5.0(1 Reviews)Arizona Trout Fishing | Max of 6 Persons
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Hike near Mogollon Rim targeting wild Gila, rainbow, brown, brook troutYear-round fishing availability with flexible start times and guide selectionSmall group experience with maximum six persons per guided trip
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in crystal-clear mountain water near Payson, with the Mogollon Rim towering above you, casting your line for some of Arizona's most sought-after wild trout. This isn't your typical desert fishing – we're talking about high-country streams where Gila, rainbow, brown, and brook trout have been thriving for generations. Our guides at Lo Water Guide Service know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish year-round. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this backcountry fishing adventure will have you hooked from the first cast.
Your day starts with a scenic hike through some of Arizona's most beautiful high-country terrain. Don't worry – you won't need waders for this trip, but definitely throw on some long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy hiking boots. The rocky creek beds and mountain brush can be unforgiving on exposed skin. We keep our groups intimate with a max of 6 anglers, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your guide. Speaking of guides, you've got three top-rated options: Hugo, Ryan, and Bare – each brings their own style and decades of local knowledge to the water. If you've got a preference, just let us know when you book. We fish year-round here, but weekends during spring, summer, and fall fill up fast. The flexible start times mean we can work around your schedule, whether you're an early bird who wants to hit the water at dawn or prefer a more relaxed mid-morning start.
These high-elevation creeks demand a different approach than your typical lake fishing. We're talking about sight fishing in gin-clear water where stealth is everything. Your guide will have you rigged up with the right flies for the conditions – think small nymphs, dry flies, and streamers that match what these wild trout are feeding on. The terrain varies from deep pools carved by centuries of snowmelt to shallow riffles where trout sip insects off the surface. You'll learn to read the water, identify feeding lanes, and present your fly with the precision these educated fish demand. The elevation keeps water temperatures cool even in summer, which means active fish throughout the day. Your guide will teach you the art of stalking – approaching feeding trout without spooking them in water so clear you can count their spots. It's technical fishing that'll sharpen your skills and give you stories to tell for years.
"I went with Hugo who was my guide and he put me on the targeted fish species: Gila Trout. He knew which flies to use and which techniques worked best on catching these fish. Hugo said that usually clients catch 3 Gila Trout but I caught 9 before it got too crowded. So that shows that listening to the guide works!" - Marcus
"Loved going fishing with Hugo, he put me in the right spots! From Alabama, and loved the landscape, was very fortunate to be able to go fishing while I was in Arizona, and it was awesome that I got to catch a few Gilla trout! Super rad experience!" - Seth
"I fished with Kris. We stalked Gila and Brown Trout in the high elevation creeks about 2 hours from Scottsdale. What a great day. Kris knows his territory and is a true professional and his craft. Had a great hot lunch too on a cold wet day. Fish with him when/if you can." - Rob
The Gila trout is the real crown jewel of this fishery and one of Arizona's rarest native species. These golden beauties with their distinctive black spots along the back are found in only a handful of high-mountain streams. They're incredibly spooky and selective feeders, which makes landing one feel like winning the lottery. Best fishing for Gilas happens during cooler months when they're more active, though summer mornings and evenings can produce spectacular results. Most anglers consider catching even one Gila trout a trophy experience – they're that special.
Rainbow trout in these waters are wild, acrobatic fighters that'll test your drag system and your reflexes. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows – they're stream-born fish with brilliant colors and attitude to match. They feed aggressively on insects and will hammer a well-presented dry fly or streamer. Spring through fall offers the best rainbow action, with peak fishing during mayfly and caddis hatches. When you hook into a wild rainbow in fast water, you'll understand why fly fishermen get obsessed with these fish.
Brown trout are the ghosts of these mountain streams – smart, cautious, and absolutely gorgeous when you finally fool one. They tend to hold in the deepest pools and undercut banks, often requiring pinpoint casting and perfect presentations. Browns are most active during low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime time. These fish can reach impressive sizes in the rich mountain water, and hooking into a big brown in tight quarters will put your angling skills to the test.
Brook trout, technically a char, are perhaps the most beautiful fish swimming in Arizona's high country. Their olive backs with intricate worm-like markings and brilliant orange fins make them a photographer's dream. Brookies are aggressive feeders and will often take flies that spook other species. They prefer the coldest, most oxygenated water, so you'll find them in the highest elevation streams where few anglers venture. Fall is magic for brook trout as they develop their spawning colors and feed heavily before winter.
This backcountry trout fishing experience delivers everything serious anglers dream about – wild fish, pristine
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewel of our high-country streams - small but spirited fish that'll test your skills. Most run 8-14 inches, with their distinctive olive backs dotted with yellow spots and those beautiful red spots ringed in blue. They're picky about water quality, preferring cold, clean streams below 68°F, which makes our Rim country perfect. Look for them hiding near fallen logs, undercut banks, and boulder pockets in smaller creeks. Spring through fall offers consistent action, though they can be caught year-round. What makes them special? They fight like fish twice their size and taste amazing around the campfire. Here's a local trick: they're incredibly spooky, so approach low and quiet - one heavy footstep and they'll vanish into the depths.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our waters and the toughest to fool - that's what makes landing one so satisfying. These golden-brown beauties typically run 12-20 inches and can live up to 12 years, getting wiser with age. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with plenty of cover during the day. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at dawn and dusk. What guests love most is their reputation as fighters - they'll test your gear and skills like no other trout. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to success? Fish the margins where fast water meets slow pools, and don't be afraid to go bigger with your flies or lures. Browns often prefer a substantial meal over tiny offerings.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are our most reliable fighters and the reason many folks get hooked on trout fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their signature pink stripe typically range 10-16 inches and love our cold, clear mountain streams. You'll find them in moderate currents, often holding near gravelly runs and riffles where the water stays well-oxygenated. Spring and fall provide the best action, though they bite year-round when water temps stay between 55-65°F. What makes them special? They're acrobatic jumpers that'll leap clear out of the water when hooked, and their mild, nutty flavor makes them perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: fish the feeding lanes during evening hatches - rainbows will rise consistently to surface insects, making dry fly fishing a blast.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day outdoors, catches some fish and had great time
Thank you, Jarod!
I went with Hugo who was my guide and he put me on the targeted fish species: Gila Trout. He knew which flies to use and which tec...
Loved going fishing with Hugo, he put me in the right spots! From Alabama, and loved the landscape, was very fortunate to be able ...
Thank you, Seth!
I fished with Kris. We stalked Gila and Brown Trout in the high elevation creeks about 2 hours from Scottsdale. What a great day. ...
Derek hooked us up with the guide, Niko is a great guide who loves the sport. We caught 3 different species with his guidance, Gi...
Phoenix, AZ