Rory's Tips
This was certainly an historic storm event. Anglers and boaters should keep in mind that with rapidly rising lake levels, there hazards such as reefs and the like will not be marked. Plus, you can expect lots of hazardous floating debris. So use good sense -- don't put yourself in harms way.
According to the USGS Streamflow site (these are all unofficial flows pulled from the site), the Verde River peaked at 100,000 cfs Thursday night and Tonto Creek peaked at 70,000. It looks like the Agua Fria at Rock Springs hit 50,000 cfs.
The Salt River above Roosevelt peaked at 100,000 cfs. Roosevelt Lake is expected to fill.
Horseshoe Lake will fill (the road into it has been closed since Wednesday). SRP did releases from Bartlett to prevent it from filling.
Also, our latest word is that the road into Bartlett has been closed and barricaded by the Sheriff's office. So if you have plans to go that way, it might be wise to check first. Bartlett can be a treacherous lake when it is filled with debris, and the debris can clog outboard motors causing them to overheat.
Releases from Bartlett were around 17,000 cfs and 6,000 cfs from Stewart Mountain Dam as of Friday morning. The Salt River flow below Tempe Town Lake was 21,900 Friday morning, but had peaked at around 40,000 cfs. This area will not be fishable in the short term.
I imagine Painted Rock Dam near Gila Bend will be holding back water soon. In 1993, Painted Rock Dam (near Gila Bend) became the state's largest inland reservoir almost overnight. Lake Pleasant is expected to rise at least 13 feet. The Agua Fria River at Rock Springs hits 50,000 cfs on Thursday night and was flowing at 9,660 cfs on Friday morning.
They were predicting on Thursday that Alamo Lake would rise 30 feet or so. Burro Creek crested at 40,000 cfs and the Big Sandy hit 70,000 cfs on Thursday night.
For anglers, that means to expect lots of debris in many of the lakes, especially top-of-the-line lakes. It also means that rivers, streams, arroyoes and even gulches can be swollen with runoff.
For many of the lakes, the winter storm inflows can shut down the bite for a few days, but the water and nutrient inflows before the spring spawns will result in terrific reproduction this year, which is great news.
Since we just put inventive trout in the urban lakes, they might be a great bet (be sure to get a 2010 Urban Fishing License).
If you want to follow the increase flows in our streams and rivers, visit the USGS streamflow site at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/current/?type=flow.
My best advice is to give the lakes (and fish) a week to settle down and then start go out and enjoy nature's bounty. If you go out beforehand, please use exteme caution.
By the way, we just added the Saguaro Bassmasters Club to our resource Web page at http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hf_resources.shtml. It's a good resource to locate fishing and outdoor recreation/conservation organizations.
By the
Take Me Fishing offers online fishing tourney for boat, motor
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - To encourage boating and fishing in 2010, the Take Me Fishing™ campaign is kicking off the second "Catch A Boat" online fishing tournament, offering TakeMeFishing.org visitors the chance to win a new boat, motor and trailer.
Every cast gets players closer to winning the grand prize - a new Sylvan boat with an Evinrude motor and trailer. Participants may be eligible to win daily prizes from one of Take Me Fishing's additional partners - Bass Pro Shops, Rapala, Plano and South Bend Sporting Goods. Back by popular demand, the "Catch A Boat" contest went live yesterday, January 25, 2010 and will end on March 1, 2010. For Official Rules and eligibility information, visit TakeMeFishing.org.
"Catch A Boat is designed to inspire participation in boating and fishing and give visitors to TakeMeFishing.org the tools they need to plan a day on the water," said Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) President & CEO Frank Peterson. "We know that fishing is the number one gateway activity to other outdoor pursuits, and the money spent on these activities goes back to conservation projects that keep our nation's waterways clean and fish populations healthy."
The first "Catch A Boat" online tournament during National Fishing & Boating Week in 2009 resulted in approximately 46,000 registered game users, 17,000 new Anglers' Legacy Ambassadors and nearly one million visits to TakeMeFishing.org.
"Our first Catch A Boat tournament helped us reach multiple goals, including increasing the time spent on TakeMeFishing.org and increasing traffic to our partners' Web sites," added Peterson. "We look forward to building on this momentum for our second online tournament."
