On Oct. 1, Silver Creek switched to its catch-and-release season regulations until March 31. During this time, only artificial flies/lures and barbless hooks are allowed. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) stocks super catchable rainbow trout annually into Silver Creek. These fish are larger than normal and are expected to remain in the creek until April 1, when catch-and-keep season returns. A valid fishing license is required for all anglers age 10 and older. See information on licenses at https://www.azgfd.com/License/.

“After Silver Creek opens to catch and release only, fishing should be great," said Ryan Follmuth, AZGFD’s aquatic wildlife program manager for the Pinetop region. "Silver Creek presents anglers with the very real possibility to catch their largest trout of the year, or even their life, every time they fish this water.”

Silver Creek Hatchery is located about 5 miles east of Show Low on Highway 60. The hatchery is not currently open to the public, but the creek remains accessible to anglers without restrictions. AZGFD encourages anglers to continue practicing social distancing and spread out along the shoreline while fishing.