Beautiful trail walks, scenic hikes, birdwatching and wildlife observation, photography, trout fishing, creek swimming and relaxation. Nearby in Flagstaff and Sedona are golf, horseback riding, tennis, spas, restaurants, museums, theaters, and art galleries. We are an easy drive to the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot National Monument and the bustling “ghost” town of Jerome, or a longer day trip to Navajo and Hopi country, Monument Valley and the Petrified Forest.
Oak Creek is a haven for anglers who can enjoy fishing in clear pools under towering cliffs. It is home to gila, rainbow and brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, and channel catfish. Seasonally, the creek is stocked with rainbow trout to supplement the native species.
There is a section of the creek that is a catch-and-release only zone for trout, which Forest Houses Resort is inside of. This stretch of Oak Creek is from the highway 89A bridge crossing at Slide Rock to the upstream property line of Sterling Springs Hatchery (this includes West Fork). In this zone, you must catch-and-release only for trout using artificial flies and lures with barbless hooks. Oak Creek allows unlimited catching of smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel and flat-head catfish (most commonly found in the southern stretches of the creek).
You need a fishing license to do any fishing, including catch-and-release. Those who do not need a license are anyone under 10 years old and blind residents of Arizona. For a one-day short-term license, the cost is $15 for Arizona residents and $20 for non-residents. For a year general fishing license, the cost is $37 for Arizona residents and $55 for non-residents. Youth aged 10-17 (both Arizona residents and non-residents) are eligible for a yearly $5 fishing license. A free license is available for disabled veterans, and to persons 70 years old and older who have been current Arizona residents for 25+ years.
Be sure to read up on the Game and Fish regulations for fishing, as it contains important license information, and specifications for bag limits, protected native species, and tips for the best experience.
The easiest place to purchase these licenses are online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department website and print it out. Click here to see the fishing regulations, different license types, and to purchase the license. You can also purchase the licenses at many vendors throughout Arizona. In Sedona, the Bashas’ grocery store, the Weber IGA grocery store, and the Recreation Resource Management office sells them.
To visit the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce, click here.
To visit the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, click here.
To visit the Grand Canyon’s web site, click here.