file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm From: AZGFD [[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 10:48 AM To: reports Subject: Fishing Report Hunting Blog Fishing Blog Wildlife Blog AZGFD on Twitter
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Rory's Tip Related information July 1, 2009
● Rory's Tip Rory's Tips
● Central Arizona It looks like the traditional fireworks display at Lake Pleasant is not happening this year due to budget constraints. ● Colorado River Northwest However, Tempe Town Lake is having its 58th Annual Fireworks Spectacular from Mill Avenue bridge. This
● Southwestern Arizona spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music. Happy birthday America! ● North Central Region
● Mogollon Rim By the way, Tempe Town Lake has some pretty decent bass fishing, has plenty of yellow bass (use gold KastMasters), the lake is loaded with sunfish, and the shallow water makes it catfish heaven. ● White Mountains
● Southeastern Arizona The full moon is July 7, which means this will be a pretty time to be on the water at night, but don't expect your submersible lights to work as well. Check the moon rise and set times though. Report editors Also, with moisture coming in from the Gulf (we used to call this monsoon season), the weather service is saying there is a good chance each day for thunderstorms and rain showers. These storms can make fishing in the desert ● Fishing Locations Map ● Weekly Fishing Report Blog Rory Aikens (623) 236-7214 and mountain lakes pretty good, but you also need to exercise caution and not be caught on or near the water during lightning events. ● Weekly Fishing Report RSS Feed Pinetop Region - Richard Dreyer ● Lake Levels When the clouds build up and the barometer starts to drop, fish will typically begin actively feeding, sometimes at (928) 367-4281 ● Stocking Schedule the surface. For our desert lakes, look for topwater action to pick up. In the mountain lakes, switch from bottom ● Where to Fish Flagstaff Region - Chuck Benedict fishing to top-of-the-water-column techniques. Dry flies for fly fishermen and things like spinners, Rapalas, casting ● Urban Fishing (928) 774-5045 spoons (like KastMasters) and even flies on casting floats for spin anglers. When the rain starts, it can knock bugs ● Sign up for AZGFD eNews Kingman Region - Andy Clark out of the air, so bug-like lures can be devastating. (928) 692-7700 If you have kids, get them to catch grasshoppers in the meadows. A wiggling hopper on a small hook (I like a No. Yuma Region - Vacant 8) can drive trout nuts, especially in the gurgling streams. Also, listen for cicadas at home or in the forest. These (928) 342-4051 little rascals can also drive trout and bass nuts. It's a blast. Tucson Region - Don Mitchell Also, when those mountain thunder bumpers gather, the wildlife can also get active. It's a great time to slowly drive (520) 388-4451 narrow mountain dirt roads looking for elk, deer, turkey and other critters. But be bear aware -- keep a clean camp, Mesa Region - Diana Rogers and be sure to wash away all fish smells from your body before going to bed at night. If you eat s'mores, be sure file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (1 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (480) 324-3544 you and the kids wash up thoroughly. You don't want to smell like a nighttime treat for a hungry bear (or even a skunk).
User photos Be sure to put on plenty of insect repellent, no matter where you fish. Submit your own photos I hear from Terry Gunn at Lees Ferry that the cicadas are starting to sing so this is the leading edge of the cicada bite right now. Fishing the Ferry in summer can be a hoot. Your upper torso can be sweating while your legs are turning numb from the cold water. It's an Arizona fishing adventure just waiting to tantalize you in summer. A wild
and rambunctious rainbow attacking a cicada at the surface will get your heart racing. Sign up to receive free news by Also in the northern hinterlands, the great topwater bite is underway at Lake Powell. It's time to hit the "slurps." e-mail! The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers a number of July nights are perfect for going after those bottom dwellers either from shore or boat. Use slip sinkers, treble free electronic newsletters to keep hooks, and corn, hot dogs or stink bait (live chicken liver). you updated with information about hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, Please do everyone a favor -- don't drink alchohol and operate a boat. Our lakes are just too congested to have archery/shooting sports, off- any impaired judgment or reflexes. Add in sun, boat vibration, and other things that numb the senses and you have highway vehicle recreation, boating a prescription for disaster. Don't risk your life or anyone else's. On the flip side, if you insist on drinking and boating, recreation, department activities, we'll do our best to catch you and the consequences are dire. We are operating OUI checkpoints on some of the commission news, rules and My Big Carp lakes. I don't mean to be a safety pest, but please put on that PFD -- it might just save your life. regulations, public events, and more. If you are signing up for the On a lighter note, I will be gone this coming week (fishing the White Mountains, northern New Mexico and first time, visit www.azgfd.gov/ Colorado), but my good buddy and able co-worker Jim Harken will be filling in for me to assemble the report. But I'll signup.If you are already signed try to put together some tips before I leave. Maybe I'll get to see you while I am fishing out there -- could happen. up but wish to subscribe to any of our other newsletters or update Had an interesting episode last week right in the Game and Fish HQ parking lot. A boat that had been on Lake your e-mail address information, Pleasant for 10 years was pulled out, but it was too tall to go down the freeway. They parked it in our parking lot. visit our “edit user profile” page. This boat was not only full of quagga mussels, it had the largest most mature quagga mussels any of us have seen The Arizona Game and Fish Department coming from an Arizona lake. Folks, please Don't Move A Mussel. Clear, dry and drain you boat each time you visit prohibits discrimination on the basis of a lake, any lake. If you have a boat moored at a qugga infested lake, such as Pleasant, Mead, Mohave or Havasu, race, color, sex, national origin, age, or you need to take extra steps and have the hull and other submerged sufaces hit with a high pressure, high disability in its programs and activities. If temperature power washer -- by those who know what they are doing. anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including 20 INCH Yuma Bass employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 Fishing News W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086- 5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. Native Fish Cam at Bubbling Ponds honored with Top 10 Cam Award 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable BUBBLING PONDS – The intriguing “Native Fish Cam” at the Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery operated by the accommodation or this document in an Arizona Game and Fish Department has been honored with Earth Cam’s Top 10 Cam award. alternative format by contacting the Director's Office as listed above. “We have installed an underwater camera at our Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery near Sedona, which is where we raise unique native fish like the endangered humpback chub that is found in the Colorado River in the Grand MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT:
Canyon,” said Brian Ference, the webmaster for Game and Fish. ● Change your E-mail address or subscriptions. For a journey below the surface to see these amazing native fish that are uniquely adapted to aquatic habitats in ● Unsubscribe from all lists. the Southwest, simply click on http://www.azgfd.gov/fishcamor just visit the department’s Web site at www.azgfd. gov.
