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Posted in: Fishing Report Digg this story! ● Wildlife News
Mar 25, 2009 Email this article ● Shooting Sports News
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page ● Public Advisories
● Public Meetings Rory’s tips: ● News Media
● Advisories Crappies are spawning in the coves and
● Fishing Report shallow flats at Roosevelt, Alamo and Bartlett.
Small curly-tail jigs fished on 1/16-ounce or Add this site to... even 1/32-ounce jig heads make a lot of sense Fishing Report Feed right now. Live minnows can work well at times, but RSS News Feed at other times jigs will out produce them. del.icio.us Google My Yahoo! This is the leading edge of the largemouth bass spawn
at most warmwater lakes. In fact, anglers at some lakes, such as Roosevelt and Pleasant, are already reporting
some lethargic post-spawn bass hovering in trees with a case of lockjaw.
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Keep in mind that unlike crappie, largemouth bass don’t all rush to the spawning beds at once – the spawn is
very spread out – there could even be a handful of bass on beds in late June or early July. However, right now
you will probably encounter lots of bass in the spawning mode, some bass in the post-spawn mode, a lot of bass
in the pre-spawn mode, and even some bass lingering deep in the winter mode. That gives you lots of different
areas and techniques to deploy if you are so inclined. So think outside the spawn.
I’ll start sounding like a broken record, but Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Pleasant are the hot spots, but on
any given day, they might have to share the glory with others such as Havasu, Mead, Martinez, Patagonia,
and Powell.
If you want wild rainbow trout in the spawning mode, then load up your lightweight fishing gear or fly rods
and trek to Lees Ferry. It is quite simply some of the best trout fishing in the nation.
Thanks to abundant snowfall this past winter, there are still a lot of lakes inaccessible right now, although
with the intermittent warm again, cold again weather, things could change rapidly – one way or the other.
Right now, the trout fishing hot spot is Lower Lake Mary near Flagstaff where we have stocked thousands
of rainbows. Anglers last weekend were having no problem picking up a quick limit if they so desired, or catching-
and-releasing some pretty impressive numbers. Not bad for an area that was a huge soggy elk meadow last fall.
I chatted with the ever helpful Victoria at the
Black Canyon Ranger District and there are
trees down as well as snow drifts across the
Forest Service 300 (Rim Road) Road (she sent
me some nice pictures), so it will still be some
time before Woods Canyon and Bear Canyon
are accessible.
She very thoroughly provided me an update on Thursday -- the road is now open into Willow Springs Lake and http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (2 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
the Sinkhole Campground. Plus, the FS 504 Road from Heber toward Chevelon (full and spilling) is open and the
road from Heber to Black Canyon Lake (the lake is full and spilling) is open.
This time of year, always check before going. March is a changeling month.
Although we might be hitting the 80s and 90s in the deserts at times, the road into Big Lake is closed and still
has lots of deep snow drifts, although anglers had been going there via snowmobile for some time. With
weather fronts still blasting thru the state at times and shedding white stuff in the mountains, It may be some
time before we all can make our first spring run to Big and Crescent. Be patient. It’s coming – and when it
does, fishing ought to be superb.
For striped bass, it doesn’t sound like any of the Colorado River lakes is really on fire yet, but this is a nice time
of year to be out on the water – when the wind doesn’t blow. A couple who visited Lake Mead provided a good
report. Check it out.
Once again I heard from anglers in the area of Martinez Lake (a Colorado River backwater near Yuma) where
the anglers were catching for huge bass, and lots of crappies as well.
If you aren’t out fishing, come to our Outdoor Expo this weekend and drop by the fishing demonstration tank and
say hi. Get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful spring weather; maybe I’ll see you out there.
Fishing News
Get fishing tips from experts at Game and Fish Outdoor Expo
PHOENIX – At age 16, Kyle Pollay of Wickenburg is already a bass tournament veteran with an impressive stack
of glittering trophies.
This remarkable young angler is just one of the local
fishing experts who will be sharing their secrets during the
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Arizona Game and Fish Department’s increasingly popular
Outdoor Expo 2009 at the 1,650-acre Ben Avery Shooting
Facility on March 28-29.
Kyle, who started fishing at age 2½ and has won seven state titles so far
and even competed in national events, will be joining others (including his
dad Kip Pollay) with the Bass Federation Nation to provide you angling tips
at the large fish demonstration tank located in the Family Fun area of this
event-packed expo.
There will also be demonstrations by knowledgeable local guides
from Fisherman’s Choice Pro Shop.
The fishing demonstration tank, which will be loaded with lunker bass and possibly some state-record-size sunfish,
is located just a short cast away from the popular Kids Fishing Pond, which will be stocked with feisty hybrid
sunfish for youngsters to catch.
“If you love to fish, come to the expo and let me introduce you to these local tournament anglers and guides.
They will demonstrate techniques, such as how to rig and work drop shots, and will even share some tips for
fishing our local lakes,” said Rory Aikens, the fishing report editor for Game and Fish.
You can also:
* Try out firearms from Sturm, Ruger & Co., GLOCK, and Smith & Wesson in a safe, supervised shooting
range setting, witness a mini-gun demonstration or even shoot a Gatling Gun
* See lots of live wildlife demonstrations from birds of prey to amazing reptiles
* Take an archery class or try out 3D archery on a walking course through the desert
* Kids can shoot .22s and air guns while learning more about firearm safety
* Try your hand at different specialty shooting disciplines, such as cowboy action shooting, black powder, http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (4 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
tactical pistol, plus rifle and pistol silhouette
* Learn everything you wanted to know about off-highway vehicle recreation. View quads, side-by-sides, and
4x4s, plus see rock crawler, trial bike and ATV demonstrations
* Visit with more than 100 exhibitors—sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, shooting clubs,
government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services
* Hike a nature trail/field course
* View exciting shooting competition by the cowboy mounted shooters at the brand new cowboy action riding ring
* Attend informative workshops on fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation
* Visit the enhanced Clay Target Center and shoot skeet and trap in a supervised environment
* Learn about all kinds of outdoor skills, including Stone Age camping
Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee
if you want to try out firearms on the range.
So you don’t miss a thing, trolley transportation is available throughout this huge shooting sports complex, which
is located on Carefree Highway, 1/4 mile west of I-17. Just follow the signs.
For more information, including a link to the event program describing all of the exciting Outdoor Expo activities,
visit www.azgfd.gov/expo .
CENTRAL ARIZONA
URBAN LAKES
The catfish season officially kicked off at all Urban Fishing Program lakes and ponds in the Phoenix and Tucson
areas on Thursday, March 19 when all lakes received deliveries of 15-20 inch channel catfish. Two large trucks
were used to bring 8,000 catfish to 19 waters throughout the day. Warming spring temperatures signal the
stocking changeover from trout to catfish. Over 14,000 pounds of Arkansas farm raised catfish will be delivered
and stocked into Urban Fishing Program lakes every two weeks from now through the end of June.
