Rory’s tips:
Thanks to much-needed summer rains, fire restrictions have been lifted on the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, and Coronado, and Prescott national forests. There are still some fire restrictions, however, on the Tonto National Forest.
Yahoo!
I don't know about you, but camping in the cool pines just isn't the same without a crackling campfire to warm the spirit.
For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.
Besides drenching dry habitats so fire restrictions could be lifted throughout much of the state, last weekend's welcomed rain helped in a variety of other ways, especially for fisheries. In the high country, many of our picturesque trout lakes got a nice cool down. Hopefully, afternoon thunder showers will continue keeping the bite going. Some lakes also received a nice influx of water and nutrients.
When thunder bumpers are building the barometer is dropping, trout can get very active, especially at the top of the water column. Plus, it's just a great time to be in the high country and refresh your outlook on life in the fragrant pines.
Lake Pleasant received a good influx of water down the Agua Fria River Friday night; flows peaked at around 6,000 cfs. That added a lot of nutrients right during the prime growing season. All the spawns have ended, but it should help for plankton production to feed the young of the year. Pleasant is still a topwater fishing hot spot.
Lake Havasu also got a nice influx of water as well, and there is a pretty good striper bite there right now. Alamo got a couple of inches of rain, but it didn't change the lake level much.
In the high country, most of the mountain lakes experienced at least a partially cool down due to the monsoon rains, which were heavy in some areas.
With a new moon July 18, this is a perfect time to fish at night under the stars using a submersible light.
Be sure to keep a watch skyward -- this is the leading edge of the Perseids Meteor Showers, although the Perseids are not expected to reach their peak this year until around mid-August.
By the way, I heard from our fisheries staff in Yuma that there is a very good topwater frog bite at Mittry Lake right now. Typically, that holds true for the entire lower Colorado system this time of year, but especially the Imperial Division.
Another good place to work topwater frogs in Lake Havasu is where the Bill Williams River enters the lake. Flipping artificial frogs into the tules is a ball, especially with a lunker largemouth blasts out of the vegetation and nails the lure.
Topwater frogs can also work well at places like Saguaro, Canyon, Apache and Alamo where there are tules, or even places like Roosevelt where there's lots of submerged vegetation.
So go catch some terrific summer memories. Maybe I'll see you out there.
Fishing News
Coconino National Forest fire restrictions lifted Wednesday
Flagstaff, AZ – Campfire and smoking restrictions, as well as the Fossil Creek area closure, were lifted on the Coconino National Forest beginning Wednesday at 8 a.m.
Recent rains, along with higher humidity and increased fuel moistures, have lowered fire danger on the forest and decreased the risk of major wildfires.
“Although campfires will be allowed throughout the forest, people should never leave a campfire unattended,” said Coconino Fire Staff Officer Russ Copp. “Campers should make sure they bring about five to six gallons of water to extinguish their campfire completely before leaving, making sure to stir it with a shovel as you are pouring the water. The fire pit should be cold to the touch before leaving the campsite.”
Forest visitors are also reminded that campfire restrictions may vary on different national forests. Please call the nearest land management office or 877-864-6985 for current information or see http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php online.
For additional information please see www.coconinoforest.us or call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600.
Kaibab National Forest lifts all fire restrictions
FREDONIA, Ariz. – On Tuesday, July 17, the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest rescinded its campfire and smoking restrictions.
Recent monsoonal weather has created wetter conditions and reduced fire severity across the forest.
Restrictions on the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts were lifted over the weekend, which means that all fire restrictions across the Kaibab National Forest are now rescinded.
The Kaibab National Forest wishes to remind the public to continue practicing fire safety despite an increase in moisture.
Fire restrictions vary from forest to forest based on differences in weather and terrain. For information on fire restrictions in other areas of Arizona, please visit: http://www.azfireinfo.az.gov/
Prescott National Forest lifts fire restrictions
PRESCOTT, AZ - Prescott National Forest rescinded all fire restrictions starting Wednesday, July 18 due to significant amounts of precipitation across the Forest.
Visitors are reminded that the Emergency Area Closure for the Gladiator Fire will remain in effect.
Moisture has created wetter conditions that have lessened fire potential, though continued caution is still urged. Remember, to properly extinguish a campfire: Pour lots of water on the fire to drown all embers; pour until the hissing stops. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel. Make sure everything is wet, and cold to the touch.
For current information on fire restrictions, closures or wildfires on the Prescott National Forest, call (928) 777-5799. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.
Coronado National Forest lifts fire restrictions
Tucson, AZ – The Coronado National Forest has rescinded fire restrictions.
Widespread precipitation has fallen across the Forest. Fire managers are noticing trends in fuels responding favorably to moist conditions (precipitation, elevated relative humidities, elevated dew points). Grasses and shrubs are “greening up” across the southeast portion of Arizona.
These factors combined with the onset of the monsoon and models indicating decreased flammability of fuels were considered in the decision to lift the restrictions.
Visitors are reminded that the Coronado National Forest is in fire season all year. Conditions now are moist but may revert to hot and dry when monsoonal activity slows or ceases for the summer. Recreationists are encouraged to practice fire safety at all times, and never to leave a fire unless it is “cold to the touch.” Additionally, fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
Fire restrictions reduced on Tonto National Forest
All fireworks prohibited year-round
PHOENIX – Long-term drought conditions and lack of adequate monsoonal rains across the forest continue to pose wildfire challenges, but elevated relative humidities and dew points support fire restriction reductions on the Tonto National Forest beginning Wednesday, July 18.
Most types of fire or fire-causing activities, however, continue to be prohibited across the entire Tonto National Forest.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited except in some developed campgrounds (please see attached list). Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices is allowed.
Smoking is only allowed only in a developed campground, vehicle, or building.
Restrictions also apply to operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices in effective working order, or discharging firearms except in taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws.
Orders for the two fire closure areas, Fossil Creek and the Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife Area were also rescinded effective Wed., July 18.