The Native Fish Cam is routinely moved, so at any time you might see Colorado pikeminnow (that can reach up to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (2 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm 100 pounds), roundtail chub (found in Fossil Creek), razorback sucker, bonytail chub, and many other native fish species, most of which are endangered. The goal of the Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery, which is adjacent to the Page Springs Fish Hatchery in Cornville just downstream from Sedona along Oak Creek, is to propagate these fish for reintroduction and repatriation projects. The Bubbling Ponds fish hatchery has 13 large ponds as well as numerous 6-foot diameter circular fiberglass tanks. The ponds are used for rearing the large fish native to the Colorado River and the fiberglass tanks are used for research and rearing small endangered fishes such as spikedace that were once found throughout the Verde River. Once you are viewing the Native Fish Cam, you will also find accompanying information on this state’s amazing native fish species that will intrigue and enchant you. Most native fish are either imperiled or extirpated, but others -- such as the Apache trout -- have encouraging comeback stories. Native fish hatcheries such as this one typically play a crucial role in recovery efforts. This intriguing Fish Cam is just another in a series of improvements the Game and Fish Department has made to connect or re-connect with outdoor enthusiasts, but to also reach and enthuse new audiences. The department has redesigned and revamped most of its E-news products to make them more cyberspace reader friendly, but has also become a major player in the world of outdoor blogging. “Our Fishing Blog has become very popular, with lots of anglers chattering it up, posting pictures, and sharing how-to or where-to information,” Ference said. There is also a online interactive map showing all the fishing lakes, rivers and streams of the state, with lots of detailed information on each one. “In the first five months of operation, this interactive fishing map registered a half- million hits,” Ference pointed out. The department’s online videos, such as its award-winning series on PBS called “Arizona Wildlife Views,” have exceeded the million-viewer mark. Recently, the quail (the animal depicted on the department’s logo) recently entered the Twitter world as well – you can now witness the quail twittering just about every day. You can also visit the Quail on Facebook.
Lake Powell Launching Restrictions this week Page, AZ – Effective June 29, 2009, you must have your boat inspected for quagga mussels prior to launching at Lake Powell -- self-certification of watercraft at will no longer be an option at all major launch ramps and screening. Personnel will be available daily for screening from 4:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (5:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mountain Daylight Savings Time) at Wahweap, including Stateline, Lone Rock Beach, and Bullfrog, including Stanton Creek. Screening hours for Antelope Point Marina will be from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Screening hours for Hall’s Crossing Marina will be 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Launching will be prohibited outside of these hours. Boaters will be allowed to take boats off the water at any time.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (3 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Central Arizona
URBAN FISHING REPORT – This last week of June is the final delivery of eight every-other-week spring catfish stockings. Warming lake temperatures and air temperatures make it impractical to haul live fish into Arizona’s Urban Lakes and Ponds. There are no scheduled fish stockings for July, August, and the first half of September. Catfish stockings will resume this fall in mid-September when lake and air temperatures cool enough to safely transport fish across the hot desert and into the Urban waters. Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at Urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower. Fishing for catfish continues to be good to excellent the week of stocking. Now that warmer air and lake temperatures have arrived, the best catfish action is during low light or nighttime conditions. Anglers are having luck using stink baits or shrimp fished on the bottom. Sunfish continue to bite well on small worms fished under a bobber. The June 22-27 catfish stocking will be the final fish delivery of the spring stocking season. After that, catfish stockings will not resume until late September. At Green Valley lakes (Payson) most of the trout have been caught out, but anglers are enjoying great action on bluegill, crappie and bass. Try small jigs and worms fished under a bobber at Green Valley.
Several Urban Lakes and Ponds will be receiving white amurs along with the regular catfish delivery the week of June 22-27. These aquatic ‘cows’ will spend the summer grazing on the weeds just beginning to grow in many of the lakes in the Maricopa County area. White amurs, also known as grass carp, can be distinguished from the common carp by two specific features: amurs have a short dorsal fin while the common carp has a long dorsal fin that runs nearly the entire length of its back, and amurs lack the barbells around the mouth that the common carp has on each side of the upper jaw. This is important to note because while there is no bag limit on the common carp, there is a limit of only one amur per day at Urban Lakes and Ponds and the amur must be longer than 30 inches in length. Anglers are asked to release unharmed any amurs under 30 inches.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE - Bass fishing is slow during the day. Fish can be caught before 8 am and after 6 pm at times. Try crank baits and rubber worms around the ledges and docks. Minnows under a slip bobber will work as well. A good mixed bag of yellows, catfish and sunfish can also be caught this way. A good place to try is under the loop 202 underpass in the northeast side of the lake. Yellow bass and bluegill are plentiful in the 5- to 7-inch range and will bite mealworms or night crawlers. Channel catfish averaging 1 to 2 pounds will bite stink baits, hotdogs and shrimp. Carp fishing is excellent. Where: Tempe Town Lake & ASU Research Park file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (4 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm
When: 06/13/09
Caught: TTL: 2 bluegill ASURP: 2 Bass, 2 Bluegill, 1 catfish
Technique: Went to Tempe Town Lake. Very, very slow day. Nothing caught except 3 tiny bluegill, but there’s nothing to get excited about. We left TTL and went to the ASU research park, and man, we should've went there first. Within 10 seconds of casting out, I caught a nice hand sized bluegill that put up a great fight. Within 5 minutes, a friend caught a big largemouth, and I followed soon after with another big bass.
Comments: Not as many people as I expected to be fishing today.
Name: Tim Y.
