As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only, barbless hooks only. Oak Creek peaked at 2,430 cfs on 11/23/2025 @ 10 a.m. from the recent storms. The current stream flow is still high but receding with a recent reading of 460 cfs, stream temperature 44.1-46.1 F, turbidity 26.0-29.3 FNU @ 8:15 a.m. on 11/24/2025. Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The leaves are changing colors, that means the busy tourist season is in full swing as the leaf peeper crowd descends upon the upper canyon. To beat the crowds, try fishing early in the morning and during the week. Anglers are finding success on inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi Seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. With higher flows and increased turbidity still present, fishing may be a little challenging until flows return to base flow conditions.