Big Lake
lake in Arizona
Big Lake's cool, productive waters and easy shoreline/boat access make it a favorite for fly anglers seeking big trout in a scenic alpine setting.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Big Lake
- 01Trout are actively feeding subsurface on nymphs and leeches.
- 02Look for intermittent hatches of small mayflies on calmer, overcast days.
- 03Streamer patterns, especially in darker colors, can entice aggressive strikes from larger trout.
- 04Midge activity remains a consistent food source year-round.
Past reports week by week
13 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, especially on overcast days, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
PMDs (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key food source for opportunistic feeders.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish, especially in the colder fall waters of Big Lake.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall egg season for trout below spawning salmon.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in lakes year-round. This pattern is highly effective in stillwaters, mimicking sluggish leeches.
Mysis Shrimp (Nymph)
Mysis shrimp are a consistent food source in large coldwater lakes like Big Lake, making this pattern highly effective for subsurface feeders.
Scud
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in Big Lake, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in coldwater lakes.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Big Lake Marina / Boat Ramp
Primary launch and shore-fishing area; close to deep water where larger trout hold.
North Shore / Little Mackenzie Bay
Shallower bays and weed edges productive for dry flies and small streamers.
Get Big Lake reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Arizona season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Big Lake.
What flies work best on Big Lake?
Our top scored fly patterns for Big Lake right now are Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence), Dragonfly Nymph (Olive) (80% confidence), PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Big Lake?
Big Lake holds Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Big Lake fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Big Lake each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.