Fishing Report Related Information March 23, 2005 - Lake Levels - Stocking Schedule Been Fishing? - Where to Fish Tell us about it. Your comments may be added to the - Urban Fishing weekly fishing report.

Report editor: Rory Aikens, (602) 789-3214

Regional editors: Pinetop Region - Richard Dreyer, (928) 367-4281 Flagstaff Region - Chuck Benedict, (928) 774-5045 Kingman Region - Andy Clark, (928) 692-7700 Yuma Region - Brad Jacobsen (928) 342-4051 Tucson Region - Dave Neill, (520) 628-5376 ext. 561 Mesa Region - Richard Wiggins, (481) 324-3544

Other ways to get the fishing report: Internet home page: azgfd.gov Recorded public call-in line: (602) 789-3701

Rory's Tip Cool temperatures and a chance of rain (or snow in the higher elevations) are expected late this week, but a warm-up is forecast for next week--heating up the fishing statewide as well. If you haven't yet gotten your fishing license, this is a great time to buy one and head outdoors!

The first catfish stocking of the spring in Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes will be done on March 24. About 13,000 pounds total of 2-pound catfish will be stocked. Good fishing has been reported up at Green Valley Lake, our urban lake in Payson. In the Prescott area, venture out to Fain Lake and Lynx Lake-we've had great reports on rainbow trout action. These lakes were recently stocked.

In central , look to Lake Pleasant for white bass. Most are running in the Agua Fria arm of the lake, where the fishing has been great. still remains the best bet among the Salt River lakes for bass. In our western waters, trout fishing has been good at Willow Beach on the Colorado River. The spawn is in full swing for largemouth and smallmouth bass at Lake Havasu. Some smallmouth bass have already spawned there. For anglers, this means the bass have moved out of their winter pattern into shallower water and are more susceptible to being caught.

Heading south? Pena Blanca, Patagonia and Parker Canyon have all recently been stocked with trout, and anglers have reported good success.

Central Arizona URBAN LAKES - See our latest Urban Fishing Bulletin. Please note that the reopening date for , which has been under construction, has been extended two weeks to April 15.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE - The lake is open again to boats. No reports on fishing. Water is still flowing through the lake. The downstream inflatable dam has been reinflated, however the upstream dam is deflated. Horseshoe and Bartlett reservoirs are virtually full, meaning that any excess flows will continue to flow through Phoenix. The Game and Fish Department has decided not to stock rainbow trout for the remainder of the winter trout season. If you want trout action, try Canyon and Saguaro, or any of the urban fisheries.

LAKE PLEASANT - Water level is at 1,700 feet (98-percent full). The Agua Fria was flowing at 32 cfs Wednesday. The upper end of the lake will be turbid. Watch for logs and debris. White bass are running in the Agua Fria arm of the lake and at this time fishing is phenomenal. Access can be had from the Table Mesa road. Reports of 10-40 fish per day are common. The whites have moved back into the lake, still concentrated in the Agua Fria arm. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds. Shore fishing has slowed considerably but is great from a boat a mile or so into the lake above the eagle closure. One angler this week reported seeing a couple of rattlesnakes in the water. Fish are being caught on minnows, quarter-ounce jigs with white curly tails, live shad, and KastMasters. Striped bass can be caught trolling shad imitations in the open water. Largemouth bass are beginning to bite, especially in south-facing coves during warm afternoons. There are reports that largemouth bass fishing is really picking up in the Humbug and Castle creek areas. The males will begin to build nests in preparation for the upcoming spawn. Look for the females to be staging a bit deeper in the mouths of coves and off points. Crankbaits and plastic worms drop shotted or T-rigged are working. Once fish are on the beds, creature baits can be effective. Remember, the Agua Fria closure is in effect. The catfish bite is slow.

ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 90-percent full at elevation 2,143 feet and rising. The lake has approximately 8 more vertical feet to rise to reach 100-percent capacity. The Salt River was flowing at 1,730 cfs Wednesday and Tonto Creek was at 226 cfs. The lake is turbid and full of logs and debris, so go slow and be careful. SRP estimates the lake will be 100-percent full this spring, which means it is expected to surpass the old lakebed for the first time since the dam was raised in 1995. Lots of new cover and added nutrients point to a fantastic spring for bass and crappie. The lake should also experience tremendous shad spawn this year. Get out on Roosevelt as much as possible when the water is rising to familiarize yourself with what will be underwater structure. This should be the leading edge of fantastic fishing at Roosevelt for at least the next several years. Look for crappie to move inshore near the full moon on March 24 and be found around structure. This weekend could be great for crappie. The back of Salome Cove and Chub Bay are good places to try, as well as the flats just north of Salome. Use live minnows under a slip bobber. Bass fishing picked up a bit last week. Drop shotting is the most effective fishing technique. Wired worms are also working. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be good; try using inline spinners and crayfish imitations, especially off rocky points and cliff walls. Smallmouth fishing is better than fishing for largemouth. Remember, the slot is in place for smallmouth as well. No reports on carp or catfish. Please harvest largemouth bass under the 13-inch slot. Call the Mesa Game and Fish office at (480) 324-3544 if you catch a tagged flathead catfish. Note: Anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt. Bass between 13 and 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 - Lake is 99-percent full at 1,912 feet. Largemouth bass fishing is getting better. Try the mouths of coves and off points. Spinnerbaits and lures like Shad Rat-L-Traps are working. Tight-lining drop shots, either Carolina-rigged or Texas-rigged worms, can be effective. Smallmouth fishing is good on windy days and very good in general this time of year. Wind-driven waves stir up the bottom. Try along rocky bottoms and cliffs using crawdad crank imitations in 5-15 feet of water. Walleye can be caught off cliffs and rocky points with inline spinners or drifting night crawlers. Try rock-runners with worm harnesses or shad-patterned crankbaits for walleye after dark. Yellow bass can be found around balls of shad. Spoons and cut bait work well for them. Catfishing is slow. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is tagging walleye with a blue spaghetti-type tag near the dorsal fin. If you catch one, please note the tag number, location caught and accurate length of the fish and call the department's Mesa office at (480) 324-3544. You can keep the tag and the fish. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.

CANYON - Lake is 99-percent full at 1,662 feet. Bass fishing is good. This lake has been the best recently for quantity and quality. For bass, drop shotting is still the method of choice, either Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged. Senkos and Westy Worms have also been catching fish. One angler over the weekend reported catching a dozen largemouth on worms, two over 5 pounds. Target smallmouth with crawdad imitation lures right at dark. At night, try noisy topwater lures and crankbaits near shad boils. This is also a great lake for yellow bass; jig spoons in and around balls of shad. A few walleye are being caught trolling along cliffs. Shad imitation Rat-L-Traps can be effective for walleye here. Catfish, sunfish and carp fishing are slow.

SAGUARO - Lake level is 1,530 feet (99-percent full). Bass fishing is getting better daily. Fish are being caught by drop shotting and T-rigged worms. Jigging is also working at times with white curly tail jigs. The bass are moving into the shallows to spawn, and fishing should be red hot over the next month. Some anglers are trying imitation rainbow trout swim baits to hook a monster. Many anglers last week reported five to 15-fish days. Rainbow trout were stocked for the last time this season last week. Use Power Bait, corn, salmon eggs, and inline spinners like a Vibrex or Rooster Tail. Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons (quarter-ounce KastMaster) or cut bait. Recent reports of yellows being caught in the Butcher Jones Cove area. Another good area for yellows is near Ship Rock and the no-wake buoys in the channel. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them. Catfishing is slow. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. There is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.

BARTLETT - Lake level is at 1,799 feet (99-percent full). The lake is murky from recent runoff and full of debris. Bass fishing is picking up. Crawdad imitations and worming rigs (D-shot and Texas) are producing. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also working. Crappies should start looking for places to spawn. Try newly submerged vegetation along the shoreline and in coves. They will hit minnows and jigs. A live minnow rigged under a slip-bobber can be deadly. Try varying depths from 6-15 feet. Once fish are located continue to fish at that depth. Catfishing is slow. Some channel and large flatheads may still be caught near the dam. Use live bait such as bluegill or small carp for the flatheads and shrimp, hotdogs or stinkbait for the channels. Remember, the live bait most come from the lake itself not transported from another body of water.

