Arizona Fishing Reports ยท Mogollon Rim Region
The East Verde River near Payson is a small, stocked trout stream under the Mogollon Rim.
Looking for the latest East Verde River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the East Verde River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
East Verde River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are steady from the C.C. Cragin pipeline in some seasons.
Small nymphs and attractors at the stocked crossings.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Payson, bring: Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Woolly Bugger #8-10, Parachute Adams #14-18, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
East Verde River details
| Access | Houston Mesa Road crossings north of Payson. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Payson, Arizona |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Stocked rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations before you go. An Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 7.5 ft leaders, 5X |
| Camping | Houston Mesa Campground |
| Kids | Yes. Easy crossings. |
| Good to know | Busy on summer weekends. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Stocking.
Summer
Stocking.
Fall
Quiet.
How to get there
From Payson, take Houston Mesa Road north.