Urban Fishing Bulletin Related Information For the weeks of - Urban Stocking Schedule For the weeks of April 13 - 26, 2008 - Urban Fishing Facts - Urban Fishing Regulations - Fishing Report Manager: Eric Swanson (623) 236-7263 Specialist: Joann Hill (623) 236-7268 Call 1-800-352-0700 to report fishing violations GOLDEN ALGA HITS LAKES, OTHER LAKES LOSE FISH TOO These have been difficult times for fish and fishermen alike at five Urban Fishing Program Lakes in the Phoenix area over the past few weeks. Golden alga blooms came on suddenly at Cortez and Water Ranch Lakes resulting in the loss of over 80 fish at each lake. Both lakes have since been treated with algaecides to kill off the troublesome, microscopic golden alga and stop its toxins from affecting any more fish. Recent tests indicate golden alga is under control at Cortez, but is not fully under control at Water Ranch. Some fish loses have also been reported from Desert Breeze, Chaparral and Surprise Lakes in recent weeks. Game and Fish biologists, parks staff and lake management consultants have all collaborated to respond to these issues promptly and perform all necessary water quality testing and lake management treatments. Lake conditions have returned to normal at Desert Breeze and are improving at Chaparral and Sur prise. Read below to learn how all these environmental stresses will affect catfish stockings. April 14-19 Catfish Stocking Status: Due to golden alga, Cortez Lake was not stocked with catfish on April 2, however it has been successfully treated and is cleared for stocking. Water Ranch Lake has been treated, but has not been cleared for stocking. Conditions at Desert Breeze Lake are back to normal and the lake is cleared for stocking. Conditions at Chaparral Lake and at Surprise Lake are both improving, but not fully recovered, consequently they are cleared for partial (50-60%) stockings. Water Ranch anglers are advised to fish nearby Red Mountain or Kiwanis Lakes that will each be receiving extra catfish this stocking. For a list of frequently asked questions about golden algae click here. GILBERT PARKS BOARD TO CONSIDER CLOSING URBAN PROGRAM On Thursday evening, May 1, the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will be deciding on a citizen proposal to drop Water Ranch Lake from the Urban Fishing Program and convert it to a catch and release, artificial fly and lure only fishery requiring a state fishing license. Urban anglers and concerned citizens are invited to attend this public meeting taking place at the Southeast Regional Library at Water Ranch Park, 775 N. Greenfield Road (corner of Guadalupe) starting at 6:30pm. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not support this proposal. Eric Swanson, Urban Fishing Program Manager, will be giving the Advisory Board a presentation to highlight urban angler and Urban Fishing Program facts at Water Ranch Lake. This popular lake has been part of the Urban Program since 1999. In 2007 there were over 2,100 anglers that fished this lake accounting for nearly 25,000 recreational days of fun, wholesome fishing activi ty for families and anglers of all ages and abilities. URBAN FISHING REPORT Fishing for catfish is good to excellent with new stockings of the 15- to 20-inch fish every two weeks. Try shrimp, hotdogs or worms fished on the bottom for the channel cats. Fishing is poor at Water Ranch, Chaparral and Surprise lakes due to water quality problems and cancelled or reduced fish stockings. Recently stocked sunfish continue to provide excellent fishing for anglers using meal worms, worms and small jigs. At Green Valley lakes (Payson) fishing is good to excellent for trout with trout stockings scheduled to continue at this higher elevation lake until mid May. Some nice 1- to 3-pound rainbows were recently stocked. Try PowerBait, worms or salmon eggs for the trout. Largemouth bass and bluegill are actively biting through the spring spawning period. Please practice catch and release for all bass during this critical spawning period. If kept, all bass must be at least 13-inches in length and limits are 2 bass in Urban Lakes or 1 bass in Urban Ponds. Get a copy of the Arizona or Urban fishing regulations or note fish limits posted on Urban Fishing Program signs at all Urban waters. STOCKING UPDATES: • Phoenix Area Lakes - Last stocked: April 2 catfish, March 27-28 sunfish. Next stocking: Catfish the week of April 14-19. • Tucson Area Lakes - Last stocked: April 2 catfish, March 27-28 sunfish. Next stocking: Catfish the week of April 14-19. • Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Last stocked: April 1 trout. Next stocking: Trout the week of April 14-19. PICTURES OF THE WEEK FROM www.azgfd.net/photos/ Silverbell catfish caught by the son of the photo poster, OVfisher. Great job - thank you for submitting your catch. Here is a hearty channel cat caught out of Sahuarita lake near Tucson. Great job gonefishingAZ - thanks for sharing your success with us. If you want to share a your fishing brag, visit: www.azgfd.net/photos/. Remember the Web. Go to www.azgfd.gov for updated stocking schedules, fishing clinics, public events, and other great fishing information! Also check out the Web for new information on the Urban Fishing Program, Weekly Fishing Reports, to get your own copy of this Urban Fishing Bulletin, or submit your email address to get your name on our bi- weekly email distribution list. View the Urban Fishing Bulletin on our web site. The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above. MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT: Change your E-mail address or subscriptions. Unsubscribe from all lists. .