Fishing

Arizona White Mountain Fishing

Hannagan Meadow is located near the headwaters of 3 Arizona watersheds: the Black, Blue, and Little Colorado Rivers. The area holds Apache trout, one of the 2 species of native trout to Arizona, as well as brown and rainbow trout.

The area is known for some of the best, most scenic stream fly fishing in all of Arizona. Several lakes are also accessible to the Hannagan Meadow area. Some locations are easy access, while others require some hiking to get to the river waters. You can learn the art of fly fishing with a lesson, or perfect your casting technique with a half or full day guided trip. Let us help!

Note: We do not guide on the White Mountain Apache Reservation waters.

Meet the Guide

Wendy Krueger has been fly-fishing since she was 10, when her dad gave her a rod to fish the Gallatin River in Montana. Her 39 years of teaching and coaching experience give her clients immediate feedback and improvement in their skills. She has taught fly fishing to anglers as young as 6 and those well into their 70’s. She has donated time to Casting for Recovery, a national program dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors learn the art of fly-fishing. An avid hiker and biologist, Wendy provides local insight into the natural wonders that abound in the White Mountain area.

Wendy Krueger now lives in Nutrioso, AZ. She has CPR and First Aid certifications, as well as hundreds of on-trail hours. Whether it is fly-fishing or a scenic day hike into the wilderness or primitive areas, Wendy will help to make your day a memorable one.

For lesson or guiding information, contact Wendy directly at: canyonkitty@gmail.com or 928-245-4613.

Casting lessons

Getting started with fly-fishing? We can have you casting confidently in 2 hours! All equipment is provided but, if you have your own rod, please bring it.

2 hour lesson

In this lesson you will learn: basic gear terminology, rigging up the rod, fly choice, tying on the fly, roll and full cast, landing the fish and releasing it safely. The first student is a $50 charge, with each additional student (up to 3) $25 each. We will be going to a nearby lake for the lesson, with transportation to and from the lodge included. Larger groups can be accommodated, but please call for details and pricing.

Guided fly-fishing trips

All trips begin and end at Hannagan Meadow Lodge. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the trip. We fish local river and creek waters as a preferred venue. We do not have boats or float tubes for lake fishing.

Full day trip: $400 for 1 to 2 anglers

This trip is approximately 8 hours, with us heading out early in the morning— especially in the summer, while the water is cooler and fish are more active. Use of gear is included as are flies, leader and tippet. We provide a shore lunch of sandwiches, snacks, fruit, cookies and other goodies. We can accommodate dietary needs, if arranged in advance. We wet-wade and either drive or hike to holes, depending on experience and venue. If you are brand new to the sport, it is recommended that you take the 2 hour lesson before you do a trip.

Half Day trip: $300 for 1 to 2 anglers

This trip is approximately 4 hours, with us heading out either early in the morning. We can additionally do a late afternoon to evening trip, as long as it isn't monsoon season. Use of rods, flies, leader and tippet are included. Light snacks are provided.

Fishing Licenses & Additional Info:

All lessons/trips require a valid AZ fishing license for anyone ages 10 and up. All fees are paid to Wendy Krueger, and cannot be added to your lodge reservation. Contact Wendy for guided trip or lesson dates at: canyonkitty@gmail.com or 928-245-4613.

Arizona White Mountain Fishing Gallery