Rory's fishing tips:
First, great news, Parker Canyon Lake in southern Arizona is now open to fishing. The store is open, your can rent a boat etc.
It's good to be back. Jim Harken did a great job pulling together the fishing report while I was gone gallivanting around Colorado and Utah.
My top pick right now is Lees Ferry for the cicada bite. It might not be as good as years past, but this is still some world-class fishing for both fly and spin anglers. Check out the Lees Ferry fishing report at http://www.leesferry.com/report/index.php.
Another spot on the summer hit parade is Big Lake in the White Mountains. I chatted with Steve at the Big Lake store and anglers right now are catching their limits in about 90 minutes with fish averaging 14-inches plus -- fishing is excellent. He said people are still staying away in droves because they think the fire impacted Big Lake -- it didn't. At least not negatively.
In fact, because there was zero fishing pressure during the closure for the Wallow Fire, the fish are now much more susceptible to angler offerings. Apparently Z-Rays and inline spinners are the ticket. You'll want to get to Big Lake before the rest of Arizona learns that this is THE high country trout fishing spot.
Remember, Big Lake has rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The best fishing is from a boat, but shore anglers are readily catching limits as well. Also, the store has some real cool T-shirts about Big Lake surviving the Wallow Fire. I don't know if they will eventually be collectors items, but I am planning on collecting a couple of them to wear in honor of my favorite trout lake.
The Mogollon Rim lakes are also worth a visit. I've received some decent reports from anglers catching nice trout at Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon and Knoll Lakes. My friend Cinda Howard with Orvis in Scottsdale also caught a dandy largemouth bass at Black Canyon Lake; on a fly rod of course.
It sounds like you'll want to explore Lake Powell right now for the striped bass topwater bite, although apparently KastMasters with a green stripe have been the go-to lure. Also try Zara Puppies and Zara Spooks (both made by Heddon). Not sure why the green stripe is working (lateral line for largemouth bass), but it might be worthwhile to paint a green lateral line on a white spook. If it works, let me know.
As the marines would say, "Adapt and overcome."
With a waning moon right now and a new moon July 30, this is an excellent time to fish at night using submersible lights, especially for striped bass and crappie. Pleasant, Havasu, Mead and Powell are my top picks for stripers. Alamo, Roosevelt, and Bartlett get the nod for crappie. Possibly San Carlos, but haven't gotten a recent report.
For catfish, this is the prime time for fishing at night from the shoreline or a boat. Channel catfish are super abundant at all our desert lakes. In fact, they are seldom-tapped fishing resources, which is a shame because they are easy to catch, excellent fighters and they provide some of the best eating as well.
Finally, as we approach the new moon, look skyward at night. This is the leading edge of the Perseid meteor showers. The peak in mid August coincides with a full moon, so the new moon on July 30 might really provide some of the best viewing this summer. I really like both Mead and Mohave for their dry summer air and great night sky viewing. Big Lake can be superb if the monsoons don't interfere.
Go catch some excellent summer memories. Lord willing, maybe I'll see you out there.
CENTRAL WATERS
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?” at bfishing@azgfd.gov
URBAN -- 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.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE - Bass fishing is slow during the day. Fish can be caught before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. at times. Try crank baits and rubber worms around the ledges and docks. Minnows under a slip bobber will work as well. A good mixed bag of yellows, catfish and sunfish can also be caught this way. Yellow bass and bluegill are plentiful in the 5- to 7-inch range and will bite mealworms or night crawlers. Channel catfish averaging 1 to 2 pounds will bite stink baits, hotdogs and shrimp.
Where: river bottom just east of tempe town lake
When: 07/17/11
Caught: largemouth bass
Technique: spinnerbait & drop shot.
Name: j. chavez
LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,676 ft (72 percent full). With a New Moon July 30, this is an excellent time to fish at night using submersible lights. Try frozen anchovies for striped bass off the main lake points, islands and reefs.
Nighttime anglers are catching stripers using anchovies with lights. For one group the bite started at 9:30 stopped right before the wind changed directions and became real strong. After the storm passed, they again started catching more stripers till they pulled in their desired amount.
Another nighttime duo had their sights on fishing in mid lake but the wind made it impossible. They ended up catching 12 in a cove using anchovies with lights and left at midnight.
Two anglers fished from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. and caught 21 stripers and 4 largemouth bass with topwater lures.
A father son duo employed the drop shot technique and caught quite a few largemouth bass off points in 17 to 25 feet of water. They also noticed lots of small bass feeding heavily on shad in the backs of coves.
