Fishing Oak Creek Sedona AZ: Best Spots, Tips & Guided Tours for Trout and Bass

If you’re heading to Sedona and looking to land fish while soaking in incredible scenery, the creek flowing through town — Oak Creek — offers a rare mix: trout in the cooler upper sections, and bass (plus other warm-water species) further downstream. Below is a detailed guide on both, and how you can join my guided fishing tours to make the most of it.

Why Oak Creek is a Great Fishing Spot

• Oak Creek flows through the red-rock landscape of the Coconino National Forest and around Sedona, making for stunning surroundings while you fish.

• It supports both trout and bass (among other species). For example: rainbow and brown trout upstream, largemouth and smallmouth bass downstream.

• The stream is relatively accessible along State Route 89A, with pull-offs and trails.

Trout Fishing on Oak Creek

Where

• The upstream sections (north of the tourist/swimming zones) are best for trout — especially wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. OR Book our private section of Oak Creek!

• Note: A special regulation zone: from the Hwy 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Hatchery boundary (including West Fork) is catch-and-release only for trout; artificial flies and lures only; barbless hooks required.

What works

• Flies: Nymphs, streamers, dry flies depending on conditions. “Small flies, light lines” are often recommended.

• Spinners / inline gear also reported working for trout in some stretches.

• Go early morning to beat the heat and crowds; clarity and flow matter.Tips

• Be stealthy: many pools are clear and fish are easily spooked.

• Match your fly/ lure to what’s happening on the water (dry fly mayfly hatch, etc.).

• Respect the special regulation stretch: barbless, artificial only.

Bass Fishing on Oak Creek

Where

• Downstream sections, where water warms up and trout become less dominant, are better for warm-water species like largemouth and smallmouth bass.

• The regulations allow unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass on Oak Creek.

What works

• Soft plastics, natural-colored lures, crankbaits near deeper pools and undercut banks. Fishing Reports Today

• Since trout may dominate upstream, shifting to downstream zones gives you better bass chances.

Tips

• Use heavier gear than trout setups (bass tend to lurk in deeper holes, structure).

• Afternoon may yield better bass activity when water warms a bit.

• Explore deeper pools, under banks or woody structure.

My Guided Fishing Tour – Why Join

• I know the access points, flow/ temperature conditions, and best stretches for both trout & bass in Oak Creek.

• Whether you’re a fly-fisher (for trout) or want to target bass with spinning gear, we can tailor the outing.

• Equipment & instruction available (especially helpful if you’re new).

• We’ll pick the right time of day, right stretch of creek, and right tactics to maximize your experience.

Regulations & Access Reminders

• You’ll need a valid Arizona fishing license. For details visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department site.

• Pay attention to the catch-and-release zone for trout (see above).

• In certain seasons or after rain/monsoon, water clarity or flow may hinder fishing; check recent reports.

Summary

If you’re looking for a destination that mixes nature, scenery and fishing diversity, Oak Creek is a fantastic pick. Whether you’re after the elegance of trout in clear canyon waters or the fight of bass downstream, you’ll find it. And by joining one of my guided tours, you’ll avoid some of the guesswork and hit the spots that work.