LAKE PLEASANT - Water elevation is 1,682 ft, which is 78-percent full. Anglers are catching stripers. This time of year you can catch them with anchovies near the tires and in front of the dam. Also try frozen anchovies fished at night over the submerged creek channels. Don't expect submersible lights to be as effective as the moon approaches full. Many anglers are waiting for the shad boils to hit full force but stripers are taking crankbaits and some spinners in the deeper water. Submersible lights might not work well with a waxing moon that is almost full, but fishing at night should still be vialbe using cut anchovies fished over the submerged creek channels in the northern coves, or possibly near the dam.
There is a nice morning topwater bite, but when the breeze quits, or shifts, the bite can vanish.
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 06/15/09
Caught: two catfish
Technique: anchovies
Name: Andrew Althaus
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 06/11/09 file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (5 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm
Caught: nothing
Technique: anchovies crank baits spinners topwater dropshot
Comments: when drifting a anchovies I hooked up with a striper in the main lake at night but when he had got to my raft so I could see him he got free then my motor battery died so I had to paddle back
Name: Andrew Althaus
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 06/09/09
Caught: one 4 pound channel catfish
Technique: anchovies lots of bites but and one slammed it
Comments: I really want to catch some stripers and have been trying hard for about a year and only caught one. Fishing from a boat is better because I can’t catch them from shore
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake Elevation is 2147 ft (95-percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is at 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 168 cfs. Anglers are catching good numbers of bass using topwater, dropshot, jerks and cranks. The Salt end is productive for many and of course early morning and late evening is best for fish and fishermen alike. As long as the wind isn’t whipping around, nighttime crappie fishing is a little more pleasant with regards to the air temps. A couple anglers caught 7 on topwater, 4 using dropshot, 3 on cranks and 3 on jerksbaits in the early morning hours. Another couple anglers fished early morning and fished all day; they caught 40 to 45 bass. Topwater was the ticket early morning around the points and backs of coves. Jerkbait worked a little later on the smaller bass. Largemouth were also hanging in the submerged trees and took jigs and worms. Another fisherman fished under cloud cover and he caught over 100 bass with 20% being overs. This knowledgeable fisherman caught most of them on soft jerkbaits.
A couple other anglers fished deep and pulled up some real nice largemouth with one just under 8 pounds. Many fish were in the 3 to 5 pound range. The nighttime bite is real good right now. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (6 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Don't expect submersible lights to help you right now -- the moon is almost full. Drop shots can work. Also think vibration and dark for lures. Black poppers and the like might get you some interesting action in the moonlight. Catfishing should be good for both flatheads and channels. You can catch carp all day and all night if you find the right spot, from shore or boat. Note: anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt. Bass between 13 to 16 inches must be released immediately. Also those bass below 13 inches and above 16 inches that are kept can only be gutted with the head and tail attached so the legal length can be determined. All other fish such as crappie, catfish and bluegill harvested from the lake must have a piece of skin attached to the fillets so species can be determined.
APACHE -With the lake level going down a bit the largemouth bass are hanging under drop-offs and around rocks. Early morning and late evening are still the best times to fish. Largemouth bass are taking spoons and yellow/green crankbaits with most pretty small, but the occasional big one will take the bait. My fishing contact has caught quite a few channel catfish in the 4 to 8 pound range using worms with a split shot. A few small smallmouth bass are hanging in the rocky areas. If you find some submerged vegetation the sunfish will take mealworms and earthworms as well as some small spoons. CANYON LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95-percent full. Canyon lake is fishing well right now and quite a few people know about it. One angler caught 21 largemouth with most about 1.5 pounds, two were 2 pounders and one was over 6 pounds. Frog imitations were working for this angler. Action is pretty good with topwater lures before the sun hits the water in the coves. The habitat that Game and Fish installed along with some real devoted anglers are holding some fish. The habitat is off Teddy Bear point, Beaver Flat and just inside the Mormon Flat buoy line. Where: Canyon Lake
When: 06/06/09
Caught: Bluegill and WAY too many people.
Technique: meal worms / spinners
Comments: Okay I’ve officially had enough with the crowds of people so today I broke down and bought a kayak. No matter what lake, river, or pond I go to I cannot get any peace and quiet. NONE.
SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1525 feet at 93-percemt full. Saguaro is still producing. Largemouth bass are taking imitation crayfish on the points in 10 to 20 feet of water. One angler using this technique caught several file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (7 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm fish under 2 pounds.
Two fishermen caught 114 fish, mostly on 1/8th oz kastmasters and yellow 1/8th oz Panther Martins in 8 feet of water next to drop offs on ledges. Bagley Flat was especially productive. They caught 89 bluegill with 35 keeper size, 35 yellow bass, only 6 keepers, 15 largemouth bass with 8 keepers and 5 channel catfish 3 of which were keepers. Fish were eating crawdads and the bluegill were all over the place. Angler report: Joel Gross: Went fishing Friday night (June 26). Fishing was slow until dark when it started picking up. After dark caught a number of small catfish with 3 keepers between 1-1.5 lbs in 10' water depth. One was caught on fresh chicken livers. Threw a number of small catfish back that were caught on worms.
BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1796 ft, which is 97% full. Reservoir release is 115 cfs. Largemouth are taking shad-colored buzz baits, 7-inch Robos of the green variety and brush hogs. The fish were in the 25 to 30 foot range. Also try topwater lures at first and last light along the points, islands and reefs. Once the morning breeze subsides, typically the topwater bit will as well. Switch to drop shots, small curly tails, or 4-inch lizards. HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 190 feet, 0-percent full. They are releasing water at 150 cfs. VERDE RIVER - Verde River flow at Tangle is 126 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 151 cfs. SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 194 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 190 cfs. They are releasing 1,575 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
The upper Salt has quite a few flatheads that readily take live or dead red shiners and sunfish caught via live bait or in the case of shiners cast nets while you are out there. Chicken liver will work as well. LOWER SALT RIVER – (below Saguaro Lake) – The spring trout fishing has likely ended, but it may still be possible to pick some up in the deeper pools, along with some bass and catfish. Try inline spinners, Power Bait or drifting night crawlers.
CREEKS Fishing is good in the early morning and late evening. Nighttime fishing works real good for the browns around undercut banks and overhanging veg.