HORSESHOE - Lake is temporarily holding water (100 percent). Fishing is poor. Upstream from Horseshoe Dam is an unlimited harvest area for all game fish. The deep pool below the dam (Catfish Point) is known for producing flathead and channel cats. The Colorado pikeminnow and the razorback sucker are endangered and must be released immediately.

VERDE RIVER - Wednesday flows were about 1300 cfs just above Horseshoe Lake. The river is unfishable and blown out. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). For further information concerning regulations, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (480) 324-3544.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below ) - The river is blown out and unfishable at this time from Phon D. Sutton to Granite Reef. Rainbow trout stockings will continue once flows return to normal. Some bass can be found in the portion above the Verde confluence. They will hit spinners, crankbaits and nightcrawlers. In a recent survey, many largemouth bass were caught ranging from 1-5 pounds. Look for back eddies next to submerged brush.

Colorado River Northwest LAKE POWELL - Report courtesy of wayneswords.com. Lake elevation: 3557 feet. Water temperature: 51-55 F. The unseasonably warm weather of two weeks ago was replaced by some cold, windy March bluster last week. Stripers were lurking on the deep-water edge of the shallows to stage for spawning and feeding purposes. Despite the rapid drop in water temperature from the week before, stripers moved into the shallows instead of retreating to the depths. Shad were the wild card. They didn't move from their shallow murky homeland, and stripers stayed with them.

To catch fish last week, I had to put the deep runners in the box and put on the regular crank baits that run 12 feet deep. Shad raps, Lucky Craft Bevy Shad and Staysee, Husky jerks, and Wally Divers were hot lures. Stripers were eating big adult shad, so larger lures were better than small for taking the larger stripers. Lures with large hooks hold more of the big stripers than lures with normal size hooks. The only deference to cold water was a slowdown in striper metabolism. My normal fast trolling had to be throttled back to two mph for more consistent strikes. In fact, a stop-and-go action was better than a steady retrieve for slow-moving fish. Striper strikes were soft and slow. The hookup was not always secure, as many of the short-biting stripers came off the hook after being played for a few seconds. But the hooked striper then followed the fleeing lure and would chase it all the way to the boat. The bait was often taken a second time.

A good striper holding habitat is the emerging island near the main creek channel in the back of major canyons. Follow the main cut all the way to the back. Look for birds perched and flying near the canyon terminus in more favorable shad locations. Look for a vertical edge in 15-20 feet of water which could be used as a shad trapping zone. Cast suspending jerkbaits to the shallows and then drag them with a stop-and-go action into deeper water. Stripers and bass will be right on the break where deep water meets shallow.

This shallow shad pattern will work for both bass and stripers for the remainder of March and into April. Bass are more prone to take some time off after a cold front passes, but they can be jump-started with the stop-and-go jerk bait action. Walleye will spawn as the water warms once more.

LEES FERRY - Report courtesy of Lees Ferry Guides. Fishing has been best in the morning while the water is on the rise. San Juan worms, black/copper zebra midges, and Oregon cheese Glo Bugs were the best flies during this time and throughout the day. Once the water reaches peak flow, drifting out of the boat is decent. There are also fish stacked up in slow-moving water once the water flow peaks. These fish require some patience to fool, as the drifts are very slow and the fish are rather picky. Midges and small scuds will pick up some fish in these areas. Wooly buggers in black or olive also work in these spots. All in all, fishing is pretty good in the morning, but once the water is up, a little work and a little persistence are necessary to have a good afternoon. Fishing at the walk- in seems to be improving a little bit. The mornings are best before and during the rising water. Try San Juan worms in worm brown and beadheaded zebra midges in black/copper and black/silver. Once the water is up, fishing in this section is pretty tough. Long leaders, long casts, long drifts, and lots of weight are required to pick up fish while the water is high. The fish do not seem to be moving in towards the bank with the higher flow. We've received reports of fairly good spinfishing. Drifting with Glo Bugs and San Juan worms is working. Marabou jigs in black, olive and brown are also taking fish. We have also had reports of countdown Rapalas accounting for fish. Don't be afraid to try KastMasters or Panther Martins, either. They will almost always catch fish. Projected April flows will be lower than the flows we have had during the months of January, February, and March. On April 8, 2005, high-fluctuating releases are scheduled to end, and the new flows will begin. Starting April 9 and continuing through the end of April, flows will be 5,000 cfs to 8,000 cfs every day. We are anticipating that the lower flows will bring us some great fishing.

