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Verde River The Verde River is one of Arizona’s major perennial rivers and a treasured resource in the central part of the state. Free flowing for most of its length, it provides lush riparian habitat, abundant wildlife, diverse recreational opportunities, and spectacular scenery. The majority of the upper and lower Verde River passes through National Forestlands that is open to public recreation of all kinds. Fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, camping, birdwatching, and sightseeing are all popular activities. The lower river is designated a Wild and Scenic River and offers the opportunity to fish by boat from Beasley Flat to Childs. Several threatened and endangered species inhabit the aquatic and riparian habitats of the Verde River including the spikedace (a native minnow), razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow, bald eagle, and southwestern willow flycatcher. Resident and migratory birds abound throughout the river and river otter and beavers are occasionally seen. Species Present Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Roundtail Chub. Rainbow Trout are stocked seasonally from about November to March in the Verde River within the Verde Valley. Seasons and Bag Limits Open All Year. Unlimited bag limits on bass and catfish. Daily bag limit of 6 trout. Daily bag limit of one chub statewide, minimum size 13 inches. Note: Spikedace, razorback sucker, and Colorado pikeminnow are protected native fish and are illegal to possess. If caught, they must be returned alive to the water immediately.
Note: No live baitfish may be transported to the Verde River above Horseshoe Dam and only live baitfish caught from the Verde River may be used in the Verde River from Horseshoe Dam to Tuzigoot Bridge. Access There are limited access sites to the upper Verde River. The river is primarily canyon bound and provides a wilderness experience. Public access is available at Perkinsville. Public assess in the Verde Valley is available at Bignotti, White Bridge, and Beasley Flat recreational day use sites. The lower Verde River is accessible from Beasley Flat. Perkinsville From Highway 89 in Chino Valley, take County Road 70 east 24 miles to junction with CR 72. Turn left and drive ˝ mile to Perkinsville Bridge. Bignotti recreational day use site From Interstate 17 in Camp Verde, take Highway 260 west 8 miles to Thousand Trails Road then north on FR#147A to recreational site. Picnic tables and toilets are available. Day use hours are from dusk to dawn. White Bridge recreational day use site From Interstate 17 in Camp Verde, take Highway 260 east 4 miles to Horseshoe Bend Road, then quick right into recreational site. Picnic tables and toilets are available. Day use hours are from dusk to dawn. Beasley Flat recreational day use site From Interstate 17 in Camp Verde, take Highway 260 east 3 miles to Salt Mine Road, follow Salt Mine Road for 10 miles then left on FR# 529 for 2 miles to recreational site. Picnic tables, toilets, and water are available. Day use hours are from dusk to dawn. Camping There are no National Forest developed campgrounds along the Verde River. Dispersed camping is allowed with a 14-day stay limit outside of designated recreational sites. Pack it in Pack it out is the requirement for trash. Public campgrounds in the Verde Valley include Dead Horse Ranch State Park (928) 634-5283 and West Clear Creek Campground (928) 282-4119. For More Information, Contact:
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Fishing Verde River
