Cool Bass Fly Fishing on Mogollon Rim Lakes

Forest Lake Bass Fly Fishing

Beat the Phoenix heat and head up to Arizona's high country for some of the best bass fly fishing you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical desert lake experience – we're talking about crystal-clear mountain waters surrounded by towering pines, where the air is crisp and the bass are hungry. When it's pushing 115 degrees down in the Valley, we're up here enjoying 70-degree weather and world-class fishing. Just you, me, and a boat full of possibilities on some of Arizona's most beautiful forest lakes.

What to Expect on the Water

This is a solo adventure, which means you get my full attention and we can fish at your pace. Whether you're new to fly fishing for bass or you've been swinging flies for years, I'll adjust the day to match your skill level. We'll launch early when the lake is like glass and the wildlife is most active – don't be surprised if we spot elk coming down for their morning drink or watch a great blue heron work the shallows. The boat gives us access to structure that shore anglers can only dream about, and we'll cover water efficiently while you learn to read the lake like a local. These forest lakes have character – submerged timber, rocky points, and weed beds that hold bass year-round. The elevation keeps water temps perfect even in summer, which means the fish stay active all day long.

Fly Patterns & Techniques

Bass fly fishing is all about matching the right pattern to the situation, and these mountain lakes offer incredible variety. We'll start with topwater poppers and sliders in the early morning – there's nothing quite like watching a bass explode on a surface fly in mirror-calm water. As the day progresses, we'll switch to streamers like Woolly Buggers, Clouser Minnows, and local favorites that imitate the crawfish and minnows these bass feed on. I'll have you casting to fallen timber, working the edges of weed beds, and presenting flies along rocky drop-offs where big bass like to ambush prey. The gear is straightforward – we'll use 6 or 7-weight rods that can handle both delicate presentations and the powerful runs these lake bass are known for. Don't worry if your casting isn't perfect; these fish are aggressive and a fly that lands with a little splash often triggers strikes.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth bass are the stars of these forest lakes, and they grow fat and healthy in the cool, oxygen-rich water. These aren't the skinny desert bass you might be used to – we're talking about chunky, broad-shouldered fish that average 2-4 pounds with plenty of 5+ pounders mixed in. Spring through fall is prime time, but even winter can produce excellent fishing when the weather cooperates. What makes these bass special is their aggressive nature and the stunning backdrop where you catch them. They'll hit topwater flies with explosive strikes that echo across the lake, and their runs are powerful enough to test your drag and your nerves. The clear water means they can be spooky at times, but it also lets you watch them follow your fly and adjust your presentation accordingly. Summer is actually one of the best times to target them since they stay active in the cooler mountain temperatures while their desert cousins are sluggish in the heat.

Time to Book Your Spot

This trip fills up fast during summer months when everyone's looking to escape the Valley heat. The combination of comfortable temperatures, stunning scenery, and top-rated bass fishing makes it a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. You'll head home with new skills, great memories, and probably some photos that'll make your friends jealous. The drive up from Phoenix takes about two hours, but trust me – trading the concrete and cactus for pine trees and clear water is worth every mile. These forest lakes offer something special that you just can't find in the desert, and the fishing is as good as it gets for bass on the fly. Give me a call and let's get you scheduled for a day on the water that'll remind you why you fell in love with fly fishing in the first place.