Arizona Fishing Reports ยท Verde Valley Region
Fossil Creek is a spring-fed, turquoise stream restored for native fish, with roundtail chub and other natives in a protected canyon.
Looking for the latest Fossil Creek 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 Fossil Creek.
Current flows
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Check nearby gauges on the Arizona fishing reports page.
Wind forecast
Fossil Creek fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Spring flows stay steady and clear year-round.
Catch-and-release with artificial flies only.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Fossil Springs, bring: Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Woolly Bugger #10, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Fossil Creek details
| Access | Fossil Creek Road from Strawberry or Camp Verde. A parking permit is required in the busy season. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Strawberry, Arizona |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Roundtail chub and other native fish |
| Regulations | Catch-and-release, artificial flies and lures only. 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 | No camping in the riparian area |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Permits for parking are required from spring through fall. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Quiet.
Spring
Permit season starts.
Summer
Busy. Permits.
Fall
Good.
How to get there
From Strawberry, take Fossil Creek Road west.