One angler states the largemouth bass fishing is on fire right now. Off main points adjacent to deep water and secondary points is the habitat that is working for him. Wacky rigged Senkos, lucky craft Ghost minnows and drop shot with Roboworms are providing more than adequate bass enticement.
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake Elevation is 2,135 feet (81 percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is 2 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 118 cfs.
With a new moon on July 30, this is an excellent time to fish at night under submersible lights for crappie and largemouth bass.
This is also a great time to try for flathead catfish. Try using bluegill or small carp as bait, especially where the Salt River enters the lake.
A couple anglers fished near Windy Hill at night from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. They caught 5 bass over 16 inches, 5 under 13 inches and one channel cat. The bite died at about midnight. All were caught on Texas rigged baits and jigs.
Another duo fished the Windy Hill area from 7 p.m. to about 1 a.m. and caught quite a few fish; they briefly held on to the 5 best bass for a tournament they were in. They also caught a cat. The bass averaged about 2 pounds although they nabbed the two largest bass after midnight.
A fishing threesome caught about 30 fish on Texas-rigged worms and jigs in 30 to 40 feet of water.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,909 ft (95 percent full).
Fishing at Apache Lake is providing excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers are catching largemouth bass in coves and next to emergent vegetation and rocky shores.
Catfish fishermen are having no problems catching them with worms. Carp are still active in various coves for those who want to hook into a big strong fish. Load your hook up with corn or dough bait for carp.
Angler Report: Apache Lake, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (both days)
July 1st - 15 Largemouth
July 8th - 21 Largemouth
Bass averaged 2 pounds each. Biggest was a three pounder. All caught west of the marina on the north side in 10' water. Any worm (live or plastic) worked regardless of rigging. Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Split-shot, etc. I just let sit on the bottom and the fish would come pick up the bait. I was using 4-6 lb test with a small Kahle hook. This is at the same location I fished regularly between 1989 - 1998 and would always catch smallmouth. Now, no smallies. :( :(
Tim Rafferty
CANYON - Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95 percent full. A kayaking angler fished from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. He caught 5 bass (about 14 inches) trolling Rapalas shad crankbaits. Then he caught 2 more bass using the drop shot method off a point in Lost Dutchman Bay. He picked up 4 catfish in the main lake area off El Capitan using curly tailed minnows on jigs. He also nabbed a 15 inch walleye – congrats to him.
Canyon is not always kind to novice anglers (or even skilled ones), but it does hold some of the largest largemouth bass in the state. Summer nights might just provide you a lunker memory to hang in your mind for years to come.
SAGUARO - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 94 percent full. Two anglers fished from 7 p.m. pretty much all night with a little shut eye before resuming. They caught over 29 bass. No huge ones till the last one; it was fat. Most fish were caught using dropshot in about 15 feet of water.
One angler fished from safe light until nearly 10am. Water clarity was about three feet. He caught 6 fish using topwater. Drop shot outfitted with Robo worms resulted in boating three more. Jigs also worked.
Angler Reports:
Hi and thanks for the weekly fishing reports! I finally have an angler report to share and I appreciate the opportunity to do so. Last Friday night, July 15th, a friend and I fished Saguaro Lake from about 11 p.m. to about 6 a.m. We fished from the shore in deep water off of a point between two of the coves on the north side of the lake. We caught 4 catfish using night crawlers and stink bait off the bottom. Chicken livers didn't get one bite and the stink bait worked the best. The biggest fish was about 15-16" long - I don't know how much it weighed. It was caught with a night crawler and when we cleaned it, we found two crawfish in it's gut that were swallowed whole!
We were happy with what we caught and had a fun night out at the lake. A picture of us with our fish can be seen here: http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x264/davidc_pics/?action=view¤t=catfish1.jpg
- David C. and Clay S. from the East Valley
Hi:
This is a picture (left) of 9-year-old angler Spencer Schweers of Scottsdale showing off his new personal record, 26-inch Channel Cat. They were very aggressive at Saguaro at sunrise two Saturdays ago; the big one was caught with a night crawler as well as a smaller one. The others on hot dog and a small crankbait.
Thanks for keeping us informed of what's working!
Aaron Schweers
Note - If you happen to reel in a lunker, there is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.
BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1760 ft, which is 52% full. Reservoir release is 150 cfs.
