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I am trying to plan some backpacking trips, but I want to include fishing as the main reason for going out. I do love to fish. I was just up at Chevelon Canyon, but it was so dry that it was just a few pools of water. The land was gorgeous though. I had planned a 4 day trip but my wife wanted to leave after the first day so we ended up coming home. My 5 yo daughter did real well. She is such a trooper.

Any ideas? I love the Black River but that is a LONG drive.

Geez... your asking alot here. Give up favorite backpacking AND fishing areas?!?!?! Because I am such a kind soul I will name one of my best places. East Clear Creek. Huge trout! Either fly fish or lures. Forget the power bait and such. That's all you'll get out of me! :roll:

Last week I spent four days camped above Blue Ridge Resevoir (also east clear creek, kind of). The terrain is really tough to negotiate around the edge (mostly canyonlike drops) but with some careful planning and a good map we made it from the top down several times. While we were up there we talked about doing exactly what you have asked. Backpacking around and fishing. This area would be perfect, if your into off-trail bushwacking, really steep terrain, and not ever being sure about finding an "ideal" campsite.

Nice trout in the Colorado in Grand Canyon. (just above most of the rapids) Granite Rapid(Monument Creek), Hermit, etc.
Even a few at the boat beach where the S. Kaibab crosses the river, heading to Phantom.

Another good fishing backpack would be from Sheep's Crossing north along the verde river. Good bass country. Do this in the winter.

Leva

The black river area. You Can't go wrong any place on the Black. Small mouth bass lower down and trout in the higher elevations,

Good luck
Long Ago

Try heading out to the Blue Range Primitive Area and fishing the Blue River.

If your into lakes try Big Lake in Apache-Sitgreaves. Nearby are also Lee Valley and Reservation Lake, both giving up good-sized Apaches, it's also a great place to camp.