TakeMeFishing.org is the centerpiece of the national Take Me Fishing campaign. The site earned national recognition in 2009 with awards from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), International Academy of the Visual Arts, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Web Marketing Association. In addition, the site'ssocial network, Fishington - The Fishing & Boating Capital of the Internet, was recognized by the Webby Awards and the Web Marketing Association. Boaters and anglers can join Fishington and follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
CENTRAL WATERS
URBAN LAKES -- Incentive trout were stocked at all program waters last week (Jan. 11-16). In addition to the usual 11- to 12-inch trout there were also many trout 13 to 18 inchers and some even larger ones that will tip the scales around six pounds or higher. The current Urban Lakes record trout is 7.9 pounds.
Better yet, there are no urban entries this year so whatever you catch will be a 2010 record until someone submits a larger one. Get your fish weighed at a Game and Fish office and fill out the application for Big Fish-of-the-Year recognition.
Fishing outlook is good. With the larger trout in the lakes make sure your equipment and line are up to the task. We are very happy with our trout contractor; the fish are real feisty, firm and the fins are in excellent shape. Scented dough baits such as power Bait, worms, and corn are working well for those who want to take it easy and have the trout knock on your door so to speak. For those who want to take a more active role, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Kastmasters also work well when fished 5 to 10 feet deep. The warm water species such as catfish, bluegill and bass have slowed down due to the colder weather, but on warm afternoons they just might get motivated.
Green Valley lakes in Payson are also providing good trout fishing opportunities. Daily trout limits are 4 fish at Urban Lakes, 2 trout at Urban Ponds. Get your Urban fishing license and don’t forget to bring along a landing net to help hoist that lunker trout out of the lake.
Starting this month you may notice more visits by Game and Fish biologists at your favorite Urban Lake. During this calendar year the Urban Fishing Program staff will be visiting all 21 lakes 2 to 3 times every month to conduct angler interviews. You may be asked a variety of questions such as how many fish you caught that day, how far you traveled that day to fish and how many years you have been fishing.
These annual surveys are conducted every five years and are used to manage the fishery in so far as stocking amounts and improvements that can be made at the parks. It also shows how popular urban fishing is and will result in more support by government and civic leaders. Your participation is greatly appreciated and we look forward to talking with you.
Many may have noticed a fishing report where the author was concerned with Cortez Lake in late December. Oxygen levels were low and a golden algae bloom erupted a couple weeks earlier. All is fine now and trout stockings have resumed; biologists will continue to monitor and test the lake to ensure water conditions remain safe for fish and fish remain safe to eat.
Where: Kiwanis
When: 01/13/10
Caught: 4 trout, smallest 16", largest 17"
Technique: Power Balls
Comments: I've been fishing Kiwanis since winter '98, prior years have been better fish-count-wise (I always cut the line close to their mouth so someone else can catch them again), but this year has been the best size-wise. I also caught another 17-incher Thurs the 14th, and Fri the 15th my grandson caught a 16 1/2 incher. Thanks, AZGFD!
Name: Larry Cannady
Where: Rio Vista
When: 01/11/10
Caught: 2 Rainbow Trout
Technique: Power Bait with a small weight.
Comments: fished for about 2 hours with plenty of bites. caught 2 fat healthy trout within 10 minutes of each other. good day!
Name: David Salcido Jr.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE -Trout fishing is good, they are taking small spoons, spinners, Super Dupers and of course worms. We will be stocking again this coming week (the week of Jan. 28).
(picture on left) Nancy Ryan with the good folks at the Rio Salado Project shares a "Best of Phoenix" plague from the New Times with Rory Aikens, with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Try KastMasters, Road Runners and Mepps. Worms fished under a bobber are always a good alternative for whatever is hungry down there.
Try fishing off the fishing areas and near bridge and railroad abutments. Bass fishermen might want to try swim baits to mimic the trout that are getting stocked. The water is cold so the fish will be lethargic so a slow retrieve will do you good.
Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.
There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.
LAKE PLEASANT - The flows from the Agua Fria and other sources should increase the lake level significantly but you can also expect lots of hazardous floating debris. All these inflows will likely shut down the bite, but we'll see what happens with a day or two of settled weather. It's a little early for stripers and whites to get into the spawning mode, but regardless they will likely gravitate towards areas with inflows.
