Next week tentative stocking schedule:

Region 2: Oak Creek (2115)

For the desert reservoirs, there is a full moon this week even through it is late rising (around 9 p.m. and progressively later each night), so your submersible lights won't be as effective attracting plankton-shad-predatory fish. So think noise and smell. Use dark-colored (black is best) artificials that make lots of noise, such as topwater splashing lures (poppers and the like). I even like using torpedoes and buzzbaits for bass. When the bass hit at night under moonlight, it's a rush. Try working the major lake points, especially extended submerged points.

For stripers, the moon phase and submerged light efficacy probably doesn't matter as much. You can always use your fish finder to locate schools of fish, chum using frozen anchovies (try cutting the anchovies into quarters for chum, and into thirds for bait), and use little or no weight. Some like putting anchovies onto weighted jig heads. That can work, but sometimes stripers are picky and want anchovies with no weight free falling. If one doesn't work, try the other.

This is a superb time for summer catfish at night. In fact, I suspect that the moon will cause catfish to feed more actively (no scienice to back me up, just experience). I actually like live bait for both channel catfish and flatheads. For channels, live minnows can work exceptionally well at times, and maybe even get you some bass, crappie or sunfish. For flats, bluegills are the ticket.

Also, bass anglers at day or night might want to use bluegill imitation lures right now. The lunker bass will feed on bluegill. Bluegill lures may not get you high catch rates, but at times they will get you larger bass.

We are continuing to work with the good folks at Tempe Town Lake in the aftermath of losing all the water from the lake with the one segment of the inflatable dam burst. The town has its own contractor to remove any dead fish and we have stayed in close contact with them. The amount of fish left was surprising low and the mortality of those remaining has been relatively simple for the contractor to handle.

You can still provide input on Roosevelt slot and other proposals

There are still opportunities to provide input on proposed fishing regulation changes, including a recommendation for the Game and Fish Commission to remove the slot limit at Roosevelt Lake.

However, the timing of instituting the proposed slot removal at Roosevelt has been accelerated because of social considerations. There is a request from the Town of Payson to remove the slot limit for the upcoming FLW national bass tournament on Roosevelt in September.

Therefore, the Game and Fish Commission is considering the department’s proposal on Roosevelt at its Aug.  6-7 meeting (Saturday portion) rather than with all the other fishing regulations proposals, which are slated for its October meeting.

Fisheries Chief Kirk Young said the department is taking a common sense approach.

“We are proposing to remove the slot for biological reasons. But since we would be bringing the commission the slot-removal proposal in October anyway, it seemed a little inefficient to go through a whole public process to consider temporarily removing the slot just for one tournament in September. This might be unusual, but it’s certainly more customer friendly to do it this way while also avoiding setting a precedent many might be uncomfortable with.”

Young pointed out that the most confusing part of this split process might be the public input process.

“We are conducting public meetings this month and a statewide survey on all the proposed changes – including the Roosevelt slot. The commission will address the Roosevelt issue at its Aug. 6-7 meeting in Phoenix at the department headquarters on Carefree Highway. The rest of the proposals will come before the commission at its Oct. 8-9 meeting in Phoenix. Hopefully, no one will get confused,” he said.

Young and other biologists said the time has come to give serious consideration to removing the Roosevelt 13-16-inch slot limit.

“In the past 20 years, the angling public has evolved. Now catch-and-release is the norm, not the exception,” said Chris Cantrell, the fisheries program manager for the central Arizona lakes. In addition, Roosevelt is experiencing phenomenal productivity in large part to the filling of the lake five years ago after the raising of the dam in the mid 1990s. “Biologically and socially, the timing is right for a change,” Cantrell said.

Currently, Game and Fish is seeking input from the angling public on this proposed regulation change, and others (see below), which are all slated to come before the Game and Fish Commission for possible consideration.

To view all the proposed changes, you can visit www.azgfd.gov/fishregscomments. You can also comment via e-mail at fishregscomments@azgfd.gov or attend any of the public meetings through the state.  The public input provided will be ultimately shared with the Game and Fish Commission as it deliberates the various regulation proposals (only the Roosevelt slot is heard in August, the others will be heard in October).

Game and Fish is also conducting a random, scientific survey of anglers about all the proposed regulations changes – so you might be contacted.

The remaining public meetings are set for 7-9 p.m. at the following locations:

·         Aug. 3, Safford, Graham County General Services Building, 921 W. Thatcher Blvd.

·         Aug. 4, Tucson, Game and Fish Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road;

·         Aug. 9, Game and Fish Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.

For the Roosevelt Lake proposal, Cantrell explained that when the slot limit was first initiated in 1990, the catch rates were down to .12-bass per hour, which is normally considered poor fishing.  At that time, a significant percentage of anglers strived to catch their limit, not limit their catch; at that time, 51 percent of anglers caught and kept their fish. The objective of the slot limit was to increase the catch rates on bass and also increase the average size of bass.

It has worked well.

Now through intensive sampling, biologists have determined that the bass population is healthy, reproduction is good, size classes are well balanced, and bass grow outs are superb. In addition, creel surveys show that less than 7 percent of anglers are actually harvesting bass at Roosevelt. That means 95 percent of the anglers are practicing catch-and-release.

“Socially, the angling public has changed. The current day angler is more conservation and recreation oriented, not consumption oriented. Most limit their catch rather than catching their limit. It’s a healthy trend for our fishery resources,” says Cantrell.

Both Cantrell and Young said that when there are low harvest rates, protective slot limits do little to affect fish population structures and become irrelevant.

“What this really means is that at Roosevelt, the slot limit is no longer accomplishing its original intent,” says Cantrell. “It is time to remove the slot limit here. Then we will continue to evaluate the fishery plus the angling public to ascertain what happens. If consumption rates go up and the quality of the fishery changes, we can make future adjustments if necessary.”

Other proposed fishing regulation changes include:

• Changing Becker Lake near Springerville to catch-and-release year around with artificial fly and lure only with a single barbless hook.
• Modifying the slot limit at Lees Ferry from 12-inch maximum to a 14-inch maximum to allow greater harvest of the smaller trout and hopefully avoid or limit population crashes when food resources are limited, for whatever reason. The proposal would also allow the unlimited harvest of  sport-fish other than rainbow trout (such as brown trout).
• Reducing the daily bag and possession limit of catfish to four at Redondo Pond (aka Yuma Lakes) and reducing the trout limit to four as well.
• Changing the daily bag and possession limit on Pena Blanca Lake near Nogales to no harvest of largemouth bass until Dec. 31, 2012. The lake was completely drained this past year and is on the comeback trail.
• Closing all portions of Ash Creek along with Marijillda Creek and its tributaries (Mt. Graham) to fishing until a stable population of native Gila trout is established.
• Closing approximately 13 miles of Bonita Creek in Graham County to fishing as part of an effort to re-establish native fish populations in this remote creek that receives minimal angling pressure.