Traditionally, when the Department switches fish suppliers from winter trout to spring catfish deliveries, anglers
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are given the specific day of stocking. For all other catfish stockings, only the stocking week (Mon.-Sat.)
is announced. The usual baits such as worms, stink baits, and shrimp should work well for catching “Mr.
Whiskers.” Daily limits are four catfish per person at Urban Lakes or two catfish per person at Urban Ponds
(note regulations and park signage for Lake and Pond designations).
BLUEGILL STOCKINGS COMING MARCH 23-28
Twice each year, the Department stocks 5-8 inch bluegill into all Urban Fishing Program waters to replenish
this popular sport fish and offer some great fishing for young anglers. A delivery of bluegill is scheduled the week
of March 23-28. Over 18,000 of the feisty, hard biting sunfish will be stocked at rates of 90-150 fish per acre.
Daily bag limits for sunfish (includes bluegill and hybrid sunfish) are 10 per day at Urban Lakes or 5 per day at
Urban Ponds.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE
You can try the usual methods for the rainbows (baits like Power Bait, night crawlers, mealworms or try spinners
and spoons such as panther martins, KastMasters…) Remember no gas motors are allowed (electric trolling
motors are) and you must have a boating permit, which can be obtained at the Town Lake operations center.
Angler reports:
Dear Fishing Report Editor;
While fishing at Tempe Town Lake with my brother Lloyd, I hooked into a monster catfish. It weighed 9 pounds
12 ounces. It pulled the Jon boat around for about 15 min. thru and around the columns until it finally
surfaced. WOW what a ride. All on a light spinning rig loaded with 6 lb. test.
Loren Thompson
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Where:Tempe Town Lake
When:03/18/09
Caught:one large mouth
Technique:drop shot Robo worm
Name:Andrew Althaus
An angler fished from 10 to about 11:30 by the bride pillars and picked up a nice 20 inch largemouth
using crankbait.
Where:Tempe Town Lake
When:03/12/09
Caught:Striped Bass
Technique:
Spinner BaitComments:
What are stripers doing in this lake?
Name:Tom
**Probably yellow bass not stripers.
Where:Tempe Town Lake
When:03/08/09
Caught:7 Pound Largemouth Bass
Technique:Rooster Tail - slow retrieval
Comments:This was around 11:15 AM. The bass seem to be moving closer to the shore around this time of day. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (7 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
She was SO FAT and filled with eggs. We got her back in the water safely so she can produce some more lunkers
in TTL. Good times!
Name:BG Davison and Luke Brye
LAKE PLEASANT – Water elevation is 1,690 feet, which is 87-percent full.
An angler fished in the morning till early afternoon in the northern coves. He caught five largemouth bass.
Drop-shot technique and jigs enticed the bite. All fish were nice and healthy.
Largemouth are on beds in Humbug and if you’re going to fish for them use crayfish imitations, or something
that looks like carp or bluegill i.e. natural egg predators.
One novice angler fished from about 9:30 till 3 p.m. and caught two largemouth bass using drop shots.
Where: Agua Fria branch
When: 03/15/09
Caught: channel catfish
Technique: trolled dead bluegill from kayak
Comments: Dead cow in the water. Does that make the fish unsafe? Does that make Peoria's water supply unsafe?
Name: Dave Collins
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 03/15/09
Caught: zero
Technique: minnows, from boat humbug bay
Comments: Not a thing biting, only one other boat had 3 fish from all day fishing, not a sole gave a report of any fish
Name: r graves
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 03/11/09
Caught: Bunch of BAD attitudes
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Technique: I did catch a 3lb LM at 0600 on a chatter bait
Comments: Must have been the full moon. I had people cutting me off all day while I was casting along a bank.
One (I'll say older) fella came in so close, that if I would have waited another second I would have coasted into him.
I asked what his problem was, and he said that he was "tired of young punks with high dollar fishing boats taking
all the fish" I asked him how old he thought I was and he said it didn't matter; anyone younger than him was a
punk. I asked him when he was born, he told me.....and I almost fell out of my boat.....it turns out I was 2 years
old when he was born.
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 03/03/09
Caught: nothing
Technique: Snowbirds gone fishing 16 times since Nov. Been one of worst experiences to date. Much better in
past years.
Name: James Sanberg
ROOSEVELT LAKE
Lake Elevation is 2,151 ft (100-percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is at 88 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is
at 1,800 cfs. Temperature reported as 64 F by 2 p.m.
An experienced angler noted a good number of small male largemouth bass have moved into the coves. The
early and late bite was on small crankbait and soft plastics worked in between time. Larger bass
weren’t volunteering.
Another couple productive anglers caught quite a few of the smaller bass. The larger bass were taking white
blades until about 8 in the morning. They caught more fish in the trees using plastic worms and Slugos. Swim
baits were also enticing the bite in the coves.
An angler got schooled by his son on crappie fishing. Nothing was working till his son decided to throw a grub in
a bush and that was the ticket. In three hours of enlightened fishing, they caught 60 crappies with the largest http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (9 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
just under two pounds.
A couple fishermen caught about 20 bass blades and Senko’s. They caught smallmouth and largemouth on
beds. Most of the fish were in the main lake coves.
Where:Roosevelt
When:03/22/09
Caught:2 largemouth bass
Technique:green lizard
Comments:You can see them in trees all over the place but they won’t hit it for some reason. All of them are
slot bass and I saw one today that look like he was about 20inches. I tried everything and lizards were the only
thing that worked
Name:Andrew Althaus
Where:Roosevelt
When:03/21/09
Caught:5 largemouth bass
Technique:
green rubber lizards and top water
Comments:
If you see them surface throw your top water
Name:Andrew Althaus
Where:Roosevelt
When:03/14/09
Caught:21 Largemouth
Technique:White spinner bait, willow leaf, slow rolling main channel casting to trees in the Salt end 20 feet, http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (10 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
water temp was 58.
Comments:Most of the fish were in the upper end of the slot with a few overs and unders.
Name:Jim Lindquist
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,913 ft (99-percent full). This is the leading edge of the largemouth bass spawn.
Finally a good report from Apache – I knew you guys could do it!
A family of 3 anglers caught a lot of small 8- to10-inch largemouth bass. They found a nice bedding area and
pulled out a 2.5 pounder. All fish were caught on small soft plastics and night crawlers. One 2.5 pound
largemouth bass was caught on a small plastic craw rigged on a tiny jig head. The bigger bass were in the backs
of coves in/near vegetation.
Where:Apache lake
When:03/21/09
Caught:not a thing
Technique:worms on bobber worms on bottom and all sorts of lures
Comments:
hard lake to shore fish
Name:Andrew Althaus
CANYON - Lake elevation is 1,659 ft, which is 98-percent full. This is the leading edge of the largemouth bass spawn.
One angler caught seven bass in an hour using red worms. Anglers were catching bluegill on worms. One
angler caught four largemouth bass on jigs near Boulder Creek and he said they were all about 5 pounds.
