Upper East Verde River has been fishing well for wild rainbow trout with a handful of bugs working well. The fish here (and other wild trout in the region) are very opportunistic and have been still eating the dry fly. Mini hoppers and other dry flies have been working well in the late mornings to early evening, whereas a more subsurface presentation will be better in the morning as it warms up. Various small nymphs presented well around habitat will entice these fish to come out to eat. Try pheasant tails, hares ears, or prince nymphs as well as leeches (black or olive). Please remember, this is a special regulation water upstream of the Pumphouse. This is catch-and-release only for trout; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single-pointed barbless hooks only.

This month the East Verde has been receiving supplemental stockings of rainbow trout as well as one stocking of native Gila trout. These stockings have been taking place at the various recreation sites along the creek. Anglers have been having the most success fishing at 1st Crossing and Waterwheel, which has the best water with the deepest stocking pools. Anglers are using a variety of techniques. including worms/PowerBait, small in-line spinners, as well as flies. Streamers and nymphs will work the best for the stocked trout.