Where:Chaparral Park
When:07/11/10
Caught:Nothing
Technique:liver, shrimp
Comments: Not one bite between the 5 of us (kids included). Went early morning and not a thing. Very slow fishing recently here and not sure why. Used to be MUCH better last year.
Name: Phil

TEMPE TOWN LAKE -- No water, no fish, no fishing due to inflatable dam failure. Tempe Town officials expect the inflatable dam to be replaced and the lake to be replenished by some time in November. It will take some time after that for the fish populations to return, just like when the lake was first created. Tempe has a firm on contract to remove any dead or dying fish. Game and Fish biologists are closely monitoring the situation and are staying in close contact with the expect contractor and Tempe officials.

LAKE PLEASANT – Lake elevation 1,674 feet (70% full).

Anglers are finding shad boils and catching bass and stripers in the northern coves and in main lake coves and shoreline. Skinny dippers, topwater shad imitators and clear Zara Puppies are always good lures to use. The fish tend to be small but there are a few big ones in there.

Patience…  Try drop shot in the mornings and get it down to 20 feet quickly before the little ones nab it.  At night use the lights and again get your anchovies down fast to get the attention of the bigger ones lurking down there. 

Just a heads up, I have heard reports there is a person out there on the water without their nav lights so beware. That is extremely dangerous 

With a full moon this week, a good night time fishing technique is to use your fish finder to locate possible schools of stripers, and then chum. A new inland state record striper was caught a couple of weeks ago (see picture above).  We are rountinely getting reports of larger stripers being caught at Pleasant, so be sure to have new line on your reels.

ROOSEVELT -- Lake Elevation is 2,147 ft (95 percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is 49 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 456 cfs. Monsoon time is here. There is a full moon this week.

A couple anglers fished in the early morning jigging for crappie and caught 1 bluegill and two channel cats in the Salt end later they caught 2 crappies and 4 sunfish.  Drop-shot works pretty well off points in 25 to 30 feet of water. 

With the monsoons, fishing conditions are variable. When the barometer drops, the fish will typically feed more aggressively and those anglers in the right place at the right time can do well.

We are not hearing much about the summer topwater bite during the day. It should be underway at least at first and last light. Let us know.

APACHE -- Lake elevation is 1,908 ft (94 percent full). 

Fishing is still good at Apache. An angler fished near the marina and caught bass and sunfish. Walleye were susceptible to the trolling technique at the points below 15 feet of water.

Jointed cranks were the deadliest and the bite was soft. The recreational boaters have their way in the afternoon unless you can find a nice cove to hide out in.

Also, try using gold KastMasters (small) for the plentiful yellow bass. Try working the secondary points just inside the major coves.

CANYON -- Lake elevation is 1,656 ft, which is 93 percent full.

The fish want night crawlers fished off the bottom in 6 to 11 feet of water. If you are out in the daytime fish the shady walls with Texas-rigged worms working down the cliffs.  For you tubers you can’t beat the Boulder Cove bluegill fishing. Use mealworm and worms on ledges and try the points for bass.

The desert bighorn sheep are in the rut, so you might see or hear bighorns butting heads. Try fishing along the base of the cliffs using flutter down baits such as Senkos and curly tails, and be watchful for bighorns on the steep slopes. Also, if you don't get bass, Canyon is loaded with sunfish. Downsize, use an ultra light with mini jigs or small spinners, and catch a passle of bluegill.

SAGUARO -- Lake elevation 1525 feet at 93% full.
Cat fishing is good try dragging worms along the bottom. The snags is a good place for bass and along the steep walls.

Shakey head jigs, Texas-rigged worms and drop shots work well for bass.  

A couple experienced anglers caught over 60 fish from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop shots worked well for largemouth bass and most were in 10 to 13 feet near drop-offs. Bluegill and channels were both in the shallows and they liked worms and KastMasters.  Yellow bass were deeper at 22 to 25 feet and they liked KastMasters and worms. Shad boils were popping up all day but the fish just wanted to play with the shad and did not seem interested in any other presentations. 

BARTLETT -- Lake elevation is 1,791 ft, which is 90-percent full. Reservoir release is 950 cfs.
There are lots of shad.  Look for the boils mostly in the mornings and evenings. Throw clear Zara Puppies and other shad looking lures.  Drop shot near drop offs in the main river course for bass. 

Crappie are hanging off the drop off points; use your fish finders.  There is lots of food for them so make your presentation seductive.

This is a perfect time to fish at night under the full moon for both channel catfish and flathead catfish. Use live bait -- minnows and bluegills respectively.

Angler Report:

Hey Rory;
 
Bartlett Lake- Just got back from kayaking and flyfishing the lake. My partner and I caught a few bass very small, lots of average to small blue gill, we also caught some catfish as well. It was strange that the cats were biting on BH nymphs!! It was some great fun! Thanks for the good tips about SB cove. We hit the yellow cliff side and fished the rocky shore lines. The islands and grassy portions of the shoreline no bites or fish.
 
Patrick

HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 1997 feet, 41-percent full.  They are releasing water at 400 cfs.

Lots of carp there…some bass if you want a challenge.

VERDE RIVER -- Verde River flow at Tangle is 245 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 950 cfs.

SALT RIVER (upper) – Salt River into Roosevelt is 456 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 360 cfs. 

LOWER SALT RIVER -- They are releasing 650 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 650 cfs. It is possible to catch fish -- even some surviving trout -- in the deeper pools.