Where: Canyon Lake http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (11 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
When: 03/12/09
Caught: 4 largemouth , 1 rainbow, 1 sunfish
Technique: Saw no one was catching fish but I was the terminator! You get what you pay for ...buy a 6
dollar RAPALA...UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR KID TO CRY FROM BOREDOM... First, got a rainbow and a largemouth
in the morningish 10-11am...then moved spots to a nice quiet cove and it got hot! 3 bass and a sunfish in about
10 minutes, all released, biggest was 2 lbs and change on my scale others were a bit smaller size...also water level
is way up...I’ll be back...what’s the slot on these bass I want to have a fish fry next week? haha
Name: "yettit"
Where: Canyon Lake
When: 03/11/09
Caught: 7 Largemouth
Technique: Caught one LM on Chrome/black back medium diver. Six LM on dropshot-4 inch Robo worms.
Comments: Found BIG bass on beds in one to two feet of water. Smallest bed bass just over two pounds,
largest over five pounds. All fish were released.
Name: John
Anglers were catching bluegill on worms. One angler caught 4 largemouth bass on jigs near Boulder Creek and
he said they were all about 5 pounds.
SAGUARO - Lake elevation 1527 feet at 97% full. This is the leading edge of the largemouth bass spawn. Expect
lots of yearling bass. This is a great time to load up on bluegills using meal worms or night crawlers.
Where:Saguaro
When:03/19/09
Caught:Bluegill, bass slow yet
Technique:various
Comments:Bass are just starting to bed, left them alone. Not much happening with the staging bass yet, loads
of saucer size bluegill though http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (12 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
Name:anonymous
Where:Saguaro Lake
When:03/19/09
Caught:bluegill
Technique:mealworms/night crawlers
Comments:Bluegill were hitting hard, caught over a hundred that were over a pound each. Caught by Boat
Name:Michael Childs
Where:Saguaro
When:03/30/09
Caught:7 Largemouth
Technique:spinnerbait and drop shot worms
Comments:Fished the late afternoon till Sundown. Most fish were pretty small
Name:My Maria
Where: Saguaro lake
When: 03/15/09
Caught: 1 yearling bass 20 bluegill and 1 yellow bass!
Technique: I used a blue and silver KastMaster from the time I got there til the time I left second cast I got the
bass then bluegill there was no reason to change baits.
Comments: Fished Butcher Jones dock and couldn't keep the blue gill off my hook I was only there for 2 hours
and got all those fish. This lake is amazing to take the kids to.
Name: Matthew Burch
Where: Saguaro
When: 03/19/09
Caught: Bluegill, bass slow yet http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (13 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
Technique: various
Comments: Bass are just starting to bed, left them alone. Not much happening with the staging bass yet, loads
of saucer size bluegill though
Name: anonymous
Where: Saguaro
When: 03/15/09
Caught: 12-Large Mouth, 3-Trout, 1-Yellow Bass
Technique: Night Crawlers w/ Weedless Hook & Medium Split-Shot
Comments: Fished from 9:30 - 12:30. Started w/ small rattle-trap that had no luck, then switched to night
crawlers and the fun began! All fish were healthy; most bass were in the slot. The bite never actually stopped,
but the lake just got a little too busy. All fish were released. Great time to go right now...
Name: Mike
Where: Saguaro lake
When: 03/15/09
Caught: 1 yearling bass 20 bluegill and 1 yellow bass!
Technique: I used a blue and silver KastMaster from the time I got there til the time I left second cast I got the
bass then bluegill there was no reason to change baits.
Comments: Fished Butcher Jones dock and couldn't keep the blue gill off my hook I was only there for 2 hours
and got all those fish. This lake is amazing to take the kids to.
Name: Matthew Burch
Where: Saguaro Lake
When: 03/03/09
Caught: bluegills
Technique: night crawlers and bobbers from shore
Comments: The bluegills were not that big, but we got more than enough for a good meal.
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (14 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
Name: Perry Gillis
Some anglers caught around 30 largemouth bass using 7 inch Robo worms on Texas and Carolina Riggs next
to aquatic vegetation near the Meadows, Snags and Mesquite Flats. Drop shot technique was also working in
deeper water. Use your fish finder to give yourself a fighting chance for the drop shot bite. The jerkbait bite
was also productive in the early morning along the same vegetated areas.
Where: Saguaro
When: 03/06/09
Caught: 1 Trout
Technique: We tried everything...The trout hit only when the lure stopped moving.
Name: Lance
Where: Saguaro Lake Butcher Jones
When: 03/07/09
Caught: 100 bluegills
Technique: Drop shot with mealworms (5 to 9 in)
Comments: caught around 8 to 11
Name: Moses Haskins
BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1,796 ft, which is 97-percent full. Reservoir release is 100 cfs. Bass and crappies are
in the spawning mode. At this lake level, a lot of the shoreline camping areas at Bartlett Flats are under water.
Crappies are taking minnows rigged with a slip bobber. One angler reported the crappies are starting to move up
and he caught them in the backs of coves about 5 feet deep and 20 feet of water in the mouths of coves. JD
grubs and minnows enticed the bite and for the most part the majority was caught in about 12 feet of water.
They were nice and fat. These gentlemen kept a few for a fish fry but returned quite a few for others to enjoy.
Where: Bartlett
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (15 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report When: 03/12/09
Caught: 32 crappie
Technique: Slow trolling with Katlin bbc grubs on 1/16 oz jig head in 10 to 15 feet of water near submerged trees.
Comments: A Ranger told us on Thursday to expect the water levels to rise on foot a day.
Name: Rocky Anselmo
Where: Bartlett Lake
When: 03/08/09
Caught: Largemouth
Technique: Jigging real real slow off points (crawdad imitation)
Comments: Fished from shore lost a few jigs but caught 12 bass 1-3 pound range with 2 pushing 4pounds.Tony
Name: Tony Major
Where: Bartlett
When: 03/08/09
Caught: Nothing
Technique: Senkos, Robo Worms, Crawdad Imitations, Crankbaits, Spinners, Top Water etc etc
Comments: Threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. Water temp still too cold, air temp too cold that day
as well. Fish are still very lethargic. Wait for warmer temps to kick the fish into gear.
Name: Ryan
Where: Bartlett Lake
When: 03/09/09
Caught: 2 Largemouth Bass, 1 Channel Catfish
Technique: Swimming Curly-tail Jigs
Comments: Bass and Catfish were nice and healthy. All over 3lbs. (all released, was searching for Crappie).
One healthy Otter sighting. (didn't know we had them here).
Name: dt
Where: Bartlett http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (16 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
When: 03/06/09
Caught: 3 bluegill and 3 channel catfish
Technique: Night crawlers and chicken livers.
Comments: All the fish were pretty small and were released but when the catfish hit, they hit hard.
Name: Ashley, Chris, Ralph and Mary
Anglers are catching bass and crappie in the riverine portion of the lake.
HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 2001 feet, 47-percent full. They are releasing water at 400cfs.
VERDE RIVER - Verde River flow at Tangle Creek has slowed to 259 cubic feet per second. Release from
Bartlett Lake is 100 cfs.
SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 1800 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 1560 cfs. They are releasing 1600
cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
With the higher flow be careful wading out and Desert Sportsman recommends using egg patterns, scuds and
small red midges for the fly fishermen.
LOWER SALT RIVER -- Stewart Dam release is 1,600cfs. Scheduled for stocking this week at the Water Users
and Blue Point areas. Fishing should be good at first and last light. Try using live night crawlers with little or
no weight cast slightly upstream, then let the bait drift downstream.
This is a superb area for canoes and kayaks. You can put in at the Water Users and float to Blue Point Bridge or
Phon D. Sutton.
Where: Lower Salt River at Blue Point Bridge
When: 03/14/09
Caught: 3 Largemouth Bass
Technique: Night Crawlers on 4lb. test with single split shot. I let the bait drift downstream and slowly retrieved
it across the bottom.
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (17 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:10 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report Comments: The Bass were not very big, the largest being 12 inches but had a great time fighting them on the
light tackle.
Name: Bardsley
Where: Lower Salt River
When: 03/13/09
Caught: 24 trout/released
Technique: spinners
Comments: Fish slow. Trout need a lot of time to examine lure before striking.
Name: John LeFevers
CREEKS - According to Arizona Fly Fishing the creeks are a bit high and not too muddy yet.
Haigler Creek – No new reports.
Canyon Creek – Harley Ough at the Game and Fish Canyon Creek Hatchery provided the following report: Most of
the snow is gone, thankfully. The temps are great and the fishing pressure is nonexistent basically on the
creek. Stocking have not started yet but good fishing can be found. Water levels are still up a bit from normal
and the water is a slight bit off color than the normal crystal clear. Fly fishing was good; caught a dozen in about
a horr and a half.
According to Arizona Fly Fishing excellent fishing at Canyon Creek; use semi seal leach patterns and fish closer to
the bottom.
Tonto Creek – Accessible and try dry fly dropper rig with size 14 to 16 bead head nymph according to
Desert Sportsman.
Christopher Creek – Accessible and try dry dropper rig with size 14 to 16 bead head nymph.
East Verde - No new report http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (18 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
Workman Creek – No new report
HORSETHIEF BASIN LAKE – No new report
COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
LAKE POWELL -- By Wayne Gustaveson. Lake elevation: 3,611. Water temp: 51-55 F.
I am excited. Days remain warm and calm. Water is warming. Fish are finally recognizing the change and
responding. Fishing has improved. Winter is over at Lake Powell. Both bass and stripers are now catchable.
Largemouth are the first species to react in spring. With brush in the water Lake Powell largemouth can now act
like there are supposed to. Adult bass prefer to live in brush forests. They must venture out at times to hunt but
the normal tendency is to wait for a sunfish or shad to come into cover. So most of the time they just wait.
Anglers had success this past weekend by fishing in front of the thick brushy coves and cuts. The key was to use
a bulky bait like a skirted double tail plastic jig or a slow sinking bait like a weedless senko. Throw the bait as close
to structure as possible and then let it rest. Imagine a bass seeing the bait and trying to decide whether to leave
the thick cover and investigate. A quick retrieve makes the bass decision easy. He lets the bait go. But a bait
that lingers and after a reasonable time twitches - causes a need for investigation. The bass moves closer -
another twitch - it looks like something to eat. Understanding fish attitude is the first step in catching them.
Smallmouth bass are still in the cold mode, but another two weeks and they will awaken as well.
Striped bass are feeding. There is one pattern that works lake wide. Schools rest in deep water (50-100 feet)
but periodically come up to look for shallow (25 feet and less) shad schools. The key to consistently catching
stripers is to work the breaking edge of structure at the 25 foot contour. Use the graph and find the edge where
the deep water meets shallow. There will be a striper school resting along the break line at some point. The best
way to find the school is to troll along the 25 foot contour.
Much greater success is found by using a deep diving lure that actually runs at 25 feet. That can be
accurately determined by trolling in shallow water with a sand bottom (not brush). When the lure hits bottom
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you know how deep it runs. You will be disappointed to find that most deep divers actually run about 10-12
feet deep. Find a 25-foot deep runner and troll the 25 foot contour for consistent success. Down riggers or leaded line
work well.
The last suggestion is to have a jigging spoon rigged and ready. When a striper is hooked trolling, it is common
for the entire school to follow. These fish are awake, alert and looking for food. Drop the spoon to catch a few
more fish while they are active. You will find that the school loses interest quickly and runs away from the boat.
At that point resume trolling, find another school, troll up some fish, then spoon some up, and troll once more.
This technique is proven and will work all over the lake.
LEES FERRY – Fishing report courtesy Lees Ferry Anglers.
Fly Fishing: Beautiful weather was a contributor to some very good fishing. Drifting with a longer leader a
good amount of weight with a glo-bug and a San Juan worm was the way to go. The double nymph rig was used
in the riffles. The back eddies are starting to come alive as the day progresses; a dry dropper rig will do the trick
in these areas.
Walk in: We have had a lot of walk waders coming through. The fish are out there, they seem to be a little
particular about what they take. They might be a little line shy, so if you can bump down to 6x or 7x, your hook-
up’s should improve.
Spin Fishing: Fishing with glo bugs and San Juan Worms on the bottom seems to be the ticket for spin fishing
right now. Rapalas and jigs have also had some success. Big fish are keying on eggs and spin fishing is producing
big numbers.
If you have some news you would like to report about fishing lees ferry, the walk-in section or up river please e-
mail your report to: [email protected] Attn. Lees Ferry Fishing Report. We would be happy to have your
input, and pass it along -Ted Welling, Lees Ferry Anglers & Cliff Dwellers Lodge
RECENT FISHING: With the water flows once again fluctuating and lower flows; we have been fishing from the http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (20 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
boat as well as wading the riffles. The best fishing technique has been using a “heavy nymph rig” which is a 9 to 12-
ft leader, strike indicator, split shot, and dual fly rig. I have been using 6X 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 two 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.
Word has it that the “walk-in’ is fishing very well. There are times in the spring that this area actually fishes
better than upriver. Look for this area to continue fishing well until the summer high water arrives.
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/
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
The AZ Game and Fish Department has detected whirling disease in a very small percentage of Lees Ferry trout
that were collected for a random sampling. A more recent sampling turned up no sign of the disease, which
may mean that it was a “one time” exposure, where the disease was not established or that the disease is
present but at a very low prevalence. Anglers should still use caution in cleaning their equipment both before
and after they have fished here or in other waters. For more information visit: http://www.whirling-disease.org.
LAKE MEAD – Lake Mead water levels are dropping slowly and a currently around 1,109 feet above msl. I have http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (21 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
not heard anything new on the fishing, it should be picking up soon if it has not already.
Launching conditions at South Cove have remained nearly the same for the last three months. The new
concrete ramp the National Park Service just completed is two lanes with cones marking the edges. Use caution
not to go off the sides of the metal extensions at either side. National Park Service is working to keep the
ramp open.
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/.
