Fishing Report Related Information

- Lake Levels

July 3, 2008 - Stocking Schedule

- Where to Fish

- Urban Fishing

Been fishing at Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, or Apache Lake?? If so, we need to hear from you by clicking on the link below: Survey of Anglers at Canyon, Saguaro, and Apache Lake

Been Fishing? Tell us about it. Your comments may be added to the weekly fishing report.

Report editor: Rory Aikens, (623) 236-7214

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 - Don Mitchell, (520) 388-4451 Mesa Region - Diana Rogers, (480) 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 Here are some hot trout fishing tips for a trout-fishing getaway to the cool pines during the Fourth of July weekend.

Fishing from boats, float tubes, canoes or kayaks provide anglers with a great way to catch fish yet avoiding some of the possible shoreline congestion as folks flock to the refreshing mountain lakes.

There are boat rentals at Woods Canyon, Big Lake, Luna Lake, Reservation Lake and Hawley Lake. Those looking for adventure should check out the Beaver Creek report below (Flagstaff area). Great pictures to go along with an angler adventure report.

One out-of-the-way fishing hole to consider is Knoll Lake along the Mogollon Rim. Knoll is a bit of an adventure to get there along the dusty FS 300 Rim Road, but there is plenty of shoreline access. Those willing to walk a little can find some nice quiet fishing spots at this picturesque lake in the tall pines. Keep on the lookout for osprey – there is a nesting pair there.

Bear Canyon Lake along the Rim is another option. This is a hike-in lake with steep switchbacks to navigate by foot. Bear Canyon is perfect for float tubers or those willing to stretch their legs a little. Don’t expect stores, campgrounds or other such facilities -- this lake has none, it’s a pure fishing lake.

For those athletic anglers looking for lots of exercise, good fishing, and no crowds, try Chevelon Lake. This steep-sided canyon lake is NOT shore-angler friendly, so float tubes, canoes or kayaks are almost a must. The hike-in is knee-challenging on the way down and the long hike back up the steep trail will literally take your breath away – but so might the fishing and the scenery. For aging anglers who are out of shape, avoid this lake, it’s a cardiac stress special.

Long Lake on Anderson Mesa east of Flagstaff might be a little visually challenged in the pinyon-juniper country, nor does it have great camping facilities, but it does have good fishing. Most people assiduously avoid the long, bumpy dirt road into this lake; that in itself makes it attractive to me.

Another way to escape the crowds is to hike a ways to fish. For instance, Willow Springs Lake on the Mogollon Rim attracts lots of anglers, and with good reason. At 250 surface acres, it is one of the largest of the Rim Lakes (vies with Chevelon for top acreage). However, there is a neat trail all around the lake. Hey, just stick some lures on your old fishing hat, grab a sandwich and some water bottles, and try a day-long hike-and-fish adventure around this wonderful lake. You’ll feel like Daniel Boone with a fishing pole.

Or head to one of the streams and simply hike past the most popular spots. Both the East Fork and West Fork of Black River are stocked with Apache trout. Both forks offer some hiking-and-fishing opportunities for those willing to expend some boot leather to catch fish, solitude and maybe even so excitement – I once had a black bear steal my stringer of fish.

Although the Greer Valley and Little Colorado River are always popular, few hike up the LCR to explore shady pools where trout hide in the shadows. If you walk a mile or two up the Little Colorado River toward Mt. Baldy, you will enter a whole new world where majestic elk and wild turkey abound. Who knows, you might even hear a Mexican gray wolf howl or spy a reclusive blue grouse.

For those with kids, have the youngsters catch their own bait – grasshoppers and other insects abound. You might even try digging for night crawlers and grubs. Catching or collecting your own bait is part of the fun for kids, or those who want to feel young again.

The last tip is to take along a small bucket or other large container for crayfish. Even when the trout fishing slows down, you can catch lots and lots of crayfish at most of the trout waters. In a way, that is a sad commentary since crayfish are not native to Arizona, but on the other hand, they make excellent table fare, especially as a side dish to freshly caught trout.

By the way, to prepare crayfish, first bring the water to a rolling boil, take the pot off the fire, then add the crayfish. Once the crayfish turn bright red, they are done. Add some packaged crab boil if you like. It’s easy to overcook crayfish, and then they have the consistency of rubber. Off- heat cooking offers a simple yet effective way to avoid such a culinary travesty.

For tips on catching lots of fish in warmater lakes, look at the Canyon Lake report below -- from a special angling correspondent.

Go catch some memories (even mud-bug ones) this weekend. Maybe I’ll see you out there.

Almost Fishing News The furry gators of the Parker Strip The following report comes from Wildlife Officer Dee Pfleger who works the Parker Strip area of the Colorado River.

I spoke with some folks last week who supposedly saw and photographed an 8-foot alligator on the Parker Strip. This is the latest of several reports that I have received since March, including a false rumor that Game and Fish had actually caught and removed the gator. I have yet to see a picture of said gator.

Following this latest report I went out and spent some time in the vicinity of the sighting and spoke with several more eye witnesses. They told me they were standing on shore at about sunset when they saw the animal bubbled up in the lagoon. Only the head/eyes sticking out of the water but based on the silhouette of the body they estimate it to be 5-8 feet long. The lagoon they spoke of averages less than 3 feet deep.

After several hours and near sunset I found what I think may have been the suspect, a Boone and Crockett beaver was sitting on the shore just down stream from the area seen the night before gorging itself on mesquite beans. I got as close as I could to take some photos and video until his patience with me ended and then I followed him downstream after he slipped back into the river. I did notice that his nose sticking up out of the water did sort of resemble a very black eye from certain angles.

I returned to the eye witnesses who were picking up their things up river and as I explained that I had found a very large beaver feeding just downriver when one of their group reacted suddenly pointing over my shoulder shouting, "What is that then?" As I spun around I observed a second beaver swimming out of the lagoon and also heading downstream.

While talking with anglers in the area and telling them about the "gator report," they responded with, "Oh, you mean the beaver?"

As you can see, the gator report truly turned into a beaver tale.

Salt River Lakes Project report

The three Salt River Reservoirs (Saguaro, Canyon, and Apache) got another boost on Monday, June 30.

Research biologists Bill Stewart reports that on top of the more than 50,000 one-inch northern strain largemouth bass that were stocked into Saguaro on May 14, an additional 23,000 one- to two-inch Florida strain largemouth bass and nearly 1,000 five-inch smallmouth bass were released into Saguaro this past Monday (6/30/08).

About an hour after Saguaro Lake received its share of bass, Canyon Lake also received 23,000 one- to two-inch Florida strain largemouth and 1,300 five-inch smallmouth bass to go on top of the more than 50,000 northern strain largemouth bass that were stocked on May 14.

While this was all going on, Apache Lake was stocked with just over 65,000 one- to two- inch northern strain bringing the total spring stocking of fingerling largemouth bass to just over 110,000 at this lake.

Central Arizona URBAN LAKES -- The last of eight, every-other-week spring catfish stockings was the week of June 23-28. With lake temperatures climbing rapidly towards 90 degrees and air temperatures well above 100, it becomes impractical to haul live fish into Arizona’s Urban lakes. No fish stockings will be scheduled during July, August and the first half of September.

Fall catfish stockings will resume in mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again. Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at Urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower.

Urban fishing report: Fishing for catfish should still be pretty good, so the urban lakes provide a good opportunity for anglers who want to avoid high gas prices this holiday weekend.

Anglers are having luck using stink baits or shrimp fished on the bottom. Sunfish continue to bite well on small worms fished under a bobber. The cool weather is keeping lake temperatures low allowing fish to be active throughout the day.

