Verde River

Geobox River
name =Verde River
native_name =
other_name =
other_name1 =

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image_size = 250px
image_caption =
country = United States
country1 =
state = Arizona
state1 =
region =
region1 =
district =
district1 =
city =
city1 =
length_imperial = 195
watershed_imperial = 6646
discharge_location = Horseshoe Dam
discharge_imperial = 548
discharge_max_imperial =
discharge_min_imperial =
discharge1_location =
discharge1_imperial =
source_name =
source_location =
source_district =
source_region =
source_state = Arizona
source_country = United States
source_lat_d =
source_lat_m =
source_lat_s =
source_lat_NS =
source_long_d =
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source_long_s =
source_long_EW =
source_elevation_imperial =
source_length_imperial =
mouth_name = Salt River
mouth_location =
mouth_district =
mouth_region =
mouth_state = Arizona
mouth_country = United States
mouth_lat_d = 33
mouth_lat_m = 32
mouth_lat_s = 48
mouth_lat_NS = N
mouth_long_d = 111
mouth_long_m = 39
mouth_long_s = 45
mouth_long_EW = W
mouth_elevation_imperial =
tributary_left = Tangle Creek
tributary_left1 = Granite Creek
tributary_right = Sycamore Creek
tributary_right1 = Wet Bottom Creek
tributary_right2 = East Verde River
tributary_right3 = Fossil Creek
tributary_right4 = Oak Creek
free_name =
free_value =


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The Verde River is the north and northwestern watershed of the Salt River–Verde River Watershed that co-join and enter the Gila River at Phoenix, Arizona located in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is approximately 170 mi (273.5 km) long and carries a mean flow of 1120 ft³/s (31.7 m³/s) at its mouth with the Salt River making it one of the largest perennial rivers within the state.

Description

The head of the Verde River begins below the dam that catches water from the Big Chino Wash and Williamson Valley Wash combining to create Sullivan Lake in Yavapai County, Arizona. This occurs during periods of sufficient precipitation. The Verde flows freely above and below ground for 125 miles (200 km) through private, state, tribal and United States Forest Service lands, specifically the Tonto National Forest, before encountering the first of two dams that make Horseshoe Lake and Bartlett Lake. The Verde River is fed by the tributary Fossil Creek. The Verde River and the Salt River confluence near Fountain Hills. The cities of Camp Verde, Clarkdale and Cottonwood are located along the river and constitute the primary population centers.

In 1984 the United States Congress designated approximately 65 mi (100 km) of the river as the Verde Wild and Scenic River as part of the National Wild and Scenic River program.

In 1987, a six mile stretch of the river was identified by the state of Arizona as a critical natural resource that needed protection and management. This reach of the Verde River, located between the town of Clarkdale (near the Tuzigoot National Monument) and the Bridgeport State Route 89A Bridge, became part of the Arizona State Parks system. The park, which encompasses some 700 acres, is known today as the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area.

The Verde Canyon Railroad operates a tourist railroad along the Verde River Canyon north and west of Clarkdale.

Recreation on the Verde River

Floating rafts and kayaks is a popular past time on the Verde as it runs through scenic valleys and the Mazatzal Wilderness. The facilities described below are maintained by the Tonto National Forest authority.

Boating Facility Features

"Upper Verde River": Paved, gravel and/or dirt access, Licenses for Sale, Groceries, Gas and Oil, Tackle and Equipment, Live Bait Fish (Possession is Prohibited), Restaurants, Lodging, Swimming, Parking Area with 8 Boat Trailer Spaces, Walk in (carry boats), Tables, Drinking Water, Restrooms, Electricity, Camping Allowed, Scattered Facilities, Special Regulations in Effect

"Bloody Basin area": Gravel, dirt and/or trail access, Live Bait Fish, No Motors Allowed, Primitive Parking Area, Camping Allowed, Wild area - go prepared

"Area Below Horseshoe Lake": Gravel and/or dirt access, Live Bait Fish, No Motors Allowed, Parking Area, Tables, Restrooms, Camping Allowed

"Area Below Bartlett Lake": Paved, gravel, dirt and/or trail access, Live Bait Fish, Swimming, No Motors Allowed, Primitive Parking Area, Camping Allowed

Fish Species

"Upper Verde River": Walleye, Bullhead, Carp - 80 fishable miles, mostly near the Clarkdale area in North Central Arizona

"Bloody Basin area": Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Catfish (Channel), Catfish (Flathead), Carp - 30 fishable miles

"Area Below Horseshoe Lake": Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Catfish (Channel), Catfish (Flathead), Tilapia, Carp, Bullfrogs - 12 fishable miles

"Area Below Bartlett Lake": Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Catfish (Channel), Catfish (Flathead), Carp, Bullfrogs - 20 fishable miles

ee also

*List of Arizona rivers
*List of National Wild and Scenic Rivers

External links

* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/verde-river-boat.shtml Verde Wild and Scenic River] - Coconino National Forest
* [http://azstateparks.com/Parks/VERI/index.html Arizona State Parks: Verde River Greenway]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/BoatingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Boating Locations Facilities Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/FishingLocationsMap.shtml Arizona Fishing Locations Map]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish.shtml Where to Fish in Arizona Species Information]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml Arizona Lake Levels]
* [http://www.azgfd.gov/video/UpperVerdeRiver.shtml Video of Upper Verde River]

References

*Citation |first=Information and Education Division|title=Arizona Fishin' Holes|place=Phoenix, AZ|publisher=Arizona Game and Fish Department|year=2007