Cool Bass Fly Fishing on Mogollon Rim Lakes

Cool Off with Rim Country Bass Fly Fishing

Looking to escape the Phoenix heat and chase some bass? Our Forest Lake Bass Fly Fishing trips are just the ticket. We'll take you up to the Mogollon Rim, where the air is crisp and the fishing is hot. You'll be casting for bass in pristine mountain lakes, surrounded by towering pines and breathtaking views. It's a world away from the valley, and a perfect summer getaway for any angler.

Trip Overview

We'll meet up near Payson and head out to one of the Rim's hidden gem lakes. The boat will be ready to go, so all you need to do is hop in and we'll be on our way. As we cruise across the lake, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife - you might spot elk, deer, or even a bald eagle. The weather up here is a real treat, often 70 degrees cooler than Phoenix. So while your buddies are sweating it out in the valley, you'll be comfortable and casting all day long.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your grandpa's bass fishing. We're talking fly rods, poppers, and streamers. If you're new to fly fishing for bass, don't worry - I'll show you the ropes. We'll target structure like fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points. The bass up here love to ambush their prey, so we'll use techniques like stripping streamers or "walking the dog" with poppers to trigger those aggressive strikes. The boat gives us the flexibility to hit all the best spots and adjust our strategy as the day goes on.

Top Catches This Season

The Rim lakes are home to some hefty largemouth and smallmouth bass. On a good day, you can expect to catch a mix of both species in the 1-3 pound range. But don't be surprised if you hook into a 5+ pounder - these lakes have produced some real monsters. The cooler water temperatures mean the bass stay active all day, so you've got a shot at a personal best from sun-up to sundown.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: These are the bruisers of the lake. They love to hang out in cover and ambush their prey. In the summer, you'll find them near weed beds, fallen trees, and drop-offs. They hit hard and put up a great fight, especially on a fly rod. The best part? The cool water means they're active all day long, not just at dawn and dusk like down in the valley.

Smallmouth Bass: Don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. They prefer rocky areas and tend to school up more than largemouth. When you find one, chances are there are more nearby. These fish are acrobatic and will often leap clear out of the water when hooked. Their aggressive nature makes them a blast on topwater flies.

Rainbow Trout: While we're primarily targeting bass, many of these lakes are also stocked with rainbow trout. These cold-water fish thrive in the higher elevations and cooler temperatures of the Rim. If we spot some rising trout, we might switch gears and try for them. They're a fun change of pace and great eating if you want to keep a few for dinner.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty darn good). The Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. You're fishing in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world, with scenery that'll make your jaw drop. The clean mountain air, the sound of the wind in the pines, and the chance to spot wildlife all add up to an experience you can't get anywhere else in Arizona. Plus, let's be honest - escaping that Phoenix heat is worth the trip alone!

Gear and Tactics

We'll be using 6-8 weight fly rods, perfect for handling bigger flies and fighting those hard-hitting bass. I'll bring a selection of poppers, streamers, and other bass-specific flies, but feel free to bring your favorites too. We'll adjust our tactics based on the conditions and what the fish are doing. Some days they want a noisy popper skittered across the surface, other days a slow-stripped streamer does the trick. That's the fun of it - every day is different, and we'll work together to crack the code.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to trade the concrete jungle for pine-covered mountains and swap the scorching heat for cool mountain breezes, it's time to book your Forest Lake Bass Fly Fishing trip. Whether you're a seasoned bass angler looking to try something new or a trout fisherman wanting to branch out, this trip offers something for everyone. The Rim lakes are fishing well right now, but spots fill up fast - especially when that Phoenix thermometer starts climbing. Give us a call or shoot us an email to lock in your date. Trust me, your future self (the one not melting in 110-degree heat) will thank you!