On Oct. 1, 2026, upper Silver Creek located on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Silver Creek Hatchery Property switches to its catch-and-release season regulations until March 31, 2027. During this time, only artificial flies/lures and single, barbless hooks are allowed. Changes to the size of the fish being stocked at this location should make for a very fun catch-and-release season for anglers his year.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will stock extra-large Rainbow Trout into the lower section of Silver Creek upon the opening of the six-month-long catch-and-release regulation season. These fish are expected to average over 4 pounds, and most will remain in this segment of Silver Creek until April 1, 2027, when the regulations revert to catch-and-keep. The upper section of Silver Creek will provide opportunities for anglers to catch truly large trout that range in size anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds.

Anglers should be aware that fishing gear that most anglers use for trout is likely inadequate to safely land the fish the Department is stocking in Silver Creek this year and could result in the mortality of these fish. Due to the size of fish being stocked, Department staff are recommending that anglers fish with a fly rod no lighter than a 5-weight with 3X (8-pound breaking strength) tippet or a medium-action spinning rod with no lighter than 8-pound breaking strength line. Anglers will also need a large, long-handled dip net to land these fish and take the hook out. Anglers should keep these fish in the water until they are prepared to take a picture. They should quickly take the picture and then immediately release the fish back into the water.