Violation of these restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
For more information regarding forest recreation sites and fire restrictions, please contact the Tonto National Forest at (602) 225-5200, or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/Tonto
Note: If you have a fishing report or good fishing pictures to share (JPEG), send them to raikens@aszgfd.gov. Rory can also be reached at (623) 236-7214. URBAN LAKES -- The final spring stocking of catfish took place the week of June 11-16. The Urban Fishing Program does not stock fish from June 25 through mid-September. Catfish stockings in the Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes will resume the week of Sept. 17-22. Fishing has been good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8-12 feet deep. At Green Valley Lakes (Payson), fishing for trout is slowing down since stockings wrapped up on May 11. However, fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie is good. Anglers using worms and meal worms under a small bobber are enjoying plenty of action. Also try small plastic or marabou jigs, plastic worms, and dark-colored nymphs or streamers. Trout stockings will resume in October. TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Fishing is fair, especially for largemouth bass. the best bite at first and last light for bass and sunfish. This is a good time to try for channel catfish and carp using corn or dough baits after dark. Keep in mind that although this fishery in in the city, it is not part of the Urban Fishing Program, so you will need the regular state fishing license to fish here. LAKE PLEASANT - Lake level 1,675, 70 percent full with 8,073 surface acres. The Agua Fria River flowed at around 6,000 cfs last weekend thanks to heavy rainfall in its drainage area, including the Bradshaw Mountains. Those inflows most likely carried ash with them, which probably is why there is a rather pungent odor up the Agua Fria Arm. McFarland said the threadfin are continuing to boil at the surface off-and-on and there is an all-day topwater bite, but you might have to go searching to find the active fish at the surface. Look for bird activity, such as greal blue herons or seagulls. Binoculars can help you spot boils. The anchovy bite for stripers at around 60 feet is still tapering off a little, but it's still a good fall back if you can't find surface boils. Nighttime fishing for catfish, especially from shore, should be good. This is prime catfish time. Try stink baits such as chicken liver. Corn can also work for both catfish and carp. Frozen anchovies fished on the bottom are another good choice -- you might even catch a striped bass.
With a new moon this week, this is a good time to fish at night under submersible lights for largemouth bass and crappie, although we have not received any recent crappie fishing reports. With hot summer temperatures interspersed with monsoon generated storms, there could be an on-again off-again bite for largemouth bass, especially at the surface during the day. Expect a decent topwater bite at first light, but then expect the fish to do into their deeper holding patterns. Drop shots will most likely be the best bet, or work the submerged vegetation with flutter-down lures such as Senkos or curly tails. This is definitely prime catfish season. For channels, think sink bait. For flatheads, live bait such as bluegills or small carp work best. For channel catfish, try any stinkbait. Although you can catch channels during the day, the prime bite has likely shifted to the nighttime hours. APACHE LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,907 feet (93 percent full). Bass fishing is fair to good. You might also find bass chasing shad at the surface, especially at first light. Try working the major points using soft plastic crayfish like lures worked along the bottom. Crankbaits can also work well at times. A few good-sized smallies are being caught -- please practice catch-and-release on these fish, which are in the comeback mode. Walleye fishing should be decent at first and last light using night crawler rigs, or jigs tipped with worms. Apache is also full of some really nice yellow bass. Try gold KastMasters or yellow/gold Rooster Tails. Catfishing should be good. Carp fishing is very good. You might even catch one of the monster buffalo fish (see picture from Canyon Lake). CANYON LAKE - Lake elevation is still holding at around 1,658 feet, which is 96 percent full. This is a good time to possibly see or hear desert bighorn sheep in the rut. While Canyon is the land of the lunkers, it can be tough to fish, especially for novice anglers. Catch rates are typically low and even veteran anglers get skunked here. But the possibility of catching a hawg keeps many anglers coming back time and again. This is a pretty good lake for bluegill and yellow bass. Try small crappie-like lures, such as 2-inch curly tails, along the rocky shoreline. Shore fishing for channel catfish and carp can also be viable both day and night right now. As the season progresses, the better fishing for bottom dwellers will transition to the nighttime hours. SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,524 feet at 92 percent full. Largemouth bass fishing is fair to good when the recreational boating pressure is lower, especially at night. The bite is a little more sporadic right now. With a new moon this week, this is a good time to fish at night using submersible lights. BARTLETT LAKE – Lake elevation 1,751 feet, 44 percent full. The best fishing is at first and last light, or at night. During the day, crankbaits or jigs bounced along the rock stringers, or worked around the points, islands and reefs should produce. Drop shots should also be viable.
Haven't heard much for crappie anglers here, but the speckled beauties should be congregating in larger schools suspended in deeper water, quite often off extended underwater points or along the Yellow Cliffs. Look for a first-light topwater bass bite. Sometimes it is sporadic to non-existent. But if you hit it right, you might be able to get some good action. This bite should continue getting better and better as the season progresses. There might also be a topwater bite right before monsoon-generated storms hit. But be sure to get off the water of there is lightning.
Angler report: Hey Rory!
HORSESHOE LAKE - Lake is empty. LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – They are releasing from 1,350 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro. You might be able to catch some bass or sunfish in the deeper holes. The following creeks are being stocked weekly right now: * Tonto Creek Don't forget we have a new interactive 2012 trout stocking schedule that actually shows the locations we stock along the creeks. LAKE POWELL -- By: Wayne Gustaveson The good news was finding early morning and late evening boils from these same juvenile fish. Feeding location has changed from the brushy shoreline in bays to shaded pockets along steep cliff walls. In the southern lake scattered boils are found during the first two hours of daylight and last hour of light in Navajo Canyon and the high walls of Gooseneck Point separating Padre Bay and Last Chance. This general pattern should work over the length of the lake. When a school is seen the most effective technique is to throw long casts with a small spoon right at the splash ring. Let the bait sink about 5 feet then work it back toward the surface and then let it fall again. Work the bait in a series of vertical drops while reeling it back to the boat. KastMaster spoons are very effective for these fish feeding on top in very deep water. It is still a very good idea to use light leader to get more hookups when targeting juvenile stripers. The go-to technique is to troll deeper diving lures that get down to 15 feet and deeper. Down riggers would be the preferred way to present you favorite lure at the preferred depth stripers desire. That depth is getting deeper as surface warming expands the warm surface layer. Bait fishing is still only fair during the day but heating up dramatically at night. The best technique for catching stripers now is to use a fish light after dark and cast anchovy bait on the outskirts of the attracted fish schools swarming the light. It’s a neat visual experience to see shad surround the light and predators cutting a quick swath through the bait ball. Bass and walleye fishing is slowing with the heat as well. Smallmouth are still readily available along the shoreline with the bigger fish holding at 25-35 feet where the water is cooler. Catfish are easy to catch on table scraps at dusk along the sandy beach areas.
