AZ Adventure: Willow Springs Lake
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. - Henry David Thoreau
Last week, I spent a day fishing at Willow Springs Lake in Arizona. The cool weather and a scattered cloud cover in the morning made it a fantastic trip. Willow Springs is a beautiful body of water on the Mogollon Rim, east of Payson. It is surrounded by thick pine forest and has miles of fishable shoreline. Perhaps, not as well known as nearby Woods Canyon Lake, on this weekday I seemed to have the place to myself. I hiked the perimeter of one of the lake's large coves and caught a number of Rainbow Trout. Most were in the ten inch range, but I did land one that was about fourteen inches. I was hoping to catch one of the stocked Tiger Trout (cross between a Brook and Brown), but no luck in that regard. My day ended with a wet hike back to the truck after I got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm, but living in Phoenix, even that was refreshing.
I have always been drawn to lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks. I grew up fishing the waters of central Kansas. Places with familiar names like Rattlesnake Creek, Spare’s Pond, The Other Place, and Uncle Randy’s Creek (where there were only crawdads and minnows). If there was water, I was intrigued. As a kid, I spent a great deal of time trying to land a prized fish. I defined this as anything I could hook and lure in. Catfish, bullheads, bluegill and an occasional bass were my most common catches. Almost all small, but providing ample opportunity for the classic fisherman's embellishment.
Even now, when my patience has all but evaporated, I continue to be an avid fisherman. This does not mean that I am good at it. My success is often measured with 'lures fished to lures lost' ratio. If I do manage to catch a fish, it can likely be attributed to blind luck, or perhaps a fish who has determined that life is no longer worth living. I suspect I might even get a few sympathy bites – “He’s been out here for hours and he's got nothing. Someone please give the guy a break.”
Even given my limited success and propensity to lose five dollar lures like quarters in a slot machine, I do enjoy the opportunity fishing provides me to be outdoors. Arizona is such a diversely beautiful state. It is amazing to me that you can be in the desert when you wake up and then fish a forested lake in the high country by mid-morning. Each cast is an adventure, never knowing which one might land a lunker. I have found that maintaining low expectations is a key element to enjoying the sport. Any catch is a win -- I have been excited about fish I’ve caught that are smaller than my lure. In addition, fish are fascinating creatures with vibrant colors and patterns (especially trout), a true testament to God’s eye for beauty and creativity.
If you are looking for a fishing adventure near the valley, with cooler temperatures, beautiful surroundings and a decent chance to catch fish, give Willow Springs Lake a try. All of the trout I caught were on a Mepp’s Agila spinner. I was using two different patterns: one bright yellow with black stripes and a small red streamer, the other was red and black. My personal preference is the Agila's with a single hook (more difficult to find). They are just as effective as a treble hook and much easier on the fish and your hands.
Happy fishing!