LAKE MEAD - No new reports. The lake continues to rise. The elevation is expected to hover around 1,148 ft.

LAKE MOHAVE - Some fishermen were having luck in the Katherine's Landing area catching smaller stripers. Several reports have come in from boat fishermen also catching smaller stripers near the dam using anchovies.

WILLOW BEACH - Fishing for trout at Willow Beach was good on Friday. The trout are now coming from the hatchery at Willow Beach until the fall when the Nevada Department of Wildlife will alternate every other week again. Roostertails, KastMasters and Power Bait were all being used successfully by the anglers. No limits were observed but most anglers had from three to seven trout on the stringer. The fish were very active for about 30 minutes, then the action slowed down. One angler caught two small striped bass around 2 pounds each using anchovies.

TOPOCK MARSH - No new reports. Crappie and bass fishing continues to be good at the Marsh. Water levels are still low so use extreme caution while boating the Marsh. Also, some anglers were catching smaller stripers along the Colorado River near the refuge.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM - Trout fishing has picked up with the release of more water below Davis Dam. Reports say some 2- to 3-pound trout have been caught around the Colorado River Nature Center which is close to Rotary Park. Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery plans on stocking 1,500 rainbow trout this next week if water levels permit.

Southwestern Arizona HAVASU - The spawn is in full swing for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Currently, most bass are either on beds or in a pre-spawn pattern. Some smallmouth bass have already spawned. For anglers, this means the bass have moved out of their winter pattern into shallower water and are more susceptible to being caught. Plastics have been the most popular baits. Anglers have been sight fishing for bass on beds with small Texas rigs and drop shots. Four-inch drop-shot worms fished on a Texas rig or drop-shot rig in slightly deeper water (10 to 20 feet) have also been very productive. Darker colors, black/blue and purple, are working the best. Tandem willow leaf spinnerbaits in white and chartreuse, as well as small crankbaits are catching fish in the backs of coves and around the artificial fish habitat. Striper fishing continues to be fair. Many anglers were catching smaller stripers during the week, which still make fine table fare. Half an anchovy fished near the bottom is the best bet if you are unable to catch live shad for bait. Lipless crankbaits and smaller shad imitation lures have also been effective. Several striper anglers using live shad or minnows were catching some big smallmouth near the shore. If you enjoy catching those prizefighting bronzebacks with some quality largemouth mixed in, now is the time to get out and fish Havasu. Remember, both smallmouth and largemouth bass must be a minimum of 13 inches to possess. All largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 13 inches must be released immediately. For all you anglers that like to snag for shad, it is legal this year (see the 2005-2006 regulations for additional information). Also, the size of a legal cast net has been increased from a 3-foot radius to a 4-foot radius (6 feet in diameter to 8 feet in diameter).

PARKER STRIP - The water continues to be murky, but that doesn't mean the fish won't bite! Water releases from Parker Dam are projected to keep increasing (10,000 cfs or more) for the next couple of weeks. Local anglers report that some of the larger redear sunfish have moved into shallow waters to begin the breeding season. One brute measuring 12 inches and weighing nearly 2 pounds was taken upriver near the state park. The long days should get the catfish moving, and bait fishing might just be the ticket for current water conditions. Channel cats like chicken, nightcrawlers, and cut anchovies, while the larger flatheads prefer live bluegill or goldfish. Bass action should be picking up, too. Typically, soft plastics work well, especially on smallmouth. Some 18-inch smallies can be found upriver in and around the rockier shorelines where they like to forage for prey. Stripers can be found in swifter currents like below the dam. Try anchovies or live bluegill to get one of these fish.