We spent the first couple of days (July 7-10) camping in Knowles Canyon. There were a few striper boils in the mouth of the canyon, and once in a while we could sneak up and get a few casts into the boil. We were using Silver Crippled Hearing and Kast Masters. After the boil would go down, we would float over the school, graph the depth of the fish with fish finder. We would then vertically jig with anchovies and the same silver spoons. One day this worked really well. All of the stripers those first few days were caught with these methodologies. LEES FERRY -- Report By: Terry Gunn, July 6, 2012
The cicadas are singing and the fish have just recently begun to key in on them. It always takes a while for the cicadas to start flying and getting into the river but when they do the fish will really start to key in on them. Judging from past years I think that this is going to be a good cicada year. I’m not sure if it is going to be one of those banner years where a trout will rise 20-feet to take your fly in the middle of the river; we’ll have to wait a couple of weeks and see. I expect the cicada fishing to last at least another 3 weeks and possibly longer. One thing is obvious; the fish that are eating the cicada flies are overall larger this year. The best cicada fishing is done from the boat, casting the fly into the shore. Our cicada is an annual variety where most cicadas are a periodic variety, which only shows up every 7 or 14 year Our water levels rose on July 1 as they do every year. There are still a few places to wade, however, this is the season when our most productive fishing is from the boat, drifting. The heavy nymph fishing continues to be productive and consistent. I’m using a very long leader (14-ft from the indicator to the AAA split shot), with a San Juan worm and a size #14 ginger scud. We have been drifting the riffles and runs that we would usually wade. This style of fishing is especially productive and consistent in the higher water. The current high flows will continue through August and it is during these high flows that we generally catch the largest fish of the year. The reason that the fishing is so good and the fish are in such great shape is that the high water flows move the larger food items around (scuds and worms) and the fish are feeding like crazy; it’s when the fish are actively feeding that the fishing is at its best. The next water flow change will be in September when the flows will drop substantially and remain low through November. The fall weather is the best of the year and usually provides good fishing. The trout continue to eat midges in certain areas of the river and your best bet is to fish a double midge rig on a long leader with a split shot. Assorted zebra midges are the ticket and the larger sizes work best. I have been surprised at the intensity of the midge hatches in the higher water, I usually associate prolific midge hatches to lower flow releases but that has not been the case. The streamer fishing has been picking up and will likely get hot since the water flows have increase this summer. The reason for this is that the higher flows move larger food items around (scuds, worms, etc.). Be sure to stop by the shop to see the flies that are currently working. The flies change on a daily basis and every day the LFA guides let everyone at the shop know the top producing flies and how to use them. Walk In Fly Fishing Report, By Dean Wyndam: The fishing has been very good the past few weeks. The flows have come up the past few days and this has changed things somewhat but everyone seems to be catching fish. Some of the smaller fish have been showing up especially in the upper boulder area but larger fish in the 17-inch-plus range are being caught all up and down the walk in section. Cicadas are just starting to show up in the walk in area so dries are working but not as well as up river. Midges and San Juan worms are working best with streamers doing well in the evening or late afternoon. With the higher flows the upper boulder field is doing best in the early morning when the flows are at the lowest. Midges and San Juan worms are the best combo here. From the large boulder down to the Paria River streamers have been working very well. This might be an area to try some cicada patterns with a dropper. Remember with the higher flows wading in this area is hazardous with all of the slick rocks and fast water. The fish here will be closer to the shore that they were last month so most takes will be at the end of the drift. The point where the Paria River enters the Colorado is also a good place to fish but with the higher flows this can be a difficult area to wade; if you wade here, a wading staff is recommended. Midges and San Juan worms seem to be working well here also. Streamers work well as the water rises in the afternoon. I would rate the walk in a solid 8 for the past few weeks. Hope to see you on the water. Walk in Spin Fishing Report: Spin fishing has not been really good at the walk in area. The best spin fishing has been of off Paria Beach. However, with the higher flows everything will be changing for the better. As the flows come up it is easier to get a good drift with the spinner and not be dragging moss off of the bottom. There is still quite a bit of moss in the water but this will become less of a problem as the flows stay high. Kastmasters and panther martins are the best producing lures here at the Ferry. The only area that is really productive for spinners is Paria Beach or the area where the Paria River enters the Colorado River. There are some deeper holes here and some really nice seams where larger fish have been taken. Just a reminder be very cautious when wading in this area, a wading staff is recommended. Also you will need to have new line on your reel, we recommend 4lb test. If you see me at the river please come by and say hello. I would rate the spin fishing at 6, rising to a 7 with the higher flows. Whirling disease detected for 2nd time at Lees Ferry. This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December. Fishing here this year has been off the charts good and most all the fish that we are catching are in prime+ condition. Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.