ROOSEVELT LAKE -- Inflows are expected to fill this reservoir within the next week due to the torrential storms and runoff the state is experiencing.
A couple fishermen decided to brave the weather over the weekend. A Rapala X-rap enticed one bite.
They moved to the points and used some red sweet beavers on a ¼-ounce jig near brush and picked up some more.
The trolling crappie bite has been a bit disappointing on both the Tonto and Salt ends. They are biting light and seemingly less often. Even the professionals are having a tough time. During storms, the crappie bite can slow even more. Winter crappie are often a fair-weather fish.
The bass fishermen are having better success, using jigs and spoons where the substrate drops off. Anglers who like to live on the edge and risk a snag among the submerged trees and overhanging vegetation with a Texas rigged worms are having success.
When weather fronts move through the state, try the rocky shorelines for smallmouth bass.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,904 feet (90 percent full). The wind was just right for some exciting times on Apache. While Roosevelt was calm Apache was rolling. An angler still caught six healthy bass in 40 minutes in the morning on the east end of the lake, but the bite died after that. He was using jigs with minnows and John Deere grubs.
Game and Fish is not stocking trout this year in Apache but bass, yellow bass and bluegill fishing is good for those anglers who partake in the scenic drive. One of the anglers mentioned how colorful the bass are at Apache. I’ve notice that as well during our surveys. A quick glance at a largemouth might make you think it’s a smallmouth for a second. The coloration is vibrant with real good modeling especially on the younger specimens. Water temperatures ranged between 49 and 53 degrees.
A father son duo caught one largemouth on a jerkbait in real shallow water at the east portion of the lake. Drop shot produced three bass on a point in the lake. Rat-L-Traps worked well on the flats on the west portion the lake. All these fish were real shallow below 5 feet of water. In all they caught 10 fish with three over the slot. Weather was cold and cloudy all day with a light wind.
CANYON LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,656 ft, which is 94-percent full. Swimbaits are enticing some pretty large bass. One angler heard a couple 9 pounders were hauled in last week. When it rains, this lake can have magnificent water falls coming off the cliffs.
SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 94-percent full. Use KastMasters bumped on the bottom to catch a boatload of yellow bass as well as some largemouth. The technique entices some catfish as well. Another productive technique is the trusty drop shot.
BARTLETT -- Significant inflows will substantially fill this reservoir, but SRP will also increase releases to keep some capacity. Expect lots of hazardous floating debris. The road to Bartlett Flats and that area has been closed by the Forest Service.
Anglers should expect the bite to slow down significantly until the lake level and flows stabilize more.
HORSESHOE - Significant inflows are expected to fill this lake, but the Forest Service has closed the road to it..
VERDE RIVER -- On Thursday afternoon, the flows at Tangle Creek had reached 13,800 cfs, with more rain expected in the watershed.
LOWER SALT RIVER -- Flows have increased significantly by Thursday afternoon, so this is not a place for anglers to fish until the waters subside.
CREEKS – Most of the Rim streams this week will probably be inaccessible due to snow and some could have turbid flows. This is good news for our reservoirs.
COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
LAKE POWELL -- No recent reports. Winter conditions prevail.
LEES FERRY – Courtesy Lees Ferry Anglers:
Fly Fishing: Fishing has been off the charts: We are still drifting the channel for the most part, the water is still too high to wade and have much success. The trout look as healthy as I have seen in the 17 years that I have been here. We are catching fish of all sizes, from a healthy 10-inch trout to a whopping 22 inches.
These fish are all over the San Juan worm and the zebra midge.
The flows are supposed to go up just a bit for the month of January and we predict fishing will be as good if not better.
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR
T
Walk in: This section is fishing well, had a couple anglers give a report that they cannot remember the walk-in ever fishing so well this time of year. They reported catching fish with every thing they threw. One reported after releasing a trout he was rinsing his hands in the water with his rod on the ground next to him. Next thing he knew his rod was headed out in the river, he had caught another fish while his flies were just hanging there in the river. I would say these fish are pretty active in the walk-in section. T
Spin Fishing: All the reports I have receive for spin fishing are good. Most folks are using the large glo-bugs while drifting and cashing in. And I am getting other reports that gold spinners are doing well. And the marabou jig is producing a good number of trout. T
Courtesy Terry Gunn, Lees Ferry Anglers.