MARTINEZ LAKE/COLORADO RIVER - One angler reported catching largemouth bass near the lagoon at Fishers Landing this week, using Texas-rig, red shad worms. Fishing could heat up if the predicted weather pattern for warm, clear days next week holds. There have been some reports of largemouth bass action in the backwaters by flipping soft plastics, and also using spinnerbaits. The secret at this time seems to be anything with red on it. Sand bars remain a problem for anyone boating on the lower Colorado River. Be aware of the presence of giant salvinia (unwanted invasive weeds) on this stretch of river. This plant could be on your props, in live wells, and on boat hulls when leaving the water. Be sure to clean all areas free of weeds, as they can be transported to unaffected lakes and rivers.

MITTRY LAKE - Recent reports indicate black crappie are being caught by trolling jigs in the coves and open water. The entire lake is open. Largemouth bass fishing should start getting good with air temperatures in the mid-80s this week. Some bass have also been caught on plastics. Channel catfish and bluegill can be caught along the shore jetties. Anglers from shore can catch both channel catfish and bluegill on worms. Boat anglers should start preparing for the early to late spring fishing action for largemouth bass on the lake.

YUMA AREA RIVERS/CANALS - This is a great time for catching canal catfish. Some anglers recently reported catching a couple of stripers and even a few crappie in the Gila main gravity canal near Fortuna Wash this past weekend. Channel catfish can still be caught on chicken liver and worms. Anglers are reporting seeing large carp possibly staging for spawn in the dirt-lined canals. This could mean good fishing for carp. Use corn and dough baits. Channel cats have also been caught this past week on chicken liver and stink baits.

FORTUNA POND - Anglers were few this weekend due to cooler temperatures and high winds. Anglers are not allowed to drive around the pond, but they may park above and walk in to fish. Contact the Bureau of Reclamation for more information. One recent angler was fishing with his daughter and caught a stringer full of bluegill using worms as bait. Anglers can still try for rainbow trout, which were last stocked in February. Channel catfish were also stocked earlier this month, and there should be plenty left in the pond. Use worms, chicken liver and /or stinkbait.

REDONDO POND - No recent reports have been turned in for this area. It still remains a perfect place to use a tube to fish. Access to the BLM land is available on the west side of the pond. There is also a primitive dirt boat launch. Bass and bluegill dominate the fish population here.

YUMA WEST WETLANDS POND - No recent reports have been turned in for this area. Effective January 2005, the daily bag/possession limits for fish caught at the Yuma West Wetlands Pond are two trout, one largemouth bass (13-inch minimum), two channel catfish and five sunfish of any combination. For detailed information, see the 2005-2006 Arizona Game and Fish Department's Fishing Regulations. Currently there haven't been any trout stocked in the pond.

EHRENBERG - No recent reports have been turned in for this area. Flatheads will continue to bite on bluegill or other live bait in the main channel. Worms and green crankbaits will continue to attract bass in the backwaters. Just a reminder, Cibola Lake has been closed to fishing and all entry since Labor Day.

ALAMO LAKE - Due to the storm fronts blowing through and the lake dropping, it's been a tough week of bass fishing. The bass are still in the shallows and are being caught off spinnerbaits, plastic lizards, grubs, and crankbaits. No report of any good topwater action, but that will be coming soon enough. The lake is currently at 1139 feet, and the releases have been lowered to 500 cfs. The main ramp is back in operation, although the Cholla parking lot resurfaced ramp is still 3 feet under water. With a little luck, we can get the Cholla ramp back in operation, then stabilize the lake at 1136 feet with releases of 500 cfs until May. That will give the fish a chance to spawn and only loose 2 to 3 inches of water a day. Conditions could cause a change in this plan. Crappie fishing is still slow and will probably continue to be until the fish spawn. Catfishing is o.k., but nothing to write home about. There is a fish advisory here. The advisory recommends that people limit consumption as follows for bass and black crappie: Children under age six: no consumption; Women of childbearing age: one 8-ounce fish meal per month; All other adult women: three 8-ounce fish meals per month; Adult men: four 8-ounce fish meal per month. For catfish, the consumption guideline is slightly different: for children under the age of six, no consumption is recommended; for women of child-bearing age, one 8-ounce fish meal per month; for all other adult women, five 8-ounce fish meals per month; for adult men, six 8-ounce meals per month. If you have any questions, call the park at (928) 669-2088.