LAKE MEAD – The current elevation is still around 1115 ft msl. The water level will continue to drop approximately one foot to six inches per week. Be careful boating because structure previously submerged may be at the surface and watch for floating debris. There seems to be an abundance of shad currently which may be the reason for the lack of bite. Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice. Check the moon phases before you go –last new moon was June 19th. The next new moon will be this Thursday, July 19th. Dark nights work best when fishing under light. Fishing for stripers in 50 plus feet of water will normally find the larger fish. If they are not taking the anchovies try swimming baits and see if you can get them to bite. Jigging in 50-60 feet deep has been doing well on Mead. If you can locate the shad, the stripers are not far behind. Trolling usually works best in areas were shad are found and best done in the early mornings and evenings. The bite for largemouth and smallmouth was reported good using plastic worms and crawdads with purple and browns in them. Several fishermen said that top water lures were working for them. All the fishermen contacted were hopeful for the coming years with rising water conditions and the abundance of baitfish they have seen this year. Launching conditions at South Cove have improved as the water level has gone up. There are currently four lanes. As the water raises logs and other debris can become hazards, so be careful boating. 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 has maintained about 643 feet above msl. The black bass are hitting soft baits when worked slowly especially on grass beds in 20 to 30 feet deep. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom. Michael and Dan caught a stringer of stripers from a boat using anchovies with a big fish weighing 6.42 lbs. at 27 ? inches and another 5.16 lbs. at 26 ½ inches. While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. Submersible lights fished during the new moon are an effective way to catch stripers. Next new moon is July 19th. Cut anchovies usually work the best. 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, Shoshone, and Arrowhead. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, smallmouth, 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 gcummins@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 – Willow Beach is stocked every Friday with 3,000 13-inch rainbow trout. Rainbow, peach, garlic and yellow Power Baits and Powerworms were being used most for trout. Jakes original and Jakes Juniors, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails are also usually effective. 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 gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others. COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Trout continue to bite in the casino area with some larger fish in the deep holes. Several folks have called and spoke of very large trout being caught in the Laughlin area. Rusty from Riviera Marina sent pictures of Mike M. with a stringer of trout he caught from shore on night crawlers in the upper Big Bend area. Dayton caught a nice striper with a rattle trap near the Riverside Casino. Daniel, who usually fishes for trout, caught five nice stripers in the Rotary park area on anchovies. Topock Gorge- Most bass are being taken on minnows and night crawlers. Smallmouths are ranging from 2 – 5 pounds, and sunfish up to 1.5 pounds. A 5.5 beauty was the largest black bass so far this year. Stripers caught in May averaged between 2-5 pounds but have dropped to 1-2 pounds recently. Catfish have been harder to catch. A beautiful 7.42 pound channel was recently caught on anchovies by Rex while fishing for stripers. Sunfish are in the river and being taken on plastics like small worms, curly tails, and 4 inch Robo Worms. The largemouth and smallmouth bass action has been outstanding. Derek landed a nice 2.9 pound largemouth using a spinner a little ways up river. Anchovies are still the bait of choice for the stripers. John and 11 year old son Jack limited out on bass and with Jack besting his dad with a 4.5 pound largemouth. Thanks Georgia for the fishing report. Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter. The fish are normally stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Stocking at Rotary Park has made another access point to the river for fishing and has made many people happy. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them. Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses. TOPOCK MARSH – The action at Topock Marsh has been steadily improving. Night crawlers and live minnows have been tempting catfish from North Dyke. Dayton sent a picture of one of his largemouth and reports that the bass and sunfish are moving off their nests. Bass can be hit and miss but live bait has been reported to work the best now. Stripers appear abundant from the February AZGFD survey. Small crappies are being taken throughout the marsh. 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/. Note: If you would like more information on southwestern waters, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_southwest.shtml. Our Yuma Regional office has recently updated all the information to provide you more insight into these fisheries. For more information, visit the updated "Where to Fish" pages at http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_southwest.shtml. If you have a fishing report or good fishing pictures to share (JPEG), send them to raikens@aszgfd.gov. Rory can also be reached at (623) 236-7214.
Lake Level 449.05. Striper bite good with morning shad boils (5-7:30 a.m.) from the north entrance to the bridge south to Black Rock/Calif Bay. LuckyCraft Pointer 100/128s or pencil poppers are good choices now. Trolling & Casting has been effective. Cut bait fishing anchovies or sardines producing smaller limits than using artificial lures. Evening/night fishing for bigger channel and flathead catfish has been excellent. Best time is 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Use live sunfish or bluegills from 2.5 to 4 inches long on a Carolina rig with 3/4 to 1 ounce sinkers with 12- to 15-pound test with a 24 to 36 inch leader. Redear fishing with nightcrawlers around submerged grass beds producing some quality redears over 2 pounds. PARKER STRIP -- The smallmouth fishing had been good below the dam around Big Rock Island, but has tapered off a little. Try using curly-tailed grubs on a swimming jig head, cast in to the rocky shoreline, and slowly swim the jig back or bounce it along the bottom. Also try topwater stick baits worked across submerged gravel bars in the current, or submerged grass beds waving in the current. You might tie into a smallmouth, largemouth bass or possibly an occasional striper. This is the time of year for catfish along the strip. One of the more productive areas is along Buckskin State Park. Try using chicken livers. Also, Patria Flats day-use area has a history of producing some fish. Hasn't been much in the way of flathead catfish fishing, but bluegills are the way to go; try any of the back waters below headgate dam. Just be sure to have the proper permits from CRIT.
Well folks, the first thing everyone wants to know is how much the lake came up! Tune in next week and I will tell yeah. Just kidding. O.K. after all was said and done we got 2ish inches of water. That's it. We already lost that much in the releases they're making. The storms have to hit certain area's around Kingman, Bagdad, and the back part of Prescott in order to fill the lake. Wenden and Salome can get flooded but it does not do jack for us. COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) -- Fishing for smallmouth bass over 2 pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good 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 2 pounds or larger. Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies. Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up. Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment are clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident. COLORADO RIVER (Picacho State Park to Imperial Dam, including backwaters and Martinez Lake) Largemouth bass fishing is generally best in the backwaters or near the mouth of the backwaters. There are many different techniques used for largemouth bass. As a general rule, most people will use topwater lures such as buzzbaits or spinnerbaits in the early morning and then switch to jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits as the day progresses. Using plastic baits that resemble worms, crawdads, frogs, or lizards often work well. It is generally best to fish around structure such as weedbeds, emergent vegetation, tree stumps, brush, or boat docks. Fishing picks up as the water temperatures warm up in the spring and summer, but largemouth can be taken any time of the year. Flathead fishing is generally best in slack water areas, deep holes, or near overhanging vegetation along the main channel of the river. Flatheads prefer live bait such as bluegill or small carp, and fishing is best at night during the summer months. Channel catfish are widespread in the main river channel and backwaters and will bite on night crawlers, chicken liver, stinkbait, or about any other “smelly” bait. They can be caught year-round but probably bite best at night. Bluegill are also widespread but are most likely to be found around structure in the backwaters or slackwater areas. Bluegill will bite on meal worms, night crawlers or small crappie jigs.
