A few buddies Aaron, Steve, Mike and I all headed up for a long weekend of fly fishing in the White Mountains last weekend. 
Having a few days we wanted to take advantage and learn some new water while exploring the area. Our plan was to set up base camp at Pacheta lake with the intent of also checking out Reservation lake, Drift Fence Lake, Big Bonita Creek, the Black River, and the West Fork of the Black River.
By the time Thursday hit I was itching to break free from the valleys 100 degree plus temperatures and the White Mountains 60 degree paradise was calling to me.
The week turned out to be perfect with great weather (low 30’s highs in the mid 60’s with sprinkles in the afternoons) and superb scenery with vast wild life and some of Arizona’s most beautiful 
high country. And while the fishing was not as hot as it can be, any day spent fishing is a pretty good day.
For me the highlight of the trip was spending time on the Black River. While I’ve got to admit I enjoy pulling lunkers out of a lake, at heart I am a moving water guy. If given the opportunity I would prefer spending a day hiking up a stream in solitude than kicking around in my pontoon boat. However I still enjoy lakes and had a blast with the 
guys on the lake which is where we spent most of out time.
The third day Steve and Mike needed a break (Old Men) so Aaron and I headed out the the Black just the two of us. Aaron was up stream and I down. It was midday and I was a half mile down from where we parked. I had not seen another person since leaving Aaron. I was standing thigh deep in the river amidst an extreme mayfly 
hatch, catching fish after fish on dries. It’s then that alone, in the middle of Gods country, I had one of those moments when I realized why I am so addicted to this sport. That moment, that instant in time made ever frustrating wind knot, every skunked day, every snagged bush worth it…
Between numerous 6 inch fingerlings we were able to land a few big 
browns each day of the trip. The prize fish of the trip was Aaron’s 22” monster brown, followed up by a couple 19 inchers landed by both Aaron and myself. Steve and Mike (Mike was enjoying his first real fly fishing trip and second time with a fly rod in his hand) both ended the trip landing beautiful 16 inchers. With a handful of other 12-18 inch fish along the way and even more 
6-12 inchers it was overall a pretty good trip. Each night like clock work, as if to say goodnight and close out another beautiful day, rainbows would rise all over the lake covering it with swirls.
The fly of the trip was a toss up between a Hopper and a Red Zebra Midge. If fishing a midge I was hang it 24-30 inches off either a hopper or a stimulator. Most of the larger fish where caught within 5 feet of the shore line. Thanks to Aaron, Steve and Mike for a great trip, looking forward to next time. 
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great pictures! I would never think this scenery is in Arizona!
I spent about 5 or so summer camping trips on Pacheta as a youngster. We allways loved it because of the fishing, the beauty and rarely would you see anyone else on the lake. I was excited to see your report. Sounds like you guys had a blast. The Black River is on my to-do list, recently named by AZ mag as one of the most beautiful rivers in AZ.
awesome man
no smallies on the black?
nice trip
I think we were a little to high up for any of the smallies.
hey nate,
man that area looks better than what i thought! still a spot i realy want to try. hope next time you go i can make it!
Nate
I am a new resident of AZ, and just happened upon your site. I have been trying to look up information on the Black River, and the surrounding area. I was wondering if you had any information on where you went, how to get there, camping areas, things of that nature. Also, have you ever been up there in February, March? I am trying to plan a winter trip with a buddy and we were looking at heading up that way. Any suggestions. Thanks for any help or advice