Where:Chapparel When:06/18/08 Caught:5 catfish- 2- 3lb, 1-small, 1 6lb beast Technique:night crawlers- "green monsters" Comments:use green monsters with a split shot 12 inches from the hook. let it sit there and bammm. good fighters! Name:John

Where: Red Mountain When: 06/12/08 Caught: 2 1/2 lb catfish Technique: fished the bottom with a treble hook with chicken liver stink bait. Comments: Fished from 7:30 to 10:00 caught it right around 10:00. The lake was the most crowded I have ever seen it. Name: Ryan Kann

Where: Kiwanis When: 06/13/08 Caught: 5 pound catfish and 3 pound and 2 pound Technique: stink bait worms Comments: On 6-11-08 my son joe hooked a 5-pound catfish 23 long. Two days later I hooked a 5-pound catfish 25"1/2 and my other son Andrew hooked two 3 pounders and my daughter Jolene hooked 2 1/2 pound catfish; really good year for me and my family. Thanks for ever thing keep up the good work Name: Joe Chavez

Where: Chaparral Lake When: 06/08/08 Caught: 2lb Catfish Technique: Used Night crawlers all morning with Large hook for catfish and had a lot of bites (sunfish) but could not hook anything. I switched to smaller hook and used Power Bait for sunfish and caught 2lb Catfish. Ironic, but a nice catch. Comments: Another gentleman caught 4. Between 2 and 5 lb cats. Name: Phill

Where: Surprise Lake When: 06/01/08 Caught: catfish Technique: 1/4 oz sliding weight with swivel, and number 6 or 8 snelled hook, stink bait- blood smell Comments: over 21 in. Name: rizek housari

Where: Desert West When: 05/18/08 Caught: Caught a 6 and a half pound catfish Technique: Caught early morning, using 10 lb. test line, no.6 hook. With a small steal leader. I use worms most of the time. That’s what I was use worms that morning. Comments: I did take some pictures. Have to get them develop. Name: Tim Meisenhoelder

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Don’t forget when fishing Tempe Town Lake the east end of the lake is more productive and fish near structure. In that lake that means the bridge abutments or piers. I’m not saying that where all the fish are but your chances are a little better there. A couple fishermen reported catching bass on drop shots and spinners. Watch for the shad boils. Worms are enticing the catfish to bite. Another fisherman stopped by in the evening for a half hour and caught two bass fishing from shore using a green spinner bait. One angler stopped by Tempe Town Lake for an hour one morning and using corn on the bottom caught a rainbow trout and a channel catfish. Angler report:

An angler caught a nice bass in a couple hours from shore on a very windy day last week. He used a chatterbait with a white skirt.

Where: Tempe Town Lake When: 06/11/08 Caught: Chanel Catfish Technique: 4 cats, including a 9 pounder. All using cut bait on the bottom from pontoon boat. Also released a 7# cat that had some skin irritation on it! Comments: All fish caught in less than 2 hours, early in the morning Name: Mike Gilbert

Where: river view When: 06/11/08 Caught: catfish Technique: stink bait Name: david barfuss

LAKE PLEASANT – Water elevation is 1685 ft, which is 81-percent full. Stripers and largemouth bass are taking jerkbait in the evenings near the Aqua Fria mouth and upriver a bit. Drop shot method is producing some action in the same areas.

Anchovies are still a good choice in the same area and near the tires for stripers. Largemouth bass are hitting brush hogs on the fringes of the main lake.

Water temp for one fisherman who fished in the early morning was 83 F and the clarity was 15 feet. He was having good luck using clear topwater lures in busting shad. It helps if there is a little color on the belly of the lure.

Once the sun hit the water, stripers went deep but the small whites were still taking the smaller clear topwater lures. The shad boil stopped around 9 a.m. This fisherman caught 20-25 fish, mostly whites in one morning of fishing. The biggest striper was 6 pounds and three of the whites were 3 pounds. The best fishing for this fisherman was in the western coves. Try clear swimbaits if the topwater action is not working for you.

Night anglers report that the bite is more sporadic now for stripers using anchovies, but it is still possible to load up the livewell when you find a school of actively feeding stripers. Chumming is the key once you graph a school of fish. Try over submerged creek or river channels at night.

Important notice: DON’T MOVE A MUSSEL. With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Lake Pleasant, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders (helps protect your boat as well). 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.

Angler reports: Where:Lake Pleasant When: 06/18/08 Caught: 15 Stripers Technique: Drop shot cut frozen anchovies Comments: Tied up to the tire line in 75 feet of water at 8 p.m. and fished until 11:30. Fish were 20-30 feet down. I finally got a green submersible light and used that instead of a floating white light. What a difference! Most fish were 1-3 lb with one 4 pounder and one 6 pounder to round out the night. Really great night of fishing! Name: Christian Luckock

Where: Lake Pleasant When: 06/19/08 Caught: 1 White Bass, 1 Largemouth, 4 stripers, 1 Flathead Technique: Trolling...... with worms Comments: The Bass were eating size, as long as you weren't too hungry. Flathead was 20 lbs. Name: John Cruse

Where: Lake Pleasant (Humbug) When: 06/16/08 Caught: two largemouth bass 1.5# and 1# Technique: dropshot with Robo worms, Senkos, Luhr Jensen crankbaits Comments: Fished twice in the last week from 6 a.m. - 12. Caught three fish one day and two the next. Found fish in almost every cove just not feeding very aggressively. Still might have a little post spawn blues I guess. Name: rick martin

Where: Lake Pleasant When: 06/16/08 Caught: 10 stripers, 4 white bass, and 1 largemouth Technique: Used crankbaits and top-water lures Comments: Caught most while they were feeding on shad Name: Andrew Peru

ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2,148 ft (96-percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is at 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 208 cfs. There is a decent topwater bite at first light. After that, try working drop shots in 10 to 25 feet of water off the points, or along deeper brush lines.

The night crappie fishing should be picking up right now. Try live minnows or mini-jigs off the mouths of coves, or along extended brushy points in the main lake. Experiment to find the active crappies – remember, crappie feed upwards. Night fishing for flatheads seems to be picking up big time, with some anglers catching monsters from 15 to 50 pounds at times using live bluegills or small carp as bait. Try below the Diversion Dam on the Salt River just above Roosevelt Lake.

Angler reports: Joel Harris sent an e-mail saying that on Tuesday evening (June 17th), he caught a 6- pound 10-ounce largemouth bass on the surface in the Windy hill area.

Where:Roosevelt lake When:06/20/08 Caught:3 Largemouth bass, 5 Bluegill Technique:The five bluegills where caught with night crawler with a little size 8 hook and slip shot on bottom. The largemouth where all caught on a 1/0 lazer-sharp hook and a watermelon with red flake Senko rigged wacky style. Comments:The bass would just hit and then not keep going for it so I lost about three others on a float tube at Grapevine. when they hit, pull up and hold on. All were slot and released. Name:matthew burch

APACHE – Lake elevation is 1911 ft (97% full).

Fishing is picking up and people are catching fish around the marina. Be sure to try the points where the substrate drops off where the yellow bass and walleye hang out. KastMasters are good lures to use.

Catfish, bass and yellow bass will hit worms. Shore fishermen have pretty good luck with worms or minnows. Get your minnows on the way to the lake since they are not sold at Apache Lake..

Walleye: The best site for walleye was around Three Mile Island. All were very robust and over 20 inches long. They like to hang out around points where the substrate drops off.

Largemouth: The best site for largemouth bass was in the Crabtree Wash area. One fish was over 5 pounds and many were over 2 pounds. We caught largemouth bass in most sites that were near good habitat. So wherever you have overhanging vegetation you might want to flip your worms in there. We also caught some young of year and some of our tagged stocked largemouth. The tagged ones were between 7 – 8 inches.

Smallmouth: In October of 2007 we stocked smallmouth and they have distributed themselves all over the lake. We caught them at every site that had good smallie habitat. Look for nice rocky substrate that goes into the lake and they will be there. They have grown a couple inches since we stocked them so they are now around 8 inches or so. All were healthy and lively.

Carp and Buffalo Fish: The shallow coves had lots of huge carp and some buffalo fish. One buffalo fish had to be over 50 pounds, I say that because he got away before we got him into the boat, but he was a monster.

Catfish: Many coves had some large catfish. Burt Corral area is a good place to fish for them.

Yellow Bass: We caught a lot of yellow bass. Most are off the points where the substrate drops off. Some were very close to 2 pounds. Many were over a pound. Apache Lake is a blue ribbon yellow bass fishery that many people just aren’t aware of. They are fun to catch and even better to eat.

Crappie continues to be caught around the marina area as reported by fishermen. Trout are still in the system, we caught many in our nets and anglers are reporting catching them all up and down the lake.

CANYON -- Lake elevation is 1658 ft, which is 97% full. A family caught quite a few catfish and a yellow bass using shrimp. Although some anglers find the bite tough for lunker bass, others are cleaning up on gills and yellows. Here is a special report from a well-known angling correspondent -- Jime Warnecke -- who retired recently as a fisheries biologist with Game and Fish.