Mittry Lake is located just above Laguna Dam and supports a good population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, and even some good-sized flathead catfish. There are shoreline fishing opportunities at this lake in the form of about a dozen rock jetties, but you’ll probably have the best success in a small boat. Mittry Lake can be frustrating, as the bite seems to be real variable, but the fish are there. It is just a question of getting them to respond to your presentation. The water tends to be very murky most of the year, except for the upper end of Teal Alley where the lake inflow comes in, so play to the fish’s sense of hearing and smell, rather than sight. There are also crappie and sunfish to be caught, although they tend to average relatively small in size. Mittry Lake is well-known locally for the quality largemouth bass it produces, and fishing during the spring spawn will increase your chances of success. YUMA AREA PONDS -- The Department has stepped up efforts to encourage the recruitment of new anglers, and retention of existing ones. To this end, the Department has increased stocking efforts in a few ponds in the Yuma area that are easily accessed without a boat, within a short distance of the urban center. Those ponds are the Yuma West Wetlands pond, located in the City Park, and Redondo and Fortuna ponds, located about 10 miles northeast of Yuma. Access to Redondo Pond was recently improved with the addition of an ADA-compliant fishing pier, and thick cattail growth was removed at Fortuna Pond this summer, improving shoreline access by many orders of magnitude. All of these waters received multiple stockings of rainbow trout in the winter months; Redondo Pond will be stocked with channel catfish during the spring, and the Yuma West Wetlands pond will receive channel catfish and bluegills. Depending on available funding, we hope to continue regular stockings into all three of these shoreline-accessible waters, and perhaps add additional waters to our stocking schedule. These ponds provide an ideal place to take the family. All three waters now are provided with restroom and trash facilities. Special regulations on fish limits are in effect for these waters, so be sure to consult the regulations before you take fish. REGIONAL HOT SPOTS -- Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon. Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our region (and perhaps the state) for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish. Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher. The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicated that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam. Expect many in the 5- to 10-pound size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters. Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds. 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. A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website and forum at http://www.yumabassman.com/. Note: The summer trout stocking schedule can be accessed at http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishing/stocking/2012SumTroutStockSchedule.pdf Fire restrictions have been lifted on the Kaibab and Coconino national forests. CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open. Trout were being caught on worms and green Power Bait. Please try to leave the larger bass in the lake to spawn. Lake level is down. CITY RESERVOIR — Closed due to Fire Danger DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground is open. Crappie fishing was excellent over the weekend when the wind wasn’t blowing. Fish along the shore on the opposite side of the lake from the boat ramp. Stocked last week. Lake level is down. JD DAM — No report. Remember the lake is managed as a catch and release fishery. RUSSELL TANK - The lake is to shallow to stock. SANTA FE — Closed due to fire danger WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campground is open. Fly fishermen were catching a lot of small crappie on bead head prince nymphs. In addition folks were catching trout. With the warm water temperatures trout fishing will be best early in the morning or late in the evening. FLAGSTAFF LAKES: UPPER LAKE MARY — Had a report to the office of a large black crappie, a 20-pound channel catfish and a 15-pound northern being caught in the last couple of weeks. Water levels are dropping and larger boats can only be launched at the second boat ramp. Boat anglers are doing well fishing for northern pike and walleye. Fishing is slow from the shore, ASHURST LAKE — Fishing was good during the week on green Power Bait and worms. Boat anglers are having success trolling with small lures for rainbows. Stocked last week. FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing was good last week. Trout were being caught on green Power Bait and corn. A fly angler caught 5 trout in an hour on Sunday with 4 of them being up to 18 inches. KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. Fishing is slow.
Angler report: Hey Rory, Brandon BEAVER CREEK – Has not been stocked since the spring. WEST CLEAR CREEK- Has not been stocked since the spring. Runoff produced some heavy flows this past weekend. STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH. . DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK – Catfish were last stocked for the Free Fishing event. Trout were last stocked the week of March 19. The catfish and largemouth bite has been fair. Catfish are still being caught on night crawlers, chicken liver, and stink bait. The bass are being caught on small plastic worms and Gitzit-type plastic grubs, bounced slowly along the bottom. Sunfish have been doing well on worms, salmon eggs, or small piece of Powerbait under a bobber. They bite best in the early morning hours and the evening. VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of March 26. Carp fishing has been good using corn or dough baits. Always check your regulations before fishing this area with live bait. Game and Fish Commission rule requires anglers to only use live bait that has been caught in the river. No transporting of live baitfish or crayfish is allowed. Prescott Area FAIN LAKE — FAIN LAKE — The last stocking was the week of June 11. The reports from regulars at the lake say the trout are biting, but the morning bite is the best. Anglers are having luck throughout the day using Power Bait and Berkley Gulp. Rainbow and yellow seem to be the popular colors. Fishermen using their fly rod gear are having the best luck. Flies are less likely to get swallowed so releasing the fish is much easier. GOLDWATER LAKE — The lake is open again and if you have fished Goldwater send me a report of how you did. Trout were stocked for the Free Fishing Event on June 9, and most of the kids at the event caught trout and had a great time. Game and Fish has been trying to boost the some of the warm water species in Goldwater. Bass and catfish have been stocked three times over the last four years. 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 last year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others. GRANITE BASIN LAKE – Robert and Michelle fished from the boat launch at around 10 o’clock and caught fish non-stop for 2-2½ hours. They were using a bobber with worms and caught 23 bluegill and a black bass. Robert tried a popper and had a strike but was unsuccessful in landing the fish. Thanks for your report Robert and Michelle! If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others. LYNX LAKE –Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 11. Cut anchovies, night crawlers or hot dog are your best bet for catfish. Lynx also can be an exciting place to fish for carp. Common carp are very strong fighters and will provide an excellent table fair. A quick search on the internet will produce tasty recipes for these robust fish. Corn and an assortment of other baits will attract these fish. MINGUS LAKE – The last stocking was scheduled for the week of June 11. For trout the best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishing can be really good at times, because angler use is lower than other lakes in the area. This lake is more remote than the other Prescott area lakes and not very big. The lake is open as weather permits. Forest Road 104 is relatively impassable when wet. The lake is still open to foot traffic. 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 last trout stocking was the week of Feb. 13. Folks have caught 16- to 17-inch holdover trout from the shore near the new boat launch. Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson recent 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 gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others. WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – The fishing should be slow until the water warms up I the spring. Stocking Schedule Week of July 9-13 Week of July 16-20 BEAR CANYON LAKE – Fishing is fair for stocked trout. The lake will be stocked with week with 1,823 rainbow trout. BLUE RIDGE -- There is currently a decent cicada bite here. This is a deep sided lake with very little viable shoreline access. This lake is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. CHEVELON LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching trout on spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster tails), Z-Rays, and KastMaster spoons. Fly fishermen are catching trout in the evening on midge patterns. KNOLL LAKE -- Was stocked last week. Fishing has been good for stockers, with some larger holdovers as well. When thunderstorms roll over the Mogollon Rim, fish really get active. But if there is lightning, be sure to take shelter. Thunderstorms at Knoll can become pretty dramatic. WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is fair for shore anglers and fair to good for boat anglers. Anglers are catching trout near the lake bottom on night crawlers. The lake will be stocked this week with 3,281 rainbow trout. WOODS CANYON LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching trout on orange and rainbow-colored PowerBait in deep water near the lake bottom. The lake will be stocked this week with 3,000 rainbow trout. The store is open and boat rentals are available.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair. Some anglers are catching a few bass. CONCHO LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching some trout off the dam on nightcrawlers and PowerBait. FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair for trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish. The lake was stocked last week with 3,000 rainbow trout. Anglers are catching some stocked trout with nightcrawlers and PowerBait, and bluegills and crappie with nightcrawlers, in deep water off the fishing piers. Channel catfish are being caught at night on night crawlers and various catfish-prepared baits. GREER LAKES – Fishing is fair. River, Bunch and Tunnel reservoirs are very low. The water level is down below the ramps at Bunch and River Reservoirs, and launching boats there will be very difficult. Tunnel Reservoir and River Reservoir have been recently stocked with rainbow trout. Fly fishermen are catching trout at Bunch and River on woolly buggers and peacock ladies. Angler report:
I just spent a week in Greer with my family and thought I should let you know the fishing was great. The lakes are low as they always are this time of year but we never walked away without a stringer full of fish. Worms were catching most of the fish but wooly buggers and nymphs were working on our fly poles. We used 4 pound line, # 8 hooks and caught most of our fish just after casting. Early morning and late evening worked the best. My wifes meathod of fishing is to cast her bait and then read a book until her pole is nearly dragged into the water and even she caught a few.
