MIRAGE
A CELEBRATION
OF ARIZONA FLY FISHING
Mirage by Ethan Beazley
Hardcover Photo Book
The topic of fly fishing in Arizona is often met with skepticism and confusion. The fishing in this state are rarely showcased in magazines, films, or even word of mouth. The small community of anglers here may have to work harder to reach the fish or find more creative opportunities. For the past year I have been venturing throughout all of Arizona to see all that hides within this harsh landscape. This book is a celebration of the people, fish, and land that makes Arizona a magical place.
FIVE DISTINCT REGIONS
Each chapter showcases different regions across the state. Arizona’s geological diversity reaches far beyond common perception.
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High in the eastern corner of the state, the White Mountains are Arizona’s alpine heart. Cold creeds, thick pine, and volcanic soil make this region a rare haven for native trout. Up here, fishing feels closer to tradition - quiet, cool, and rooted in rhythm.
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This region is a crossroads where redrock, pine, and basalt converge. Flagstaff’s high country, Prescott’s granite valleys, and Sedona’s surreal beauty each bring something different to the table. Together; they reveal a quieter side of Arizona fly fishing - diverse, scenic, and strangely peaceful.
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Stretching across the state like a geological fault line, the Mogollon Rim divides desert from high country. The streams that spill from it are moody and seasonal, but when they flow, they cut through deep forest and sandstone, offering moments that feel stolen from another world.
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The Colorado cuts through the western edge of the state with force and scale. It’s not an easy river to fish - temperamental, powerful, often remote - but it’s also where Arizona feels biggest. This is water that shaped the land, and fishing it feels like stepping into something ancient.
-
Phoenix may be a sprawl of heat and concrete, but if you know where to look, there’s water and fish woven throughout it. Urban canals, desert lakes, and manmade reservoirs shape a fishery built on adaptation. It’s unexpected, and maybe that’s the point.
FIVE DISTINCT REGIONS
Each chapter showcases different regions across the state. Arizona’s geological diversity reaches far beyond common perception.
-
High in the eastern corner of the state, the White Mountains are Arizona’s alpine heart. Cold creeds, thick pine, and volcanic soil make this region a rare haven for native trout. Up here, fishing feels closer to tradition - quiet, cool, and rooted in rhythm.
-
This region is a crossroads where redrock, pine, and basalt converge. Flagstaff’s high country, Prescott’s granite valleys, and Sedona’s surreal beauty each bring something different to the table. Together; they reveal a quieter side of Arizona fly fishing - diverse, scenic, and strangely peaceful.
-
Stretching across the state like a geological fault line, the Mogollon Rim divides desert from high country. The streams that spill from it are moody and seasonal, but when they flow, they cut through deep forest and sandstone, offering moments that feel stolen from another world.
-
The Colorado cuts through the western edge of the state with force and scale. It’s not an easy river to fish - temperamental, powerful, often remote - but it’s also where Arizona feels biggest. This is water that shaped the land, and fishing it feels like stepping into something ancient.
-
Phoenix may be a sprawl of heat and concrete, but if you know where to look, there’s water and fish woven throughout it. Urban canals, desert lakes, and manmade reservoirs shape a fishery built on adaptation. It’s unexpected, and maybe that’s the point.
Foreword by
Mike Faulkinbury
If you don’t know Mike, he ties flies and… well.. he’s damn good at it. I have thought about making a project of photographing fly fishing in Arizona for a while but Mike’s encouragement did a lot to propel it all into motion. I am grateful for our friendship and honored that he wrote the foreword on this book.
Foreword by
Mike Faulkinbury
If you don’t know Mike, he ties flies and… well.. he’s damn good at it. I have thought about making a project of photographing fly fishing in Arizona for a while but Mike’s encouragement did a lot to propel it all into motion. I am grateful for our friendship and honored that he wrote the foreword on this book.
Thank You
A lot of people took part in this and none of it would have happened without them. While this book showcases a variety of fish and some stunning landscapes, the book is largely about people. Thank you to everyone that adventured with me in this pursuit.
Steve Kelly Brad Dahl Casey Jones Holly Castro Sean Conway Dave Foster Niko Ebert Kris Bare Kellie Bochart Kyle Ledeboer Isaiah Moten Justin Bratten Blake Brei Justin Cymbalski Greg Smith Damien Carpenter JR Lasater Pat James Jr Jackson Lafferty Mark Nunya Dylan Foote Mike Faulkinbury Stan Lewis Chris Rich John Mundall Derrick Rivchin KC Badger Kyle Price Clint Woods Jeff Currier
A lot of people took part in this and none of it would have happened without them. While this book showcases a variety of fish and some stunning landscapes, the book is largely about people. Thank you to everyone that adventured with me in this pursuit.
Thank You
Steve Kelly Brad Dahl Casey Jones Holly Castro Sean Conway Dave Foster Niko Ebert Kris Bare Kellie Bochart Kyle Ledeboer Isaiah Moten Justin Bratten Blake Brei Justin Cymbalski Greg Smith Damien Carpenter JR Lasater Pat James Jr Jackson Lafferty Mark Nunya Dylan Foote Mike Faulkinbury Stan Lewis Chris Rich John Mundall Derrick Rivchin KC Badger Kyle Price Clint Woods Jeff Currier