Tonto Creek
Fly fishing in Arizona · intermediate · Best seasons: spring, fall, winter
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Central Arizona stream below Mogollon Rim. Wild brown trout in rugged canyon setting.
Fishing Recommendations
Tonto Creek is one of Arizona’s most iconic trout streams, offering a dramatic transition from the Ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim down into the rugged high-desert canyons. As an expert guide, I consider Tonto Creek a "must-fish" because it offers a rare combination of accessible stocked water and grueling hike-in canyons for wild fish.
🎣 Location Overview
Located about 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix near the town of Payson, Tonto Creek begins at the base of the Mogollon Rim. The upper reaches near Kohl’s Ranch are classic mountain meadow and forest water—easy to access and heavily stocked. However, as the creek flows south toward the Hellsgate Wilderness, it transforms into a rugged, boulder-choked canyon with deep emerald pools and technical pocket water.
What makes Tonto special is its resilience. Despite Arizona's heat, the upper section is fed by springs and the Tonto Creek Hatchery, keeping water temperatures viable for trout year-round. It’s a quintessential "pocket water" fishery where high-gradient drops create oxygen-rich holes perfect for trout.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Rainbow Trout: These are the primary residents of the upper sections. While many are hatchery supplements, "holdovers" that survive a season or two become wary and vibrant. They typically hold in the faster "bubble line" at the head of pools.
- Brown Trout: The "ghosts" of Tonto Creek. You’ll find wild Browns primarily in the lower, harder-to-reach stretches and the deeper, shaded pools of the upper creek. They are highly predatory and extremely spooky. They hold tight to undercut banks, large submerged boulders, and woody debris.
- Behavior: During the day, fish stay deep in the shadows. In the low light of morning and evening, they move into the shallower tail-outs to feed on emerging insects.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (March – May): This is the prime window. As the snow melts off the Rim, water levels rise. Once the runoff stabilizes, the fish are hungry and active. This is your best chance for a trophy Brown.
- Fall (October – November): My personal favorite. The Brown trout move upstream to spawn and become more aggressive. The canyon colors are spectacular, and the "summer crowd" of campers has thinned out.
- Winter (December – February): While the Rim can be snowy, Tonto Creek stays fishable. On sunny winter days, midges will hatch at noon, and you can find rising fish in the slower pools.
- Best Windows: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the winter; Dawn and Dusk in the spring and fall.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#14-18), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16), Royal Wulff (#14-16), and Amy's Ant or small hoppers in late summer/early fall.
- Nymphs: Bead-head Pheasant Tail (#16-20), Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear (#14-18), Zebra Midge (Black or Red, #18-22), and Copper Johns (#16).
- Streamers: Black or Olive Woolly Buggers (#8-12) and Simi Seal Leeches.
Techniques
- Pocket Water Nymphing: Use a high-sticking technique or "Euro-nymphing" style. Since the runs are short, a traditional indicator often gets caught in conflicting currents. Use a heavy tungsten nymph to get down fast in small pockets.
- Dry-Dropper: This is the most effective setup for Tonto. Run a buoyant dry fly (like a Humpy or Stimulator) with a 24-inch dropper to a small Pheasant Tail. This covers both bases in the shallow runs.
- Stealth Presentation: The water is crystal clear. Wear earthy tones (camo/tan), stay low, and avoid casting your shadow over the pools.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Hatchery Run": Most people fish right at the Tonto Creek Hatchery. It’s crowded. If you want better fishing, park at the Horton Creek Trailhead and hike downstream or upstream away from the bridges. A 15-minute walk will eliminate 90% of your competition.
- The Hellsgate Hike: If you are physically fit, hiking into the Hellsgate Wilderness offers a chance at wild Browns that rarely see flies. Be prepared for a grueling hike and bring plenty of water.
- Watch the Monsoons: In July and August, Arizona experiences heavy afternoon rains. Tonto Creek is prone to flash flooding. If the water turns chocolate milk color or you hear a roar upstream, get to high ground immediately.
- The "Micro-Midge" Secret: When the fishing gets tough in the winter, drop down to 6X or 7X tippet and a size #22 Zebra Midge. It’s often the only way to fool the pressured holdovers.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Main access is via HWY 260 east of Payson. Turn onto Tonto Creek Rd toward Kohl’s Ranch.
- Regulations:
- Much of Tonto Creek is under general Arizona fishing regulations, but certain sections (like the nearby Horton Creek) are Catch and Release / Artificial Fly and Lure Only. Always check the current Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) booklet.
- A valid Arizona Fishing License (and Trout Endorsement if applicable) is required for everyone 10 years and older.
- Gear Recommendation: A 3-weight or 4-weight rod (7'6" to 8'6") is perfect. Anything heavier is overkill for these small waters and makes a delicate presentation difficult.
- Environment: This is bear and mountain lion country. While rare to see them, keep a clean camp and be aware of your surroundings. Also, watch for rattlesnakes in the lower canyon stretches during spring and fall.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. | mayfly | March, April, October, November | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | Parachute Adams #18-22, RS2 #20-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella spp. | mayfly | June, July | Morning/Early Afternoon | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Mercer's Poxy Back PMD #16-18, Split Case PMD #16-18 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | May, June | Mid-day/Evening | #8-12 | Pats Rubber Legs #8-12, Rogue River Stone #10-12, Golden Twenty Incher #10-14 |
| Mother's Day Caddis Brachycentrus spp. | caddis | April, May | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, Holy Grail Caddis #14-16 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche spp. | caddis | July, August, September | Evening | #14-18 | Godzilla Caddis #14-16, Zebra Midge #16-20, Peeping Caddis #14-18 |
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | December, January, February | All Day | #18-24 | Griffith's Gnat #20-24, Zebra Midge (Red/Black) #18-22, Top Secret Midge #20-24 |
| Terrestrials (Hopper/Ant) Formicidae/Acrididae | terrestrial | July, August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-16 | Dave's Hopper #10-14, Cinnamon Ant #14-18, Black Beetle #12-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Sunken Trico #20-22 |
| Crane Fly Tipulidae | other | August, September | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Crane Fly Adult #8-10, Crane Fly Larva #10-12 |