Had to try the 1/8-ounce KastMaster magic at Canyon Lake just to see if the catching patterns held there like at Saguaro Lake.....short answer...... YES!

I joined friend Paul and buddy Joe yesterday at Canyon and started at 7:30 a.m. and ended fishing at 3:30 p.m. We caught fish at nearly all of the seven locations we tried, but some better than others particularly if they were on an outside point or outside shelf.

Best catch areas were Beaver Landing, Teddy Bear Point, a point near the peregrine nest up channel and Beer Can Point (we were up shallow and not over or into the new habitat, sorry).

Tally for the day was 63 fish as such: yellow bass-41 and kept 9 over 10 1/2 inches (see photo of 12 incher), largemouth bass-seven three of which were 4 inches!, bluegills-12 and kept 3 over 8 inches.(photo attached), threadfin shad-2 at 3 inches, channel catfish-1 at 16 inches.

Most fish were in 2-6 feet of water and best catching upto 1:30 in afternoon. We had two fish on that we couldn't even turn once hooked and following with the trolling motor didn't help as we couldn't catch up to 'em before they simply broke off! I said carpses, other two buddies said giant catfish although we didn't get to see the mack trucks that took off with our lures!

Water was algae colored like Saguaro, but few dead fish seen except some that failed to survive our release techniques. The 113F didn't seemed to matter when you're catching fish, AGFD does a good job of fish management!...... (it's sopa de pesca tonight!)...... JW.

SAGUARO -- Lake elevation 1,526 feet at 94-percent full. An angler fished in the evening and caught nine largemouth bass using Rat-L-Trap lures and crankbaits. Drop-shot plastic worms or try flipping them in brush.

This is a hot spot for large bluegill. Perfect for youngsters fishing worms under a bobber. There are also plentiful yellow bass, channel catfish galore, and plenty of yearling bass to catch.

Where: Saguaro When: 06/13/08 Caught: Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Largemouth Technique: Drifting Night Crawlers and Power Bait Comments: My nephew, Drew Butler, was here on vacation. We went to Saguaro around Butcher Jones in Float Tubes. Keep in mind, this is Friday the 13th! Drew's 1st fish of the day was a monster yellow! Fully 13 inches long and FAT! My scale broke, so I couldn't get a weight on it, but it dwarfed all the other fish we caught! (Which included 2 nice largemouths he let go and about 7-8 dinner plate sized bluegills!) Name: k kennedy

Where: Saguaro Lake When: 06/06/08 Caught: 6 Largemouth bass Technique: Shad color Wiggle Wart, 4 1/2" A's Magic Robo Worm Comments: 3 on the Wart, 3 on the Robo. Missed a bunch!! The snags and the beach up river. Name: Joel Illig

BARTLETT – The crappie bite has slowed down but anglers are still catching them with BBC jigs and minnows. Bass being caught on Texas rigs, drop shots and on topwater (first and last light). No reports from flathead anglers, but this is the prime season.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1,999 feet, which is 44-percent full. They are releasing water at 400 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 80 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 950 cfs.

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 0 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 169 cfs.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – Flows are 575 cfs from Stewart Mountain Dam. Trout were stocked last week for the last time until autumn, but it is still possible to catch some. The best fishing for trout is at first light. However, it's possible to find bass and other warmwater fish in the deeper holes. Don’t forget your Tonto Pass.

Where: Lower Salt River When: 06/22/08 Caught: beautiful healthy rainbow trout Technique: fly rod... Comments: A terrific day despite high temps and high fuel costs. Fishing was effortless. ALL fly techniques apply. Water level back up. . Sun screen recommended and Watch out for the tubers...

CREEKS – Fly-fishing has slowed some in the streams.

Haigler Creek – Nymphs and leaches are a good bet.

Canyon Creek – Caddis flies and hoppers are working for the fly fishermen.

Christopher Creek -- Try using a dry dropper with a nymph below, not just in Christopher but other streams as well.

Tonto Creek – Dry flies, Caddis flies, hares ears on droppers are all working pretty well.

East Verde – No reports.

HORSETHIEF BASIN LAKE – Lake level is up, fishing is nominal.

Colorado River Northwest LAKE POWELL – By Wayne Gustaveson (pictured below). Runoff is slowing down but the lake is still going up. The wall of incoming water still measures 87,000 acre feet per day. That amount is double the spike flood released earlier in the year. Flood waters have muddied the water upstream from Bullfrog and picked all driftwood that has been resting on the shoreline for the past decade. It is not a good idea to go upstream yet. Wait two more weeks for water to clear, wood to settle and fish to regain visibility.

Its not a boat wake -Those are stripers!

The good news is a large shad spawn occurred in the upper lake. These small fish are protected from intense predation by low visibility. As soon as the small stripers can see shad there will be day-long boils in the upper lake.

In the lower lake the slurp boils are heating up. Tiny shad are being discovered in more and more canyons. Now Rock Creek has come alive with 8-12 inch stripers slurping in larval shad less than an inch long. These micro boils are going strong in Navajo Canyon, San Juan between Cha and Piute Canyons, Last Chance and other canyons yet to be discovered.

There are many stripers that didn't get the shad memo. They remain in the channels eating plankton. There has been a resurgence of steady catching at the Dam, Navajo Canyon, Padre Bay, Last Chance, Lake Canyon, Halls Creek at mouth and Moki Canyon mouth.

If stripers elude your best efforts, realize that they are making a transition between the open clear water and shad water in the back of the canyon. When regular spots don't produce, look toward the back of the canyon to find migrating stripers. The search image is changing from plankton to shad. Anchovies will work better in clear deep water while a small white jig or small spoon may be better in the murky, shallower water.

Bass are still two weeks away from settling down into a summer pattern. There are small bass shallow on shore but larger fish are randomly scattered enjoying the new brush forest they have been given by rising water.

Walleye did not put on much of a show this spring. Now may be the time. It is mid June but the water temperature is now at the point that walleye have become very active and are showing up in greater numbers than any time this spring. They seem to like the water in the 70's for stronger activity.

Catfish are providing a strong evening fishery and many bonus cats are being caught by anchovy fishermen whose bait gets too close to the bottom.

Fishing is still great at this amazing fishery. Cast in front of the leading fish - Don't throw into the middle of the school.

LEES FERRY – Report by: Ted Welling, Lees Ferry Anglers:

Fly Fishing: There are so many locations to catch fish right now. We are working back eddies, deep runs, and riffles. About the only time to consider wading is during the early morning hours. Otherwise plan on drifting along the outside seams and through deep runs with a weighted nymph rig. As of late the best bite is zebra midges. They have stopped taking to the scud and San Juan worm, I am still using these patterns for attractors however. The trout are bumping large patterns at the surface, which I see as great news. I heard a couple cicadas buzzing during the afternoon on Friday. Any day now! It’s my favorite time of the year! Our season for cicadas starts typically around the third week of June. If you’re looking for some the best top water fishing our river has to offer, make the time to fish with us from the third week of June through the second week of August! Call# 800-962-9755 for more information and details about our guide service and lodge.

Walk in: No new reports have been received during the last couple of days. The fishing at this section has been pretty good here as well. The flies of choice are scuds, and zebra midges.

Spin Fishing: Spin fishing is still great! Stop in and pick up some egg patterns and ask us about the recommended rig and best areas to fish. The marabou jigs are also working. We do have maps available in the fly shop as well.

LAKE MEAD – Lake Mead water levels continue to drop as the elevation is currently at around 1,106 feet above msl. Water temperatures are running between 67 and 72 depending where you are on the lake. Backs of coves are warming up nicely and largemouth bass are in shallow, some on nests. Nighttime Striper fishing is picking up again. Anglers using artificial lights were catching as many 13 to 18-inch stripers as they wanted to clean. Catfishing under lights was also very productive using anchovies. Artificial lights tend to be most productive if fished with a new moon. June 3rd is the new moon so trolling crankbaits during the day will drop off a little. Launching conditions at South Cove have continued to deteriorate with the dropping water. The new concrete ramp the National Park Service just completed is one lane with buoys marking the edges. Use caution not to go off the s ides of the metal extensions at either side. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, water levels are projected to be at its lowest levels later this month before rebounding slightly by October.

Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

LAKE MOHAVE –The fishing is picking up a little on the upper end of the lake. The lake is running high at 644.6 feet above msl. The stripers seen in the fall were fat and full of shad, with schools of shad being chased by striped bass. No sign of shad this spring so far. If you can find schools of shad, throw a small crankbait. Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife have continued to install fish habitat in both Carp cove and Box cove. The largemouth and bluegill 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 recent 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/.

Where: MOHAVE When:06/01/08 Caught: LRG. & SMALL MOUTH Technique: DROP SHOT , CRANKS Comments: CAUGHT 6 LRG ON 6/1/08. 5 OUT OF ONE HOLE, BAM BAM BAM.ON 6/2/08 CAUGHT 4 SMALL MOUTH & 5 LRG ALL PUSHING 3LBS.COULD OF CAUGHT MORE BUT HAD TO GO. Name: JIM Z

WILLOW BEACH - Trout are stocked every Friday. The fishing for trout has been good from shore immediately following the stocking. Try using a Jake, Panther Martin, or other spinner’s or spoons. If that doesn’t work you can always use Power Bait. Some anglers are still picking up decent stripers around the Monkey Hole area. Important notice: With the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at [email protected] so I can share your successes with others.

For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

TOPOCK MARSH –Water level is up, but still be careful while launching. The catfish are biting on night crawlers and anchovies. Bass bite is still not bad. Crappies have shut down. Try night crawlers or anchovies for catfish.

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 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 recent 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/.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM –The striper bite is picking up. Trout were last stocked on March 24-25. This was the last trout stocking until next winter.

Rusty at the Riviera Marina said he just got back from talking to a couple of fishermaen while cleaning their trout. They had eight nice rainbows over 14 inches and they caught a couple of stripers trolling in the lower Big Bend area this mornijng using spinners : they made their own. Anyway, fishing here is strting to get good mostly in the evening but these were a morning bite.

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 recent 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/.

Southwestern Arizona LAKE HAVASU – Lake Level 449.68. Average water temperature is 75 degrees. This Report was provided by John Galbraith of Anglers Pro Shop, Lake Havasu City: Striped bass fishing is excellent on cut anchovies or sardines in 35 to 56 feet of water from Copper Canyon south to Standard Wash. Early morning trolling or casting with Pointer 100s and 128s, chrome/blue Chug Bugs and Pencil Poppers are also producing some quality stripers off points and reefs throughout the main basin and south near the Bill Williams River arm.

Largemouth bass fishing is excellent with lots of fish being caught on Senkos, Gitzits and drop-shot worms around artificial habitats in 8 to 15 feet of water. Flipping brown jigs with orange craw trailers in cattail rows north in the river also good early before boat traffic pushes the bass deeper into the cattails.

Smallmouth are being caught on 3/8- or ½-ounce cinnamon brown and green pumpkin jigs throughout the lake on rocky banks and points in 6 to 18 feet of water.

Sandpoint Fish Report, courtesy Karen Coats Sandpoint Fish Report for June 24, 2008

6-17 Riberto Arrambade of Litch Field Park, AZ got 3 cat fish up to 10 pounds and 10 stripers up to 7.8 pounds using anchovies at Buzzard Cove.

6-18 Linda Dalby of Laughlin NV got 8 stripers 1-2 pounds using anchovies on the North side of 3 Dunes. Riberto Arrambade of LitchField Park AZ got an 8 pound cat fish and a 6 pound striper using anchovies at Eagle Cove.

6-19 Vicki Butts of Temecula CA got 2 large mouth bass 1 and 2 pounds using a 8 inch deep lure by Parker Damn; Riberto Arrambade of Litchfield Park AZ got a 9 pound cat using anchovies at Eagle Cove; John Vaglica of Palm Desert CA got 4 stripers 1-3.8 pounds using anchovies drifting.

6-20 Rodney Branstettes of Heidelberg, Germany got 2 small mouth bass 1.8 and 2.8 pounds and 6 stripers 3-4 pounds using anchovies drifting; Troy Burton of Hesperia CA got 2 1 pound blue gills using bread at Echo Cove.

6-21 John Vaglica, of Palm Desert CA got 7 stripers 2.8 pounds to 3 pounds using anchovies drifting

Where: Lake Havasu When: 05/14/08 Caught: Large Mouth Bass, Huge Bluegill Technique: Night crawlers. Comments: I caught four largemouth bass in just under an hour all over four pounds and one that went at least six. Caught several bluegills well into the two pound range, huge monsters. All from the bank at Site Six. All fish were released to spawn another day. Also caught and released several very nice Smallmouth bass the week before trolling along the flats between Crazy Horse Campgrounds and the lighthouse at Site Six. Excellent fishing right now. Name: Dennis Pinkerton

PARKER STRIP – COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) – Courtesy June’s Bait Shop in Parker: Water temps along the strip have been averaging in the upper fifties to low sixties, and it's only getting hotter! Important notice: Quagga mussels have been found in Lake Havasu so proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please move to the parking lot, DRAIN your live-wells and bilge where the water does not return to the lake. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, INSPECT your watercraft 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.

ALAMO LAKE – Report courtesy Mark Knapp (pictured below), Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, all in all fishing is pretty good out here. I talked with every angler I could this weekend and found out the following: From 5 in the afternoon till around 2 in the morning anglers were catching some 3- to 5-pound bass throwing pumpkin colored lizards and working points straight across from Cholla Ramp.

One boat said they caught 50 bass a night. Of course there friends right behind them though they might have forgot how to count and figured the real deal would be more like 30. Thirty or 50, that's pretty good fishing.

All anglers agreed there was an awesome topwater bite going from 4:30 till around 6 a.m. =Speaking of topwater, check out Rory's article in Arizona Wildlife Views. It covers different lakes to try and some good techniques. I've fished boils with Rory and I have to agree, what a blast! I've been watching like a hawk but so far there is no good boil action out here yet. It's coming though. I can feel it!

Clyde Jones and myself went out in his boat a couple of days ago and boated 35 bass. He took a commanding lead from the word go but I did come back and tied it up at dark. The trill of victory is to boat 6 to 8 fish in a row while your partner sits there and fumes. The agony of defeat is to have that same shoe on the other foot. Anyway we went out at 5 in the evening and fished till dark throwing 3-inch dark green wolly hogtails.

Every point is holding fish in about 8 to 10 foot of water. The biggest fish we caught was about 2 1/2 pounds. All were slot fish but they put up a good fight. The bite was more of a sponge, or there feeling. Throw out, with slack line give it a 5 count, lift rod, and set hook. It sure works good for me. If you feel a thump and miss the hook set, let the line go slack for a couple of seconds and reset the hook. Four out 5 times the fish hits the bait again. If not then real in and check your bait. The odds are you were robbed and your bait has been ripped to shreds.

Depending who you talk to crappie fishing is really good or really bad. Anglers are catching anywhere from 50 to 1. The most important thing I can say here is that if you do not have bait fish showing up under your crappie lights with in an hour, MOVE! I would not even wait an hour, 30 minutes tops. I explained this to a couple of guys last night. They were up by the dam and just getting started. I stopped fishing and made a point to go over and say hi and tell them what I knew and what would work. As I left they both shook there heads and said we got it. I saw them this morning and ask how they did. 3 catfish and no crappies. One guy went on to say they never saw any bait fish all night. I asked if they moved around and they said no.

You don't have to move far, maybe a few hundred yards. Here's a valuable tip. Don't throw out two lights, 2 anchors, and 4 poles until you see bait fish all around you. The less stuff to reel in to move the more inclined you might be to try some where else. So in a nut shell. Up by the dam. Minnows and bobbers till dark. Then throw out crappie light and jig minnows starting in about 8 to 10 feet of water. Once you catch a couple of fish, mark your line and have fun counting. Marking your line means just that. Not taking a can of fluorescent spray paint and tag the cliffs like some idiot did this last week. We're going to make lemonade out of this lemon. Two good things came out of this. He just marked the spot for every one. So please give it try. It's easy to spot. Head towards dam, look to your right, when you see the orange stripes a few feet above the water line, start fishing. The other good thing, if you can call this good, is that they threw the empty paint can into the lake, which washed up on the shore line. I was able to get a couple of nice finger prints off the can and with a little luck I can catch them. One way or the other, they just entered there prints into a data base. So here's the deal. If you want to mark an area try stacking rocks on the shore line. Can't see rocks at night you say! Then buy some survey tape. It comes in fluorescent colors that can be seen at night with a flash light. Tie a small piece around a bush or tree branch. The best thing would be just to go out and buy a cheap hand held GPS. On a final note with this. If you see anyone doing stuff like this please stop by and let me know. If at all possible get the numbers off the bow of the boat. If you don't want to be involved then call Operation Game Thief (800) 352-0700. We need your help to keep this a special place. O.K. moving on.

