Oak Creek-Grasshopper Point to confluence with Verde River COA
The section of Oak Creek from Grasshopper Point to the Verde River confluence is a high priority management unit. Oak Creek is intensively stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Management as a trout fishery is not in conflict with management for native aquatic species. Removal or suppression of non-native warm water fish species is desirable, for native aquatic species management, but it would be extremely difficult. The Slide Fire, which started May 20, 2014, burned 21,000 acres in the Oak Creek and West Fork of Oak Creek watersheds. Runoff from the fire will change the aquatic habitat over the next several years. Changes in the primary and secondary management emphasis are unlikely to change, but the management actions may change depending on fire impacts.
