Diamond Creek

Varying in elevation from 5,600 feet to 7,500 feet, Diamond Creek courses through huge grassy meadows and stands of tall spruce, aspen and ponderosa pine. Beyond a doubt, it is one of Arizona's most scenic fishable waterways.

If you follow the waterway far enough, it will branch into the Little Diamond. Usually you'll only find smaller fish there. Note that much of this stream is also on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation; make sure to get proper permits. -G.J. Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona

Phone Numbers for more information::

Game and Fish (928)338-4385

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Read the opening article above for locations of the Diamond Creek that are only usable by Apaches

Road Conditions:

Paved to Dirt

Land Ownership:

Diamond Creek is most located on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation which makes it owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe you will need a permit from them to fish on it

Ranger Station/District:

Pinetop Game and Fish (928)3674281

Entrance Fees/Permits:

White Mountains Permit

Elevation:

5600 to 7500

Max Surface Acres:

approximately 11 mile long

Bag Limit:

Trout: 5 for adults (15 and over) 3 for juveniles (10-14) 2 for kids (under 10) Bass and Catfish: 15 for adults, 8 for juveniles, 8 for kids All other species "No limit" Be sure to check with the White Mountain Apache Game and Fish for spots of the river that are catch and release " Note that the limits change frequently so if you need to check call (928)338-4385

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

Yes

Camping:

Yes

Barrier free Access:

Yes

Trailer Spaces:

No

Electricity:

No

Water Skiing:

No

Cleaning Stations:

No

Marinas:

No marinas at Diamond Creek

To reach Diamond Creek's rainbow, brown and Apache trout populations, take State Route 73 between Whiteriver and Hon-Dah. Turn east on Indian Route 25 (dirt), and in a few miles it will begin to parallel the creek. In all, there are about 11 fishable miles to Diamond Creek, though that will vary from year to year. The Drought of 1999-2000 is a good example of how important it is to check ahead, especially in Arizona when visiting less popular waterways like Diamond Creek. That year the stream pretty much dried up in several sections, though the summer of 2000 monsoons certainly helped. -G.J. Sagi, from the essential travel handbook Fishing Arizona