Fossil Creek

In the fall of 2004, nearly 100 people from around the state worked together to restore Fossil Creek to a native fishery. This work involved removing non-native fish that had invaded the stream so the few remaining native species would have a chance to survive. Native fish in Fossil Creek include headwater chub, roundtail chub, speckled dace, Sonora sucker, and Desert sucker.

Fossil creek currently requires a reservation do to the number of visitors.

Fossil Creek flows from Fossil Springs, 14 miles to its confluence with the Verde River downstream of the historic and decommissioned Childs power plant. Fossil Creek is one of two Wild and Scenic rivers in Arizona. Its 70° F water pours at 20,000 gallons per hour from springs at the bottom of a 1,600 foot deep canyon. Over the years these calcium rich waters have laid down huge deposits of a material called travertine. That rock-like substance encases whatever happens to fall into the stream bed – forming the fossil-like formations for which the area is named.

The 4 mile stretch of fishable water starts from the Old Fossil Creek Dam 1 mile upstream from the Irving trailhead, down to a set of powerlines that crosses the creek just below Sally May Wash. This section is open for catch and release fishing between the first Saturday in October all the way through April 30th.

Roundtail chub must be immediately released unharmed; no chub may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only.- Coconino National Forest

Attached is a pdf of detailed fishing information about Fossil Creek.

GPS:

Latitude: 34° 46' 55.6" N Longitude: 111° 13' 33.8" W

Phone Numbers for more information::

Game and Fish Phone: (602) 789-3701

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Fossil Creek is open all year but check with the Coconino Forest in Winter for Road closer

Road Conditions:

Paved

Land Ownership:

Coconino National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 282-4119 or the Payson Ranger District at (928) 474-7900.

Entrance Fees/Permits:

There is no fee for Fossil Creek

Elevation:

6700 feet

Max Surface Acres:

60 surface acers

Average Depth:

3+ feet

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

No

Camping:

Camping is limited at Fossil Creek. Theres a big deal about were you can camp there so be sure and print out or study this document from the COCONINO and TONTO NATIONAL FORESTS

Barrier free Access:

Yes

Trailer Spaces:

No

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

No

Water Skiing:

No

Cleaning Stations:

No

Marinas:

No marinas at Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek and is accessed by Highway 260 east of Camp Verde, or Highway 87 north of Strawberry. Be sure and readthis document if your trying to camp at Fossil Creek.