As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only, barbless hooks only. Oak Creek is at base flow with a recent reading of 31.0 cfs, stream temperature 53.78-58.64, turbidity 0.3-0.5 FNU @ 9 a.m. on 3/16/2026. Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The Pine Flat campground is closed for the winter season. Anglers are finding success using inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi Seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. Now is a great time to fish the catch-and-release section of Oak Creek. Mornings are your best bet to beat the tourist crowd. Rainbow and Gila trout were stocked last week.