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Haigler Creek – Fly fishermen are having luck using dry droppers, hoppers, little midges and emergers. Trout are also taking spinners. If you hike up a bit from Fisherman’s Point there are some nice wild rainbow and large browns.
Canyon Creek – Fly fishermen are catching trout using hoppers, phantom tails, prince nymphs, hares ears and copper johns. Above the OW Bridge you can keep 4 trout of any size and they are taking worms, spinners along with the flies. Below the OW Bridge its catch and release only and you must use artificial flies and lures. A fly fisherman caught a 28 inch rainbow, one of the incentive stockers. Damsels are hatching so match the hatch.
Tonto Creek – Again hoppers, ant patterns, phantom tails, prince nymphs, hares ears and copper johns. If you decide to hike to some nice secluded fishing holes prepare to get wet. Downstream of Bear Flat have quite a few wild rainbows and browns.
Colorado River Northwest
COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST LAKE POWELL – Note: There are now mandatory boat inspections at Lake Powell to ensure you are not Moving A Mussel or other invasive species. Mostly, the inspection stations are open dawn to dusk, but you cannot launch without one. Best bet is to make sure your boat is quagga free to begin with. Clean, drain and dry your boat following each outing, and be sure to wait at least five days before launching your boat on any other lake (if you are a day user). June 24, 2009, By Wayne Gustaveson. Lake Elevation: 3638. Water Temp: 72- 75F One method of judging how fishing changes from week to week is to try the same methods in the same spots each week. Last week I chased striper boils from Wahweap to Padre Bay and caught one fish from every third boil. This week I caught one fish in every other boil and two fish in some. Since the frequency of sighting boils also increased, my determination is that fishing for stripers in boils is getting better.
Tight 'Slurp' of stripers feeding on larval shad. Here is a closer look at techniques. The best lures are those that cast great distances with accuracy. We had good success with large rattletraps because many schools were headed down as the boat got in range. 'Traps' dive and could be effectively presented to fleeing fish. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (9 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm The best lure for me was the full size Jumpin' Minnow. It is heavier and therefore casts further than anything but a heavy spoon. Fish are feeding on top so the surface lure was just right. You should fish with your best "confidence" lure. If a lure has been good for you in the past it will be good now. Still it is imperative that the lure is cast in front and beyond the lead fish. As the lure hits water quickly work it into the racing striper school. Stripers are looking toward the surface. They swim fast enough to beat their school mate to the next shad. A larger 'fish' (lure) will be eaten if it is in just the right spot. Casting into or behind a moving school is fruitless. Perfect placement results in a hook up with a 20-25 inch striper. Anything less is ignored. Boat handling is key. Fish in boils are vulnerable for 5-30 seconds. Move quickly into range trying to parallel direction of fish travel. I shut off the motor when in range and grab the rod while the boat is slowing to a stop. Sometimes the school will stay on top long enough to put one cast into the school. More likely the school will sound and then resurface. The most effective cast is to the resurfacing school. Hopefully, fish come up in range and the first cast goes beyond the lead fish. Spend some time watching the school and make one good cast instead of three errant ones. I only stay with a pod of stripers long enough to see them resurface three times. After that they are wary and I move to find a fresh school. Boils cover the length of Lake Powell and are continuous from daylight to dark when the water is calm. Wind may put them down for an hour but they come right back up as soon as the lake calms. Boils are strong from Wahweap to San Juan and Escalante. Reports are less from Rincon to Good Hope but I suspect that is lack of reports and not lack of striper boils. My crew reports strong boils in Good Hope this morning. Water is clearing and fishing out of Hite is effective once more. If the craziness of chasing fish does not appeal then look for a striper boil near shore. Go to that spot and cast a surface walking bait or popper into the submerged trees and have fun with bass on topwater lures.
LEES FERRY – Lees Ferry Fishing Synopsis and Forecast by Terry Gunn 6/29/09. Visit www.leesferry.com for daily fishing reports and updates. Recent Fishing Conditions: Summer arrived with mild temperatures and calm winds, a welcome relief from our crummy spring weather. The weather has warmed of late and the cicadas are starting to sing and the fish are just now starting to key in on them. It is too early to tell what “kind” of cicada year it will be…every year is different. I have seen the bite last only 2 weeks and other years last well into late August. Our cicadas are unusual in the fact that they hatch every year, most places they occur every 7 or 14 years. I have seen 4 hatches that were so intense that the fish would come up off the bottom in the middle of the river to eat a cicada that has landed on the water. Watch our daily reports for up to date reports on the cicada hatch. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (10 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm The water flows will increase in volume for July and August. These two months usually provide the best and most consistent fishing of the entire year here at Lees Ferry and they are also the least crowded. In the higher water most all of our fishing is done from the boat, drifting with heavy nymph rigs or casting big cicada dry flies into the rocky shores. The largest fish of the year are usually caught in the summer months and it is during these 2 months that the trout experience tremendous growth rates due to the high water transporting large quantities of food around. For those who were fortunate to be here during the 8,000 constant flow in early June, they likely experienced the best fishing of their lives. There were many days where more than 100 fish were hooked per rod, fishing was off the charts (we rated it a “9” only because no fish over 10-lbs were landed). You may remember from my previous reports my mention of our prolific spawn of 2007 and that the river was full of small fish that disappear from the time that they reach 3” and reappear when they are 12” long…well, they showed up in mass immediately following the 8,000 constant flow. They are everywhere! For the first time in many years we are catching fish of all sizes, from 10’’ to 20” which is typical of a very healthy river. The only downside is that our average fish size has dramatically decreased; the river is still chock-full of big fish but the challenge is getting your fly past the smaller and not so smart little fish. The current health of the river is outstanding…better than it has been in years. Last year’s above normal runoff into Lake Powell delivered and stirred up countless tons of nutrients into the water and this nutrient rich water is passing through the dam and into the river. Algae is everywhere in the river and this provides food and habitat for the aquatic food base that the trout depend upon. Lake Powell has risen more than 30-ft this year and is still rising which is good news for us and all of the people in the southwest