Bunch Reservoir
Fly fishing in Arizona · beginner · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Small lake near Eagar with stocked trout. Less crowded local fishing spot.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to the high country. As your guide, I’m excited to break down Bunch Reservoir. Located in the heart of the White Mountains near the charming town of Greer, Arizona, Bunch is one of the "Greer Lakes" (along with Tunnel and River reservoirs).
At an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, Bunch Reservoir offers a classic alpine fishing experience. It is a nutrient-rich, relatively shallow impoundment that produces hard-fighting trout and spectacular views.
🎣 Location Overview
Bunch Reservoir is part of the Little Colorado River drainage. What makes it special is its productivity. Because it is shallower than many other mountain lakes, sunlight penetrates to the bottom, fueling massive weed beds and a literal "soup" of aquatic insects.
Anglers love Bunch because it offers a "technical" lake experience. It isn't just about throwing powerbait; it’s a place where matching the hatch and understanding weed-line transitions pays off. The water is generally clear but can take on a greenish tint in mid-summer due to vegetation. It’s a quiet, scenic spot where the wind whispering through the ponderosa pines is often the only sound you'll hear.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The primary target here is the Rainbow Trout.
- Behavior: These fish are cruising predators. Because the lake is weedy, the trout don't hold in one spot; they patrol "lanes" in the vegetation.
- Feeding: They are highly focused on the lake’s "Big Three" food sources: Scuds (freshwater shrimp), Damselfly nymphs, and Midges.
- Holdover Potential: While AZGFD stocks this lake regularly, Bunch has enough depth (about 15-20 feet at the dam) to allow fish to overwinter, meaning you have a legitimate shot at 16–20 inch holdovers that have colored up and grown wild-acting.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Spring (Ice-out to June): This is trophy season. As soon as the ice thins, the fish are ravenous and cruise the shallow shorelines.
- Summer (July - August): Fishing remains good, but you must focus on the "edges" of the day. The "Monsoon" rains in the afternoon can actually trigger a feeding frenzy, but get off the water if you see lightning.
- Fall (September - November): My favorite time. The weeds begin to die back, the fish move shallow again to bulk up for winter, and the crowds disappear.
Best Times of Day
- The "Magic Hour": The first 90 minutes of light and the last hour before dark. During these times, Rainbows will often rise to midges or Callibaetis Mayflies.
- Mid-Day: Only productive if there is a slight breeze (the "Arizona chop") to break up the surface and hide your leader.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Scuds: Sizes 14–18 in Olive, Orange, or Pink. Bunch is a scud factory.
- Damselfly Nymphs: Size 12–14 (long shank) in Marabou Olive. Essential in June and July.
- Zebra Midges: Sizes 18–22 in Black/Silver or Red/Silver.
- Callibaetis Spinners/Nymphs: Size 14–16. These are the primary mayflies of the White Mountains.
- Simi Seal Leeches: In "Peacock" or "Black/Red." This is a legendary Arizona pattern that works wonders on a slow strip.
Effective Techniques
- The "Naked" Nymph: Use a long leader (12–15 feet) with a weighted scud or midge. Cast, let it sink to the top of the weed beds, and retrieve with agonizingly slow "hand-twist" retrieves.
- Indicator Rigging: Suspend a midge or scud 12 inches above the weed line. If you aren't catching fish, adjust your depth by 6 inches until you find the "cruising zone."
- Streamer Stripping: Use an intermediate sinking line and a Simi Seal Leech. Cast parallel to the dam or the weed edges and use short, erratic strips.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- Bring a Float Tube: While you can fish the dam from the bank, the best fish are usually just out of reach of a shore caster. A float tube or kayak allows you to fish the "back" side of the weed beds where the fish feel safe.
- The Wind is Your Friend: Don't be deterred by a light breeze. It pushes insects toward the downwind shore and provides cover for the fish. Look for the "foam line" on the water—fish under it.
- Check the Inflow: At the north end, there is a small inlet. After a rainstorm, this area brings in fresh oxygen and terrestrial insects. It can be a goldmine.
- The "Greer Trio" Strategy: Bunch is very close to Tunnel and River reservoirs. If the bite is dead at Bunch, you can walk to Tunnel in 5 minutes. Often, one lake will be "on" while the others are "off."
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Easy access via a dirt road off Hwy 373 in Greer. There is a small parking area and a boat ramp suitable for small craft.
- Regulations:
- A valid Arizona Fishing License is required.
- Bunch usually falls under general statewide regulations, but always check the current AZGFD pamphlet for seasonal bag limits or tackle restrictions (which can change annually).
- Sun & Weather: At 8,000+ feet, the sun is brutal. Wear polarized sunglasses (essential for seeing weed edges) and high-SPF sunblock.
- Wildlife: This is bear and elk country. Keep a clean camp and be aware of your surroundings, especially at dawn and dusk.
Guide’s Final Word: Bunch Reservoir isn't about high catch numbers every day; it's about the quality of the fish and the beauty of the setting. Slow down your retrieve, watch the weed lines, and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chironomids Chironomidae | midge | April, May, June, September | All Day | #12-22 | Zebra Midge #16-20, Chironocone #14-18, Griffith's Gnat #18-22 |
| Speckled Dun Callibaetis | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning | #12-16 | Mercer's Poxyback Callibaetis #14-16, Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Quigley Cripple #14-16 |
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, October, November | Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #12-14, Adult Damsel #12-14, Burk's Damsel #14 |
| Cinnamon Sedge Hesperophylax | caddis | July, August | Evening | #12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Goddard Caddis #12-14 |
| Tricos Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Trico Dun #22, WD-40 #20-22 |
| Terrestrial Ants Formicidae | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #14-18 | Cinnamon Ant #16-18, Black Foam Ant #14-18, Flying Ant #16 |
| Water Boatmen Corixidae | terrestrial | September, October | All Day | #14-16 | Water Boatman #14-16, Prince Nymph #14-18, Backswimmer #12-14 |