Urban Fishing Bulletin Related Information

For the weeks of - Urban Stocking Schedule

Jan. 18 - 31, 2009 - Urban Fishing Facts

- Urban Fishing Regulations

- Fishing Report Manager: Eric Swanson (623) 236-7263 Specialist: Joann Hill (623) 236-7268

Call 1-800-352-0700 to report fishing violations

INCENTIVE TROUT STOCKINGS GENERATE EXCITEMENT “Did you see that one? That one’s huge! Whoa, that’s a monster! That one has my name on it!” These were just a few of the many excited comments heard by Urban Fishing biologists as the extra-large incentive trout were delivered to 20 of the Urban Fishing Program lakes on January 9. The special loads of bigger fish and more fish captured the attention of anglers and other park visitors and sent them scrambling for their cameras, cell phones and poles. None of the many 2 to 8 pound beauties have been officially reported for Big Fish honors yet. But, two reports have come in about huge trout from Peoria and Surprise. On January 10 an estimated 8 pounder was caught from Rio Vista Lake and the same day a 6.5 pounder was reeled in from . No word yet on the 10 pounder our Colorado fish supplier promised.

2008 URBAN FISHING BIG FISH RECORD WINNERS Topping the list of 2008 Urban Program Big Fish-of-the-Year official winners was a 10.2 pound channel catfish caught and kept by Shay Denniston from Lakeside Lake in Tucson. Another huge catch from the Catch and Release category was a 35-inch white amur cranked in by Andrew Schmidt at in Mesa. Other winners include:

KEPT:

• Largemouth bass, 3.6 lb., Shawn Padilla, – Chandler • Rainbow trout, 5.3 lb., Tony Morello, – Gilbert • Redear sunfish, 0.9 lb., Rhonda Slack, – Mesa

RELEASED:

• Bluegill, 8 in., Louis Hoeniger, Papago Pond #3 – Phoenix • Channel catfish, 25 in., Louis Hoeniger, Papago Pond #3 – Phoenix • Largemouth bass, 20 in., Brian Weisheim, – Scottsdale • Rainbow trout, 18 in., Don Hoffman, Sahuarita Lake – Sahuarita

Lists of 2008, previous year’s winners and current, 2009 records can be found at www.azgfd.gov. Information on how to apply for record kept or released fish can be found in the current Urban Fishing Program brochure or in the Arizona Fishing Regulations booklet. All winners receive certificates, caps and other prizes.

STOCKINGS REMAIN ON HOLD AT DESERT WEST LAKE There will be no trout stockings taking place at Desert West Lake in Phoenix due to continuing high pH levels. The Phoenix Parks Department has treated Desert West Lake to control the tiny, persistent algae that raises pH, however more time is needed to allow pH to drop. For the rest of January, anglers are advised to fish other nearby Phoenix lakes stocked with trout: Alvord (at Cesar Chavez Park), Encanto or Cortez.

URBAN FISHING REPORT Great reports have been coming in from anglers excited about catches of 16 to 20 inch trout after the recent incentive stockings. Two whoppers have been reported: a 6.5 pound rainbow trout caught at Surprise Lake and an 8 pounder from Rio Vista Lake (no official weights yet). No reports yet of the 10-pounder brought in from Colorado. More trout are being stocked every two weeks in each of the 21 Urban Fishing Program lakes. Top baits for trout have been worms, corn and Power Bait. Lures such as Panther Martins, Rooster Tails and Kastmasters also work well when fished 5-10 feet deep. Patience continues to be the key, as the trout bite sporadically throughout the day. Anglers continue to enjoy great success catching trout 7-10 days after stockings. Not much going on for catfish, bass or bluegill due to cold water temperatures. Trout fishing is consistently good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, corn and worms working best. Try small, flashy lures to attract the trout.

STOCKING UPDATES

• All UFP waters in Phoenix area, Tucson area and Payson - last stocked Jan. 9 with trout (special incentive size stocking). Next stocking, trout week of Jan. 19-24.

Remember to visit www.azgfd.gov for updated stocking schedules, fishing blog, weekly fishing reports, where to fish, public events, and other great fishing information! Also check out the web for new information on the Urban Fishing Program, send us your photos and fishing reports, or submit your email address to get your name on ou r email distribution list for up to eight different newsletters/reports.

View the Urban Fishing Bulletin on our web site.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT: Change your E-mail address or subscriptions. Unsubscribe from all lists.