Cat fishing is o.k. One angler reported catching 7 nice sized cats using water dogs up at the base of the dam. We do not sell water dogs out here but you can get them in PHX from what I'm told.

Shore fishing is o.k. towards dusk. Anglers a catching bluegills and bass using minnows and bobbers. I've got 4,000 minnows, which is not a lot, as of today (Tuesday). I'm hoping to get more before the 3-day weekend but right now it's a crap shoot. So, call before coming out. Tell your friends that might be coming out. The lake level s at 1,122 with releases of 50 cfs. Both ramps work great but bigger boats are encouraged to use Cholla Ramp. We have been hitting 115 to 117 out here so remember sun block and drink lots of fluids. Plan on winds out of the west everyday starting around noon and dying off around dark. That's all I got for now. Have a happy and safe 4th.

Angler report:

Where: Alamo lake When: 06/16/08 Caught: Large mouth bass Technique: 6 inch lizard Comments: Caught 15 bass in 4 hours, one 6-pound 6-ounce monster Name: Tim

North Central Region Note: Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short. If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.

WILLIAMS LAKES: KAIBAB LAKE -- Stocked this week with 2,700 rainbow trout, plus incentives. Stocked recently with channel catfish and rainbow trout.

Where: Kaibab Lake When: 05/03/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: Multi Colored Power Bait with glitter 24 inches up from the bottom. Comments: My wife and I caught the 7 trout in four and a half hours. My wife had not been fishing since she was a child. Name: Wesley Peacock CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open. Lake is open for walk in fishing. Fishing for trout and catfish was good. Stocked with catfish.

CITY RESERVOIR — Stocked this week with 900 rainbow trout. Lake is full. Has also been stocked with catfish

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is open. No Report Some browns are being caught on lures. Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

Where: Dogtown When: 05/23/08 Caught: 10 trout Technique: worms Comments: Caught more fish when snowing than when sunny. Name: Shiela

JD DAM — Road is open. No reports from anglers.

RUSSEL TANK - Recently stocked. Where: Russel Tank When: 05/03/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: Power Bait and spinners. Comments: Average 10 inch, limit out within an hour. Locals were doing just as good. I will be headed back up there for the second opening day for spring turkey; if I can't seal the deal with Mr. Tom I'll just catch some trout. Name: Gilbert

SANTA FE — Lake is full. Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch. Stocked with channel catfish.

Where: Sante Fe Dam in Williams AZ When: 06/01/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: Worms Comments: When I was a kid I fished this lake every day, but last Sunday pulled the largest trout I've ever seen in Arizona. Wife as my witness. Most fish were small normal trout size. Fished west side off Dam. Name: Ron Bykerk

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Stocked this week with 2,700 rainbows, plus incentives. The water temperature was 73F. Campground area is open. Lake is full.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES: LOWER LAKE MARY — There was a small fish kill this past week, probably due to elevated water temperatures. Fishing will likely be poor for rainbows.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Some nice northern pike are being caught on anchovies. This lake also has walleye and catfish.

One of our anglers, Dave Nielson, provided the following report on Lake Mary, Ashurst and Marshall: Upper Lake Mary - (It’s all about the narrows)

Walleye - We were on the water on Thursday 06/19/08 from 6:30a.m. until the wind picked up and landed six walleye; all were good sized too (18-22”). The best thing we found that worked for us were worms back-trolled very slowly using a worm harness in 5-8 feet of water. The bite was really good from about 8 a.m. to just after 10 a.m. If you do not have a boat worms off the bottom were also working for many anglers from the shore. You didn’t need to be out there that far to get a bite. The walleye are shallow in the morning and resting on the bottom.

Crappie- We tracked a lot of suspended fish in the middle of the channel of the narrows. The fish were anywhere from 14 feet to 8 feet down and we’re told they are mostly crappie. A few anglers reported catching them with white tubes and grubs in the evening. We did not attempt to fish for crappie while we were out there.

Northern Pike - We found our best success for pike were (like you said) near the east end of the lake in the evening just after dusk. We fly lined frozen anchovies off steel leaders. The bite seems to be best just after sunset until about 9 p.m. During the day time you’re going to need a lot of patience and time if you’re looking for that northern bite; many folks were coming back empty handed during the day time. The cove closest to the dam seems to be the best area for northerns. We landed two nice fish just after sunset back-to-back; both fish were just under 26 inches in length and put up a fun fight!

Ashurst Lake - I wish I could say more about this lake, we were up there for just a few hours on Friday the 20th and decided not to launch the boat because it was just too windy. We fished from shore with worms but didn’t have much luck and were snagged in the rocks almost every time… What a great view though! But you’re not a kiddin’ it’s windy as all hell up there.

Marshall Lake- This was my first visit to this lake and I fell in love with it! What a great view and what a nice place to pitch a tent or pull in a trailer. I only wish I had more time to photograph a sunset while I was up there. Our fishing at this lake was short lived but still pretty fun! The fiancé managed to land a few small trout off a brown/green fly drifted into cover. I did not catch anything but I still enjoyed being on the water for a couple hours!

Thanks again for the tip on Marshall and the info on Mary. We had a great time and hopefully we can get back up there sometime this summer. Hopefully my information can provide some useful tips on what’s working for these lakes.

Take Care, Dave

Where: Upper Lake Mary When: 06/20/08 Caught: Northern Pike (just a little one) Technique: daredevil lure, with red & white stripe. Comments: When this 24-inch pike took my line at the far upper end of Lake Mary, I handed the pole to my 6-year-old son to reel him in. What an experience we had! It took a few minutes to get him to shore, as the drag on my reel wouldn't stop spinning. What a fight! And he tasted good too! Now if only we could get people to stop leaving broken glass beer bottles around the lake, this place would be perfect! Name: Steve Wilson

Where: Lake Mary When: 06/20/08 Caught: Walleye Technique: Crankbait w/steel leader Comments: 5-pound 3-ounce Walleye, fished for four days and only caught this guy, bring your sun screen and watch out for jet skis Name: Donny Nelson

ASHURST LAKE — Stocked recently with rainbow trout. The water temperature was 62 F. The lake is full. Some larger hold-over trout are being caught. Recently stocked. The road is open. Some trout anglers are catching northern pike.

Steve at the Ashurst Store reports that due to warm weather, catching fish on north and south side of the lake from shore early morning are doing well but dies mid morning. Boaters are doing well in deeper waters with gold Super Dupers at the east and west end of the lake.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing good for trout on flies, spinners or corn. Catfish are being caught on night crawlers and hot dogs. Please remove all pike caught to save stocked trout for the anglers!!! Scheduled to be stocked with catfish. KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open. Scheduled to be stocked the week of June 9.

MARSHALL LAKE — Recently stocked. Decent bit for fly anglers, who have been catching small rainbows, grayling and brook trout.

Where:Marshall Lake When:06/05/08 Caught:Limit of Rainbow, 1 Brook Trout Technique:Worms with a dab of Power-Bait 2-3 feet below a bobber. Comments:Hit the boat launch at about 9A.M. and by noon we had all caught our limits! Several smaller trout and a few larger ones. The key was to let the fish take the hook all the way, trying to set it didn't seem to work at all. There also seemed to be a hot spot right in the middle of the boat launch hole; sometimes we would get a bite within about 30 seconds of casting! It was a great time, and I can't wait to get back out there as soon as we eat all these! Name:Evan Shaw

OAK CREEK — Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout. Fishing is generally slow for browns although some large ones have been caught recently, but is okay for rainbows.

LONG LAKE — Stocked recently rainbow trout and the water temperature. Lake is open. Water level is good. Some nice fish are being caught near the ditch.

