway 89A starts its winding ascent to the Coconino plateau. Trout can be found in other sections of the creek south of the canyon and uptown, but this is the most beautiful and productive section in my opinion. Because of its higher elevations and micro canyon climate, it can also be up to 7 to 10 degrees cooler in the canyon section which is very welcome in the warmer months.
There are a number of pullouts along narrow 89A in the canyon section, some designated, some not, that you can park and head down to the creek. Some are fairly close to the creek, others require a bit of rugged and steep downhill hiking. I wont be getting into specific pullouts and spots to try to fish in this article, but be forewarned in can be challenging finding open and safe places to pull over other than designated trailheads and picnic areas. Oak Creek canyon in general is s an extremely popular destination for Sedona visitors.
What makes Oak Creek in Sedona so popular to fly-fish?
The combination of crystal-clear spring fed water, towering canyon walls, abundant tree canopy, and striking red sandstone formations makes this one of the most scenic places to fish in Arizona. I would argue with the vibrant autumn tree canopy reflecting off the water, Oak creek is one of the most beautiful small streams in the American Southwest to fly-fish during the fall season.
Unlike a wide, open river where you can easily cast long distances, much of Oak Creek requires a more thoughtful approach. Overhanging tree canopy, thick vegetation & sticker bushes, big boulders, and a rugged and uneven creek bottom can make getting into position and presenting a fly a real challenge. I share with anglers new to fishing Oak Creek that Its inevitable you will end up decorating the creek with some of your flys hung up in the canopy and bushes.
But here's my take after two decades on this water: learning to negotiate and fish Oak Creek has made me a better fly fisher or angler.
You learn to make shorter, more accurate casts, read the water, approach pools and runs very carefully with stealth, (wild Brown trout in Oak Creek are notoriously easy to spook) and work with the water rather than against it. You also learn that you don't always need to make a long cast to catch a trout.
For anglers willing to put in the effort, Oak Creek can absolutely offer a rewarding angling experience in a unique and stunning Red Rock canyon setting.
Three Trout Species Present That You Catch on Oak Creek
One of the things I find particularly interesting about Oak Creek is the opportunity to encounter three different trout species.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are stocked in Oak Creek by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, providing steady fishing opportunities throughout the year. These stockers are not particularly hard to catch and are willing to take a well-presented fly, making them a good target for anglers of different experience levels.
Small nymphs, attractor patterns, and appropriately sized dry flies are all worth trying, depending on the conditions and what the fish are feeding on.
Brown Trout
Unlike the stocked Rainbows, the Browns in Oak Creek are 100% wild and the most challenging species to find and land on Oak Creek.
Because they are wild they are very easily spooked, particularly in the crystal clear and tight waters of Oak Creek. A super careful approach, accurate casting, and a natural-looking presentation can make a difference. The bonus is despite the small size of Oak Creek, big Browns over 20 inches do exist here. They are just extremely difficult to fool. I have seen very big Browns finning or resting in a deep pool, but after over 20 years fishing Oak Creek the biggest Brown I have ever netted was 14 inches.
Gila Trout
The recent reintroduction of Gila trout adds another interesting and very exciting dimension to fly fishing on Oak Creek in my opinion. This native, beautiful, and rare (they are only found in AZ & NM) Arizona trout species has a special place in the state's conservation history, and Arizona Game and Fish stocks Gila trout in Oak Creek to provide this cool fishing opportunity.
For anglers who appreciate Arizona's native fish, the chance to encounter a golden and rust colored Gila trout makes a day on the creek even more interesting. The good news is that I have found the Gilas in Oak Creek to be hard fighting and very aggressive and eager to slam dry flies- even in the winter season! Last fall I hooked and netted a Gila Trout on a dry fly close to 15 inches that was feeding in just 6 inches of water.
Remember that trout regulations vary by section of Oak Creek. The 12 mile section I fish is predominately catch and release only. Check the current Arizona fishing regulations & licensing before fishing, particularly the rules governing catch-and-release areas and the use of artificial flies and lures.
What Flies and Techniques Work Best?
After years of fishing Oak Creek, I've learned that adapting to the conditions is more important than relying on one particular fly pattern.
Nymphs are a good starting point when trout are feeding below the surface. Small beadhead nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant tails, Rainbow warriors, and other natural-looking patterns can be productive- I rarely go above above size 16 with nymphs with size 18 being my go to size. Pay attention to the depth and speed of the current, and try to get your fly into the feeding zone.
Dry flies can be effective when trout are rising to insects on the surface. Small caddis and mayfly imitations are worth carrying, along with other appropriately sized patterns. Favorites include Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Stimulators as an attractor..
Woolly Buggers and similar streamer patterns can also be useful when you want to imitate larger aquatic prey or provoke a reaction from a bigger Brown trout.