who depend on this water for household use and electrical generation. The rising lake and the nutrient load will guarantee this trend of healthy trout populations and good fishing will continue for the next several years. The turning point and the beginning for the recovery of the Lees Ferry fishery occurred in 2005 when Lake Powell had the first above normal snow-pack and runoff year since 1997. Last year we had almost exactly the same conditions. The above normal winter snow pack and runoff into Lake Powell in 2007-08, stirred up a tremendous amount of nutrient laden sediment that had accumulated at the lake mouths of the Colorado River, San Juan River, and the Green River. Lake Powell elevation increased 43-ft. and the rivers flowing into the lake mixed the sediment and nutrients into the lake water. It usually takes several months before we see this mixing affect. The increased nutrient load in the lake and river is evident this spring by the dramatic increase in aquatic vegetation and aquatic organisms throughout the river. For those of you that remember what the fishing was like in 1999 and 2000…you should be as excited as I am about the current conditions and what the increased nutrient load should do for the fishing at Lees Ferry. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (11 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Lots of stuff happening at the Ferry and it is all good! Recent Fishing: With the water flows increasing we will be spending more time fishing from the boat than wading. Fishing techniques have been mixed between using a “heavy nymph rig” which is a 9 to 12-ft leader, strike indicator, split shot, and dual fly rig, a “double tiny” rig with a long leader and 2 bead-head midges on 7X, or a dry and dropper rig. I have been using 6 and 7X fluorocarbon tippet and feel that the lighter tippet results in a much higher success rate than say 5X. Anglers might argue that they break fish off on such light tippet but my argument is that in order to break a fish off, you first have to first get a fish to eat your fly and you are going to get more eaters with lighter tippet than heaver tippet. When wading the riffles you need long dead drifts. There are 2 types of drifts; perfect dead drifts and all other drifts. Perfect dead drifts catch fish at Lees Ferry; all other drifts don’t catch fish here. You get a dead drift by mending the line, then throwing slack line on the water. If your line is straight from your rod tip to your indicator or you move your indicator during the drift, then your drift is not perfect and will not catch fish. The key to success is to stay over fish, get the flies down to the bottom, and get a long, perfect dead drift. The high flow experiment, 4/08, was basically a non event as far as the fishery is concerned. It came and went with few visible changes to the river or the fishery. For more details and to see my complete comments go here: http:// coloradoriverconservancy.org/ The experimental steady flows that occurred in September and October 2008 (12,000 constant) were beneficial to the river and are scheduled again for 2009. In years past, the flows in September and October have been the lowest flows of the year and have reset the “green line” to the 5,000-cfs level from the 12,000- cfs level of the summer flows. This has effectively reduced the food supply in the river by a significant amount. Then the higher flows of November and December arrive; but because of the declining sun angle and the shade of the cliffs, photosynthesis and aquatic production in the river declines and the areas of the river that were desiccated by the low flows do not regenerate until the following spring. This did not happen this year because of the steady flows in September and October the green line stayed high. The current fluctuating flows (7,500-cfs to 13,000-cfs) are continuing to keep the green line higher than in years past. There have been prolific midge and black-fly hatches every day and it appears as though the scud population has a higher density than any time since 2004. For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell. water-data.com/ For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http:// waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000 LAKE MEAD –Lake Mead water continue to drop slowly, falling about 1 foot over the last three weeks. The current level is 1,095 feet above msl. The striper bite has been great. Both trolling and fishing under lights at night yielded large file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (12 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm numbers of fish. The lights are more productive when used around the new moon, on dark nights. The last new moon was on Monday the 22nd. Two pound stripers are not uncommon. Launching conditions at South Cove will continue to deteriorate as the water level continues to drop. The concrete ramp the National Park Service completed last year is one lane with cones marking the edges. Use caution not to go off the sides of the metal extensions at either side. National Park Service is working to keep the ramp open. Temple bar launch ramp is two lanes. Launching conditions in general are better at temple bar than south cove. Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/. LAKE MOHAVE – The lake level is around 641 feet above msl. Fishing for stripers seems to be pretty good in the southern portion of the lake. Submersible lights are very effective for stripers when used on dark nights, but keep in mind there is a full moon July 8. Bass are located both in shallow and on fish habitat in 15-20 ft. Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove and now Shoshone. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, Tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, bluegill and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets. There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at [email protected] so I can share your successes with others. Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/. WILLOW BEACH - Trout are stocked every Friday. The trout fishing has been pretty sporadic. About 30 percent of shoreline anglers are having success. The file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (13 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm majority of these anglers were after trout and were fishing with Power Bait, night crawlers, spinners, Super Duper lures, Power Worms, and marshmallows. No stripers were reported from shoreline anglers on Friday. Boat anglers had a little more success with about 67-percent of anglers contacted having caught fish. One angler reported catching 2 stripers, approximately 10 and 12lbs each on an AC plug. The desert bighorn sheep are in the rut, so this is a great time to fish and possible see some rams bumping heads (or at least hear them – it sounds like a rifle shot echoing in the canyons). 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 [email protected] so I can share your successes with others. For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/. TOPOCK MARSH – The water level is up and the bite has been pretty good. Both bass and catfish are biting well. Catfish are biting on anchovies and night crawlers. 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 –The striper bite has been pretty good. I have not heard about the rest.
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 [email protected] so I can share your successes with others. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (14 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm 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/.