Where:Lower Salt River
When:07/18/10
Caught:1 Largemouth, 3 Bluegill
Technique:The bass was caught on a spinnerbait - fire tiger pattern w/ a white twin tail trailer. The bluegill bit on red wigglers.
Comments:I had another bass hooked on the spinnerbait but before I could land it, the fish jumped clear out of the water and spit out the lure. Should have set that hook better...
Name:Joe

Where:Lower Salt River
When:07/10/10
Caught:3 Largemouth & 2 Rainbow
Technique:I caught one 14" and one 13" bass on a spinnerbait (firetiger pattern). The third, about 6"-7", was caught on a Cordell Super Spot (blue shiner pattern). It barely fit in his mouth. The Rainbows were average to small stockers and were both caught on a small earthworm 18"-24" under a bobber with 1 split shot.
Comments:I fished for nine hours on my float tube. I started at Water Users at 7:30 and went all the way to Granite Reef. The worms were getting strikes in every set of riffles above blue point. Around 1:00 pm the fishing got really slow, I had no action between Coon Bluff and Granite Reef. I was lucky enough to see a bald eagle flying near the diversion damn. Great end to a great day on the river.
Name:Joe Freye

CREEKS – All these creeks are scheduled to receive trout every week.  Fish with big terrestrials such as hoppers although the smaller terrestrials will work too.  To increase your odds throw a dry dropper nymph on it. The East Verde River also has increased flow levels this year, so it is also worth a try. It has been stocked.

COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST

LAKE POWELL-Courtesy Wayneswords.com, July 21.  Lake elevation: 3,638.  Water temp: 82-89 F.  
Lake elevation has stabilized and water temperature is at its peak for the summer. It was 84 degrees this morning at sunrise. These factors allow sport fish to settle into a pattern without responding to water level changes. Occasional monsoon cloud bursts are taken in stride without lasting impact.

The water is warmer than most fish prefer, sending most deeper during the heat of the day. Young shad take advantage of this and hang out at the surface hoping for separation from lake predators. Striped bass hang out at cooler depth strata but "look up" for a chance at an easy meal from the tiny bait fish. Stripers rise quickly as a group surround shad, eat quickly and then go back to cooler water. Sometimes the whole process takes a few seconds. At other times a bigger shad school makes it worth working up a sweat to eat more fish and the boil may continue for a few minutes.

Catching fish focused entirely on eating three-quarter inch long larval shad is challenging, especially when predators have to dive quickly for personal comfort. Here are some tricks to even the playing field a bit until shad have time to grow large enough to be bigger targets.

When a boil is observed try to determine direction of travel so the boat can be in position to cast when fish resurface. The most vulnerable time for slurping stripers is the first time they break surface in attack. Almost any lure cast to a fish as it breaks surface will be eaten.

More likely the boat will be in casting range when the school is headed for deep water. Follow the diving fish with a small diving lure like a Lucky Craft pointer or rattletrap. The most versatile lure is one that will descend quickly to the fish holding depth. Spoons and swim baits can be fished on top, at mid depth and in the deeper cool zone. Vary speed of retrieve until it is apparent that fish want it fast or slow. That speed preference seems to change throughout the day.

Catching slurpers is challenging. This activity is found lake wide and seeing slurps morning and evening is assured. Boiling fish are found more often uplake when cooler water is closer to the surface because of the recent heavy runoff. Best boils and highest catches are coming from Good Hope bay to Hite.

Don't forget bass with all the surface striper chasing going on. Casting a plastic grub in smoke or watermelon color at fist light in the morning is almost a sure thing. Again the northern lake is best.

Ten-inch smallmouth are ever present over the length of the lake. Little bass and sunfish provide great sport for kids learning how to fish. Take some time out form water sports to teach a youngster the joy of fishing. He or she will be forever grateful. Small hooks and live worms are all that is needed. The same goes for catfish. Fish cats in the evening at supper time and bass in the early morning or under the shade of the houseboat. Can it be that easy? Try it and see.


LEES FERRY -- Courtesy Lees Ferry Anglers.

Fly Fishing: Fishing is really good, and these fish are looking VERY healthy. The cicadas are starting to get extremely thick upriver, yet still somehow the fish aren’t quite keying on them exclusively. There are certain spots though where the bite is definitely getting hot but it’s just not spread to the whole river.

The past few days the fish counts have been very large. There are a few tricks to this bite but, if you know how to fish the cicada hatch you are sure to have a great time.

I would also like to mention that drifting with a longer leader and a heavy nymphing rig has been extremely productive. And again, certain areas are better than others so move around a bit. And remember you will need extra shot to get it down in the zone.

This year the hatch is much thicker than we have ever seen, and is sure to improve over the next few weeks. So, if you were thinking of fishing the ferry NOW is the time. Tight lines T

Walk in: This area has been fishing very well.

Report by: Chris Smith

It seems that the fish in the walk-in are finally starting to get settled into the high flows. In the mornings you can still get out to the gravel bar and the fishing off the far side of that has been great. They are hitting the Juan Worm like it’s candy and me and many other’s are using double Juan rigs (tan and brown seem to be the hot colors). Of course as the flows come up below the bar is the ticket as all the food gets washed out of there. Once again just be careful as the flows come up and pick the shallower spots to get back (right below the top of the boulder field is usually a good bet). Finally the walkin is getting a bit more crowds too which is nice to see (and there’s still plenty of room to fish and grab a good spot), too few people have been enjoying the excellent fishing. A lot of bigger fish seemed to have moved in as well and I’m consistently catching 15”-17” fish.

Tight Lines,
Chris

Spin Fishing: Was reported as great this weekend, the lure of choice is still the Panther Martin in gold and black.

Anglers are also using large glo bugs, and bouncing them off the bottom.
The jig has been a fun one too, seems the black ones are working best when the cast is toward the shore. T

If you have some news you would like to report about fishing lees ferry, the walk-in section or up river please e-mail your report to: anglers@leesferry.com Attn. Lees Ferry Fishing Report

LAKE MEAD – The current water level is around 1,088 feet above msl. Dropping lake levels have slowed this week.  Striper fishing has been mixed but anglers have been having success at night under lights. Several reports of larger striped bass over the normal 2-pounds have been coming in.  This size is still the predominate size along with the half to one-pounders, but fish in the 5-7 pound range are showing up.  Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice.  Check the moon phases before you go.  Dark nights work best when fishing under light.  Fish in 50 plus feet of water to find the larger fish.   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. 

Launching conditions at South Cove will remain fair. The concrete ramp the National Park Service completed last year is two lanes 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 642 feet above msl.  No new reports from Mohave.  The bass bite has been fair.  One angler reported catching many bass including a 5lb largemouth and a 3 lb smallmouth. 

Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom.  While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. The night time bite has begun to pick up.  Submersible lights fished during the new moon is an effective way to catch stripers.  Cut anchovies usually work the best.  The last new moon was 7/11/10.