Paul F. Enniss LEE VALLEY LAKE – Fishing is poor; pH levels are high. The lake level is very low. LYMAN LAKE – Lyman Lake State Park is now open through Sept. 17. Fishing is good for channel catfish, bass and sunfish. NELSON RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair to good. The lake is nearly full and was heavily stocked with rainbow trout in May. SCOTT RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair for channel catfish and stocked trout. The lake was stocked last week with 2,500 rainbow trout. SHOW LOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for stocked trout. The lake was stocked last week with 2,250 rainbow trout. Boat anglers are catching trout on cowbells with worms, flies and lures. WOODLAND LAKE – Fishing is poor for trout and fair to good for largemouth bass. The lake is weedy and low. The lake was last stocked in June with rainbow trout. Anglers are catching catfish on the bottom with bait. Largemouth bass are being caught in the early morning and late evening hours. The trout bag and possession limit is four trout. WHITE MOUNTAINS STREAMS EAST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – Fishing for wild brown trout and holdover stocked Apache trout is fair. Forest Road 276 and associated campgrounds on the East Fork Black River are closed due to flooding danger. Access at the Forest Road 24 bridge at Buffalo Crossing is still open but anglers will have to hike to access the river upstream and downstream of that bridge. The East Fork is currently not being stocked because of high water temperatures. WEST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – Fishing is fair in the lower reaches. The Wallow Fire caused a partial fish kill on wild brown trout in the lower reaches, but hatchery Apache trout are being stocked weekly at the crossing on Forest Road 68. Fishing in the middle and upper reaches is fair to good for wild trout, where the fire had little impact. Access is open at the FR 25 bridge, FR 68 crossing and FR 116. The West Fork campground will be closed through the year due to safety reasons. The middle and upper reaches of the West Fork Black are open to catch-and-release artificial lure and fly only, while the lower end is open to bait fishing with a six-trout bag limit. BLACK RIVER – Fishing is poor. The mainstem of the Black River was heavily impacted by the Wallow Fire last year. Very few fish were found during intensive surveys last fall. LITTLE COLORADO RIVER IN GREER – Fishing is fair for wild brown trout and good for stocked Apache trout. Apache trout will be stocked this week in front of the Rendezvous Cafe and at Government Spring at the end of the road. SHEEPS CROSSING – Fishing is good. Apache trout are being stocked weekly at Sheeps Crossing, which was not affected by the Wallow Fire last year. Fishing is fair to good for wild Apache trout in the wilderness portions of the West Fork Little Colorado River. SHOW LOW CREEK – Fishing is good to excellent for stocked rainbow trout in the large pool immediately below the outlet below Show Low Lake Dam. Rainbow trout were stocked last week. Please do not park on the dam, which is a one lane road with insufficient pullouts. Please park at either end of the dam where there is dedicated parking. SILVER CREEK – Fishing is fair to good. Apache trout are being stocked weekly. Silver Creek is currently open to bait and a bag/possession limit of six trout (April 1 through September 30). The upper section is closed to angling, which is well signed. Warm temperatures are getting hot and so is the fishing action! Anglers will need to concentrate their efforts to the cooler times of day as the temperatures continue to rise. Summer trout stocking will begin soon at Rose Canyon Lake and Riggs Flat provided water quality parameters are favorable. The summer stocking schedule for the entire state can be found here: 2012 Summer Stocking Schedule . This schedule is updated as changes occur so check back often! Need ideas on where to go fishing? Try the Departments new interactive Fish and Boat Map: Fish and Boat Arizona URBAN LAKES -- The final spring stocking of catfish took place the week of June 11-16. The Urban Fishing Program does not stock fish from June 25 through mid-September. Catfish stockings in the Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes will resume the week of Sept. 17-22. Fishing has been good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8-12 feet deep. ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information (928) 428-6760. FRYE MESA RESERVIOR –Anglers continue to report success in catching Gila trout. Remember that the daily bag and possession limit for this species is 1 fish. Frye Creek above the reservoir remains closed to fishing. Be advised that starting July 9th through mid August, work will be done on Frye Mesa Road (Forest Road 103) from the town of Thatcher to the base of Frye Mesa. Delays of over one hour may occur on a daily basis. For further information or to check on the day’s delays please call the Safford Ranger District at (928) 428-4150 ARIVACA — Open to anglers, water levels continue to be severely low and the lake continues to drop. It is extremely difficult to launch boats at this time. All boat launching is at the risk of the owner. Boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters. Sporadic success is being reported with fish being caught in the early mornings and late evenings. PENA BLANCA – Some anglers are still reporting trout being caught. Sunfish are biting well on worms just off the shoreline where the water gets deeper. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be immediately released alive. Additionally all mercury advisories against the eating of warmwater fish caught at Pena Blanca Lake remains in effect. Future testing will determine if and when these advisories will be lifted. Boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters. PATAGONIA — Boaters are being warned to use caution when launching in the Marina Cove. Low water levels are also exposing hazards throughout the lake use caution. Fishing continues to be good with bass anglers having success working the shorelines in shallower water. Recent surveys at the lake show outstanding numbers of large healthy largemouth bass and redear sunfish. Don’t forget that the lake supports a very healthy flathead catfish population as well that can provide some exciting opportunities for anglers. PARKER CANYON — Fishing remains fair for all species. The Department is currently working to establish a breeding population of channel catfish at the lake and is asking anglers to please limit the harvest of catfish at this time to allow larger members of the population the opportunity to spawn. Contact the Parker Canyon Lake Store for up to date information on lake levels and fishing activity at www.parkercanyonlake.com or by phone at (520)455-5847. Angler report: My buddy and I went to Parker Canyon Sun.7/1 - got out on a boat fairly early around 8AM - fishing worms off the bottom. Very slow start but around 10:30 landed a nice trout. Had a couple more nibbles in the general area then moved across the lake. Ran into some bluegill, and between us we landed three. Wind - then some rain - moved in which chased us off the lake. Too bad - when we left it was about 84 degrees and within an hour we were back to 105 in Tucson so we wished it had been a longer day. Still had fun. Not very busy at all there, store owner said it had been dead nearly all week, but had seen somebody pull out 30+ bluegill just 2-3 days prior to our visit, so they are in there and biting. ROSE CANYON LAKE — Anglers are reporting success in the early mornings and late evenings. The stocking of trout has been suspended due to increasing water temperatures. Look for stocking to resume in August. Angler report: Flyfished Rose Canyon Lake beginning less than an hour before sunset June 25th. Caught two - a brown and a rainbow- and lost three others. They seemed to like a size 18 Royal Wulff. The sunset was spectacular and the lake was flat as a mirror. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time!