Where: long lake When: 06/14/08 Caught: 19 rainbows Technique: worns with bobbies about 4ft down off of boat ramp. Comments: 10" to 23" catch about 25 ft off shore. fished all day, best between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. biggest trout I’ve every caught. Name: jim palmer

Where: Long Lake When: 06/21/08 Caught: Trout Technique: Worms Comments: Most were around 12-14 inches...One was 19 inches!! Name: Clint

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Angler Adventure Report: My friend Jim Zint and I hiked the upper part of Beaver Creek from Waldrop Canyon at the beginning to the head waters and down to the Bell trailhead. A total of about 15 miles. We did this in two days. It meant a lot crawling over boulders and traversing dried water falls.

There were many spots were we had to drop out packs down with ropes then climb down. At one point Jim almost fell. He would have if he did not bail out of his pack. He got out of his pack and it landed in at tree breaking both of his rods. Luckily I had two so we made out pretty well.

We caught a lot of brown trout, which was our mission. We had never been to upper extremely remote part of the canyon where the browns live It is extremely difficult to get in there

Mogollon Rim CHEVELON LAKE – Fishing has really dropped off and is poor to fair for fly and spin anglers.

This is a hike-in lake via a steep slope. There is not a lot of shore access. It is best fished from a float tube, inflatable or canoe. Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full. Anglers have been catching good numbers of moderate size trout.

The lake is open to artificial lure and flies only, trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed, and the bag limit is six trout. Try lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and other small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.

BEAR CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair for rainbow trout. The best times are first and last light.

This is a hike-in lack down short but steep and winding paths. There is pretty good shore access. This deep canyon lake is great for those with float tubes.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

Angler reports:

Travis wrote that he went fishing at Bear Canyon Lake 6/28/08, arrived at 9 a.m., within 20 minutes we saw a bald eagle being chased by a crow, did not catch anything but seeing the eagle was worth the drive.

Where:Bear Canyon Lake When:06/14/08 Caught:Rainbows Technique:Spinners from float tubes. Comments:I got skunked, but my wife (her very 1st time on a float tube), made me look like fish repellant. They weren't big, but she caught 'em all day. Any day on a tube is better than a day at work. The cold temperature of the water was about as breath taking as the views. I guess the breezes made kicking exercise good. :) Name:Mike & Becky Parks

Where:Bear Canyon Lake When:05/29/08 Caught:Trout Technique:Used Salmon Eggs, Worms and Power Bait balls from the bank near the dam. Comments:Caught nothing the first day, but after talking to other fishermen, found that the fish were biting deep due to the cold weather (16 inches of snow) the previous weekend. They were biting just off the bottom, mostly using Power Bait. People in boats and float tubes had most success using lures. Name:Jeremy

BLACK CANYON LAKE –- Fishing is fair. Those trolling from boats are doing best. Try Super Dupers or cowbells. Trolling wooly buggers can also produce.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, or flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and Yeager buggers.

Where:black canyon lake When:06/07/08 Caught:rainbows Technique:worms on a bobber for dad, 5 rainbow, worms on the bottom for my son, 8 trout, both hooks set at 4 feet up and down.7 of these were holdovers. Comments:The day was beautiful; the bite lasted till about 12:30 p.m. I am guessing the late afternoon fish were equally as well! Name:jeff and alex fritz

BLUE RIDGE – Fishing is fair to poor. Fish at first and last light. This is a deep canyon lake that is tough for shore angling, but great for small boats and canoes, or float tubes. In fact, trolling is probably the most effective method right now.

Where: BLUE RIDGE When: 06/19/08 Caught: RAINBOWS Technique: LIGHT KASTMASTER WITH 3' LEADER OF POWER BAIT Comments: CAUGHT AND RELEASED OVER 40 FISH,USED A LIGHT KASTMASTER WITH POWER BAIT IN THE MORNING AND A LITTLE HEAVIER DURING THE AFTERNOON,MOST CAUGHT PAST THE DAM TO THE BACK OF THE LAKE,HAD TO WATCH OUT FOR LOG JAMS NEAR THE DAM LATE IN THE DAY.CAUGHT ALL STOCKERS ,NO HOLDOVERS Name: TRENT GOLOMB,BOB SWANKER

KNOLL LAKE – Fishing is has slowed, but is best at first and last light. There is a lauch ramp, and fishing from a boat is best right now, but it's a long, dusty road to get here.

Where: Knoll Lake When: 06/15/08 Caught: three rainbow trout Technique: worms under a bobber and a floating bait leader where the weight goes to the bottom and the two hooks float. Comments: Trolling was working really good.Lots of people were catching fish. Name: Chase Barrett

Where:Knoll Lake When:06/07/08 Caught:Rainbows Technique:tried and true worms/Power Bait. Comments:when the worms stopped producing, we switched to orange and green PB on a #8 treble hook. Extremely windy made for a lot of work. But it paid off in the end with 12 for the frying pan! Name:danny batsell

Where:Knoll Lake When:06/07/08 Caught:Apprx 30-35 rainbows Technique:Small spinners & Rapalas. Comments:Shore was littered with people so my buddy and I hiked about 1/2 - 3/4 mile around the back to get some quiet. Pulled em out all morning long. Would of been perfect without the hurricane force winds and crowds of people. Name:Phil Tumbleson

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - The fishing is fair to good for stocker trout, and fair to poor for larger holdovers. This lake also has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and small crappie. The best fishing for these warmer water species is in the early afternoons after the trout bite typically slows to nothing.

Willow Springs is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching trout trolling lures. Trout have been active at the surface down to 15 feet.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and nymphs in black, brown, or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. Recent electro-fishing surveys revealed lots of nice sized smallmouth bass, up to 15 inches, and largemouth bass, up to 21 inches, lots of small rainbow trout and one large 7pound brown trout.

Where: Willow Springs Lake When: 06/22/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: Anchored in 30 ft. or deeper water in the center of the lake. Find areas on the graph that show a rough bottom (structure). Night crawlers on a No. 10 hook and send them to the bottom. Comments: Trolling lures was extremely slow. The fish were all on the bottom. We fished night crawlers on the bottom in 30 ft or deeper water and all caught our limit. The deeper the water the bigger the fish. The area directly east of the boat ramp was showing 52 feet on the graph. Name: Steve Pape

WOODS CANYON – Fishing is fair to good -- this popular lake is stocked weekly.

Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling KastMasters and Panther Martins.

Trout are active at the surface around first and last light. During the day, try fishing the bottom using Power Bait on slip sinkers.

By the way, this lake has plentiful crayfish -- bring along a bucket and get a passel of crayfish to augment your trout dinner and turn your camping adventure into a five-star dining experience.

For rainbows, try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, small spoons (Super Dupers, and Z-rays), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, Peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

There is a Bald Eagle closure located in the northwest shore area of Woods Canyon Lake. The Bald Eagle closure area is marked by red signs. Access to the shore and parking a boat on the shoreline area that is within the Bald Eagle closure area is prohibited. The closure affects only a small area on the northwest shore and the rest of the shoreline on the lake is open to the public. Boat travel is allowed throughout the lake, but stopping in front of the bald eagle shore closure is not allowed so that the nest is not disturbed. There is a store and marina at this lake – you can rent a boat.

Where: Woods Canyon Lake When: 06/19/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: We were fishing from the shore line, 400 feet east of the boat dock. I used a Texas Rig set up, with a "Bright Flakes Rainbow Power Bait." I was casting about 20 feet out and allowing it to sink for about 5-6 seconds before tightening the line. Keeping the line over the finger of my left hand I could feel quick tugs on my line. I did not jerk to set the line. The more gentle approach will land more trout. I tightened and pulled slowly to set the hook when I felt multiple tugs on my bait. Comments: There were Five Children camping with us that had never caught a Trout. They were learning to fish and starting to see that fishing starts with patience. When I was catching the fish, I set the hook and I allowed 1 of the children to come over and land the Trout. I explained how to be patient & reel the fish in. That day I set 5 hooks, so all five children landed a trout. Normally, I would keep a couple and release the rest. I wanted to educate the children further so we released 1 trout and took four back to camp. The children helped me clean them thoroughly, & filet the Trout. I sprinkled a little salt & pepper, squeezed a little lime , and topped them with a little bit of sliced almonds. We took them over to the grill and grilled them until the texture was white and fluffy looking. Being careful not to eat the bones, each child tasted the Trout and my dad who introduced me to fishing when I was a child, enjoyed the rest of the Trou t. All but one child enjoyed the taste. Pictures can not capture the experience. You have to just go and experience it for yourself. Have fun! Name: Fermin Camacho Jr.

