Thinking about going to Riggs lake Friday to get away from the heat...... Wondering if I should take my trout gear.....  Think their are any trout in the lake at this time?

Should be, those waters are a lot colder than Tempe Town Lake!

I'd go with a #10 hook and small nightcrawler.

GO!!!

There are trout in the lake!  I would bottom fish it like the above says to.. there was a lot of plant life in the water when I was up there last and that would make lures suck.  I did see fish breaching the surface for food, and swimming along the shore so if you want to fly bubble that should work too.  dont know what is hitting up there but check the azgf fishing report for the latest.

Inflated night crawlers or power bait should work great.  Just keep in mind if you catch them that way keep n eat since they swallow the hook.

The road up is awesome(if you like curvy roads).. lots of curves but not bad.  Drove it at night and took a while, I suggest daylight.

Temps should be very nice since the lake is at 8800ft.

Was up there Mothers Day weekend.


View from south part of campground.. only about 200yds south of the camp host.

So that road and view is kinda like going up Mingus and Jerome, eh?

Way steeper and bigger mountain than Mingus.

I have had very good success at riggs using dry flies on my fly rod.  They keep it stocked with trout, so you can't go wrong.

I usually fish Riggs twice a month or so.  Powerbait fished on the bottom usually does the trick.  Take lots of colors/flavors then figure out the best one and stick with it, American Pie worked a week ago.  Depending on the wind/weather they often bite on anything shiny, z-rays,super dupers, etc...  I tend to fish about halfway out to the dam from the shore, just before the little handicapped fishing area.  The weather can change from sunny/70 to windy/50 in a minute.  Be prepared for it.

Are kayaks/canoes allowed on Riggs?

Yes

What is your tackle arrangement for "fishing the bottom"?  Just curious since I usually fly fish; my 7 year old wants to go with a normal pole.  Thanks!

I must go there then, love those mountain rides.

its got its sporty moments.  There was a motorcycle over the edge last time we were up there.

This is all the way to the lake.  34mi from highway to lake.  The last 12 mi is dirt, fyi.

But graded.

173 miles from my house to the lake. The first 140 miles took 3 horses with a horse trailer and camper. The last 33 miles took 2 hours. That should give you an idea of the road up the mountain.

Much thanks friends....  Lady Steel had a schedule change so it looks like Monday is our go day.

Small hook or treble hook if you plan to keep them.  Split shot weight about 1 foot up from the hook.  Cast it out and let it settle, keep the line pretty tight, sometimes they hit it hard, sometimes just a nibble and you gotta be paying attention.  My 7 year old usually does better than me, as I tend to mess around with lures and flys.  I spend more time taking fish off his hook and re-baiting it than I do fishing sometimes.