Hey everybody! I know it will be some time before all this gets going properly, so…I’m trying it out now to be ready for the season.
Fishing – I’ve been getting a lot of fishing questions lately. I know we’re getting there, but we are not quite there yet. Not getting the snow we wanted. I mean…we are getting some…more that last year (thank God!), but we’re down a bit from average. This means we won’t get the normal runoff in the Spring. (I know you all know that.) Right now, the fishing in Greer is sloooooooooow. People are getting a bite here and there, but those are very few. The rivers are skinny, and the takers are small. The lakes are mostly open, but cold, and it’s a full day for maybe a couple of bites.
I’ve been talking with Cinda Howard (in case you don’t know, Cinda is our resident Fly Fishing Guide up here…and I will mention her A LOT moving forward). She and I agree that mid to late April will kick off the fishing season this year, with a few possible amazing days in March. That will be the case unless we get some more snow.
Stocking – As of this writing, AZ Game and Fish has some lakes scheduled to be stocked in March. Most of these are in the Pinetop and Show Low area, but they do have Nelson Reservoir, Becker, and the Greer Lakes on the list as, as well. Nelson is currently scheduled to be stocked the week of March 9th, 2026. Becker is scheduled to be stocked the weeks of March 2nd, 23rd, and 30th. Remember: Becker is catch and release/artificial lure and fly only. The Greer Lakes (all three) are scheduled to be stocked the week of March 23rd. Remember: River Reservoir is catch and release/artificial lure and fly only until May 1st. As of now, the rivers and streams are not scheduled to be stocked until May. This could change at any moment as AZGFD determines suitability and viability. Check out this page to access the AZ Game and Fish stocking schedules for winter and spring/summer.
Hunting – I got nothing for you, man. We’re in the “in between” right now. The boys and I did NOT get drawn for elk this year. At least…my credit card hasn’t been charged…
Me – If I were to head out right now, I would go to Silver Creek in Show Low. It’s the catch and release season, but the Rainbows are huge! This late in the season, the trout are very wary, and the fishing becomes technical (read: “difficult”). If I wanted to have a successful day at Silver Creek, I’d go with Cinda ;-). Roosevelt and Alamo might have an earlier crappie and bass pre spawn / spawn this year, so that might be a good bet. I also might head over to Luna and try for a Gila Trout if the water is open. If I go, I’ll let you know how I do.
That’s it for this one! Pray for more snow!
Love you guys!-
-Joel
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