North Central Region Note to anglers: Lower Lake Mary has been stocked with small trout (7-8 inches) to allow them to grow in the lake. Larger fish will be stocked later in the year.

Williams Lakes:

KAIBAB LAKE - Gate is open for day use only. Lake is full.

CATARACT LAKE - Gate is closed. Lake is full.

CITY RESERVOIR - Gate is closed. Lake is full. DOGTOWN LAKE - Gate is closed. Lake is full.

WHITEHORSE LAKE - Gate is closed. Lake is full.

JD DAM - Lake is full.

SANTA FE - Lake is full.

Flagstaff Lakes:

LOWER LAKE MARY - Lake is spilling.

UPPER LAKE MARY - Lake is spilling.

ASHURST LAKE - Lake is full. There is open water on the lake. Fish near where the ditch is running in for trout and northern pike. Mixed reports - one report of some larger trout being caught, another angler reported no luck trolling crankbaits for pike. Lake has been stocked.

KINNIKINICK LAKE - No new report. Road was passable, but very rough.

OAK CREEK - No report.

LONG LAKE - Lake is filling.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX - There is a health advisory: do not eat fish from these lakes because mercury has been detected.

BEAVER CREEK - One angler and his 72-year-old father reported landing a few rainbow trout fishing the creek near the campground, using Panther Martins, Rebel Hellgrammites and Crickhoppers, and pink Power Bait. His father pulled in a 14-incher. They also reported seeing several catch-and-eat anglers getting their limits in a few hours on small KastMasters and Z-rays.

WEST CLEAR CREEK - No report.

STONEMAN LAKE - Water level is too low for stocking.

BLUE RIDGE - No report.

KNOLL LAKE - No report.

MINGUS LAKE - Three anglers reported catching some rainbow trout over the weekend, between 6 and 11 inches long, using a clear bobber and a 6-foot leader with a Pistol Pete. They also reported enjoying the solitude at the lake this time of year. Lake was stocked on March 14 with 500 rainbow trout. Mingus also received a few large rainbow trout two weeks ago that averaged about 14 inches. The last part of the road into Mingus is locked due to wet winter conditions, so it's walk-in only until May.

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK - No new reports. The middle and lower lagoons were stocked on March 14 with about 800 rainbow trout each. Anglers were catching trout using Power Bait and flies. Lots of anglers have reported catching limits of trout relatively easily. The "problem" otters have not been seen at the lagoons in several weeks.

LYNX LAKE - Mixed reports at Lynx. It was stocked on March 17 with 1,300 rainbow trout. One report indicated things were slow, but three other anglers last week reported limiting out using orange and yellow Power Bait. They also reported the Lynx Lake campground is closed for construction. About 2,700 brown trout were stocked into Lynx on March 12. Remember, brown trout don't take Power Bait like the rainbow trout do, so try night crawlers, spinners, flies, and minnow lures.

FAIN LAKE - Fishing has been good here. One angler reported catching and releasing over 35 rainbows in about two hours using a rainbow-colored roostertail, slow-trolled near the bridge. Several anglers have reported success catching trout using red dilly worms. Fain was stocked on March 14 with 1,300 rainbow trout.

VERDE RIVER - No reports. Stocked with 2,400 rainbow trout on March 11. Tuzigoot Bridge and the "Jacks" site are the only available stocking sites due to the flooding. In general, stockings are not made if river levels are high and muddy from storm run-off. Stocking sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, the "Jacks" and at Bignotti Beach.

