Urban Fishing Bulletin: Holiday issue
For the weeks of December 13 - 26, 2009

New! 2010 URBAN FISHING PROGRAM GUIDEBOOK

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Urban Fishing Program in 2010, a new Guidebook has been created. The attractive, high quality book was designed to make it easier for anglers of all ages and abilities to figure out where to fish, when to fish, how to fish, what to fish with and much more.

Major features of the new Guidebook include: a 2010 fish stocking calendar; how the Urban Fishing Program works; fishing regulations at a glance; timeline of significant program events over the past 25 years; all new lake and park maps; listings of family-friendly park amenities; a fishing tips section; and a fishing equipment checklist showing you what you need to get started.

The 2010 Guidebooks are available for free from Game and Fish Department offices or any of our 340 sporting goods or retail license dealers after December 14.  So, pick up a Guidebook and grab an extra one to pass on to a friend.

HOLIDAY CHECKLIST REMINDERS

• Stop by a nearby Game and Fish office or license dealer to grab a free copy of the new 2010 Urban Fishing Program Guidebook, 25th Anniversary Special Edition. 
  
  
• The 2009-2010 Arizona (statewide) Fishing Regulation booklets are valid for two years.  So, if you lost or misplaced last year’s state fishing regulations, just stop by a license dealer to get another one for 2010.
  
  
• After December 31, you will need a new 2010 license to fish.  Purchase your 2010 Urban Fishing license ($18.50), or for good value buy the Super Conservation Fishing license ($53 residents, $63 non-residents) that covers all Urban waters, state waters and trout fishing privileges (it covers everything!).  Licenses are available at 340 license dealers or Game and Fish offices.
  
  
• All anglers age 14 and over must purchase a license to fish in Arizona’s statewide or Urban waters.
  
  
• You can buy fishing and hunting licenses as gifts (you’ll need to know the other person’s personal information).

URBAN FISHING REPORT

Rainbow trout stockings are underway and will continue all winter long at two week intervals. Trout range in size from 11-12 inches in length, with some recently stocked fish in the 13-15 inch range.

Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or salmon eggs. Successful bait anglers are switching bait types or colors every 20-30 minutes to trigger more action.  Small spinners such as Roostertails and Panther Martins, or spoons such as Kastmasters and Super Dupers work well for trout in the early morning. Good trout fishing is continuing 7-10 days after stockings.

Action for catfish, bass and bluegill has slowed due to colder water temperatures. Trout fishing is consistently good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, corn and worms working best.  Try small, flashy lures to attract the trout at this lake in the pines.

STOCKING UPDATE

• All 21 UFP waters in Phoenix Area, Tucson Area and Payson - Last stocking, trout Dec. 4. Next stocking, trout week of Dec. 14-19.