East Clear Creek

River Map

About East Clear Creek

A remote and spectacular sandstone canyon stream draining north off the Mogollon Rim in Coconino County, East Clear Creek offers wild trout fishing in a true wilderness setting that sees a fraction of the pressure of Oak Creek or Canyon Creek. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout inhabit the perennial spring-fed pools, with the Kinder Crossing area considered the most productive and accessible stretch. The canyon walls, ponderosa pine forest, and exceptional insect hatches make this one of Arizona's most rewarding — and most demanding — trout destinations.

Regulations

Standard AZGFD trout regulations apply. Access requires a significant hike into the canyon — plan for a full day and high-clearance vehicle for approach roads. Stream can be low or nearly dry in drought years even in the upper canyon; call AZGFD or local fly shops in Payson before making the trip. No active USGS gauge — check with local outfitters or the Waterline app for current conditions.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish East Clear Creek with more confidence.

• Arizona Fishing Regulations for Fly Anglers

  Licenses (no separate trout stamp), the year-round default season, the Apache Trout catch-and-release statewide rule, the West Fork Oak Creek…

• Trout Species of Arizona

  Arizona's only native trout — the Apache Trout, the state fish and one of the great Western recovery success stories — alongside wild brown trout on…

• How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)

  That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…