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 Shoshone.  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 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 fishing has been good on Fridays.  Trout are stocked every Friday with 3,000 13” rainbow trout.  Most anglers are having success with power bait, salmon peach was the one most effective.  While access has been more difficult than normal during the ongoing construction, parking around the fishing pier has remained good.

Some indications that the large stripers are beginning to move into the Willow beach area.  The striper fishing usually is at its best when the air temp reaches 115 or better.  This week is forecast to be in that range, so get out with your big trout imitation lures and try for the big ones!

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 catfish are biting and can be caught on spam, chicken gizzards, and anchovies.  Sizes have been running between 2 and 11 lbs. 

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Topock the first week in February.  Bass, crappie and catfish populations continue to do well.   

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 – While angler use has been low, the ones who are fishing are doing fairly well. We all know the catfish are on the bite. Although not as rotund as the nine pound one taken in the marsh, average sizes are hitting the 3-pound mark. Even though limits of striped bass are not the norm these days with largemouth and smallmouth bass catches added to the mix, success is high. Sizes of the few stripers taken over the past couple of weeks have been between ½- and 4-pounds. Largemouth size has been a pound and under, while the smallmouth are averaging 1- to 2-pounds. Night crawlers, anchovy and curly tails continue to be the bait de jour. A 10-pound carp was caught and released– unsurprisingly.
 

Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter.  The last scheduled stocking was March 16th. Stocking will resume in October.  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.   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.
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.

Fish report from the Topock Gorge

Greg Blanchard of Golden Shores, Arizona hooked a huge 13-pound channel cat in the Topock Marsh on an early morning bite. Blanchard was working the shoreline at Catfish Paradise with anchovy. Pintail Sough is giving up a few fish.

Liem Vu from Orange County, California gave the evening hours between 6 pm and sundown ago.  Unfortunately, he was only able to net one 2 ¼- pound largemouth and an 8 inch catfish. From the top of the Topock Gorge near Interstate 40 to the bottom at the mouth of Lake Havasu, anglers are catching a mixed bag.

Depending on the day, stripers continue to run between dinks and 4-pounds and are being taken on anchovy. On the average, numbers of bluegill on the stringer have been low, but other days there’s enough for a meal.

Whisker fish are on the prowl and anglers are hooking them up. Weights range from 2- to 11-pounds. With an average size of 2-pounds, the Gorge continues to produce plenty of smallmouth action. The winning combination has been pitching night crawlers, anchovy, or plastics and practicing patience.

Report from Georgia at Capt. Doyle's River Excursions



SOUTHWEST COLORADO RIVER

Recent Reports from Fishermen/Wildlife Managers:

AZGFD completed flathead catfish surveys on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde diversion dam, north of I-10, all the way down to Morelos Dam in May. The flathead catfish population is doing very well throughout the river. Fish larger than 40 pounds are a little far and few between, but there are lots in the 5-20 pound range.

An update on the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) situation:  Last May and June we saw a huge carp die-off at Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip. This past fall the virus had made its way down to the Yuma area, and we saw some die-off in backwaters and canals, but not to the degree that we had seen earlier at Lake Havasu. We were fully expecting to see a more major outbreak this spring and early summer, but so far the only significant detection was at Mittry Lake. Even there, the die-off wasn’t particularly heavy. The minor outbreak last fall may have helped to thin out and immunize the carp population, with the result that we saw only minor effects this spring as the water temperature warmed to the range in which KHV is active. KHV is now in the system, and we expect to see minor effects into the future, but we are cautiously optimistic that future outbreaks may be relatively minor. Again, KHV only affects common carp and the ornamental Koi carp.

HAVASU – This is a good time to fish at night using submersible lights for striped bass using frozen anchovies.

There should be some early morning topwater action as well for stripers and bucketmouths. Also try for smallmouth bass around rocky points. Watch for seagull activity to point you to the surface action. There can be surface eruptions off-and-on throughout the day.

Sandpoint Fish Report for July 29, 2010
 
We are back on line so here's what's been going on.
5-21 Pat got 10 stripers at the pump station at night using anchovies, Doug got 3 stripers at the pump station at night using anchovies
5-24 Eric got a 2 pound large mouth bass using a rattletrap at Cattail cove State Park launch ramp
5-27 Tom got a 1 1/2 pound small mouth using night crawlers on C-dock
5-30 Nick got a 2 1/2 pound striper using meal worm on the Jetty and a 1 1/2 pound black crappy using a lure on B Dock. David got a 4 pound small mouth bass using a spinner bait at the Jetty
6-1  Terri got a 3.9 pound cat using anchovies at Benson Bay. Tom "O" got a 22 pound cat using blue gill at Sandy Beach Cove and a 2 pound striper using a  jig at Satellite Cove
6-12Tayler got a 15 pound cat using anchovies at Steam Boat cove.
6-19 Denny got a 2.5 pound large mouth bass using night crawlers on the Jetty. Tayler got a 14 pound cat in the evening at Steam Boat Cove.
7-4 Jeff got 4 cat up to 8 pounds using anchovies at the Jetty at night.
7-7 Terri got a 5 pound golden cat using mackerel north of Sandpoint.
7-9 Nick got a 6 pound cat using bacon on B-Dock.

Karen Coats, Sandpoint Marina

ALAMO LAKE –  Fishing report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, it's that time of year that there bouncing me all over the state like a ping-pong ball, so I'm trying to keep you updated the best I can. Bass fishing is pretty good. A couple of friends of mine went out last week in the early morning and did really well throwing chug bugs (top water). The bite lasted till around 7ish and was done. They caught 20 plus bass between the two of them. All I could get out of them was "upper end of the lake and in the brush."  Anglers are also doing good dropshotting with red worms. Cat fishing is excellent. One angler reported that his crew caught over 40 nice sized cats. The bite started around 4 a.m. and again, lasted till around 7ish in the morning. Minnows are the choice bait for them. I have not heard any good reports on crappie fishing. A few anglers have stated that they have caught 5 to 6 a day in the upper end of the lake trolling with minnows. I'm very happy to say that it finally hit 110 out here. I came out of my cave, stretched, felt my lower back pop back into place, saw my Shadow, and declared an extra 8 weeks of summer. With that in mind you want to bring lots of sun block with you.  Drink lots of water. The biting flies, and a few bugs that I'm not sure of, are out in force so bug spray is becoming a way of life out here for the next few months. Last week the lake level was at 1126ish with releases of 50cfs. Both ramps are in operation at this time.