GOLDWATER LAKE - Stocked last week. No new reports. However, this is a fun little lake to fish. Perfect for taking the kids out.

Mogollon Rim Note to Anglers: Some Forest Service roads are closed. Expect snow or muddy road conditions on some open roads. The FS 300 (Rim Road) is closed, as are the roads to Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake. For most of the lakes, expect rain, snow, or ice conditions this week.

CHEVELON CANYON LAKE - No report. Expected to fill this spring.

BEAR CANYON LAKE - No report. Expected to fill this spring.

BLACK CANYON LAKE - No report. Expected to fill this spring.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - No report. Expected to fill this spring.

WOODS CANYON LAKE - No report. Expected to fill this spring.

GREEN VALLEY LAKE - Recently stocked. Fishing is very good. This lake is part of the urban fishing program and requires an urban fishing license. This lake contains rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms are effective. Try crappie jigs, small Rapalas, crankbaits, and small spoons.

White Mountains Note To Anglers: SR 273 (road to Big Lake) and Hwy 261 are closed. Check the weather before venturing into the high mountain lakes. Storms are expected this week.

BECKER LAKE - The boat ramp is accessible. The lake is full. Fishing is fair to good. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. There is a two-fish limit. Try lures such as spinners (Mepps and Panther Martins), Z-rays and KastMasters. Fly-fishers should try wooly buggers, damselfly and dragonfly patterns, Montana nymphs, peacock ladies, and midge larvae patterns. Fly-fishers are catching mostly 8- to 10-inch rainbows with a few over 17 inches.

BIG LAKE - Road closed (no report). Should receive significant runoff, but more snow pack is likely needed for it to fill.

CARNERO LAKE - Roads are closed. No report.

CONCHO LAKE - Fishing is fair. Try using worms, Power Bait (green, orange, yellow, or rainbow colored), lures, and flies off the dam. The lake is weedy. It contains some nice- sized green sunfish. Try fishing with night crawlers in the open water near weeds. This lake is mostly spring fed, so it may not benefit as much from recent storms. The boat ramp is accessible.

CRESCENT LAKE - Expected to fill this spring. Road is closed.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE - The lake level is full and spilling over the dam. The lake is ice- free. Both boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is fair. Fish around rocky areas and tree stumps for largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and walleyes. Try lures, flies and bait.

GREER LAKES - Tunnel Reservoir and Bunch Reservoir are full. The dam at River Reservoir will be worked on this spring and will not be allowed to fill (that should benefit Becker Lake downstream).

HULSEY LAKE - Expected to fill this spring. Road closed.

LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR - Expected to fill this spring. Road closed. Unsafe ice conditions.

LUNA LAKE - The lake is full and spilling. Fishing is fair and could change to good at anytime. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, orange, and rainbow colored), lures, and flies. Store and boat rental.

LYMAN LAKE - The water level is up. Boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is fair. Try fishing for walleye and largemouth bass near the dam and around other rocky shoreline areas. Fish the upper part of the lake for catfish. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Rapalas, Z-rays, crankbaits, and spinners). There is a health advisory here. Mercury levels were detected in the fish. Children under the age of six should not eat any fish from the lake. Women of childbearing age and children under the age of 16 should limit their consumption of fish to one meal per month. Adult men over the age of 16 can consume five meals per month.

NELSON RESERVOIR - Lake is full. No report. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, orange, and rainbow colored), lures, flies, and corn. New fishing piers are ready for use.

RAINBOW LAKE - The lake is full and spilling. The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing has been fair for all species. Northern pike are plentiful and can be caught using lures and spinner bait. You are encouraged to remove any pike caught from this lake. It is illegal to transport any live fish from any body of water in Navajo, Apache and Coconino counties without a permit from the Game and Fish Department. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow or rainbow colored), lures, and flies. Black bullheads are plentiful, which are easy for kids to catch on night crawlers or other catfish baits fished on the bottom. Try worms, chicken livers and prepared baits for catfish. Fish near open areas in the weeds using night crawlers for bluegills and bass.