Angler reports:
Well, my wife Jane and I did the Lake Mead thing. If I remember correctly, the surface temperature was 57.6 F
the 1st day and got to just over 60 the last day (Wednesday). We did our normal anchovies on a 1/0 hook below
a swivel and barrel sinker rig. We have a 20’ bowrider with a trolling motor on the bow. You probably have a
lot more maneuverable rig like a bass boat. We put down 4 lines on a rod holding board with the anchovies
and trolled through likely areas with the trolling motor.
The first day, we simply didn’t find the fish in spite of where the folks at Temple Bar told us to try (around the
island by the Temple, Ladder cove, and the cove on the west side of Temple Bar). One bite, one fish. No bait,
no marks.
The next day we went hunting on our own, beginning in Hualapai Canyon which had worked in the fall. Lots of
moss-like debris in the water, which may have shown up as fish. Tried the coves back to the west of Hualapai;
same results. We hunted 5 hours and marked no clusters or stacks of fish, and not a single bait cloud. In the http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (22 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
middle of the afternoon we found a reef between an island and the shore that came up to about 40’. The
stripers were stacked up on one side. We took 39 that day between 30 and 40’ feet down in 40-80’ of water. Tried
a couple of other places when the bite stopped, couldn’t mark a fish or bait cloud, and went home.
The third day we went back to the same spot and took 25, again in the mid to late afternoon.
The fourth day we fished around the same spot and took 35 stripers, half a dozen or so before noon, the rest 3 PM
to dusk.
We tried a lot of points as you suggested and just couldn’t find the fish there at any depth. We did find scattered
fish along the walls of the main channel, but no significant schools there or mid-channel. We never did see a
bait cloud the four days we fished.
We met some fellows who trolled the main channel with a trolling rig called Krooked something. In the day we
got 39, they only got 2 fish and they were small. The rig is a plastic shell into which you put the anchovy head
and then put a pin through the head. It also has 2 hooks on trailers that go into the anchovy body. They said
they trolled 4-4.5 mph and usually did well.
We stopped the trolling motor at times when we caught more than 1 fish at once, but almost never caught
another without the boat moving. I have no idea why this was the case. We were only moving about 0.4-0.6
mph per the GPS.
What we know we’ve mostly learned from you (THANKS MUCH!!). The weather was progressively warmer each
day. I have the impression that things will pick up as the water warms. We saw very few fishermen which
surprised me.
Thanks
Chuck & Jane
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LAKE MOHAVE The lake level is around 640 feet above msl is the current elevation. Fishing for stripers seems to
be pretty good in the southern portion of the lake. One angler reported catching a limit of 20-inch stripers in 5
hrs. The fish cleaning station at Katherine’s Landing is not working. National Park service is repairing it, but it will
be several weeks before it is up and running. Lots of bass and bluegill located on fish habitat in 15-20 ft. As
the aquatic vegetation has died off, the fish have consolidated around submerged trees and brush.
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. Fishing has been pretty good for trout. Most of the success
has been coming from or around the new pier. Try using green Power Worms, or salmon eggs.
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 http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (24 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
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 – Water level has been coming up , but the bite remains slow, 1 or 2 crappie per boat. Not
much action on bass and catfish. Look for the crappie bite to pick up as we get closer to the new moon.
Golden shores and Game and Fish held a kids fishing clinic at five mile landing on Saturday Oct. 11. This is
the second year this event has been held. The kids had fun. Some catfish and bass were caught.
Game and Fish biologists surveyed the Marsh starting on the week of Jan. 15. The largemouth bass population
was observed to be very healthy, as well as channel catfish. Crappie were also present, but in smaller numbers.
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 slow but the trout fishing has been okay at
times. Trout are stocked once a month at both Davis camp and the Riverside. Look for the trout fishing to be good
immediately following the stocking. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (25 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
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.
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 -- Lake Level 448.24
Lake Havasu Fishing Report for March 15-21 provided by www.HavasuFishing.com: Water temps are 58-61
degrees. Fishing was slow in general this week. Bites were few and far between but the quality of fish made up for
it. Stripers to 15 pounds were reported in the Havasu Springs area on cut anchovies and lots of chumming. A
few stripers were also being taken trolling anchovies. Fishermen from the docks reported catching some
smaller stripers at night in the Parker Dam area. Bass are on the beds but don't seem to want to bite, a few
have been reported on soft plastics. Panfish are being caught in the coves with structure using cut night crawlers on
a bobber. Catfishing has been slow.
ALAMO LAKE – This is a bass and crappie hot spot. This warm weather has turned on the fishing – it’s time to
fish this lake..
The large crappie flotilla should be active in the huge flats on the eastern end of the lake where the Bill Williams
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to impact the bite. For crappies, try live minnows, Road Runners and 1/16-ounce jigs.
You might even find some largemouth bass staging for the spawn – it’s possible this time of year.
Also try for the abundant channel catfish. Live minnows might just be the ticket for these bottom feeders.
Channel catfish here will also feed in the threadfin shad, and anglers using crankbaits can sometimes find
catfish surprises on the end of their lines.
The following report is courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park: Well folks, all in all fishing is pretty good
out here. The lake is on the rise as I write this. Bass fishing turned on early this year. You can catch bass in 1 to
15 feet of water throwing training wheels (crankbaits and spinnerbaits) I'm still holding my own with Wolly hog
tails and 4-inch lizards. Watermelon green is still the hot ticket.
Crappie fishing is decent. It's hard to miss the flotilla in the upper end of the lake. If you’re new at this type
of fishing, there's a couple of things to consider. First off, everyone is trolling in the same direction and has about
30 to 40 feet of line out behind each boat. If you go plowing through the middle of everyone, then have the nerve
to throw out a marker buoy once you catch a fish, and tell everyone else to stay out of there, then be prepared to
be verbally abused and then some. This happened this last weekend out here. You talk about some honked
off fisherman. Try to play nice out there. The crappies are in 20 feet of water right now.
Any color roadrunner jig with a minnow trailer will work fine.
Cat fishing is really good in the upper end of the lake. If you get up where the river is flowing in and throw
night crawlers or stink bait you should be able to boat 8 to 10 cat fish. Shore fishing is still kinda slow. Both
ramps are in operation at this time. The lake level is at 1,124ish with releases of 40 cfs, but is subject to change
any day now. That's all I got. Mark
Where: Alamo
When: 03/11/09
Caught: Bass
Technique: Spinnerbait
Comments: They are in a pre-spawn pattern. Water temp 60/62. Most came in 9 to 13 ft of water. They were http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (27 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
not tight on the cover.
Name: Lawrence Mooneyham
Where: Alamo
When: 03/08/09
Caught: Largemouth
Technique: Spinners and watermelon seed brush hogs
Comments: 0700 - 1000 caught 12 on spinners. Made a quick trip back to the jeep (forgot the coffee) went
across from Cholla Ramp and fished coves and points caught em every where we went, from 1 1/2 lbs to 3 1/2
lbs. My buddy Dave topped it off with two 4 pounders and a 6 lb Toad, one of the 4's was the last fish of the
day. Best day of fishin for both of us, ended up boating well over 20 Lmb each and missed at least 10-15, lost
count around 10 each. Too many and way too much fun to worry about counting. All fish after 1000 were on
brush hogs and 10-15 ft deep. Next week Rosey.