CENTRAL WATERS
Catfish are biting irregularly throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down. Most catfish are from 13-16 inches, but some lunkers over 3 pounds are being hauled out of the lakes.
Bluegill fishing is good for anglers using worms and mealworms fished under a small bobber in 3- to 6-foot depths. Action for largemouth bass is fair, with the best baits being finesse plastics fished in the early morning hours.
According to Mike McFarland, a guide at Pleasant, fish have really stacked into the Agua Fria Arm since last weekend's inflows.
With a new moon this week, this is a good time to fish at night under submersible lights for both striped bass and largemouth bass.
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake elevation is 2,109 feet and the lake level is 55 percent.
This is the prime flathead catfish season. Try live bluegill or small carp as bait. Look for the deeper holes, especially uplake where there is a little current. For bluegills, try the backs of rocky coves using night crawlers or meal worms on light tackle.
Fishing during the storms at Bartlett Lake was a great time (the weekend of July 14-15). My cousin and I fished from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. around Bartlett flats and Yellow Cliffs. We landed several carp and flathead catfish (see picture on the left) by using corn and live bluegill. We released them all with hopes of them growing larger for future catches.
Thanks for the reports! -Andrew
Creeks Below the Mogollon Rim
* Christopher Creek
* Haigler Creek
* East Verde River
COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
http://www.wayneswords.com, July 18, 2012. Lake elevation: 3,631. Water temperature 80-83 F
The weekly fishing trip revealed some distressing news. Trolling for juvenile stripers along the brushy shoreline failed to work for the first time this year. It may have been just one slow day or a sign of fish movement out of the shallow zone. It will take another trip or two to make a positive determination.
As the sun gets higher in the sky boils are confined only to shady areas. Cruising along the shade line in Navajo Canyon is a good way to find active stripers in early morning or late evening. Schools may range from 5 fish up to 100 stripers. Bigger schools provide more hookups while small groups make it harder to hook fish.
From Bullfrog to Hite fishing remains much better. Striper size is larger as adult fish are caught regularly. A few boils are seen but frequency is diminishing uplake in the hot weather. KastMaster tactics should be employed for random surface action.
Angler report:
Fishing slowed down as the week went on.
Later in the week we moved down to Moki Canyon. We did really well trolling Cabalas Grave digger deep running shad. We found that deep running shad plugs (15 feet) did really well. We trolled the rocky shoreline opposite the Moki mouth and caught walleye, stripers, smallmouth and one nice largemouth. Mornings seemed best, but for some reason one morning was a bust.
It seems some boats were getting stripers deep off at the mouth of Moki. It seemed most boats in the Moki area were very satisfied. When we were leaving to go home, I graphed some large schools inside Moki, but didn't get a chance to fish them. Not one boil was seen in Moki.
Thanks to Wayne for pointing out lighter line was needed to troll the deep shad lures. We found this true also, but we lost more lures since we were fishing a rocky shoreline and the stripers were very nice. Bring extra line and lures.
Rich Tolway, Phoenix Az
Fly Fishing Up-River: Our monsoon season has recently arrived bringing clouds, and welcome cooler weather.
The trout fishing at Lees Ferry continues to be better than we have seen in many years. The AZ Game and Fish department has confirmed through creel surveys that fishing is better than it has been in more than a decade. The trout are in superb condition, growing fast, and we are seeing fish of all sizes in the system which is indicative of a very healthy fishery and should continue that way for the foreseeable future.
Note: Check out the latest edition of Arizona Highways magazine, there is a nice photo of fly fishing at the Ferry taken by Rory Aikens.aalmarri@asu.edu.
Fishing is usually best near the fishing pier after the Friday stocking. Most of the nice stripers and trout are seem to be caught between river mile 49 and 53. Willow Beach can be hit or miss bait fishing. Try different baits including swim baits when nobody seems to be hooking anything.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
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 gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
SOUTHWESTERN WATERS 
LAKE HAVASU -- Report courtesy John Galbraith of BassTackleMaster.com, Lake Havasu City, Az.
ALAMO LAKE -- Report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park.
I think I have talked to one other person since writing last that has been out fishing besides Junior and I. He never stopped by to say how they did but my guess was not that great. Other than that Junior and I are doing the same ol up by the dam throwing plastics. He has beat me the last three times out by one fish. The last time I wrote we were talking I was taking my boat out and I was going to try a few points of interest.
The night before my live well was full of some stinky water that I did not was in there until I could smell it. I flipped the lever to drain it and nothing. So, thinking I had something hung up in the drain tube I started with a piece of wire and tried to unplug it. I'm not sure what I did but when we launched the boat and idled over to the first point I looked down and my feet were wet. I told junior we had a major problem, kicked on the bilge pump and put her on the trailer. It's nice having a second boat. We just parked mine, took our gear and off we went. The only thing was now he had control of where to go. He choose the dam area and we picked our usual 10 to 15 fish. I have not had a chance to tear into my boat and see what hose I managed to disconnect so I'm still stuck in the back of his boat. I will say one thing I always do when I launch my boat is to make sure bilge pump and horn works. That's it. No reports on cat fishing or crappie. The lake level is at 1100'ish but not low enough yet to kick the mandatory 25 cfs into effect. Cholla Ramp is still working along with the old rental boat road. Hopefully I will have more for you next week.