Southwestern Arizona
LAKE HAVASU – Striped bass bite improving during the morning hours using blue/ white 3/8 to 3/4 Stump jumpers with 4" hyper tails cast or trolled in the early twilight hours. After sunup switch to trolled anchovies with fish seekers or 2 oz. banana sinkers. Still fishing cut sardines or anchovies producing numbers of small limits throughout the Windsor basin south to Black Rock. Smallmouth bass hitting red 8 to 14ft diving crankbaits, wacky rigged finesse worms in oxblood, junebug or red craw colors with a 1/4 oz. drop sinker fished near rocky or gravel bottomed shorelines where bass are preparing to spawn in 4 to 15 ft of water. This report was provided by John Galbraith of Anglers Pro Shop Lake Havasu City Report Provided by: www.HavasuFishing.com. The warmer weather has heated up the water and fishing is greatly improving for almost all species. Fishing Outlook: Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent this spring. The size will range from 13 inches and up, with an occasional fish greater than 5 pounds. Striped bass fishing has been problematic this year, with catch rates far below what has been experienced the past couple of years. Striper fishermen report that they can see schools of striped bass on their fish- finders, but have had poor success getting them to strike, and have not been seeing the boils on shad that they are used to seeing. Shad numbers are probably lower this year, which affects the striper fishing, as 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. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (15 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm 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. 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 surveys in the fall indicated 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. The warmer weather causes the bite to increase making crankbaits and topwater lures a good choice. Also, spinner baits, jigs, cut fish, live shad, etc. should work depending on the species you are looking for. 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. ALAMO LAKE – Report Courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, I'm having to write this a couple of days earlier than I would like due to having to go help out fellow rangers at Lake Havasu this coming weekend. Although working a major holiday at Havasu is both, educational and entertaining, I'm always happy to come home. Bass fishing has been hit and miss this week. The top water bite in the early morning has been lousy. The evening bite has not been much better. A few anglers have reported catching bass mid morning drop shotting. Every one is giving crappie fishing a thumbs down. Shore fishing is o. k. Anglers are catching a few blue gills and catfish using night crawlers. I'm not sure what the lake level is but both ramps are in operation. Bigger boats are encouraged to use Cholla ramp. Hopefully I'll have a better report next week. Mark
Spring Outlook: Colorado River (Parker Strip Area): Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (16 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm sizes. The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or 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 is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident. 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 in the 2 to 5 pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. The time for fishing for both species of catfish will be late spring and throughout the summer. Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing. 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 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 over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). 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 and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds. Other sunfish such as bluegill and redear are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the backwaters and main river channel. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (17 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm
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 Laguna and Morelos dams): This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area. 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. With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this area I would avoid that area (Pilot Knob to Moreles Dam). Regional Hot Spots: Alamo Lake will be the hot spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish. Since there appears to be an overabundance of small bass and channel catfish in the lake at present, we recommend keeping as many of the smaller bass and catfish as you can legally possess in order to try and reduce the population a little. Next choice would be Lake Havasu for large and smallmouth bass and redears, Parker Strip for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp for flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate 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 additional don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 341-4051 and I will be happy to accommodate you.
North Central Region
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WILLIAMS LAKES: KAIBAB LAKE— Fishing was fair-good on powerbait and worms. CATARACT LAKE — No reports from anglers. CITY RESERVOIR— No reports from anglers. DOGTOWN LAKE — No reports from anglers. JD DAM — No reports from anglers. RUSSEL TANK - No reports from anglers. SANTA FE — No reports from anglers. WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES: LOWER LAKE MARY — Stocking for the year is done. This lake is almost dry and water temperatures are rising in the water that is remaining. UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Fishing is fair for northern pike, but some large ones up to 20 pounds have been harvested here this spring. It is also possible to cach walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish here. There are no boat motor restrictions on this lake. Where: upper lake mary
When: 06/21/09
Caught: not a thing
Technique: spinners and jerkbait my dad had a nice one on a silver panther martin but he got free by spill way
Comments: fish for twenty minutes before having to return to morman lake for an archery shoot
Name: andrew althaus
ASHURST LAKE — The lake is almost full. Fishing is fair for trout on worms fished below a bobber. There are also some large pike in this lake that provide trout anglers an occasional surprise. FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked with trout and catfish. No reports from anglers. KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (19 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm
Where: kinnikinick lake
When: 06/19/09
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: one on a fly rod the rest on yellow power bait fished the dam the next day but only got a bite on power bait fishing is good by the boat ramp
Comments: i was woundering if there is fish in the lake below kinnikinick
Name: andrew althaus
MARSHALL LAKE — There is very little open water left, but it may be possible to still catch some trout on fly fishing gear. OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair for rainbows poor for brown trout. There are a large number of cicadas emerging around the creek. Fly anglers using cicada patterns are doing well and anglers catching live cicadas for bait are catching brown trout. Scheduled to be stocked this week. Gordon Hall: Went up Friday with middle son. Got rained on and fishing was real slow until sun came out --limited out in about 1/2 hour on worms and eggs. Jonathan caight a premium trout (about 17 inches) on a crickethopper. Another great day not at work. LONG LAKE — Lake is open. Water level is good. Has been stocked.
Anthony Baca: On June 29,2009 I caught two northern pike measuring 29 inches weighing one 9 lbs other 8 lbs at long lake using a spoon wobbler near cabin boat dock. Pike are thick. SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report. BEAVER CREEK — No report. Has not been stocked recently.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report. Has not been stocked recently. STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH. Verde Valley DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked on June 10; 1000 pounds were split evenly between the two lagoons. Fishing picked up immediately following the stocking. Fishing in general has been okay. Bass and Bluegill are moving around. Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch. Bass are biting on spinner baits. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (20 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite has been pretty good. Look for catfish in eddy areas of large pools. Bass should be biting as well. Prescott Area FAIN LAKE — Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20. Trout and catfish were stocked the week of June 15. This was the final trout stocking for the summer. Bluegill, trout and catfish are all biting. Bluegills are easily caught, and many are being released. Bluegills bite well on worms or meal worms. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait. Catfish should bite on night crawlers or anchovies in the morning and evening hours.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of June 22 and are scheduled to be stocked again the week of July 13. Power Bait usually works well for trout. If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters. Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of July13. Bass were stocked in Goldwater on June 10. Both bass and catfish will be stocked the week of June 22. 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. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lb and a 14 lb catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at [email protected] so I can share your successes with others. Granite Basin –Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake. The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegills have been biting well, but most are small. Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½-pound. Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill. If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at [email protected] so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled trout stocking for the year. Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10. Between the trout and the catfish, fishing success should be high for a while. One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11. The brookies were about 3 to the pound. Have not heard if people are catching those brook trout. If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner. Fishing for trout is best following the stockings. The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (21 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm scheduled stocking for the summer. The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well. Only about 13 percent of the anglers were successful on the June 20. All anglers were fishing for trout. Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Illegal stockings cost YOU money! WATSON – The fishing at Watson should be pretty good by now. Bass and catfish should be active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm. 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 [email protected] so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Some anglers are reporting catching a few nice bass on spinner baits. Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful. Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick. If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at [email protected] so I can share your successes with others.