SUMMER OUTLOOK:

Alamo Lake:

The lake elevation is pretty optimal, presently at about 1125 feet. Largemouth bass surveys conducted by AGFD in April indicate that bass are very abundant, although a large proportion of the population remains in the protected slot. Fish are still not in real good condition, but we expect forage fish (primarily shad) numbers to improve as a result of the good inflows to the lake this winter, which should have provided a lot of nutrients to the system. Fishing is expected to be good throughout the summer, especially in the early mornings and evenings. The channel catfish bite should be good to excellent throughout the summer. Alamo Lake is loaded with small channel catfish, especially at the upper end of the lake, but larger fish are present. During the spring surveys, AGFD encountered far more channel catfish than usual, the majority in the 2-6 lb range, and they were in very good condition. The channel catfish appear to really be capitalizing on crayfish, as we could feel, or even see, that many of their stomachs were stuffed with crayfish. A hoop-netting survey specifically targeting channel catfish was conducted in early June last year, with abundant catfish captured, up to 7 pounds. Based on the sampling, the most productive area appears to be on the western side of the lake, especially the middle third of the lake shoreline. There are other fish present such as bluegill, redear sunfish and carp that are a lot of fun to catch. Our April survey apparently coincided with the sunfish spawn, and we noted large numbers of nice-sized redears and bluegills on beds. Large tilapia in the 5-6 pound range are abundant, and are an unexploited resource. As the weather warms, shift from slowly working plastics in deeper water to crank baits, spinner baits, and top-water lures for bass. For channel catfish, any of the prepared catfish baits, as well as chicken livers and shrimp will work. Occasionally channel catfish are even caught on bass lures.

Both of the boat ramps are useable at this time. 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 the fishing bring everything with you. If you run short of supplies, you might be able to pick it up at the Wayside Inn in Wayside, or in Wenden. 

Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:

Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to remain good through the summer. The size will range from 13 inches and up (remember, there is a 13-inch minimum size limit on the lower Colorado River), with an occasional fish greater than 5 pounds. Striped bass fishing continues to be somewhat problematic, with catch rates far below what has been experienced two or three years ago. Shad numbers appear to have rebounded somewhat, which may help improve the fishery. Striped bass tend to concentrate mainly on shad. Remember, shad schools move around, and populations tend to fluctuate, so spots that have been “hot” in the past may no longer be so if the shad have moved elsewhere, or are in lower numbers. The majority of striped bass in Lake Havasu tend to be smaller fish of 1 to 2 pounds, but the occasional 20-30 pound fish is caught. Channel catfish as well as bluegill and redear sunfish will be good to excellent. Lake Havasu is well known for large (2-3 pound) redear sunfish, and with the proliferation of the quagga mussel in the lake, we may see larger numbers of large redears. In fact, a 4 pound 6 ounce redear was caught by a bass fisherman several months ago. Redear sunfish are also known as “shellcrackers,” due to their preference for eating clams and mussels, so they may actually benefit from the presence of the invasive quagga mussel. There have also been reports of crappie fishing picking up, a species that used to be sought after in the lake, but has declined in recent years. Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (Bill Williams River Arm) through the spring, although recent surveys indicate that they are taking up residence farther north in the lake than in the past. Flathead catfish can reach as high as 40 pounds or better in Lake Havasu. When fishing for them, select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure has been placed.

Carp fishing should be excellent, if that is your thing. We expected to see a decrease in carp numbers as a result of the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) outbreak Lake Havasu experienced early last summer. However, our surveys did not detect a significant decrease in carp numbers. Undoubtedly, there are fewer carp at the moment, but the remaining ones have apparently capitalized on reduced competition with other carp, and are in incredible shape. On average, they are the fattest carp we’ve ever encountered. So far, there does not seem to be a repeat of the virus outbreak this year (Lake Havasu City is probably breathing a huge sigh of relief), so the population may now have been somewhat immunized. KHV is certainly still present in the system, but may only effect limited numbers of carp in the future.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other waters by accident. This invasive species certainly has profound effects on water delivery and control structures, boat engines, and likely on fish populations. Quaggas are abundant and widely distributed in Lake Havasu, but are absent from many of our interior lakes. Help keep those lakes quagga-free. Make sure your boat and trailer are free of the mussels, drain all bilge and livewells before leaving the area, and most importantly, let your boat bake in the sun for 3-5 days in the sun before you launch it at another lake. Extra precautions should be taken for boats that have been moored on the lake for 5 days or more. For new regulations aimed to reduce the spread of the quagga mussel, and steps you need to take to ensure your boat and equipment are not responsible for spreading this noxious invader, go to http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/zebra_mussels.shtml for the latest information.

Colorado River (Parker Strip Area, between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock):

Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for smallmouth bass, with fish over two pounds in size common. The best smallmouth bass fishing can be found in the upper half of the Parker Strip, while largemouth bass are more numerous in the lower half, in very respectable numbers. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good to excellent in the pound-plus sizes. AZGFD’s most recent surveys turned up good numbers of redear sunfish in the two-pound range. That is dinner-plate sized, folks! Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other waters by accident. See more information on the quagga at http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/zebra_mussels.shtml. 

Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter's Camp):

This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge 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 smaller ones, in the 2 to 5 pound size range, with an occasional fish over 20 pounds. Annual fisheries surveys this spring turned up several fish in the 40 to 50 pound range, so trophy flatheads are always a possibility. Look for large deep pools formed at eddies for the larger fish. The best time for fishing for both species of catfish will be all summer and on into the fall months. Generally, the hotter the weather is, the better the cat-fishing. Nighttime is the best time to go after both species of catfish.

This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters. Check out the following link for more information on new regulations and decontamination procedures for preventing the spread of this noxious invader. http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/zebra_mussels.shtml

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 good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes reaching over 40 pounds. The best time will be summer and on into the fall months. The hotter the temperature the better the fishing is. The various backwaters will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill and redear). Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.

This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):

This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass will be found primarily in the backwaters and at the mouths of backwaters. There are channels on both sides of the river connecting numerous backwaters, and an aerial map of the area is not a bad idea if you are unfamiliar with the network of backwaters. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are relatively numerous, along with flathead catfish as large as 50-60 pounds. There are undoubtedly state record flatheads inhabiting this stretch of the river (a couple of years ago AZGFD contacted an 89-pounder during a survey). Bluegill are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the main river channel, especially near Imperial Dam.

Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):

This area will be decent for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Accessing the water can be a problem, as river flows are much lower than historically, and launching a boat can be a challenge. Accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released upstream, which has diminished in recent years. A small shallow-draft boat or float tube should get you into some good fishing. Be especially careful in the two or three miles below Laguna Dam, as there are numerous hazards in the shallow water that can seriously compromise your boat. Bass in excess of 5 pounds occur, but really good habitat for bass is not plentiful. Flathead catfish over 20 pounds are also a good bet in the deeper pools, especially in the area from Morelos Dam to the rock weir, and just above the rock weir. The lower end has had some dredging work done, and larger boats should be able to get on the river at the dredge launch (at the Mode extension near the USBR office) above the rock weir.

Because of the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch of the river, we recommend using extreme caution while fishing the area from Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam.

Mittry Lake: - No new reports

Regional Hot Spots:

Alamo Lake will continue to be the hot spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish. Next choice would be Lake Havasu for large and smallmouth bass and redears; the bass there are in the best condition of any in our Region, and because of the clear water of Lake Havasu are quite strikingly colored. The Parker Strip should continue to be very good for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp is the place to go for larger bass, and for flathead catfish. Our surveys in May revealed 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 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters.

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. For a very good source of local fishing information in the Yuma area check out: www.yumabassman.com/bulletinboard. Information in this web-based forum is not limited to bass, but includes catfish, sunfish and a variety of other species and WILLIAMS LAKES:  
KAIBAB LAKE —  Fish on the bottom with corn and worms. Some nice largemouth bass were caught during our electrofishing surveys last week along with quite a few trout.  The majority of the bass were in the 1 lb range with a few up to about 4 lbs. Quite a few bluegill were also caught.  Crappie and bluegill fishing was good on flies, especially crayfish patterns.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

WILLIAMS LAKES:  

KAIBAB LAKE —  Fish on the bottom with corn and worms. Some nice largemouth bass were caught during our electrofishing surveys along with quite a few trout.  The majority of the bass were in the 1 lb range with a few up to about 4 lbs. Quite a few bluegill were also caught. Crappie and bluegill fishing was good on flies, especially crayfish patterns.

CATARACT LAKE — Stocked with catfish. Lots of nice size channel catfish and largemouth bass were caught during our electrofishing surveys. The biggest bass were in the 4-5 lb range and there were lots of catfish in the 3- to 5-pound range. 

CITY RESERVOIR —  Stocked with catfish.  One of our interns caught 2 catfish on flies last weekend. 

DOGTOWN LAKE — Stocked last week.  Fishing was fair to good on marshmallows.  A few large brown trout have been reported by lure anglers. We caught a lot of small crappie along with some nice size brown trout during our electrofishing surveys.  

JD DAM — Road is open. 

RUSSELL TANK -  Lake is to shallow to stock.

SANTA FE — Lake is full. Stocked with catfish.
 
WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report. With the monsoons hiting the area, the fishing should be decent when the barometer is dropping. Other than that, try fishing deep using traditional baits.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY —  Fishing was fair to good during the week using worms fished about 3 ½-4 feet below a bobber.  Some fish were also being caught on pink Power Bait. Fishing is better early in the morning or late in the evening, but fish were being caught in the middle of the day, especially when the sun went behind a cloud. Fishing was better a couple of hundred yards uplake from the dam compared to fishing right off of the dam.  Fish seem to be growing quickly with some larger fish (12-14 inch) being caught.

UPPER LAKE MARY —  Perch were being caught on the upper part of the lake near the weeds and in the narrows area on worms.  Pike were being caught in the same areas on anchovies. Catfish are starting to be caught on the upper end of the lake with our creel clerks checking a 12 lb cat caught on anchovies and a 17-pound cat caught trolling. 

ASHURST LAKE —  We sampled the lake in mid April and caught mostly large (10+ Lbs) pike in our nets, only 1 trout was caught.  Some large pike and a few trout were bring caught. The folks were fishing the south end of the lake from shore.  Has been stocked 

FRANCIS SHORT POND –  Fishing was good. Catfishing was good on hotdogs, chicken and corn/hotdog combo. Trout were being caught on corn near the inflow area and on the dam.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. Stocked last week

MARSHALL LAKE — No report

OAK CREEK — Fishing was good for brown trout and rainbow trout.  Use flies for browns and bait for rainbows. Scheduled to be stocked 

LONG LAKE — Road is open, 

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Road is open

BEAVER CREEK/WEST CLEAR CREEK —  No report.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.


Verde Valley
BEAVER CREEK/WEST CLEAR CREEK — Fishing for trout is fair and fair to poor for smallmouth bass. Try night crawlers for the trout and small crayfish-like lures on ultra lights for the smallmouth.

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked the week of April 19 and June 12. Frozen anchovies or night crawlers should work best for them.  Bass and bluegill are also active. If you would like your child to catch their first fish, Bluegill can be easily caught with a number 10 hook with a small pieces of worm under a bobber. These will not be large bluegill, but they can be a lot of fun for little ones to catch.

Trout stocking will resume in the fall. 

OAK CREEK — Stocked weekly through the end of summer. Fishing was good for brown trout and rainbow trout.  Use flies for browns and bait for rainbows. 

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Bass fishing has been good using small spinners and curly tailed grubs. Both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass abound in the river between Clarkdale and Camp Verde. Look for some depth in pools with shady overhangs. 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 —Incentive Trout were stocked just before the Fourth. That was the last trout stocking until the fall. Fishing is best immediate following the stocking. Bright colored Power Bait, worms lures and flies all seem to work well. Catfish and Bluegill were stocked last the week of June 12th. Anchovies are your best bet for the catfish.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout stocked last week. In general, fishing has not been as good this year as it was the last few years. 

The lake has been near full all year so trout may be using areas of the lake that require anglers to experiment more. Typically in the summer months, water temperatures force trout into deeper areas.  Anglers should try fishing in 15 to 20 feet of water with bait floating just off the bottom. 

The sunfish and bass should be actively biting.  One angler reported catching two bass after fishing hard all day, but they were 2 – 6 lbs. 

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 three 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 mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin –The bass and bluegill are starting to bite, but it is still slow.   If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Brook trout were stocke the week of June 21. Rainbow Trout were last stocked, the week of June 14.   This is the last scheduled trout stocking until the fall due to high water temperatures.  Catfish and Bluegill were stocked on June 12. Fishing should really pick up following the stocking.

Trout can be caught on Power Bait, corn, or spinners. The brookies tend to feed near the bottom. Cut anchovies, night crawlers or hot dog are your best bet for catfish.

