Urban Fishing Bulletin
For the weeks of Sept. 20 – Oct. 3
CATFISH STOCKINGS TO RESUME WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21-26
Fish stockings, featuring channel catfish, will resume during the week of September 21-26 at all 20 Urban Fishing Program waters in the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas. The fall catfish stockings represent the “second half” of the spring/fall catfish delivery season that included a two month summer “halftime” break from stockings.
Over 14,000 pounds of 1.5-2 pound catfish will be transported by our fish contractor all the way from Arkansas in specially designed hauling trucks. The farm-raised catfish have had a good summer growing season and most fish should be in the two pound plus range.
Anglers might want to put some fresh line on their reels since the larger, hard fighting cats can put equipment to the test and bust old line. Game and Fish biologists will accompany each lake delivery to ensure that all stocking operations run smoothly and successfully, and that all fish pass our high inspection standards for excellent condition and health. All lakes were recently checked for compliance with our water quality stocking guidelines and all lakes passed inspection. The fall catfish stocking season includes a total of four stockings at two week intervals through early November. Stockings will occur on random days during the designated stocking week (Mondays through Saturday). This alternating week schedule will only change if fish delivery problems occur (we have a 99% “on-time” delivery success) or conditions at an individual lake are unsuitable for stocking (for example high pH levels).
Best baits for catfish are worms, stink/dough bait, shrimp or hot dogs. Catfish bag limits are 4 fish at the Urban Lakes or 2 fish at the Urban Ponds.
ANGLER PARTICIPATION IN URBAN FISHING ON RISE
Despite the challenging economy, or maybe because of it, the Urban Fishing Program is experiencing increased angler participation. Sales of Urban Fishing Licenses in 2009 are over 10% above the record breaking 2008 year.
Eric Swanson, Urban Fisheries Program Manager, sees the growth trend as “Lots of people recognizing the excellent value of this high quality and affordable outdoor fishing experience close to home. It fits right in with our urban program motto; if people can’t get to the fish, we bring fish to the people.”
The consistent, reliable delivery of quality fish throughout the year creates fun, family-friendly fishing opportunity at an affordable price. Urban Fishing licenses are just $18.50 and can be purchased from over 320 license dealers and sporting goods stores statewide.
URBAN FISHING REPORT
Fishing for catfish should be good to excellent once the fall stocking program kicks off the week of September 21-26. Orders have been placed for regular stockings of 1.5-2 pound channel catfish into all 20 Urban Program lakes in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Lakes will be stocked at rates of 35-70 catfish per acre every two weeks through early November.
Catfish bite well on worms, stink baits, shrimp or hot dogs fished on the bottom. Mornings and evenings are the best times as catfish prefer to feed under dim or dark conditions.
Fishing for bluegill is good along the shorelines in 4-8 feet of water. Try mealworms under a small, thin bobber for great action.
As lake temperatures fall below 78 degrees, expect better action for largemouth bass, especially in the early morning periods. Try finesse plastics rigged drop shot or Texas style for the bass and mix it up with small crankbaits, soft jerkbaits or spinnerbaits.
At Green Valley Lakes (Payson) fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie is fair and should improve by the end of September as lake temperatures cool and fish activity increases. Fish stockings (trout only) at Green Valley will resume the week of October 19-24.
At all lakes remember to release any of the weed eating white amur right away so they can go back to munching on the nuisance water weeds.
STOCKING UPDATES / SCHEDULE:
- All UFP waters in Phoenix area and Tucson area - Last stocked catfish June 26 (last of spring stockings). Next stocking of catfish will resume the week of September 21-26.
- Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Last stocked trout May 9 (last of spring stockings). Next stocking: trout will resume the week of October 19-24.