URBAN FISHING BULLETIN
For the weeks of July 10 – Aug.13, 2011
Note: The Urban Fishing Program does not stock fish from July 4 through mid-September at any of our 21 designated waters. Stockings will resume the week of September 19-24.
Anglers Need To Adapt To Summer Conditions for Success
Caption: User submitted photo: Thought we would try a urban licence this year...really paid off! the kids caught these in about an hour at chaparral in scottsdale.With catfish stockings on hold over the summer months, fishing becomes more challenging requiring anglers to be adaptable, patient and persistent.
The dumb stockers are pretty much gone now, but plenty of wily catfish still lurk the depths of the lakes. The many catfish, bass and bluegill remaining in the lakes have been around for awhile and have seen a lot of the same baits, presented in the same way.
Successful summer anglers have learned to change it up and experiment with new baits, new bait combinations and new presentations. Try combining a piece of shrimp with a worm, or dip a hot dog in stink bait. Do a web search for “secret catfish baits” and discover an amazing selection of concoctions sure to increase your fishing success.
This is the time to make some rigging changes and try out some of the fluorocarbon fishing lines in lighter test weights to make your line practically invisible; or try fishing without weights and let your bait flutter to the bottom. For more bites, fish with 4-6 pound test line and keep your weights to a minimum.
Keep trying new things, keep at it, and have fun learning more about fishing this summer.
Submit Your Favorite Fishing Photos On Our Website
Do you have a recent fishing picture from an Urban Fishing adventure? Join hundreds of others that have shared their special fishing moments by submitting their photos on the Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov. Click on the Your Photos section on the front page.
It is fun to look at many of the big bass, catfish, trout, and even carp that urban anglers have caught. Some of the most often viewed pictures are of children showing off their smiles together with the first fish they have ever caught. With nearly 1,500 pictures posted, all anglers can learn some useful tips by pulling up the pictures to discover where the fish were caught and perhaps some insight on what baits to use or how to set up your leaders, hooks and weight.
Urban Fishing Report
Fishing has tapered off at all Urban Fishing waters statewide now that the spring catfish stocking season has ended. Fish stockings will resume in mid-September once temperatures start to cool.
Fishing is still fair at lakes as many catfish still remain, bluegill and other sunfish species are still plentiful, and bass are still lurking around. To be successful, anglers may have to try some new baits and methods, mixed with some persistence and patience to have regular success.
With water temperatures around 90 degrees, the resident fish are becoming more lethargic. Fish activity is best after dark or in the early morning during these summer months.
The usual catfish baits such as shrimp, worms, and dough/stink baits are good to try, but this is a good time to experiment and combine baits or mix up a new catfish bait concoction you discovered on the internet.
At Green Valley lakes (Payson) the best fishing is for crappie, bluegill, bass and catfish. Try small marabou jigs or curly tail grubs for the sunfish and bass, or you can’t go wrong with a worm 3-5 feet below a small bobber.
Stocking Schedule:
All UFP waters in Phoenix area and Tucson area - Last stocked catfish, July 1 (final spring stocking before the summer break.) There are no further stockings until the week of Sept. 19-24.
Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Last stocked trout, May 7. No further stockings until October.
To find the closest urban water near you and other information about fishing the urban program, visit www.azgfd.gov/urbanfishing.
source from : azgfd.net
