Arizona Fishing Reports ยท White Mountains Region
Near Alpine and Luna, the upper San Francisco River is a small stream with brown trout in meadows and canyons.
Looking for the latest San Francisco 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 San Francisco River.
Current flows
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Check nearby gauges on the Arizona fishing reports page.
Wind forecast
San Francisco River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Water is low and cold.
Small streamers and nymphs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Alpine, bring: Woolly Bugger #8-10, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Hopper #10-12, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, 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.
San Francisco River details
| Access | Forest roads near Alpine. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Alpine, Arizona |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Brown and 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 | Alpine Divide and Luna Lake campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Small, brushy water. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snow.
Spring
Good.
Summer
Hoppers.
Fall
Browns.
How to get there
From Alpine, take US-180 east toward Luna.