Mountain West
East Fork Black River
Gauge data unavailable for East Fork Black River.
Check USGS directly ↗
24-Hr Pressure
22.47 inHg · → High/stable
Local Weather
Tough conditions — fish deep
Today
☁️Overcast
78° / 51°
Tomorrow
☁️Overcast
79° / 52°
Wed
🌧️Rain
73° / 51°
0.19"
Thu
☁️Overcast
78° / 49°
Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.
Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min
What should I fish today?
One call. Specific to today's exact conditions on the East Fork Black River.
Time of Day
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's East Fork Black River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
East Fork Black River · June · Early Summer
Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.
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⚠ Runoff season — check live gauge before driving
Post-runoff prime opening late month. Caddis (size 14-16) heavy. PMDs (size 16-18) starting. Apache Trout aggressive in the cold spring-fed pools — catch-and-release ONLY statewide.
River Map
About East Fork Black River
Arguably Arizona's finest wild trout destination, the East Fork Black River drains the high-elevation White Mountains through pristine Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary lands, holding one of the largest accessible populations of genetically pure Apache trout in existence. The water is cold, remarkably clear, and runs very low — this is technical small-stream fishing in a remote, spectacular alpine setting. Access via US-191 and Forest Road 276 near Alpine puts you at one of the best Apache trout fisheries in the American Southwest.
Regulations
Valid Arizona fishing license required. Much of the best water requires a White Mountain Apache Tribe Recreation Permit in addition to the state license — purchase at tribal offices in Whiteriver or authorized dealers in Show Low. Apache Trout are catch-and-release only statewide. Verify current tribal season dates and special regulations before fishing; tribal rules supersede state rules on tribal lands. No active USGS gauge — check with local outfitters in Alpine or Eager, or use the Waterline app.