Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek was 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. Stream flow was 30.4 cfs on 11/20/2023. Cave Springs and Pine Flat Campgrounds are closed for the winter. Anglers are finding success on spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-seal Leeches, Zebra Midges, Elk Hair Caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. As the fall leaves change color, the leaf peeper crowd will no doubt be on the upper reaches of the creek during the month of November, but fishing should be good and the setting will make for beautiful picture opportunities. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.

Kevin Rapkoch has a good video of fly fishing Oak Creek for rainbows and wild brown trout. The rig that was working was two Prince Nymph flies under an indicator. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCsQslx0MX0&t=210s.