SCOTT'S RESERVOIR - The lake is full and spilling. The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow or rainbow colored), lures, and flies. Fly- fishers fishing for trout should try Montana stones, peacock ladies, and brown wooly buggers.

SHOW LOW LAKE - The lake is full and spilling. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow or rainbow colored), salmon eggs, lures, and flies. The boat ramp is accessible. Try casting or trolling Rapalas or crankbaits around rocky shorelines for walleye, bass, sunfish, and trout.

WOODLAND LAKE - The lake is full and spilling. The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow or rainbow colored), lures, and flies

CHOLLA LAKE - Cholla Lake State Park is closed until April 1.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair for all species. Try fishing with worms, Power Bait, corn, lures, and flies.

SILVER CREEK - Trout fishing is fair. Silver Creek is now open to catch and release (no kill), lures and flies only with barbless hooks. With all the rains and flooding in the White Mountains, Silver Creek can be muddy and overflowing its banks.

STREAMS - Most streams are ice covered and SR 273 (road to Big Lake) and Hwy 261 access roads are closed. The streams coming off Mt. Baldy, including Sheep's Crossing and the West Fork of the Black River, should run high later into the year than they have in recent years, depending on snow pack.

Southeastern Arizona TUCSON URBAN - Sunny skies and warm weather make this an ideal time to get out and fish. Don't delay, get your 2005 license now! Kennedy, Silverbell, Sahuarita, and Lakeside are scheduled to be stocked with channel catfish on March 24. Try worms, hotdogs, chicken liver, or prepared catfish bait. These lakes have also been stocked with aggressive, fast-growing, tasty hybrid sunfish. Fishing for sunfish has been good. Use mealworms and earthworms on a small hook, size 10 or smaller, under a bobber set at 3 to 5 feet. Buy a two-pole stamp and try different baits to double your odds.

RIGGS FLAT - Closed for the winter. For lake information call (928) 428-4150.

CLUFF RANCH - Will be stocked with trout this week. Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE - Will be stocked with trout this week. Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND - Will be stocked with trout this week. Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

KEARNY LAKES - Not stocked due to water quality issues.

ARIVACA - Bass fishing has slowed down some due to the cold temperatures, but people are still finding some action. Warmer weather this week could change things. The water level has come up some but is still low. Only car-top boats that can be hand-launched are recommended. Using buzzbaits early in the morning has produced some action. Otherwise, use various plastic baits, working the structure along the lakeshore. Remember, all bass must be immediately released back to the water. The mercury advisory for all warmwater fish is still in effect.

PENA BLANCA - Was stocked with trout last week. Trout fishing has been good. Use any traditional trout bait: Power Bait, corn or salmon eggs. The key is to find the depth the trout are at. Whether you are fishing off of the bottom using a sliding egg sinker, or off of the top using a bobber, adjust the length of your leader until you start getting into the fish. Fly-fishing from a boat or float tube is excellent. Bring a variety of flies, as these fish can be finicky. Water levels are somewhat down, but you should still be able to launch a boat. The mercury advisory for all warmwater fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be released.

PATAGONIA - Was stocked with rainbow trout last week. Trout fishing is good. Bass fishing is fair. Bluegill and redear fishing is slow but still providing fun for the young folks using small hooks with pieces of worm. The average size is pretty small. For more lake information call Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965.

PARKER CANYON - Has been stocked with trout. Trout fishing has been good to great. Try Power Bait, corn or cheese. Also fish silver or gold Super Dupers, small shallow-diving Rapalas, or small minnow plugs with a spinner. Retrieve really slow. Fishing the backside of the lake (i.e., Rock Bluff area) with a half-crawler about 18-24 inches below a small split shot can yield a limit in a couple of hours most any time of day. Some bass are being caught in early morning and evenings. Fish deeper later in the day. Those fishing for bass are sometimes catching northern pike. Try using inline spinners or small trout-imitating lures.

PICACHO RESERVOIR - Dry.

ROSE CANYON LAKE - Rose Canyon Lake has been closed for the winter.

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, 2221 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602) 789-3290, 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.

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