b"Quail Wash: A 0.25-mile trail. Hike or bike.views of the lagoons, the Verde River andStairs and bridges prevent equestrian use. PlantDead Horse Ranch.diversity and flowing water in the wash make this trail popular. Intersects with Hickey Ditch Trail.FISHINGThe trailhead is located at the south end of theLargemouth BassWest Lagoon parking lot. Year-round action for largemouth bass can be found at both the Dead Horse Ranch lagoons, and Hickey Ditch: A 0.5-mile trail. Shared-use.Verde River on the south end of the park. Every Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditchyear, the lagoons give up one or two double-digit through a canopy of willow, netleaf hackberry,fish, and five-pound specimens are currently Arizona black walnut, and mesquite trees.common. The rich ecosystem, plenty of cover, Intersects with Quail Wash Trail. The trailheadloads of sunfish, and the seasonal stockings of is located at the north end of the West Lagoonrainbow trout all help the bass in Dead Horse parking lot. Ranch to attain trophy dimensions. Although the fish on average are smaller in the Verde, quantity Creosote: A 0.5-mile shortcut. Shared-use.at times outweighs quality while still providing a Intersects with Hickey Ditch and Quail very memorable experience. Arrive at the lagoons Wash Trails. early or stay late into the evening for best results and your best chance at actively feeding fish. Lagoons: One accessible loop around eachAccess the Verde River via the trails that leave the lagoon.West Lagoon 0.39 miles; Middle Lagoonmain park area. With more available cover, and 0.41 miles; East Lagoon 0.72 miles. Hike or bike.overall more surface area of inhabitable waterway, Accessed from any of the lagoon parking lots,the bass population in the Verde River is robust these trails allow you to stroll around the lagoons.and growing. Horses are not allowed.Rainbow Trout Channel CatfishVerde River Greenway: A 2-mile shared- The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocksChannel catfish are stocked seasonally by the use trail along the river. The trail weaves throughboth bodies of water throughout the fall, winter,Arizona Game and Fish Department, typically some of the best nesting habitat in the area, a birdand into spring with beautiful, delicious rainbowduring the warmer months. Although a good watchers' paradise. Intersects with Quail Wash andtrout reared right here in Arizona. Dead Horsenumber are caught soon after being released into Lagoon Trails. The trailhead is located in the RiverRanch lagoons are relatively shallow, have plenty ofthe lagoons, great fishing can be experienced Day Use area or can be accessed on the south sidecover, and give anglers a chance to experience first- throughout the year. Catfish are most active during of the lagoons. rate trout action from the shore or self-propelledthe first and last couple hours of daylight and at watercraft. Trout anglers looking for a little morenight. Its typically regarded as a good idea to bring Riverfront: A 0.5-mile trail. Shared-use. The trailsolitude can take the Verde River Greenway trail(and try) a variety of baits while fishing for catfish runs along the south side of the Verde River andon the south end of the park to experience troutat Dead Horse Ranch. The fish will let you know is good for walking. Trail is accessed from eitherfishing amid the tangled riparian atmosphere ofwhich one they prefer on any given day. the south end of the Dead Horse Ranch State Parkthe Verde River. The river is a different atmosphere Bridge or from Riverfront Park. completely than the docile lagoons of the park. Equestrian Trails: Many of the Dead Horse Ranch trails are shared-use. There are one-hour and two-hour guided trail rides available at the park. The rides take in the Verde River Greenway and provide scenic ArizonaRealCountry.com October 2022 25"