Name: J. Anderson, Dave Pence
Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:
Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be fair. The size will range from 13
inches and up with an occasional fish greater than 4 pounds. Striped bass will continue to be excellent for small
fish (12-18 inches) with occasional fish over 8 pounds.
The lake is also full of smaller stripers, which will make it challenging to catch the larger fish.
Channel catfish as well as bluegill & redear sunfish will be fair to good. Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at
the lower end of the lake (Bill Williams River Arm) through the fall. Sizes of flathead catfish can reach as high as
40 pounds. When fishing for them select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure
has been placed.
The cooler weather causes the bite to slow down so it is important to work your lures more slowly and in
deeper water. Put away your topwater lures and switch to plastics, crank baits, spinner baits, jigs, cut fish, live http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (28 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
shad, etc.
Colorado River (Parker Strip Area):
Smallmouth bass with fish over two pounds in size are expected to be fair this winter. In addition, redear
sunfish should also be fair in the pound plus sizes. The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass
fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream.
The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or
larger. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam,
striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies this winter.
Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter's Camp):
This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) 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
30 pounds. The time for fishing for both species of catfish is in the evening to midnight.
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 fair to good for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time for fishing for both
species of catfish will be in the evening to midnight. Largemouth bass and bluegill are also present in the
various backwaters and slack water areas. Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass and
striped bass.
Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):
This area is expected to be fair to good 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. Bluegill are
also present in the various backwaters and an occasional striped bass will be caught in the main river channel.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (29 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report This area will be fair 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 work the best. The lower end has had some dredging work
done and larger boats may be able to get on the river in that area.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend
exercising extreme caution, avoiding nighttime use, or even staying away from the area altogether (Pilot Knob
to Moreles Dam).
Regional Hot Spots:
Alamo Lake will be the hot spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish. There are many fish in the lake at
the present time (especially channel catfish), and keeping some to eat will not impact the population in the
slightest, and will perhaps even enhance it. Next choice would be Lake Havasu for striped bass, Lake Havasu and
the Parker Strip for smallmouth bass, and Martinez Lake and Imperial Division backwaters for largemouth bass.
For the die-hard flathead catfish angler, large catfish can still be caught from Walter’s Camp down to Imperial
Dam, although fishing likely won’t be as effective as in the warmer months.
If you need any additional information or assistance don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928)
341-4052 and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have.
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note: Always check on road conditions before venturing afield.
Williams Lakes: No new reports
KAIBAB LAKE — Stocked with 7,200 trout around eight inches long. The lake is accessible although the
campground is still closed. These early season trout will sometimes readily gulp down delectable items they
haven’t seen for some time, like wiggling night crawlers or meal worms.
CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish.
CITY RESERVOIR — No report. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (30 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is closed.
JD DAM — No reports.
RUSSEL TANK - No reports.
SANTA FE — Lake is full. No reports
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. No reports.
Flagstaff Lakes:
LOWER LAKE MARY — This is a rainbow trout fishing hot spot. Anglers last weekend were doing very well using all
manner of baits and techniques. The lake size is about 50 surface acres now, but snow melt should increase its
size by the prime spring fishing season. Biologists are expecting good things from this highly productive lake
this season.
Thank you Roy, we just got back and had a wonderful time. We only
fished lower lake Mary and boy did my son knock them dead. In a
day and
a half we caught 50 - 60 they were all stockers, we released all of
them for someone else to catch. Well we did keep two to go with our
venison tenderloin we had for dinner at camp. I have also included a
photo of my son's first pike I think the photo tells it all. I did not
know if Game and Fish want pike in with the trout? So we did release
it back too. Let me know for the next time please.
Rick and Zack
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is almost full (four feet down). Some anglers have been doing well fishing for
northern pike. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (31 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 03/14/09
Caught: 5 Northern Pike
Technique: Long casts from shore today over a two hour period produced a few fat healthy Pike. Tossed
shallow running Rapala stick baits across shallow rock and weed covered flats. Pike were working the wind
blown shallows and ambushed a slow moving lure. Pike were in two feet of water or less when they hit. Big fish
was 5.4 lbs. and very feisty.
Comments: Beautiful but cool blustery weather: even snowed on us a time or two. Fish came from the
extreme southern end of the lake. Returned the fish to the lake to be caught again. Can't wait to get back out there.
Name: Jeff Bierer
ASHURST LAKE — The lake is full. Access is apparently closed. The Forest Service has indicated that the road
needs some maintenance before it can be opened. We’ll let you know when they let us know.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – No report. Likely ice covered.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Access conditions unknown. Road is likely closed.
MARSHALL LAKE — Access conditions unknown. Road is likely closed.
LONG LAKE —Water level should be good. Lake was stocked last year. This lake was producing some nice trout
and pike last fall, so might be worth a try this spring once the snow melts and the roads are passable.
Angler report:
Tracy Sullivan: I was at Long Lake from 3/19-3/22, not a lot of action a few bites here and there. Friday I caught
a 15 inch trout but on Saturday I caught a 21.5 inch trout. It was beautiful! I would imagine the fishing would
have been a lot better if it was not as windy.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — No reports. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (32 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
BEAVER CREEK — Stocked the week of March 9. Scheduled for stocking again this coming week. Fishing should
be decent. It is also possible to pick up some holdover trout in the creek well upstream from the crossing.
HI Rory,
We had a great time at Beaver Creek. We caught 3 total
and gave them away to local campers. Here is a picture of
the kids.
Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it.
Ryan
Where: beaver creek
When: 03/15/09
Caught: 2 small rainbows
Technique: flyfishing ,adams, and San Juan worm
Comments: had to walk up stream to many people down below, i saw a lot of no trasping signs up there to whats
up with that ,no place to go now ,except up stearm
Name: mike
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report. Was last stocked in the fall and won’t be stocked again until the week of March
9. However, this stream can have some nice holdover fish in the deeper pools upstream in the rugged canyon..
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
Verde Valley
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been very good. It is not uncommon for anglers to
report catching their limit in less than 1 hour. If you are willing to fish all day you should be able to get a
limit. Trout were stocked last week, the week of March 9. This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall.
There were 3,600 rainbow trout split between the lower and middle lagoons each stocking. Try using white
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (33 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report Power Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners. If you’re not catching anything you may want to try
a different bait or the other lagoon. It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the
anglers at the other lagoon.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were stocked again last week (the water temperature was 59 F),
the week of March 16, with 2,400 rainbows placed into all four sites.. Those sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, just
down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of
Camp Verde. The next stocking is scheduled for next week (week of March 2nd.)
Prescott Area
FAIN LAKE —Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week with 1,325 rainbow trout. Trout fishing is best
immediately following the stocking. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week. Look for the fishing to really pick up following
the stocking. Some anglers are having limited success on worms and night crawlers. If that does not work, you
may want to try using KastMasters. When the weather is cold, the bite may not pick up until 10 or 11.
Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15th. Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel
catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an
11-pound catfish was caught since then.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on September 16th, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish
plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs 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 bite should be pretty slow all winter. 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 stocked the week of March 9th. The fishing has picked up following the http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (34 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
stocking, as well angler use when the weather is nice. Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on September
24th. Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish. Catfish were stocked June 9
and again on June 25. Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.
Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3. These structures should protect small fishes
from predation. Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish
stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish
biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.
MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of October 20th. This was the last scheduled stocking until
spring. The gate is closed and will remain closed until road conditions improve. The best bait has been orange
or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the
trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish
and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Illegal stockings
cost YOU money!
WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing
several 5lb catfish recently. Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or
chartreuse “woolly bugers.” As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can. Crappies
are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on September 17th, 2008 and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead
to be plentiful. Crappie are 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 – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful. Most of the bluegills
are on the small side, but the bullhead 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 LAKES http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (35 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
RIM LAKES: The runoff season is underway. With the warmer weather, ice is starting to diminish on the lakes. All
ice should be considered unstable. Snow is still creating an access issue at most Rim lakes. The gates on
Interior roads are still closed. Access is by snowmobile only, but in some places, snow is patchy even though
there are still lots of huge drifts. 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 to good. Anglers are catching trout on lures. The lake is ice-free. The lake is
full and spilling. Forest roads (Rim Road especially) from the south are still closed. Forest road 169 north is open
to Forest road 169B and Forest road 169B is also open. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to
10 hp. gas motors..
This is hike-in, steep sided canyon lake with limited shoreline access that is best fished from a float tube or
other floating device.
BEAR CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. The lake
is inaccessible by motor vehicle, except snowmobiles. Forest Road 300 is still closed.
BLACK CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-free. Forest Road 86 is open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such
as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as woolly
worms, woolly 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 -- Full and overflowing -- not accessible.
KNOLL LAKE -- Unknown, not accessible.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE —The lake is mostly ice-covered. The gate is still closed. Check ice thickness
before venturing out on the lake. Unsafe ice conditions. There is some open water areas. Anglers were 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 inaccessible by http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (36 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
vehicle, except for snowmobiles. Forest Road 149 is closed.
WOODS CANYON LAKE — The lake is ice-
covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out
on the lake. The lake is inaccessible by
vehicle, except for snowmobiles. Forest Road 300
is full of snow drifts and still closed. The store is
still closed for winter.
WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKES
High mountain lakes as well as streams are ice covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out
on lakes. Forest roads are snow packed.
State Highway 261 is closed to vehicles accessing Big Lake and Crescent Lake. Snowmobile access
is permitted. State Highway 273 on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest is
undergoing reconstruction and realignment and the following closures are in effect. State
Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary is closed to
Crescent Lake, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will remain closed until the road
construction project is complete.
Most interior Forest Roads are closed and/or inaccessible to vehicles. Snowmobile access
is permitted.
BECKER LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks only, and a two-trout limit. Try small lures such
as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), KastMasters (gold or silver), and Z-Rays.
Try small nymphs such as zebra midges, scuds, pheasant tails, hares ear, zug bugs, prince nymphs, wooly
worms and wooly buggers, brown and gray semi-seal leeches. Also try dragon fly patterns, peacock ladies,
and brown Montana stone nymphs.
Fish off the bottom along weed beds and retrieve your fly slowly. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/ http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (37 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a new fishing pier with a handicap walkway located at the northwestern part
of the lake
BIG LAKE — Ice fishing is fair to good. Accessible by snowmobile only. The lake is ice-covered. The lake is
ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs,
and lures such as small spoons and jigs. State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville is closed to vehicles but open
to snowmobiles. State Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent
Lake is closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will remain closed until the road construction project is
completed. Snowmobile access is permitted. The store is closed for the winter.
CARNERO LAKE --Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free. Forest roads to the lake are inaccessible by vehicle, except
for snowmobiles or ATV’s. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout bag
and possession limit. Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin and
Rooster tail), and flies such as woolly 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 poor. The lake is ice-free. Try fishing with a bobber, split shot and worms
near rocky shoreline areas for sunfish and bass. The old boat ramp has been re-opened. The new boat ramp
near the dam is blocked off because of very low water levels and thick weeds near this ramp. 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 woolly worms or woolly buggers, Yeager buggers, and peacock
ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir. The gate on the north side of the lake is
usually closed during the winter months, while the road on the south side of the lake is open.
CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is poor. The lake is ice-free and weedy. The water level low. There is practically no water
at the boat ramp. If you choose to fish at Concho Lake, target the small areas of open water between the weeds http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (38 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
off the dam. The rest of the lake is not fishable.
CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the
lake. Anglers have been catching trout on small jigs and worms. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, small
spoons and jigs.
State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville to Crescent-Big Lakes is CLOSED to vehicles but open to
snowmobiles. State Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation to Crescent Lake is closed
24 hours a day and 7 days a week, due to continuing road construction. Snowmobile access is permitted
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free, full and spilling. Boat ramps are usable. Anglers have
been catching a few small trout and bass on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons,
lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers. Try fishing off rocky areas
and around fishing piers. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
Where: Fools Hollow Lake
When: 03/14/09
Caught: Smallmouth Bass
Technique: casting rapalas
Comments: Caught a 5.5 lb 21 inch
Name: Steven Smiyhson
GREER LAKES — The Greer lakes are ice-covered. Unsafe ice conditions.
HULSEY LAKE — The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice conditions.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — An angler recently asked about possible access – via foot – to Lee Valley this
spring. Other anglers might find the answer valuable.
If you have a snowmobile, you can access Lee Valley Lake right now, but it is iced over. Our limnological
surveys through the ice this winter show that Lee Valley Lake will likely NOT winterkill, but we still have at least http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (39 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
a couple months of ice cover to go. We will be checking Lee Valley, Crescent and Carnero lakes weekly as part of
a winterkill study we are doing, hopefully to gather information that will help us reduce the occurrence of winterkill
in the future.
There have not been many grayling in Lee Valley Lake because they are so difficult to come by, we have to drive
a hatchery truck to Wyoming to pick them up. However, we did stock several thousand subcatchable size grayling
in Lee Valley in May 2008. They should be doing okay and put on some size by the time the lake opens in the spring.
Normally I would recommend fishing near the creek inlet in late April and May because they will often
congregate there in an attempt to spawn in the creek, but these fish will likely not be reproductively active yet,
so they could be anywhere in the lake.
However, we have surveyed some very large Apache trout over the last few years during the road closure, up to
4.5 pounds. We caught them all in one net at the creek inlet one year, then right off the dam the next year. Go figure.
The road from Sunrise was officially open this last summer up to the junction with Forest Road 87 (back road
to Greer), then closed from there to Crescent Lake. The Forest had set up a temporary trailhead at that junction
that tied into the west baldy trail. Some anglers would take this trail to the West Baldy Trail, then take the
crossover trail towards the East Baldy Trail.