Mark
This stretch of the river is best known for its trophy-sized flathead catfish, with some over 70 pounds, and largemouth bass, with some over 10 pounds. However, it can also be good for channel catfish, sunfish and carp, and to a lesser extent, striped bass, crappie and tilapia.
MITTRY LAKE -- There is currently a pretty good topwater frog bite on Mittry. This is also a good time for frog gigging as well.
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is open. Fishing was fair to good over the weekend. Crappie and bass were being caught on small jigs. One fly-fisherman caught bluegill and bass on small crayfish pattern over the weekend. Trout were being caught on worms under bobbers. Heavy rains over the weekend cooled things down. Stocked last week.
LOWER LAKE MARY — Almost dry. Lake has suffered from a fish kill due to low water level.
OAK CREEK — Stocked last week. Creek was a little turbid due to runoff last weekend, but is likely running clear again.
Took a family camping trip staying at dead horse and taking day trips to Oak Creek. Between my dad and I we caught over 80 rainbows in about 6 hours of fishing. We used tiny (1/100 oz) jigs drifted under a small float. My 6 year old girl and 4 year old boy even fished a little and caught 8 and 5 trout, respectively. Attached is a pic of me landing one with my 4 year old fishing beside me.
Great memories. Keep up the great reports.
LONG LAKE — We have had a few reports that the pike fishing has been good on Long Lake.
VERDE VALLEY
Lynx can be difficult to fish, if you are not catching anything try moving to a new spot. There are some good spots on the north end of the lake that don’t get fished as heavily as the south end does.
Yellow bullhead catfish are active and easy to catch with nightcrawlers on the bottom.
Peter, fishing from a kayak caught a 17-inch bass weighing approximately 3 pounds using a live worm. He saw several other large bass but could not get any others to take his bait.
The Wildlife Manager for the Watson area sent me a picture of some nice trout an angler caught from shore. Both of these fish looked like they had been in the lake for a period of time because of the size and condition of the fish. If you have fished Watson Lake please send me a report of your trip to share with folks.
If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WHITE MOUNTAINS AND RIM LAKES
Recommended Waters to Fish
Fishing is fair to good for rainbow and cutthroat trout at Big Lake. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is good to excellent at Show Low Creek (below Show Low Lake Dam) and Show Low and Fool Hollow lakes (especially for boat anglers). Fishing is good for stocked Apache trout at Silver Creek, the Little Colorado River in Greer and Sheeps Crossing.
Woods Canyon Lake – 1,600 rainbow trout
Willow Springs Lake – 3,280
Scotts Reservoir – 2,500 rainbow trout
Show Low Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout
Show Low Creek – 820 rainbow trout
Sheeps Crossing/West Fork LCR – 650 Apache trout
LCR Greer – 400 Apache trout
Silver Creek – 525 Apache trout
Bear Canyon Lake – 1,823 rainbow trout
Little Colorado River in Greer – 600 Apache trout
Sheeps Crossing – 60 Apache trout
Silver Creek – 600 Apache trout
West Fork Black River – 200 Apache trout
Willow Springs Lake – 3,281 rainbow trout
Woods Canyon Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Note: All Forest Roads (FR) are open, including the Rim Road. Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day.
BLACK CANYON LAKE – Fishing is poor to fair. Anglers have been catching trout on worms. The water level is very low. Launching a boat will be difficult.
WHITE MOUNTAINS LAKES
Note: Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. Monsoon-generated thunderstorms can cool things down and get the fish more active.
BECKER LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Some fly fishermen are catching trout on nymphs, including zebra midges (black and red) and red chironomids, and wooly buggers. Fish early morning before 7 a.m. Becker Lake is catch-and-release only, with artificial lures and flies only with single, barbless hook. 
BIG LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching fish in the deeper parts of the lake. Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling cowbells with worms, lures (Crickhoppers and Z-Rays) and flies. Shore anglers should try fishing in deep water off rocky points with worms or Power Bait. The store is open and boat rentals are available.
CARNERO LAKE – Fishing is good for stocked rainbow trout. Fish open water areas. The lake is weedy.
CRESCENT LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching some nice brook trout and a few large rainbow trout in the deeper parts of the lake. The lake is weedy. The store is closed. 
Rory;
Here is a picture of the 2 pounder I caught on Tunnel Reservoir. Don't let anyone tell you that when the Greer Lakes get low the fishing gets bad, we brought home enough trout for a large family fish fry.
HULSEY LAKE – The lake was drained immediately following the Wallow Fire to help reduce expected flooding off Escudilla Mountain and will not be stocked this year.
LUNA LAKE – Fishing is fair. There is a heavy algae bloom present in the lake.
RAINBOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for bullhead catfish and poor for trout. The weed harvester has been cutting weeds on the lake to improve conditions for boaters.
Shore anglers, especially off the fishing piers, are catching trout on yellow Power Bait near the lake bottom, and sunfish on night crawlers.
Sunfish are congregating around the fishing piers.
The lake is about six feet low, but the boat ramp is still usable. Boat rentals are available, and the campgrounds are open.
The creek below the dam was stocked last week with 820 rainbow trout. Fishing is good to excellent with night crawlers and spinners in the large pool immediately below the outlet. Please do not park on the dam, which is a one lane road with insufficient pullouts. Please park at either end of the dam where there is dedicated parking.
Note: Trout stocking in the streams began in May and will continue every week through early September, as long as water conditions are suitable.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona! 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.
Catfish are biting irregularly throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down. Most catfish are from 13-16 inches, but some lunkers over 3 pounds are being hauled out of the lakes.
RIGGS FLAT — The lake is open for the summer. Stocking has been suspended at this time due to high Ph levels and stocking will not resume until summer rains have added sufficient water to the lake to reduce the pH. Fishing has been good for both rainbow and browns. The department will be stocking white amur in this lake this week in an effort to reduce aquatic vegetation and control water quality problems that have prevented stocking in the past. Anglers are being asked to immediately release unharmed all amurs they catch. Check the stocking schedule here: 2012 Summer Stocking Schedule for summer stocking dates.
CLUFF RANCH —No recent reports of success. The pond is full and there should be no problems with boat launching. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.
DANKWORTH POND — Remains closed to access during renovation. All renovation work has been completed and the pond continues to refill. At this time the reopening of the lake is still unknown.