Recent Fishing Conditions: High Water = Big Healthy Fish. Many of you probably remember that for many years the winter months at Lees Ferry were considered prime season…this winter should be no exception. Current water releases from Glen Canyon Dam are higher than they have been since the beginning of the drought in 1999. High water moves food around and gets the fish in a feeding mood and makes for very predictable and good fishing. The reason for the high water is an effort to equalize Lake Powell and Lake Mead. If there is sufficient snowpack the higher than normal water flows will continue for a year or more with a goal to release 10.765 MAF (million acre feet) compared to the 8.23 MAF of water that has been released every year since 1999. This bodes very well for the current and future fishing. Fishing has been getting better every year for the past several years and I predict that we will see fishing this coming year that rivals the banner years in the 90’s. The peak fishing periods of 1984-1988, and 1994-1999 were all preceded by high water years.
Recent Fishing: My client from 12/11 said that he caught more pounds of trout in his first day of fishing at Lees Ferry than in all his previous days of fly fishing combined. The fish are fat, strong, and hungry. The current high flows will continue for December and increase slightly in January and drop in Feb., and lower again in March. The high water is likely to stimulate a strong spawn, we are already seeing a few fish spawning in the normal places.
With the higher water flows we are drifting and fishing from the boat using a “heavy nymph rig” which is a 9 to 12-ft leader, strike indicator, split shot, and dual fly rig. The higher water limits the areas that you can wade so drifting can be more productive. We have been seeing a bunch of fish feeding on the surface eating midges and black flies; these fish are very selective but can be tough.
The current fish population is better than we have seen in many years with several different year classes present in good numbers and all in perfect physical condition. You may remember from my previous reports my mention of our prolific spawn of 2007 and that the river was full of small fish that disappear from the time that they reach 3” and reappear when they are 12” long…well, they showed up in mass in June. They are everywhere! For the first time in many years we are catching fish of all sizes, from 10’’ to 20” which is typical of a very healthy river. The only downside is that our average caught fish size has decreased; the river is still chock-full of big fish but the challenge is getting your fly past the smaller, and not so smart fish.
LAKE MEAD –The Lake Mead water level has risen slightly. The current level is around 1,097 feet above msl. The striper bite has been slow. If you want to find the stripers, look for shad on your fish finder. They should be in 40-50 feet deep. The stripers are usually underneath them in 60-70 feet. Trolling may be your best bet.
Launching conditions at South Cove will remain fair. The concrete ramp the National Park Service completed last year is one lane with cones marking the edges. Use caution not to go off the sides of the metal extensions at either side. National Park Service is working to keep the ramp open. Temple Bar Launch Ramp is two lanes. Launching conditions in general are better at Temple Bar than South Cove.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
LAKE MOHAVE – The lake level is around 641 feet above msl. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing stripers, while catfish are on the bottom.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove and now Shoshone.
Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, bluegill and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH - Trout are stocked every Friday. Fishing is usually best immediately following the stocking.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
TOPOCK MARSH –The water level is down for the winter. Fishing has been slow.
You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly. The next scheduled stocking is for Jan. 19. The fish are stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.
Anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside and off the shore of Davis Camp. USFWS will be stocking trout once a month from October until March. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses. Community Park is good place for the morning fishing. Anchovies work best for catching stripers, but you may also catch catfish and trout.
The water level will go up later in the day, but it will drop after sunset. Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
Sandpoint Fish Report for Jan. 21, 2010 from Karen Coats (Sandpoint Bait and Tackle Shop Supervisor) 1-15 Jim F. got a 3 pound 8 ounce striper he was using shad and was down at the springs Well folks, first lets cover fishing. A major storm is supposed to hit us Monday and there calling for rain all week. I would stay put and wait till the following week to come out. If not, then bring some good rain gear. Anglers have been catching bass all week using plastics in 2 to 15 foot of water. I've been holding my own throwing Wholly hog tails with a 1/4 once weight. I've had the best luck working secondary structure. OUTLOOK:
SOUTHWESTERN WATERS
HAVASU -- There is some decent action for striped bass and smallmouth bass. This lake can become treacherous during high winds with storms coming through, but when storms are approaching bass -- especially stripers and smallmouth -- will often feed more actively.