Where:woods canyon lake When:June 7-8 Caught:rainbow trout Technique:trolled lures from a boat, fly fished from a float tube, and bait fished from shore. Comments:While fishing from shore all day Saturday, we only got one stocker rainbow. We used all different techniques including worms on the bottom and a bobber we had no luck at all with Power Bait. Sunday we slow-trolled with worms under cowbells and had an amazing day. We landed over thirty with many more hooked. I also trolled a wooly bugger from a float tube and caught twelve trout, one being a nice 18 inches. Overall a great lake and recommend renting a boat if you go. Name:Gabriel Martinez

Where:Woods Canyon Lake When:06/14/08 Caught:3 Trout Technique:Panther Martin Lure Comments:Very busy. Get there early: 30 boats on the lake by 10 a.m. Name:Mike Where:Woods Canyon Lake When:06/07/08 Caught:Rainbow Trout Technique:Panther Martin and Night Crawlers Name:Ted

White Mountains NOTE: State Highway 261 is open to Big Lake and Crescent Lake, as well as most main Forest roads, including the road to Reservation Lake on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. State Highway 273 on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest is undergoing reconstruction and realignment and the following closures are in effect from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake, which is closed to all traffic, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will remain closed until the road construction project is complete.

BECKER LAKE -- Fishing is fair to good, but is best at first and last light. The lake is a little lower now but the boat ramp is accessible. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout limit. Try small lures such as Super Dupers, spinners, and Z-rays. Fly-Fishers have been catching 10- to 18-inch rainbow trout. Try small nymphs such as zebra midges, scuds, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, wooly worms and wooly buggers, dragon fly patterns, peacock ladies, and brown Montana stone nymphs. Fish deep and slow. The water temperature on May 4 was 63 degrees and the pH was 8.8. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.

BIG LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. There is some decent action while fishing from shore at first and last light, but the best action during the day is from a boat. There are boat rentals here.

By the way, Big Lake is not stocked during spring and summer – it is stocked in the fall with a couple hundred thousand fingerling trout. The trout you catch here are close to being wild. On any given day, Big Lake can be the best trout lake in the state. There is a store and boat rentals available and some of the prettiest scenery in Arizona. Main access roads are open, including Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville. 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. Fishing is good. The lake is up about 3 feet from last year, but still 3.4 feet below spill. All boat ramps accessible, however, Railroad cove may still be fairly shallow for launching larger boats.

Anglers have been catching rainbow and brook trout on worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs. Also try lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and Yeager buggers, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors.)

Where: Big Lake, AZ When: 06/18/08 Caught: Rainbow Trout Technique: Cow Bells trolling on lake in boat. Use worms. Comments: Within 1 hour limited out. Threw back 3 total. It was warm out too. Name: Daniel Hutchison

Where: Big Lake When: 06/14/08 Caught: Rainbows and brook trout Technique: Live night crawlers and rainbow Power Bait Comments: Caught 12 trout in 3 hrs off shoreline primarily with night crawlers rigged with light line thru a slip sinker. Thanks for the free fishing day. Any way you could come up with a free gas day? Name: Ken Stirn

Where:Big Lake / East Fork Black River When:05/28/08 Caught:Rainbows, Browns Cutthroats, & Apaches Technique:Worms & Power Bait Comments:Fished both areas over 5 days, and SLAYED 'em. Wife caught a beautiful 3 pound Rainbow from Big Lake Dam. Wind was tough to deal with. Caught & released over 50 on the River, and kept our limit last day. Nice diverse stringer full of all species from both places!!! Plenty of smiles to go around! Nice to see some snow on the lake this late in the year, last time I saw that I was a kid. Name:Mike & Becky Parks

CARNERO LAKE – Fishing is fair for stocker rainbows. Carnero Lake experienced a winter kill, however the lake was re-stocked in April and May.

The lake is open to lure and flies only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout bag limit. Try small lures such as spinners and spoons (Super Dupers and Z-rays), and flies such as wooly worms, peacock ladies, small nymphs such as hares ear, pheasant tails, prince nymphs, zug bugs, damsel fly and dragon fly nymph patterns, and midge patterns. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only .

Where: Canero Lake When: 06/12/08 Caught: Lot's of Rainbows,larger than stockers in the 2# rnge Technique: Mostly spinners of any kind. Comments: Took our Boy Scout Troop on a fishing activity. This lake did not dissappoint. Between 7 of us we caught 150-175 fish in two days.Even caught some on a yellow crappie jig with a spinner. Name: GW

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout in mid-May. Fishing for warmwater fish such as bass, sunfish and catfish should also be picking up. The east side boat ramp is accessible and the only ramp to use. The old boat ramp is blocked off and no longer usable. Try worms, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and lures such as spinners, Z-rays, crankbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as woolly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir.

CONCHO LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is about 2 feet low but the boat ramp is accessible. The lake was stocked with 2 loads of catchable size rainbow trout in early April and another load in the first week of May. Spring surveys have also revealed carryover rainbow trout ranging from 12-16 inches, with an average length of 13 inches. These carryover trout are smaller than usual, likely due to illegally stocked carp that are now established in the lake and impacting benthic invertebrates. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors. The water is clear and the water temperature was 58 degrees.

CRESCENT LAKE – Fishing is fair for stockers. Crescent Lake experienced a winter kill; however the lake has been restocked. Highway 261 to Big and Crescent Lakes is open. Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation is open to Forest road 87 but is closed beyond the 273/87 junction to Crescent Lake 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, due to continuing road construction. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and small nymphs like prince and zug bugs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The water temperature last week was 49 degrees and the lake has come up about 1.5 feet from last year. The only boat ramp accessible is the south boat ramp.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for trout and bass, with some nice-sized walleye being caught. Walleye are light sensitive, so the best times to fish for them are at first light, last light or at night. The lake is full and all boat ramps are usable for larger boats. The water clarity is still turbid.

The lake was stocked has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.

Bass anglers have been catching smallmouth and largemouth bass on lures. Shore anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait in the southwest area of the lake.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, crankbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers. Fish around structure such as rocks, tree stumps, and fishing piers. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.

Recent surveys revealed good numbers of walleyes (average size, 23 inches), a few large northern pike (average size, 30 inches), a couple of big smallmouth bass (4.5 pounders), some largemouth bass (average size, 17 inches), trout (average size, 10 inches), and small black crappies and sunfish. The water temperature last week was 58 degrees.

GREER LAKES -- Fishing is fair to good. The best fishing is at first and last light. Night fishing is also a viable alternative.

River reservoir is down about eight feet, Bunch and Tunnel Reservoirs are down about seven feet. All boat ramps are accessible.

All three reservoirs were stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. Boat anglers at River Reservoir have been catching some nice sized brown trout. Anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms at Bunch, Tunnel, and River Reservoir.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs. Bunch and Tunnel Reservoir are open to electric trolling motors only. River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.

HULSEY LAKE - Fishing is fair. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. The water temperature last week was 65 degrees and there is an algae bloom present in the lake.

Try worms fished deep under a bobber or on the bottom. Hulsey Lake is open to electric trolling motors only, but small boats would have to be carried down the short hiking trail to the lake.

LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR - The roads to Lee Valley Lake are still closed. Highway 273 from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation is still closed due to continuing road construction and is closed just north of the junction of Highway 273 and Highway 261. Lee Valley Lake probably has some ice cover, although it should be considered unsafe.

LUNA LAKE - - Fishing is good. The lake level is down about 13 inches. The lake is full and the boat ramp is accessible. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow.

Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-rays, Super Dupers, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The water temperature last week was 50 degrees.

Where:Luna Lake When:05/31/08 Caught:4 lb 19 inch rainbow trout Technique:night crawler Name:Tim Polanco

LYMAN LAKE - Fishing is fair to good for catfish. The lake level has come up quite a bit, catching a lot of water with snowmelt runoff. The water is turbid. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms and stink baits.

Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners, crankbaits, and Rapalas. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also some new cabins for rent. There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Region 1 Office at 928-367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake.

NELSON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout in May. Use the boat ramp near the dam, as the ramp at the upper end of the lake will put boaters into thick weeds.

Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Super Dupers, Z-rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors. The water temperature last week was 50 degrees.

RAINBOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. Sub catchable and catchable (1.5-2 pound) channel catfish were stocked in early June. The lake is full and the boat ramp is accessible. Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as Z-rays, spinners, crank baits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors. The water is clear. The water temperature last week was 59 degrees.

SCOTTS RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. Anglers have been catching trout, bass, and channel catfish on worms. The lake is full, spilling and the boat ramp is accessible.

Where: Scotts res When: 04/16/08 Caught: Catfish Technique: Night crawler, dead shad Comments: lost a real nice big cat at shore really sucked will hit it again this week Name: roger may

Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as Super Dupers, Z-rays, spinners, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and prince nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Recent surveys revealed good numbers of rainbow trout (average size, 11 inches), fair number of largemouth bass (average size, 12 inches), and some nice sized channel catfish (average size, 25 inches). The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. The water is clear. The water temperature last week was 56 degrees.

SHOW LOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is down quite a bit to accommodate bridge construction over Show Low Creek downstream in Show Low, but the boat ramp is still accessible. Show Low Lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout and sub catchable size channel catfish.

Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, rubber lead head jigs, crankbaits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors. Recent surveys revealed good numbers of large walleyes (average size, 23 inches), including two 12-pounders, good numbers of rainbow trout (average size 14 inches), largemouth bass (average size 14 inches), and small black crappie. The water is slightly turbid. The water temperature last week was 52 degrees.

Where: Show Low Lake When: 06/21/08 Caught: 21" 1.75 LBS Rainbow trout Technique: Fishing with a Walleye jig and a night crawler Comments: We caught our limit by 8:30 a.m. To bad the city messed up by lowering the lake way too much. It would have been a great year for fishing the lake this year. Name: Chris Wilmann

Where:Show Low lake When:06/03/08 Caught:walleye Technique:Trolling crankbaits Comments:At 6 pm hooked into 11-pound walleye 30 inches long 17.5 girth on 6-pound test light weight spinning reel was new record for me on walleye Name:Roger May

WOODLAND LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners, Super Dupers, and small spoons, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and Hares ears nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Recent surveys revealed nice sized largemouth bass (average size, 14 inches), and 1 channel catfish (21 inches). The water is clear. The water temperature last week was 59 degrees. WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS:

West Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The West Fork was stocked at the campground with catchable size Apache trout last week and will be stocked again this week.

Wild brown trout are also present in the lower portion of the river. In the campground area, try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.

The upper portion of the river, upstream of the confluence with Hayground Creek and including the Forest Road 116 crossing, is open to artificial lures and flies only, with catch and release regulations.

East Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The East Fork was stocked with catchable size Apache trout last week and will be stocked again this week.

Wild brown trout are also present throughout the river. Try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as Peacock ladies, woolly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.

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: Fishing is good. The LCR in Greer was stocked with catchable size Apache trout last week and will be stocked again this week. Try worms, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, woolly worms, small nymphs like hares ear, pheasant tails, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and caddis imitations.

Silver Creek: Fishing is fair to good. The stream is clear and will be stocked this week with catchable size Apache trout. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is now open to bait fishing and statewide fishing regulations are in effect until Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing.

Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly-fishers may want to try wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. Try small dry flies such as Adams, parachute Adams, midge and caddis fly patterns. Bait fishermen should try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs.

Southeastern Arizona URBAN -- LAST STOCKING OF SPRING CATFISH SEASON JUNE 23-28. The last of eight, every-other-week spring catfish stockings will take place the week of June 23-28. With lake temperatures climbing rapidly towards 90 degrees and air temperatures well above 100, it becomes impractical to haul live fish into Arizona’s Urban lakes. No fish stockings will be scheduled during July, August and the first half of September. Fall catfish stockings will resume in mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again. Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower.

Angler reports:

Rory,

The urban fishing here in Tucson had been excellent this year. Erick Swanson , has done a very good job with our 4 lakes & with the stocking program.

The fish are the best that I have seen. THEY ARRIVE HERE HEALTHY, really good color & very active. I have fished AZ & Tucson for 35 years , ( just got my Senior's license.)

They have a very good taste, when fried golden brown in beerbatter, along with Hush- puppies and a tall cool drink, after an enjoyable day of fishing. I will attach a photo, taken today (see above).

The cats were biting stink bait , 3 feet under a float, in about 20 feet of water.

Good fishing Don Lawing

Where: TUCSON -LAKESIDE When: 06/22/08 Caught: CAT FISH Technique: Casting from the bank, using a =float= with the stink bait set at about 2 feet down. Comments: I fish early, before sun -up. The catfish are very active at this time. I catch 4 nice big ones in less than 30 minutes. I usually release all but one. I eat only fresh fish. I will send you pictures of my recent catches, they are very healthy, fight hard & taste delicious. I have fished LAKESIDE 32 YEARS, THIS IS THE BEST YEAR EVER. I THINK THAT MR.SWANSON FINALLY GOT THE URBAN FISHING PROGRAM "RIGHT". Thank you Glenn Lawing Name: glenn Lawing

Where: lakeside When: 06/16/08 Caught: 1 catfish, 2 sunfish and 1 goldfish?????? Technique: catfish and sunfish were caught on worm using a bobber. the??goldfish?? was caught on the bottom with chicken liver, Comments: I was fishing on the bottom using chicken liver and reeled in a pan sized goldfish. what's up with that?? very interesting Name: Donald Pieper

Where:Sahurita Lake When:06/03/08 Caught:Largemouth Bass Technique:Topwater Spook Comments:I was told that no one has caught a bass in lake for several months I caught 3 in one area using topwater baits Name:Danneal Castillo

Where:Silverbell Lake When:06/01/08 Caught:1catfish, 1 Amur Technique:fished bottom with Ultra Light, 6 Lb test, bait unknown Comments:I saw this guy fight a "Carp" for about a half an hour. After drawing a crowd, he finally landed it and tangled with the 8 lb Amur was a 2 lb Catfish. He gave the fish away and quit for the day, a very satisfied individual. It was fun to watch. I caught 3 catfish myself bottom fishing with night crawlers. Name:Skip Strauss

RIGGS FLAT — Fishing is slow but a few fish are being caught. Due high pH levels the lake will not be stocked until these values come down.

CLUFF RANCH — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 485- 9430.

ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – A few fish are being caught in the very early morning and late evenings.

KEARNY LAKES — The lake remains fishless due to golden algae problems.

ARIVACA — Anglers wanting to catch some trophy sized redear sunfish should definitely visit this lake. Recent surveys show outstanding numbers of large redear’s at this lake.

A few bass are being caught in shallow water using swim baits. The lake level has a dropped a bit but launching is not a problem and the aquatic vegetation is not a factor.

Jan. 1 marked a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less are legal for use at Arivaca.

Anglers are encouraged 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 – Be aware that the lake will be drained and renovated late this summer to remove mercury contaminated sediment form the lake bottom. Anglers wishing to comment on the proposed dredging of this lake should contact the U.S. Forest Service at (520) 281-2296.

The fishing is slow. Aquatic vegetation is becoming a problem. Recent storms have filled the lake and there should be no problem launching please be aware of debris floating in the lake and use caution.

The lake now has a 10 HP limit but be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other people fishing in boats or on shore.

The mercury advisory for all warm water fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be immediately released. The daily bag limit for bass is four. Jan. 1 marks a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be legal for use at Pena Blanca.

PATAGONIA — The catfishing is doing well using everything from worms to commercial baits for channels. Smaller ones in the 12-14 inch range are being caught all day and larger ones at night.

Flatheads are biting on rigged live bluegill and red ear mostly in the dark hours. Bass fishing is fair to good using almost any crank baits or worms. There are lots of bluegill and red ear being caught on any bait. Most are pretty small but great fun for kids.

PARKER CANYON —Warm water fish are biting in the early a.m. and late p.m. including bluegill and bass, it seems the later in the morning the deeper you need to fish near the weed lines. Worms seem to be the best bait for the bluegills, and deep water lures for the bass. Bass at night is better with top water lures and buzz baits. Trout are very slow, in deep water only.

PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report at this time.

ROSE CANYON LAKE — The fishing continues to be outstanding and anglers are encouraged to get up there and try their luck.

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.

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