Cataract Creek

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 4

Cataract Creek is a scenic stream located in Coconino County, Arizona. It flows through the high desert terrain near Williams, eventually feeding into Cataract Lake, a small reservoir. The creek is part of the greater Colorado River watershed and exhibits typical high desert stream characteristics with varying water flows depending on seasonal precipitation. At approximately 6,800 feet in elevation, Cataract Creek provides anglers with a less-crowded fishing experience compared to some of Arizona's more popular fishing destinations. The surrounding landscape features juniper, pine, and high desert vegetation, creating a beautiful backdrop for fishing activities.

Arizona licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Cataract Creek and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Cataract Creek. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Santa Fe Reservoir Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on Cataract Creek

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Arizona licenses and regulations

Arizona Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Arizona Fishing License

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Check the Arizona Fishing Regulations for additional information.

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Arizona Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Arizona Steam Access Laws

Determined by the Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission. ANSAC says for a waterway to be navigable, it must have been capable of commercial trade and travel at the time of statehood (1912). The waterway must also be wet, with water from more than just precipitation. As of 2016, ANSAC only defines the Colorado River as navigable, though decisions are pending for other streams. The federal government and private owners control all other streambeds The extent to which the public has rights in non-navigable watercourses depends upon the ownership of the streambed. For example, if the federal government has retained ownership, the public likely enjoys rights to boat, fish, wade, recreate, and portage. If, on the other hand, the streambed is privately owned, then the public may not boat, fish, or otherwise access the watercourse without the owner's permission.

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Take Cataract Creek with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Cataract Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Cataract Creek to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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