Show Low Creek Fishing Guides
An accessible White Mountains creek linking Show Low Lake and Fool Hollow, with stocked rainbow trout and easy family water in the pines.
Guides on the Show Low Creek
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About the Show Low Creek
Show Low Creek runs through the pine country of the White Mountains between Lakeside, Show Low and Fool Hollow Lake, and it is one of the more approachable trout waters in eastern Arizona. It is a small stream by any measure, meandering through meadow and ponderosa with a good deal of willow along the banks, and it connects a chain of small reservoirs that together make up the local fishery.
The creek’s character is closer to a meadow stream than a canyon torrent. It runs over gravel and sand with undercut grassy banks, slow bends and modest riffles, and it stays cool through the summer at an elevation of around two thousand meters. Flows are moderate and reasonably stable, supported through the dry months by releases and by the general wetness of the White Mountains compared with the rest of the state.
Rainbow trout are the main fish and are stocked regularly through the spring and summer by Arizona Game and Fish, which makes this reliable rather than wild fishing. Brown trout are present in smaller numbers and hold in the deeper bends and beneath the undercuts, where they are considerably harder to catch. Largemouth bass and panfish occupy the connected lakes and occasionally the slower creek pools near them.
The appeal here is accessibility. The creek runs through and beside town, parking is easy, the banks are walkable without waders in most places, and the whole drainage sits within a few minutes of lodging, tackle shops and restaurants. For a family trip, an angler with limited mobility, or a few hours between other plans, it is far more practical than the Rim canyons an hour west.
Summer brings heavy visitor traffic to the White Mountains as Phoenix and Tucson empty into the high country, and the developed lakes take most of it. The creek sections between them are noticeably quieter. Winter is real here, with snow on the ground for months and ice on the still water, and the fishing season effectively runs from the spring stocking through to late autumn.
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Access
Show Low Lake - the reservoir on the upper creek, with a campground, ramp and regular stocking.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area - the developed lake downstream with camping and full facilities.
Lakeside - the community on the upper drainage with lodging and tackle.
Show Low - the main town on the creek, with full services.
Pinetop - the neighboring White Mountains community south of the drainage.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest - the public ground surrounding the drainage.
Woodland Lake Park - the small town lake nearby, a common alternative for families.
Seasons
Spring: snowmelt through April, with stocking starting and the creek running full and cold.
Summer: the peak season, with regular stocking, warm days and heavy visitor traffic at the lakes.
Fall: cool settled conditions, thinning crowds and the best brown trout fishing of the year.
Winter: snow and ice at elevation, with the creek largely dormant and the lakes drawing ice anglers.
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Questions
What species can you catch on the Show Low Creek?
Anglers target Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout on the Show Low Creek in Arizona.
Where can you access the Show Low Creek?
Show Low Lake - the reservoir on the upper creek, with a campground, ramp and regular stocking. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area - the developed lake downstream with camping and full facilities. Lakeside - the community on the upper drainage with lodging and tackle. Show Low - the main town on the creek, with full services. Pinetop - the neighboring White Mountains community south of the drainage. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest - the public ground surrounding the drainage. Woodland Lake Park - the small town lake nearby, a common alternative for families.
When is the best time to fish the Show Low Creek?
Spring: snowmelt through April, with stocking starting and the creek running full and cold. Summer: the peak season, with regular stocking, warm days and heavy visitor traffic at the lakes. Fall: cool settled conditions, thinning crowds and the best brown trout fishing of the year. Winter: snow and ice at elevation, with the creek largely dormant and the lakes drawing ice anglers.
Where are the fishing regulations for the Show Low Creek?
Regulations change by season and section. Read the current rules on the Arizona agency site: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/