Arizona Fishing Reports ยท Verde Valley Region
The upper Verde from Paulden toward Perkinsville is a spring-fed desert river with smallmouth bass, native fish and remote canyons.
Looking for the latest Upper 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 Upper Verde River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Upper Verde River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are low and spring-fed.
Small streamers for smallmouth in the deeper pools.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Upper Verde, bring: Clouser Minnow #4-8, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Crayfish #6, 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.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Upper Verde River details
| Access | Forest roads near Paulden and Perkinsville. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 4,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Chino Valley, Arizona |
| Best season | Spring through fall |
| Fish | Smallmouth bass, native fish, some catfish |
| Regulations | Native fish must be released. 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 | 9 ft leaders, 2X to 4X |
| Camping | Dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Rough roads. Bring water. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Slow.
Spring
Smallmouth.
Summer
Smallmouth.
Fall
Smallmouth.
How to get there
From Prescott, take State Route 89 north to Paulden.