1-16 Bob C. got 2 stripers 2 pounds 8 ounces and 4 pounds 12 ounces he was using anchovies down at the springs
Terry D. got a 6 pound 2 ounce cat and a 4 pound 2 ounce striper he was using shad and was down at the springs
ALAMO LAKE – Report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park.
Straight across from the main ramp and up to the second bouy line is pretty good. Up by the dam is a bust. Anglers are doing pretty good with the crappies. The average catch has been around 8 to 10 fish a day. BUT, we'e talking 1 to 1 1/2 pounders. Road runner jigs with a minnow trailer is still the hot ticket. After this storm front blows through things should really turn on.
No word on cat fishing. No good reports on shore fishing. Both ramps are in operation at this time. I have no idea what the lake level is this week.
Moving on. It saddens me to say our State Parks board met and decided to go along with the recommendations to close several parks. You can log onto azstateparks.gov Web site to see which ones in your area are closing and when. Alamo Lake State park is still scheduled to close June 3. From what they're telling us is that we lock the gates June 3, then have 30 days to mothball the park, followed by 30 days for the employees to get packed and get out. If and when this place will re-open is anybodies guess. I know our agency was looking at opening this seasonally but the way the Legislatures keeps raiding our funds that is really unlikely. California just went through this. The governor was closing its parks and the public came unglued and raised enough hell that he backed off and there still open. Hopefully that happens in Az in the next few months. Here is a phone number to call that will get you started and whom to talk to (602) 926-3559.
Remember to lock your stuff up. That's all I got. Mark
Alamo Lake:
The lake level is still good; we’ll be heading into the fall with an elevation of about 1,118 feet, which equates to 3,500 surface acres. Both the main and Cholla ramps will be usable. While largemouth bass are present in all sizes, fisheries surveys in the spring indicated that there seem to be an unusually high proportion of bass within the protected slot limit (you are allowed to take one bass in the protected 13-16 inch slot). Hopefully fisheries surveys in the fall will reveal that these fish have grown beyond 16 inches. Regardless, bass fishing should begin to pick up when the weather cools a bit, and is expected to be good to excellent throughout the fall. All types of bait, plastics, spinner baits and top-water lures should work. As the weather cools off, try slowly working plastics in deeper water.
Crappie fishing has been a little spotty throughout the summer, but expect it to be fair to good this fall.
There is a very robust population of channel catfish in Alamo Lake that are probably under-fished. AGFD conducted hoop-netting surveys in June, and netted and released over 400 catfish, up to about 7 pounds, with plenty in the 2 to 4 pound size. The best concentrations of channel catfish seem to be found along the upper two thirds of the shoreline, on the western side of the lake. For channel catfish any of the prepared catfish baits will work, as well as chicken livers or your own secret concoctions.
There are other fish present such as bluegill, redear sunfish, tilapia and carp that are a lot of fun to catch. More decent-sized bluegills and redear sunfish, up to about a pound, have been showing up in recent surveys, a trend we hope continues. When Alamo Lake was first impounded, it was widely known as the place to go for sunfish. Sunfish can be caught on a variety of baits and lures. They are particularly susceptible to fly-fishing, and are very enjoyable when caught on light fly-fishing tackle.
The store at the lake is now open, although fuel is not available. The certified scale that was previously located at the Park office is now located in the store. At the store you can get ice, snacks, fishing tackle and bait, as well as information on current fishing. The gas station (Grower’s Oil) in Wenden is now an AZGFD license dealer. Their normal hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week. They carry a small assortment of basic fishing gear. They may carry worms and catfish bait in the future, but currently do not.
Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:
Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent. Sizes will range from 13 inches and up, with an occasional fish in the 4-6 pound range. Every year, smallmouth bass are becoming more and more numerous in Lake Havasu and upriver. Bass tournaments now often experience nearly a 50/50 ratio of smallmouth to largemouth bass. Striped bass fishing has been pretty slow over the past year, but this summer we’ve gotten reports of a rebounding shad population, and striper “boils” on schools of shad are becoming much more common. Hopefully this signals a turnaround in the striped bass fishery, and it may be good to excellent by the fall. Most of the striped bass in Lake Havasu tend toward the small side (12-18 inches) but occasional fish over 8 pounds are not uncommon. During the annual striper derby held last May, the number of stripers caught was down significantly, but more large fish were weighed in than usual, including 31, 28, 24 and 15-lb fish. Channel catfish as well as bluegill and redear sunfish fishing should be fair to good. Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake throughout the fall. Flathead catfish can reach 40 pounds or better in the lower portion of the lake. To find them, select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure has been placed.
The cooler weather causes the bite to slow down, so it is important to work your lures more slowly, and in deeper water. Put away your topwater lures and switch to plastics, crank baits, spinner baits, jigs, etc.
Colorado River (Parker Strip Area):
Smallmouth bass, with fish over two pounds in size are expected to be good this fall. In addition, redear sunfish should also be fair in the pound-plus sizes. The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or better. Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing may pick up this fall, using live shad or anchovies.
Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter's Camp):
This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2 to 5 pound size range, with an occasional fish over 30 pounds. The time for fishing for both species of catfish is in the evening to midnight. As the weather cools, so will the cat-fishing action.
Colorado River (between Walter's Camp and Picacho State Park):
This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be fair to good for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time for fishing for both species of catfish will be in the evening to midnight. Largemouth bass and bluegill are also present in the various backwaters and slack water areas. Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass and striped bass.
Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):
This area is expected to be fair to good for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds, or larger. Bluegill are also present in the various backwaters and an occasional striped bass will be caught in the main river channel.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):
This area will be fair for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats work the best. The lower end has had some dredging work done and larger boats may be able to get on the river in that area.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend exercising extreme caution, avoiding nighttime use, or even staying away from the area between Pilot Knob to Moreles Dam, altogether.
Regional Hot Spots:
Alamo Lake will be the hot spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish. There are many fish in the lake at the present time (especially channel catfish), and keeping some to eat will not impact the population in the slightest, and will perhaps even enhance it. Next choice would be Lake Havasu for striped bass, Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip for smallmouth bass and sunfish, and Martinez Lake and Imperial Division backwaters for largemouth bass. For the die-hard flathead catfish angler, large catfish can still be caught from Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam, although fishing likely won’t be as effective as in the warmer months.
If you need any additional information or assistance don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 342-0091 and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have.
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note: Recent snow has made the higher elevation trout lakes in the Flagstaff and Williams areas either inaccessible or ice-covered, or likely both. Fishing is viable in the Verde Valley and Prescott areas. WILLIAMS LAKES: Verde Valley
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Trout were last stocked the week of January 4th. Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of January 18th. Trout can be easily caught on power bait, corn, or spinners. Many anglers prefer to make their own homemade dough baits. They typically consist of flour, vegetable oil, and garlic powder. Many anglers have their own secret ingredients that they believe works better than anybody else’s.
OAK CREEK -- Heavy runoff is expected this week, so fishing will likely be poor and will remain so until the water turbidity clears. This creek is not scheduled to be stocked again until March.
Prescott Area FAIN LAKE — Trout were last stocked the week of January 4th. Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of Jan. 18. Bright colored Power Bait will be your best bet. If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.govso I can share your successes with others.
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.
CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.
CITY RESERVOIR — Road is closed.
DOGTOWN LAKE —. Road and Campground area is closed.
JD DAM — Road is closed.
RUSSEL TANK - Road is closed
SANTA FE — Lake is full.
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Road is closed
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — No fish.
UPPER LAKE MARY — No report.
ASHURST LAKE — Road is closed
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Frozen
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is closed
MARSHALL LAKE — No fish. Inaccessible.
OAK CREEK — Fishing is good for rainbows fair for brown trout.
LONG LAKE — Road is closed.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Road is closed
BEAVER CREEK — No report. Was stocked this fall.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report. Was stocked in the fall.
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
WET BEAVER CREEK -- No reports. Rains and associated runoff will likely make this creek tough to fish.
Catfish were stocked for the Verde River days, the week of September 21st. 1500 lbs of catfish were split between the two lagoons.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of January 4th. Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of January 18th. Look for the trout to be schooled up at the stocking sites. Stocking sites are at Tuzigoot Bridge outside of Clarkdale, The bridge that leads to the Deadhorse State Park, at Deadhorse State Parks access point called the Jacks, at the White Bridge in Camp Verde, and at Bignotti Beach.
Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20. Catfish were stocked the week of June 15.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked the week of November 16th. This was the last scheduled stocking until February. Power Bait and salmon eggs have been the best for trout. The fishing pressure has been low as well as fishing success. About 25-percent of the anglers are successful in catching at least one fish. The fish that are being caught are larger than the usual stocked fish. While we don’t stock in December and January, trout can still be caught.
Both bass and catfish were stocked the week of June 22. Bass were stocked on June 10. The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish. Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 15, 2009 and found bass and catfish populations to be much improved over last year. The number of green sunfish was greatly reduced. The bass had a successful spawn this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.govso I can share your successes with others.
Granite Basin –The bass and bluegill are not biting. Look for the fishing to pick up in the spring when the water warms. If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.govso I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of November 2nd. This was the last scheduled stocking until February. Fishing has been slow, but some of the locals can catch fish all winter. Try fishing near the boat launch.
Fingerling brook trout were stocked September 17th. Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10. One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11. The brookies were about 3 to the pound.
MINGUS LAKE –Trout were last stocked the week of Oct. 19. This was the last scheduled stocking until the spring. While the gate is closed you can still walk in, but the water level is low. The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
WATSON – The fishing has slowed down as the water temperature has fallen. Large numbers of small crappie are in Watson, but I have not heard about people catching them.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful. Crappies were also doing well. Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.govso I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – The fishing has slowed down as the water temperature has fallen.
MOGOLLON RIM
Forest Service gates are locked on the Rim Roads (NO ACCESS).
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Department to update its weekly fishing report due to an inability to visit all of fishing locations weekly to gather fishing reports. So in an effort to provide a better report the Department is asking anglers to take the time and report their fishing success stories here in southern Arizona. Angler fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.
During the winter months fishing in the southern part of the state for the most part turns to trout fishing with Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake and Roper Lake and Cluff Ranch being stocked regularly between November and March. To get the latest information on the stocking schedule it is suggested that anglers check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link: 2009 - 10 Stocking Schedule. Although fishing reports have been hard to come by it’s a safe bet that anglers wanting to catch trout during this time of the year can do so using powerbait, worms and small flashy spinners and lures.
CHEVELON LAKE — Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
BEAR CANYON LAKE —Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
BLACK CANYON LAKE — Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
BLUE RIDGE -- Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
GREEN VALLEY LAKES, Payson -- These Urban Program lakes have been stocked with rainbow trout. No reports since the snowstorm. Best trout baits include Power Bait, worms and small spinners and lures.
KNOLL LAKE -- Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter..
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Roads are closed to the lake. The gate is locked for the winter.
WHITE MOUNTAINS
Note: Contact the US Forest Service in Springerville for up to date information on road and forest conditions at (928) 333-4372. Highway 261 and 273 are closed to Big and Crescent Lakes. Snowmobile access is allowed.
BECKER LAKE — Freezing and thawing conditions prevail. Unsafe ice.
BIG LAKE — Highways 261 and 273 to Big Lake are closed for the winter except for snowmobiles. Big lake is ice-covered. Always check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake.
CARNERO LAKE — Forest Roads 117 and 117A are inaccessible to vehicles due to snow, although the roads are accessible by snowmobiles. Ice thickness is approximately 11 inches. Always check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake. Fishing is fair. Try jigs.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — No reports since the snow storm.
CONCHO LAKE — There are currently no fishing opportunities. The lake is slowly filling up. There are private property owners on the northwest side of the lake and they have closed that portion of the shoreline to public access.
CRESCENT LAKE — Highways 261 and 273 to Big and Crescent Lakes are closed to vehicles, except snowmobiles. The lake is ice-covered. Always check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fool Hollow Lake has some ice-cover. Unsafe ice conditions. The amount of ice-cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns. The lake has some open water. Fishing is poor to fair. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Rapala’s, crank baits, spinners and spoons, and flies such as woolly worms and woolly buggers. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and up to 10 hp. gas motors.
GREER LAKES — All Greer Lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake. Bunch and River Reservoir are usually the most productive ice-fishing lakes. Try worms and jigs with an attached worm off the boat ramp area.
