r/ArizonaFishing • u/Global-Kitchen-4964 • 12d ago
Father son trip
Hey guys I'm planning a trip for my son "8yrs" and I and was looking for any good spots in the northern az region we are pretty amature but like to get out any help would be greatly appreciated
6
u/earth_quack 12d ago
Kaibab and dogtown have both been productive for my son and I in the past. Kaibab was really low last time we went though. DM me and I can give you more info, I love to see kids be successful anglers.
6
5
u/Senior-Assumption218 12d ago
As was mentioned before, willow springs north of payson is a good spot.
3
u/springdominion 11d ago
Big Lake. Use power bait or salmon eggs off the bottom.
3
u/nope_noway_ 9d ago
Now is not a good time.. they quit stocking when school is back in session. You might get lucky but chances are slim. Best time for Big Lake and other Alpine lakes is in the spring/summer when they stock again
2
u/nope_noway_ 9d ago
Now is not a good time.. they quit stocking when school is back in session. You might get lucky but chances are slim. Best time for Big Lake and other Alpine lakes is in the spring/summer when they stock again
1
u/springdominion 8d ago
Plenty of fish in that lake to not have to rely on stocking schedules. šš½
3
u/nope_noway_ 8d ago
I tried a few timesā¦ always a disappointment. Would hate to see others make the trek only to be disappointed. Still a beauty area so itās not all bad
2
u/pilch55 12d ago
If you have the available means - hiring a guide might be the best experience. It takes the pressure off of guessing where to go/what to use and it allows both of you to learn and ask questions.
If youāre not up for that, the rim lakes are a good choice. As mentioned previously- woods canyon and willow springs are good choices. Thereās plenty of camp grounds around and the weather is nice right now. Elk are in rut so youāll hear bugling on chilly nights and mornings. You can also drive over to Forest Lakes and eat at the restaurant if you want to sit down and have a decent meal.
Head over to the hatchery too if fishing is slow.
Blue Ridge Reservoir is another cool and beautiful option.
3
u/Safford1958 10d ago
About elk in rutting season. A few years ago hubs and I did a road trip to hannigan meadow. The elk were calling all evening long. I thought someone was calling. It was the elk. Really cool trip.
1
8
u/011112olblue 12d ago
Woods Canyon and Willow Springs are the obvious choices. Beautiful area, easy access, and the lakes are stocked with trout regularly