Smallmouth Bass fishing at Verde River (Upper)

Start shallow in spring: smallmouth bass sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. Summer fish stay in 2 to 8 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 8 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6): a creek channel around 6 ft that scores good in winter. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Channel Catfish fishing at Verde River (Upper)

Start shallow in spring: channel catfish sit in 2 to 8 ft that time of year. Summer fish stay in 2 to 8 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 8 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6): a creek channel around 6 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

Flathead Catfish fishing at Verde River (Upper)

In spring, flathead catfish run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer fish stay in 2 to 8 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 8 ft. Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6) is the standout, a creek channel at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for summer flathead catfish. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

How deep is Verde River (Upper)?

Verde River (Upper) is about 8 ft (2 m) deep at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Verde River (Upper)?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish on Verde River (Upper).

Where is the best fishing spot on Verde River (Upper)?

Outside-bend hole (mile 0.6) is the top-rated area: a creek channel in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for channel catfish in summer. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Verde River (Upper)?

For smallmouth bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.