HULSEY LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Highway 261 and 273 are closed to the lake, except for snowmobiles. The lake is ice-covered. Always check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake.
LUNA LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake. Try ice-fishing in the bay near the dam with worms or jigs with an attached worm.
LYMAN LAKE — No Reports. The lake may have some ice along the shorelines. The Lyman Lake Recreation Area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also cabins for rent. Lyman Lake has a fish advisory, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region 1 office at (928) 367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. The store is closed.
NELSON RESERVOIR — The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice. Check ice thickness before ice-fishing on the lake. The amount of ice cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns.
RAINBOW LAKE — The lake is mostly ice-covered. Unsafe ice conditions. The amount of ice cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR — The lake is 60 percent ice-covered as of January 11. Unsafe ice conditions. The amount of ice cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns.
SHOW LOW LAKE — The lake is 100 percent ice-covered as of January 11. Unsafe ice conditions. The amount of ice cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns.
WOODLAND LAKE — The lake is full, spilling, and nearly all ice-covered as of January 11. Unsafe ice conditions. The amount of ice cover can change rapidly with changes in daily weather patterns.
WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
Highways 261 and 273 are closed for the winter. Most forest roads are inaccessible. Streams are mostly ice-covered.
SILVER CREEK -- Fishing is fair. Silver Creek on Arizona Game and Fish Department property is currently open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and catch-and-release fishing from Oct. 1 through March 30. The upper section is open to fishing. Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster tails, and Panther Martin spinners, and flies such as woolly worms, woolly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. If trout are rising try Adams, midges, and caddis fly patterns in sizes 16, 18, and 20.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
TUCSON
Scented dough baits such as power Bait, worms, and corn are working well for those who want to take it easy and have the trout knock on your door so to speak.
For those who want to take a more active role, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and KastMasters also work well when fished 5 to 10 feet deep.
The warm water species such as catfish, bluegill and bass have slowed down due to the colder weather, but on warm afternoons they just might get motivated. Green Valley lakes in Payson are also providing good trout fishing opportunities.
RIGGS FLAT —The road up Mt. Graham is closed until April.
CLUFF RANCH — Check the stocking schedule on the departments Web site for the latest stocking information at 2009 - 10 Stocking Schedule. For lake information call (928) 485-9430. http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/stocking_schedule.shtml
ROPER LAKE — Water quality issues have been resolved and Roper Lake will once again be stocked. Check the stocking schedule on the departments Web site for the latest stocking information at 2009 - 10 Stocking Schedule. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
DANKWORTH POND — Aquatic vegetation continues to be a problem for anglers and because of this the lake is not being stocked. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – Try a small fly in the early mornings and late evenings. Bait anglers should try Power Bait and worms. Although this small lake is not stocked on a regular basis it does provide some pretty good trout fishing.
KEARNY LAKES — This small lake remains fishless due to impacts of golden algae.
ARIVACA — The Lake is full and spilling. Anglers should have no problems launching boats. Use caution however as there is debris floating in the lake. Anglers are asked to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore. Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water.
PENA BLANCA – Pena Blanca Lake is full and spilling. The Department is working on getting the trout stocking program re-started at this lake and hopes to get trout stocked in the next 2 weeks. Currently there are no fish in the lake. There are no boat launching facilities available for launching boats so small boats that can be launched by hand or float tubes are the only option other than shore fishing.
PATAGONIA — Patagonia Lake is full and spilling. Check the stocking schedule on the departments Web site for the latest stocking information at 2009 - 10 Stocking Schedule. Anglers are reporting success with trout, try spinners early in the morning; remember a trout stamp is required to fish for trout. Adjust your bass tactics to the changing season and new forage source. Fishing for bass has slowed with fishing the best in the early mornings and late evenings, remember bass will move to deeper water as the water continues to cool.
PARKER CANYON — Limits of trout continue to be reported with most of the anglers using powerbait or worms. Check the stocking schedule on the Departments website for the latest stocking information at 2009 - 10 Stocking Schedule. The store at the lake is open and information on the store and current conditions can be found at www.parkercanyonlake.com.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The road to Rose Canyon is closed, however anglers may still walk in.