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. Again, at Lynx, there is not oxygen for fish below 20-feet at Lynx.  So fish in 15-18 feet using a floating bait such as PowerBait or marshmallow. 

Fingerling brook trout were stocked Sept. 17 ,2009.
 
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked last the week of June 14. That was the last scheduled stocking until September. The gate is open. 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.

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 – No new reports- The fishing should be picking up by now, but I have not heard of many anglers fishing Watson.  Both Bass and catfish should be active by now.  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.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – The fishing has picked up. Anglers continue to have success catching bass. Plastics seem to be working the best for now.

If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Mogollon Rim and White Mountains

Recommended Waters to Fish:

Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes on the Rim have been heavily stocked and the fishing is very good.

Mogollon Rim and White Mountains

Recommended Waters to Fish:
Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes on the Rim have been heavily stocked and the fishing is very good. Large sized (1-8 pound) incentive trout have been stocked in Woods Canyon Lake.

Show Low Lake in the Pinetop-Lakeside/Show Low area has been heavily stocked in the spring and anglers have been catching trout, walleye, and bluegill from the fishing piers and boats.

In the higher elevations, Big Lake is doing  well for large, carry-over rainbow and cutthroat trout, and Crescent Lake has been doing  well for stocked trout.

TROUT STOCKINGS:

Scheduled for July 17-24
Willow Springs Lake – 3,038 rainbow trout
Woods Canyon Lake –  4545 rainbow trout
East Fork Black River – 1,400 Apache trout
LCR – Greer- 400 rainbow and 400 Apache trout
Sheeps Crossing – 500 Apache trout
Silver Creek – 500 rainbow trout
West Fork Black River – 600 Apache trout

Scheduled for July 26-30
Bear Canyon Lake – 1700 rainbow trout
Woods Canyon Lake –  4700 rainbow trout
East Fork Black River – 1,400 Apache trout
LCR – Greer- 400 rainbow and 400 Apache trout
Sheeps Crossing – 500 Apache trout
Silver Creek – 500 rainbow trout
West Fork Black River – 600 Apache trout

All lakes are accessible and full. Boat ramps are all accessible, except at Bear Canyon and Chevelon Canyon lakes where there are no traditional boat ramps. For more information, call the Pinetop Office of Arizona Game and Fish at (928) 367-4281.

MOGOLLON RIM

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is  good for stocked trout. Catchable-size rainbow trout will be stocked this week. Anglers are catching fish on Power Bait and night crawlers.  This is a hike-in lake. There is plenty of shoreline access, but it is best fished from a float tube or kayak.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair for stocked trout. Anglers  have been catching trout on Power Bait and night crawlers.  This lake also contains largemouth bass and green sunfish – please catch and keep all you can of these illegally-stocked warm-water species, there is no limit on them.

CHEVELON LAKE -- Fishing is fair at this hike-in lake. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only and trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed. The daily bag and possession limit is 6 trout. It is illegal to use bait here. Two anglers reported great success fishing from float tubes using both fly and spinning gear.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week and nearly every week throughout the summer with catchable-size rainbow. Anglers have been catching these trout on Power Bait, night crawlers, and small lures. This lake also has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and crappie -- please catch and keep all you can of these illegally-stocked warm-water species, there is no limit on them. 

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for stocked trout. The lake was stocked last week and will be stocked again this week. Large sized (1to 8-pound) incentive rainbow trout were stocked in early July in addition to the normal catchable-size trout.  A recent report indicated that trout were biting well on slowly trolled small Rebel crankbaits, Crickhoppers, spinners, and cowbells with an attached worm or fly.  Trolling Super Dupers or cowbells is popular here. The store is open and boat rentals are available. Be aware of a bald eagle nesting closure on the southwest side of the lake.

WHITE MOUNTAINS
Note: All lakes are accessible and most are full. Hwy 273 (Big Lake road) is paved and open. However, paving on a short section between Sunrise and Sheeps Crossing is in progress and traffic through this area may be slow. Flagmen and pilot cars are being used to maintain vehicle access while construction is occurring. Expect some delays. To avoid this construction, use Hwy 261. For more information, call the Pinetop office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (928) 367-4281.
 
 
BECKER LAKE — Fishing is fair for large rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching rainbows on nymphs and small midges. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout bag and possession limit.

BIG LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full.  Rooster Tail spinners and wooly bugger flies are working well, and the usual night crawlers, Power Bait, and salmon eggs are working particularly well. Trout are being caught in deep water areas of the lake. Boat anglers trolling cowbells and lures tipped with a night crawler has also been working well. Bank anglers should fish off rocky points where there is deep water.   The store is open and boat rentals are available.

CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is  good for stocked rainbow trout. Fly fishermen are catching stocked rainbow trout on small nymphs. The lake winter-killed but has been restocked with 2,350 large catchable (11-inch) and 6,935 sub-catchable (6-inch) rainbow trout earlier in the spring. This lake is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. The weeds along the shoreline are very thick, but there is some open water in the middle. Trout have been feeding along the weed line near deeper water.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR —Fishing is  poor for trout and good for warm-water species. Try night crawlers and spinners for trout, and night crawlers on the bottom for bullheads, sunfish, and bass.

CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is poor. The lake level is very low and launching a boat is difficult. 

CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is good. The lake winter-killed but has been heavily restocked with 5,000 catchable size brook trout, and 4,949 catchable and 7,457 sub-catchable rainbow trout since mid-May.   1,740 catchable size brook trout will be stocked this week. Anglers are catching stocked trout on night crawlers and Power Bait off rocky points that are located over deep water. The store is  closed for the season.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. A few trout in the 15-inch range are being caught on night crawlers and Power Bait. There were 1-7-pound channel catfish stocked on May 19. Anglers are catching catfish at night on chicken liver and night crawlers. Bluegills and black crappies are being caught on night crawlers and small jigs off the west and east side fishing piers. Some bass and walleyes are being caught on lures. One fishing pier on the east side is closed for repairs. This lake is managed as a State Recreation Area.

GREER LAKES — Fishing is fair at all Greer lakes (Bunch, Tunnel and River). Water levels are dropping at all three reservoirs, so use caution when launching a boat. Boats cannot be launched at the boat ramp at River Reservoir due to very low water levels. Also be careful about launching a boat at Bunch Reservoir due to the concrete lip at the end of the ramp. Anglers should use Power Bait and night crawlers on the bottom  early in the morning and late evening.  Boat anglers should try small lures or cowbells with an attached lure, fly or bait.  River Reservoir also contains illegally-stocked yellow perch, which can be caught easily by kids fishing a small piece of night crawler under a bobber.

