Like a lot of folks, we were up in the White Mountains for the Memorial Day Weekend.
The highlight of the trip was Saturday at Christmas Tree Lake on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Not only does it have the reputation of the world’s best Apache Trout fishery, but also as a fine dry fly destination. Its rep held true.
Lon Ellington gave me a Grinch and I fished it for a while. After further consideration, I decided to snip it off and save it for a later occasion.
Most of the fish were about 16″, but very fat. A few up to 20″ showed. Terrestrial patterns like foam ants and parahoppers took fish as did droppers. Simulators and beetles tricked a few as well.
While we mainly fished from tubes and toons, walking the shore and sight fishing nailed quite a few.
Other waters were fishing well too.
My son Matthew, his friend Cooper, both 8 years old, and I went out on Sunday. We fished both Little Bear and Hawley. Once again, dry flies were working and it was a good chance to practice the hook set with a couple budding fly anglers. I think they are already better than I am. Stimulators and small black-bodied EHC worked anywhere fish were rising.
I also tried Earl Park briefly a couple times over the weekend. Not a lot of fish were rising, but I got a couple strikes on foam ants and small Adams. Friends Ken and Emerson were there and they had some success during the day.
I also heard good reports from Crescent, Bog Tank, and Lee Valley.
Can’t wait to get back up there – the fishing is fine!