Canyon Creek (Rim)

Canyon Creek drops off the Mogollon Rim east of Payson and runs south through the Tonto National Forest to the Fort Apache Reservation boundary. Forest Roads 512 and 188 lead into the OW Ranch area and the Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery. The upper creek near the hatchery stays in the upper 50s to low 60s in summer, and AZGFD stocks it with rainbow trout weekly. Wild brown trout live there too.

The creek is split at OW Bridge. Upstream, statewide limits apply. From OW Bridge down to the reservation boundary, trout are catch and release only on artificial flies and lures with single-pointed barbless hooks. That lower reach has less shade and warms quickly, so fish it early and check the water temperature. Speckled dace and desert sucker are the native fish.

In summer, cicadas, ants, and hoppers fished quietly in the clear water work well, with Copper Johns and Pheasant Tails underneath. The roads are unpaved, so carry chains or use four-wheel drive after storms. Upper Canyon Creek Campground and Valentine Ridge offer first-come camping close to the creek.