Mogollon Rim
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES RIM LAKES Most roads are now open and accessible. Contact the US Forest Service’s Black Mesa Ranger District office at (928) 535-7300 for up to date information about forest and road conditions. CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full. All access roads are open. Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches. This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors. BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked two weeks file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (22 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm ago with catchable sized rainbow trout and there are also larger holdver trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. .
Angler report: Rory: Enjoyed the rainbow bite Saturday morning at Bear Canyon from my float tube using semi-seal leach with a glo-bug dropper. One was plump but only about 12-13 inches. Maybe a holdover, maybe just a plump stocker. The rest were stockers. Thanks, Brian
BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.
KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled for stocking this week. Fishing was terrific following the last stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Hey Rory - Knoll Lake Friday and Saturday, June 12 & 13. Windy and cold, the wind was blowing into the dam and the trout were stacked there feeding. After figuring out they were at or near the surface, I used a worm and bobber and limited out in a short time. My buddy used powerbait on the bottom and file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (23 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm eventually limited out also. Good Fishing – Bob Dickinson
Hey Rory went up to Knoll last weekend and did alright with worms (caught mostly little stockers) however, the highlight of the trip was seeing an osprey pluck a rainbow out of the lake. I've seen this on TV before, but never in real life (feel pretty lucky to have seen it). Lucky for us one of my fishing buddies has a photography fetish and captured the bird in the act. My friend’s name who took the osprey picture is Kevin Knuth and he's from Maricopa. Thought you and the good ol' boys and gals over at the G&FD might like to see this. Thanks for your work on the fishing report you are doing a great job and the content seems to get better and better. Justin Wiekhorst, Mesa
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats. The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie. The limits have been removed on bass, crappie and the other warmwater fish. Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z- Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
Bob Dickinson: Saturday, June 27, threw Panther Martins and topwater plugs. Caught 20 smallmouth and largemouth, nothing real big, a couple that went 1 pound. Caught 12 trout on worms and bobber. Took a break and got out of the boat and caught over 30 bluegill from shore with worms and bobbers. Good fishing - Bob Dickinson
Hi Rory, I took my Dad to Willow Springs Lake on June 26th for his Birthday. We boated 40 rainbow trout,(mostly catch & release) and a few small smallies, slow trolling small Rebel crankbaits (dark colors). It was a really nice time with my Dad. It is really cool to be able to share trout fishing in the cool pines with my Dad now that he is 73 years old; he's the one who taught me how to fish when I was kid. Kids, take your Dad, Or Dads take your kids trout fishing on the Mogollon Rim, you will have a great time. GO CATCH SOME FISH!! file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (24 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Thanks again AZ.Game & Fish !! Kevin Thompson
Rory; Went out to Willow Springs Lake yesterday with the canoe, looking for some of those nice holdovers! Got my limit of nice, long, fat rainbows in about 2 1/2 hours, using half of a dilly worm behind baby cowbells. All were between 8" - 14". Trolled them very, very slowly with the canoe. Also caught a small guy on a small gold KastMaster tipped with a couple red glittered salmon eggs. Beautiful day out! Didn't get to see any Bald Eagles yet though. Thanks! -Tony Lopez
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times. There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers. There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Angler reports:
Hi Rory, I tried my luck fishing on the Verde River at the first crossing off of Houston Mesa Road but couldn't get a bite. Went up to Woods Canyon hoping for better luck and caught 3 nice 10" to 12" Rainbows in a few hours. Lots of fishermen at the lake braving chilly temps -- Tim C
White Mountains
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BECKER LAKE— Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. Becker is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag limit. Try lures such as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), rainbow colored Z-Rays, and small spoons such as KastMasters. Try flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers in brown, black or gray, semi-seal leeches, Prince Nymphs, Zug bugs, Pheasant tails, Hares ears, small scuds, and midges. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a fishing pier located on the northwest shoreline of the lake.
BIG LAKE — The water temperature last week was 62 degrees. Fishing is good from boat or shore. Anthony at Big Lake said rainbows and cutthroat trout fishing is great right now, but the brookies are few and far between. However, a 5.5-pound, 24-inch-long brown trout was caught recently. Anthony, who fishes the lakes at least two or three times a week, said the trout are still being caught in 5 to 15 feet of water. This could change, or not -- the monsoon thunderstorms have started and if they keep going, the trout may not be forced deep. Night crawlers and Power Bait are both working, but the trout are chasing minnows, so crankbaits like Rapalas are also working well. Thanks for the report Anthony, keep them coming. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green.
The lake is ice-free and has come up approximately two feet from last fall, but still two feet below spill. from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake is also open. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open and has boats for rent. Bring along your binoculars – anglers report seeing lots of wildlife right now. Wild turkey are in the rut, so you might even hear gobbling or see bearded gobblers sparing right now. It’s a great time to be in the woods.
CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is good. There is a damselfly hatch going on and the trout are rising extremely well when it is overcast. Fish under the surface when there are no clouds. Forest Roads 118 and 117A are open. Trout have survived through the winter, based on winter limnological surveys and netting surveys. Rainbow trout are 14-15 inches. Carnero is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag and possession limit. Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (26 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Martin and Rooster Tail), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, scud patterns, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear nymphs, and peacock ladies. Also try small nymphs in black, brown, green or gray colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. Try fishing with a bobber, split shot and worms near rocky shoreline areas for sunfish, bullheads, and bass. Try worms, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), Z-Rays, crank baits, spinner baits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and peacock ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir. Recent netting revealed lots of carp, a few small sunfish, catfish, and bass. CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May. The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes. The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, and small nymphs. Concho is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. State Highway 261 from Eager/ Springerville is open to vehicles. Highway 273 from Sunrise to Crescent is also open. The lake is ice-free and the lake level has come up significantly from last fall; it is now two feet below full. The lake has been liberally stocked with catchable size rainbow and brook trout. Anglers have been catching brook trout. Recent netting revealed 15-inch brook trout and no rainbow trout. The store is open. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The lake level is full and all boat ramps are usable. Anglers have been catching trout, channel catfish, and walleyes on lures and night crawlers. There are also largemouth and smallmouth bass in this lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons, rubber lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches. Try fishing off rocky areas and around fishing piers. Black crappies tend to congregate around the fishing piers during April and May. Try small crappie jigs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
GREER LAKES — Fishing is fair. All three Greer Reservoirs have been drawn down 10-15 feet for irrigation downstream. Use caution when launching a boat at Bunch and River Reservoirs because water levels are low and close to the concrete curb at the end of the boat ramp. All of the Greer reservoirs have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (27 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Bunch Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, Tunnel Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, and River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
HULSEY LAKE — Fishing is good. Forest roads to the lake are open. The lake is nearly full but there are weeds aroudn the shoreline and water temperatures are generally high in summer. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and wooly worms. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. There is a light green algae bloom present in the lake. The lake has been stocked in May with catchable size Apache trout. State Highways 261 and 273 are open. State Highways 261 and 273 are open. Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), small spoons such as Super Dupers and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear, scud patterns, and wooly worms. Lee Valley Lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, a two- trout bag and possession limit, and a 12 inch minimum length limit on all fish. No bait fishing is allowed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. As water temperatures rise, fishing at first and last light for the best success, or try fishing at night. Anglers have been catching a trout on night crawlers and Power Bait. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps spinners, small spoons like KastMasters and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Zug bugs, Prince Nymphs, and brown Montana stones. LYMAN LAKE — Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms, hot dogs, and stink baits and bass on worms and lures during warm weather days. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), crankbaits, and Rapalas. Try fishing lures along rocky areas for bass and walleye. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also cabins for rent. There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region 1 Office at (928) 367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. The store is open.
NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. The lake has a green algae bloom. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. No recent angler reports. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (28 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Fishing bag limits have changed back to the statewide bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Aug. 31. The boat ramps at the eastern part of the lake and at the dam are usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Mepps), small spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers, jigs, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Nelson Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. RAINBOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. The boat ramp is accessible. Two large northern pike, 1 27- incher and 1 30 - incher were caught on spinners in May. Bullheads are being caught off the fishing pier. The boat ramp is usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps) spoons (Super Dupers, Daredevils), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. Rainbow Lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. On May 18-19, Rainbow Lake was treated by a consultant working for private landowners with an EPA approved herbicide to control weeds. There are no restrictions for swimming, fishing or consuming fish caught by anglers. Do not drink the lake water for 21 days and do not use treated water for irrigation of agricultural or ornamental plants for 21 days. For more information call Ernie Modzelewski at 602-550-6009 or Jim Peterson at 480-773-5500.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince nymphs, and Zug bugs. Scott Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only.
SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable sized trout. The lake is nearly full. The boat ramp is usable. Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures. Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, rubber lead head jigs, Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, prince nymphs, peacock ladies and brown Montana Stones. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The store is open.
WOODLAND LAKE — Fishing is fair. New regulations went into effect at Woodland Lake on Jan. 1, reducing the daily bag and possession limit to four trout. The The lake is full and the boat ramp is usable. Try worms. Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (29 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince Nymphs, and Zug bugs. Woodland Lake is open to electric trolling motors only. WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS: Streams are ice-free, clear and have moderate flows. All Forest roads are open. WEST FORK BLACK RIVER — Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. This picturesque stream will be stocked weekly with native Apache trout from now through the end of summer. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small spinners such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martins, small spoons (KastMaster, Z-rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season is scheduled to begin in early May. EAST FORK BLACK RIVER — Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. The stream will be stocked this week with catchable size Apache trout. Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs through pools or casting small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May. SHEEP’S CROSSING — Highway 273 is open to Sheeps Crossing. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, and small nymphs. LITTLE COLORADO RIVER GREER — Fishing is poor to fair. The stream is clear and flows are moderate. Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs or casting small lures or flies through deep pools Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May. SILVER CREEK — Fishing is fair. Silver Creek is stocked weekly through the summer months with catchable size Apache and rainbow trout. The creek is clear. The creek is clear. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is open to bait, lures or flies, with a bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing. Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly- fishers may want to try wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. Also try fishing night crawlers off the bottom of pools or along undercut banks or vegetation. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm (30 of 31) [7/6/2009 9:55:55 AM] file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/baronson/My%20Documents/Fishing%20Reportjuly1.htm
Southeastern Arizona
TUCSON URBAN — Channel catfish are being stocked this week. RIGGS FLAT —. Due to poor water quality this lake will not be stocked until conditions improve. Fishing has been fair despite the poor water quality. CLUFF RANCH —No recent reports of success. A new fishing pier has been installed which should provide a large increase in access for shore anglers. For lake information call (928) 485-9430. ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428- 6760. DANKWORTH POND — No recent reports of success. Due to the lack of open water and poor angler access the Department has decided not to stock this lake until conditions can be improved. For lake information call (928) 428-6760. FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – The road has been graded recently and is in much better condition. Anglers continue to have the best success when fishing the early hours around sunrise. KEARNY LAKES — Conditions at this lake have taken a turn for the worse and golden algae has caused a fish kill. The Department and the town of Kearny continue to work on the problem. ARIVACA — The fishing remains good. Anglers are asked to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore. Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water. PENA BLANCA – Pena Blanca Lake remains closed closed. PATAGONIA — Fishing for warmwater species is good with fishing the best in the early mornings and late evenings. Anglers wanting to catch flathead catfish should try live bluegills of the points and along the rock walls in Ash canyon. PARKER CANYON — The store at Parker Canyon remains closed. Anglers needing a license will need to purchase that prior to arriving at the lake. The fishing remains fair with most angler success coming in the early morning just after sunrise. Warmwater fishing is reported to be fair to good in the late evenings. ROSE CANYON LAKE — The road is open and the lake has been stocked. Anglers continue to have success with flies on the surface. For the bait anglers corn and worms remain the best option.
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