Because of the tree canopy and limited casting room, I recommend bringing a relatively short, lightweight fly rod that allows you to make accurate casts in tight quarters. You won't always have room for a traditional overhead cast, so learning to roll cast and make short presentations is helpful.
As far as leaders 7.5 to 9 foot 5 x Flourcarbon leaders are my general choice. Although lately I have been using 4x leaders with 5x tippet down to the flys because it just easier to yank a fly out of a tree that got hung up casting. Some guys prefer using 6x and the end of their leaders for extra stealth and a more natural presentation. Good luck with that…
Above all, approach the water quietly. In Oak Creek's clear water, trout can be surprisingly aware of your presence. As I learned a long time ago, Trout can see out of the water…
When Is the Best Time to Fly Fish Oak Creek?
Oak Creek offers fishing opportunities throughout the year, but conditions change with the seasons.
Spring can provide excellent opportunities as water temperatures become more favorable and insect activity absolutely increases. However, occasional runoff from snow melt and changing water levels can affect fishing conditions.
Summer brings warmer weather and lots of visitors to Sedona who all end up recreating in Oak Creek Canyon at some point. I prefer fishing early in the morning and on weekdays, when the creek is quieter and conditions can be more comfortable. I also tend to head down into the more rugged and not easily accessible parts of the creek to avoid tourists and people swimming in the creek.
Fall is by far my favorite time to fish and explore Oak Creek in the canyon. Cooler weather, beautiful autumn colors, and less people recreating on the creek directly make it a great choice and season for a fishing trip.
Winter can be very good (and way less crowded) and also produce fish, although cold temperatures, storms, and changing water conditions require preparation.
Regardless of the season, check recent fishing reports, weather forecasts, and stream conditions before heading out.
Is Fly Fishing Oak Creek Worth It?
After more than 20 years of fishing Oak Creek, I still believe it's one of the most rewarding places to pursue trout in Arizona. Believe it or not there are approximately 2 dozen or more wild and viable trout streams in Arizona mostly in the high country of the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains of Eastern AZ.
It isn't necessarily the best choice if you're looking for easy casting, wide-open water, or a simple introduction to fly fishing. The rugged creek bottom, overhanging trees, lots of tourists recreating on the creek, and challenging access can test your patience and skills.
But if you're willing to work for your fish, Oak Creek has plenty to offer.
There's something special about standing in crystal-clear spring water beneath a canopy of trees, surrounded by the spectacular red rock scenery of Sedona, while carefully presenting a fly to a trout.
And when that trout finally takes your fly, the experience feels earned.
For me, Oak Creek has been much more than a convenient place to fish near Phoenix. It's where I learned many of the skills I still rely on today, and it's a place I continue to appreciate for its beauty, challenges, and trout fishing opportunities.
If you're visiting Sedona and want to experience fly fishing in a truly beautiful Arizona setting, I'd encourage you to give Oak Creek a try. Just bring your patience, watch your footing, and remember that sometimes the best fishing experiences aren't measured by how many fish you catch, but by where the water takes you.
See fly fishing images and video clips below!
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A colorful Gila trout caught and released on Oak Creek during the fall season. Gila trout were once native to Oak Creek and were recently and successfully re-introduced making Oak Creek a really exciting fishery as these trout can only be found in Arizona and parts of Eastern New Mexico. Notice the read beaded size 18 nymph.
Here I am wading in a remote and not easy to get to section of Oak Creek. The willingness to hike and explore the trail less traveled can pay dividends when Fly fishing on Oak Creek- its the best way to avoid bumping into other anglers and tourists. The colorful red rock reflections on the water can be surreal and distracting…
Who wouldn’t want to fly-fish here in the fall?
It is possible to catch a good size Rainbow trout on Oak Creek. This one is at least 15 inches and a few pounds. The AZ Fish & Game dept does occasionally stock what I call bonus fish up to 16 inches. Even though they are not wild, the Rainbows always put up a good fight.
Wild Brown trout are fairly plentiful on Oak Creek and have a self sustaining population. The bigger Browns are not easy to fool and bring to the net. This Brown was about 10 inches or so.
This is an overhead capture of me fishing a beautiful pool on Oak Creek during the fall season. I hate wearing waders and wet wade any chance I get, weather permitting.
This is a photo of me fishing a remote and long slow moving pool deep in Oak Creek canyon. It takes at least 30 minutes to hike here. The bonus being you rarely encounter other anglers.
Photo of me wet wading a productive stretch of Oak Creek on a warm fall day back in 2019.
Its not often I dont fool a fish or two in this productive pool I am casting too on a warm fall day…
It can get down right chilly with occasional snow storms in Oak Creek Canyon during the winter season. But that does not stop ne from getting on the water as this is the least crowded and most peaceful time of year on the ever popular Oak Creek.