This crossover trail crosses Lee Valley Creek about 1/2 mile upstream of Lee Valley Lake. Folks were not allowed
to bike or hike along the closed road because of safety reasons, plus the Forest had an official closure on the
road and the Sheep's Crossing area (eliminating hiking access from Greer). Technically folks could not set foot
into this closure without permission from the National Highways folks.
Anglers/hikers could also reach the crossover trail from another temporary trailhead that accessed the East
Baldy Trail from the Burro Mountain area, but I did not know the details of how to get there (I found it once on
the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest web-site).
As of today, the road is still officially closed, mostly for winter conditions, as they are not doing construction on http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (40 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
it right now. It is open to snowmobiles though. The road will still be closed initially when things thaw out in
the spring.
However, they tell us they are mostly complete, they just need to add a sealant.I don't yet know when the
Forest's closure will be lifted. As long as that closure is in place, folks will not be able to step foot onto the
closed road (the exception is for snowmobiles this winter).
As we get closer to spring, we will coordinate with the Forest and provide information to anglers as we get it.
Then the road should be open for good sometime in early summer.
Keep checking back with us and we'll pass on that information when we get it. Whatever happens though,
you should be able to hike into the lake via the crossover trail from the West Baldy Trail.
Mike Lopez
The roads to Lee Valley Lake are closed. The lake is ice-covered. State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville
to Crescent-Big Lakes is closed. Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation to Forest road
87 is open but is closed beyond the Forest road 273/87 junction road to Crescent Lake 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, due to continuing road construction but is open to snowmobiles.
LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free, full and spilling. 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.
The store is closed for the winter. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
LYMAN LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake is ice-free. The lake has some ice-cover along the shoreline
areas. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail,
and Mepps), crank baits, and Rapalas. Try fishing lures along rocky areas for bass and walleye.
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 closed for the winter. http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (41 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake is ice-free. The lake is full and spilling. Fishing bag limits
are now unlimited for rainbow and brown trout from Sept. 1 through March 31.
RAINBOW LAKE — Fishing is poor. The lake is ice-free, full and spilling. 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. The lake is open to electric
trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free, especially during warm weather days but on cold
weather days expect thin, unsafe ice conditions. The lake is full and spilling..
SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is ice-free, full and spilling. The fishing piers are not accessible from
the shoreline because of rising water levels. The boat ramp is usable. Anglers are catching 12- to 14-inch
rainbow trout on flies. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster tail, and
Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, lead head jigs, Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers,
prince nymphs, peacock ladies and brown Montana Stones.
The road to the dam has water flowing over the road, so use caution when driving to the dam. The lake is open
to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The store is closed.
WOODLAND LAKE — Fishing is poor. The boat ramp is not usable. The fishing pier is on the boat ramp for
repairs. The lake is ice-free due to warm weather days, but on cold weather days expect thin, unsafe ice
conditions. The lake is full and spilling.
Try worms. Power Bait, 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. The fishing pier is closed
to public use because of safety concerns. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
White Mountain Streams:
Streams are ice-covered. Forest Roads are snow packed and closed and/or inaccessible to vehicles http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (42 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
except snowmobiles.
WEST FORK BLACK RIVER — Forest roads are closed to the Black River. Ice is present on the stream. The
stocking season has ended and no trout are being stocked.
EAST FORK BLACK RIVER — Forest roads are closed to the Black River. Ice is present on the stream. The
stocking season has ended and no trout are being stocked.
SHEEP’S CROSSING — Highway 273 is closed for the year due to road construction and an area closure is still
in effect around Sheep Crossing, 24 hours and 7 days a week.
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER GREER — The stream has some ice, along the shoreline areas during morning hours,
but may open up on warm weather days. The stocking season has ended and no trout are being stocked.
SILVER CREEK — Fishing is fair. The creek is clear. Silver creek does not ice over during the winter because it is
a spring creek with a more constant water temperature. Nice sized Apache and rainbow trout were stocked
in October at Silver Creek. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is currently open
to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and catch-and-release only. The upper section is open to fishing.
The catch-and-release season is from Oct. 1 through March 31. 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. Try small dry flies such
as Adams, parachute Adams, midge and caddis fly patterns.
SOUTHERN WATERS
TUCSON URBAN — The catfish season officially kicked off at all Urban Fishing Program lakes on Thursday, March
19 when all lakes received deliveries of 15-20 inch channel catfish. Warming spring temperatures signal the
stocking changeover from trout to catfish. Over 14,000 pounds of Arkansas farm-raised catfish will be delivered
and stocked into Urban Fishing Program lakes every two weeks from now through the end of June.
Traditionally, when the Department switches fish suppliers from winter trout to spring catfish deliveries, anglers
are given the specific day of stocking. For all other catfish stockings, only the stocking week (Mon.-Sat.)
http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (43 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
is announced. The usual baits such as worms, stink baits, and shrimp should work well for catching “Mr.
Whiskers.” Daily limits are four catfish per person at Urban Lakes or two catfish per person at Urban Ponds
(note regulations and park signage for Lake and Pond designations).
BLUEGILL STOCKINGS COMING MARCH 23-28
Twice each year, the Department stocks 5-8 inch bluegill into all Urban Fishing Program waters to replenish
this popular sport fish and offer some great fishing for young anglers. A delivery of bluegill is scheduled the week
of March 23-28. Over 18,000 of the feisty, hard biting sunfish will be stocked at rates of 90-150 fish per acre.
Daily bag limits for sunfish (includes bluegill and hybrid sunfish) are 10 per day at Urban Lakes or 5 per day at
Urban Ponds.
It is still possible to catch some rainbow trout right now as well.
RIGGS FLAT — The lake is closed for the winter.
CLUFF RANCH — Stocked last week. 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 — Stocked last week. 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 – Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout. The road has been graded
recently and is in much better condition. No reports of success have been received. Early morning and late
evenings should produce fish though.
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 — Please use caution on the sides of the ramp. Erosion has caused some problems and we are working http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (44 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
to repair it as quickly as possible. The fishing is slowly starting to pick up with some reports of success by
bass anglers. 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 is closed. We will be installing artificial habitat in the lake on April 4-5.
PATAGONIA — Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout. Warmwater species are beginning to pick
up with anglers reporting that bass are being caught on rubber worms and spinner baits. Some anglers are
catching bass as well while flipping the cattails.
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. Anglers are reporting that worms and Power Bait are working the best currently.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The road is closed for the winter and anglers wishing to fish this lake will have to hike in.
We hiked into Rose Canyon Lake March 22nd as the gate is still closed
for the season. There were a number of anglers on the banks but
fishing was slow for the spinner and bait crowd. Rainbows were rising
after tiny insects at the south end of the lake and I was able to land &
release 4 using small spinners and nymphs on a 4wt fly rod. The bows
were feisty and 5 others managed to flip the tiny hooks before getting
to the net.
Lots of fun.
Stephen Rubicam (Uncle F Stop) http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/FishingReport/AZGFD-Fishing-Report-March-25.shtml (45 of 46) [3/26/2009 1:14:11 PM] AZGFD.gov AZGFD Fishing Report
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