HULSEY LAKE — Fishing is fair. Trout  have been caught on Power Bait and night crawlers. Stocked trout that are rising  during the early morning and late evening hours  can be caught on small dry flies. There is a short hike down to this small lake.

LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good. The lake winter-killed, but has been restocked with 4,000 catchable-size Apache trout and 3,700 arctic grayling (7”) since mid-May. Apache trout and grayling are biting  on beadhead nymphs, Prince nymphs, Hares ear, zug bugs, and small peacock ladies. Try small nymphs in black, brown or green colors. Lee Valley Lake is open to lures and flies only with a 2-trout bag and possession limit, and a minimum size of 12-inches.  It is illegal to use bait here. 

LUNA LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. It is a little slow, but some  trout are being caught on night crawlers, Power Bait, and salmon eggs fished off the bottom. Try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. The concession store is under new management and is now open.  They have fishing tackle and boat rentals available. There is an algae bloom on the lake. A small fish kill occurred last week.

LYMAN LAKE — Lyman Lake State Park is open for the summer. Anglers should try night crawlers and chicken liver for catfish. Largemouth bass, sunfish and walleye are also present in the lake. Try night crawlers and lures for these fish. The Park has many campsites and other amenities.

NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked heavily with 10,800 catchable rainbow trout in May.  An  algae bloom has developed and trout should be staying deep.  Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs  in the early morning and late evening hours for best results.  Anglers using nightcrawlers and salmon eggs in the  deeper portions of the lake have been catching the most fish. 

RAINBOW LAKE — Fishing is poor. An algae bloom and lots of weeds are starting to develop, driving the pH levels up, and the fishing has slowed down. A few trout, bluegills, catfish, and bullheads are being caught off the fishing piers. 

SCOTT RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. The lake was last stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout in May, and 1 to 7-pound channel catfish were also stocked on May 19. Anglers are catching trout and catfish on night crawlers and Power Bait  early in the morning and late in the evening.

SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake has been stocked well during  May and June. Anglers are catching trout, walleyes, bass, and bluegills on night crawlers from the fishing piers, and on lures and cowbells with worms fished from boats.  Fish near the bottom early in the morning and late evening for best results.  A recent report said boat anglers drifting nightcrawlers and flies and trolling small spinners along the bottom were successful on trout and walleye. A few channel catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught by boat and shore fishermen.

WOODLAND LAKE — Fishing has been poor to fair for trout, bass, and catfish. Anglers should try night crawlers or Power Bait  early in the morning and late in the evening for trout, bass, and catfish.  One angler this weekend was catching bass on lures.  A 4.5-pound bass was recently caught by a young angler fishing with a worm for catfish. The daily bag and possession limit at Woodland Lake is 4 trout.


WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
Note:  Access roads to all streams are open. All regular stocking sites will be stocked weekly through the summer.

EAST FORK BLACK RIVER – Fishing is fair to good. Apache trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week. Try drifting worms through pools. Also try spinners, Rapalas or streamers for the resident brown trout.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER-GREER – Fishing is fair to good.  Stream flows are normal.  Catchable-size Apache and rainbow trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week.  Wild brown trout are also present.

SHEEPS CROSSING - Highway 273 is open and fishing is fair to good. However, road paving on Hwy 273 is occurring from Sunrise to Forest Road 87 (road from Greer) and delays should be expected. Traffic along Hwy 273 is being maintained with flagmen and pilot cars.  Apache trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week.  Anglers are catching trout on night crawlers.

SILVER CREEK - Fishing is fair to good. Silver Creek is currently open to lures, flies and bait; with a daily bag and possession limit of 6 trout from April 1 through Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing at this time. Rainbow trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week.  Try nightcrawlers or Power Bait, or small spinners or spoons in the deeper pools.

WEST FORK BLACK RIVER campground – Fishing is fair to good. Apache trout were stocked last week in the campground and will be stocked again this week. Try drifting worms through pools for stocked trout or worms, spinners, or streamers for resident brown trout. The lower river near the campground is open to statewide regulations, but the upper reaches, from Hayground Creek to the Apache Indian reservation boundary, are open to catch-and-release fishing only, with artificial lure and fly.

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.

With hot summer temperatures anglers should plan on being out early and staying late. Fish the coolest parts of the day and avoid the high mid day temperatures if you want to have success. Night crawlers and meal worms are good choices for sunfish during this time of year. Largemouth bass should be done spawning and anglers should find their feeding activity picking up. For summer trout fishing opportunities anglers can travel to Rose Canyon Lake or Riggs Flat lake. Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link: 2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.

RIGGS FLAT — Fly anglers are reporting that lots of fish are being caught on dry flies. Bait anglers are reporting poor success.  Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link:  2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule. 

CLUFF RANCH — No recent reports of success.  The pond is full and there are no issues with boat launching.  For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE — For lake information and status of the park 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 –With high daytime temperatures anglers should fish in the early morning or late evening.  Fish are going to be deeper this time of year.  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 —Anglers should have no problems launching boats with the lake filling up over the weekend.  The lake continues to experience a blue/green algal bloom but that is typical this time of year.  No recent reports.  Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water. Anglers are asked to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore. 

PENA BLANCA – Construction of the new boat ramp and facilities continues and is expected to be completed by August. Please respect all closures of the area associated with this construction.  Knowledgeable anglers are still catching trout using very light line and powerbait. Because trout is the only species of fish currently in the lake anglers must have a trout stamp to fish. Currently there are no boat launching facilities available for launching boats. Small boats that can be carried to the lake shore and float tubes are possible and those wanting to use such watercraft should use caution as there is a lot of debris floating in the lake. Shoreline anglers should have no trouble finding a place to fish. 
 
PATAGONIA — This lake level is coming up with recent rains and this should ease problems with boat launching. Boaters should use caution on the lake as debris could be pr4esent from recent flooding.  Anglers are reporting that fishing has slowed with the recent influx of water. 

PARKER CANYON — Aquatic vegetation is still being cut along the shoreline and anglers should find increasing access. Fishing for sunfish remains good. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be slow.  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 —Fishing remains good with lots of anglers reporting limits on lures and flies. Early mornings and late afternoons are reportedly the best times. Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link:  2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.