Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Tonto Creek Campground Accesson Tonto Creek

    Common put-in for wading stretches with easy access to trout-holding pools.
    Tonto Creek reportDirections34.2279°N, 111.2215°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Clear and cool fall conditions at Tonto Creek

    1. 01Clear and cool fall conditions at Tonto Creek.
    2. 02Active hatches of Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are expected.
    3. 03October Caddis are also emerging, providing a large food source.
    4. 04Focus on deeper runs and undercut banks below Horton Creek confluence for wild Brown Trout.
    5. 05Rainbow Trout will be in riffles, seams, and calmer pools.
    6. 06Stealthy approach is key in clear fall waters; make your first cast count.

    What to tie on at Tonto Creek Campground Access

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    Baetis Nymph

    #16#18#20#22

    Baetis nymphs are active year-round, but particularly during fall BWO hatch periods, providing a consistent subsurface food source.

    nymph80%

    Little Black Stonefly nymph

    Early season stoneflies begin to crawl in late February. This is a high-protein meal that trout will target even in cold water.

    dry80%

    PMD (Pale Morning Duns)

    #16#18

    Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in the fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for picky fish in fall.

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    dry80%

    October Caddis (Dry)

    #6#8#10

    The largest caddis hatch of the year occurs in the fall, making this a highly effective pattern for larger trout.

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    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for enticing aggressive strikes from larger trout in colder fall waters.

    dry80%

    Trico Spinner

    #20#22#24#26

    Trico hatches are active in the fall, especially in slower waters during morning hours, targeting rising fish.

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    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are the most prolific and consistent food source in Tonto Creek during the winter months. Black or red colors in small sizes are essential.

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    nymph80%

    Copper John

    #14#16#18

    An excellent all-around attractor nymph that is effective year-round in faster freestone water, making it a good choice for spring flows.

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    Arizona season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

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    51MIPheasant Tail Fly FishingN/A54MISedona Fly Fishing AdventuresSedona