Oak Creek, AZ

Oak Creek is fantastic fishery that is most commonly known for the stretch of water that runs from Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery down to Junipine Crossing. Significant cold flow, trout bearing tributaries, and few miles designated as Catch-and-Release only are just a few of the reasons this is the preeminent trout water fishery in the Verde River Water shed. Many would say this is the best trout fishing in all of Arizona. Few would argue. Amazing fishing and the fantastic scenery make this area a popular destination fishery and can see quite a bit of fishing pressure during the peak season. Stocked Rainbows and wild Brown Trout are the targets on Upper Oak Creek, and make for might exciting fishing. The higher up you fish, the bigger the fish get. But that is not the only trick Oak Creek has in store for it's devoted anglers. The Lower Oak Creek is also a very good warm water fishery, with healthy populations of Smallmouth Bass and Roundtail Chub. Oak Creek and it's upper stretches can be reached via hwy 89A just north of Sedona. The road parallels the creek for many miles. Numerous campgrounds are available for parking or camping as you drive up the road. Manzanita Campground and Banjo Bill Campground are the first two you'll come to. After that, Slide Rock Campground is fun, it has a great swimming hole and is the closest and just below Catch-and-Release area. Pine Flats Campground is the last one before the hatchery. The majority of the campgrounds are open from mid-April to mid-October. Some of the best fishing of the year can be had during these "shoulder" seasons.