One fisherman started around 6 am and left the lake by 11am. He had good luck with cranks and jerks around the Yellow Cliffs area and a couple in the main lake. Up river he caught about 17 between 8 and 11 inches, 2 over 2 pounds and one ever 3 pounds. He noticed cranks worked better for the smaller fish and sencos were what the larger bass fell for.
A father and his two sons pulled an overnighter. They caught about 25 bluegills before dark to use as bait for their total of 10 bass, 6 channel cats and 2 flathead catfish.
An angler fish in the morning and caught about 15 bass using jigs and drop shot over and among the uneven substrate visible on his sonar.
Angler Reports:
Rory:
Here’s a picture of Benjamin (11 yr) at Bartlett Lake with a pair of flatheads caught Sunday on bluegills (see picture on the right).
Thanks,
Buck J. Yee
To the editor:
Last weekend my dad and I fished from Friday evening to Saturday night at Bartlett Lake and this is what we ran into. We totaled 15 catfish over 15 pounds totaling well over 300 pounds of fish. The largest was 49 inches and 53 pounds (this was by our personal record), and the 2nd largest was 38 inches and 34 pounds. We were trolling with deep-diving white crankbaits let out 140-160 feet behind the boat at the north end of the lake. This was by far the best fishing trip either of us had ever taken.
Thanks for putting out a stellar report every week,
Richard and Bill Dickerson
HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 1,951 feet 0 percent full. They are releasing water at 80 cfs.
AZGF,
Just wanted to share my last fishing trip to the Verde River below Horseshoe Dam. We arrived around 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 18th. It was a last minute trip , so all we had for bait was worms and chicken liver. We didn't have time to get water dogs.
Around 11 p.m. I tossed a large piece of chicken liver just below rapids in the "channel." Instantly, my pole nearly bent in half and I hooked a channel cat. This fish was jumping clear out of the water like a trout or bass. Little did I know it one of the largest channel's I had ever caught in this area. When I finally landed it, I instantly weighed it and it came in at a healthy 4 pounds even. (check out the attached picture)
In total, we caught at least 20 fish. All channels except one largemouth bass and two flatheads. This is the third weekend fishing the Verde river below Horseshoe Dam with ecellent fishing. I would like to say exactly where we are catching them, but I don't want to spoil it for us.......we catch and release. I will say that the most of the excellent areas to fish are at least one mile below the dam. A canoe or small boat is a must! Good Luck!!
Scott- Phoenix
VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 123 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 150 cfs.. Fishing has been poor for largemouth, smallmouth and catfish. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). For further information concerning regulations, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (480) 324-3544.
SALT RIVER (above Roosevelt) - Salt River into Roosevelt is 118 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 119 cfs. They are releasing 1,625 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro..
LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – They are releasing 1,6250 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
Rainbow trout were stocked at Blue Point Bridge and Water Users Park a few weeks ago. Try inline spinners, Power Bait or drifting night crawlers. Fly-fishing can be good with nymphs and Wooly Buggers.
Largemouth bass and other warmwater fish can be caught in the deeper holes.
CREEKS
Haigler Creek – Haigler Creek is stocked weekly with rainbow trout near the campgrounds. These fish can be easily taken using bait, spinners and a variety of flies. The upper hike in section (from Fisherman’s Point) has good numbers of wild rainbows and some large wild browns. Try attractor patterns and small beadhead nymphs like hares ear, copper john and prince nymphs.
Canyon Creek – The upstream portion of Canyon Creek (above OW Bridge) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout and you can keep 4 trout of any size. Bait, spinners and flies are very effective for the rainbows. The lower section below OW Bridge contains primarily wild brown trout and is catch-and-release only using artificial flies and lures. Please obey these regulations. This time of year terrestrials can provide some good action. Try using a grasshopper pattern and dropping a small beadhead nymph off of it. Don’t be afraid to fish for the larger browns after dark. Try using wolly buggers, muddler minnows or even a floating mouse pattern. Fishing can be slow but you might be rewarded with a large brown trout.
Tonto Creek – Upper Tonto Creek (above Hwy 260) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Try the usual stuff. There are good numbers of wild rainbow and brown trout downstream of Bear Flat. The hiking is strenuous and you should be prepared to swim if you plan to fish very far below Bear Flat.
Angler Report: Went up to Tonto Creek yesterday and had to fish the small stretch of water between the 260 and Khols Ranch due to the forest closure on the North side of the 260. Not too happy about the closure because I brought my grand-father along and it would have been nice for him to use the new handicap access at the picnic area. So we found a way for him to get down to the creek and fish. Water was a little cloudy from the recent monsoon rains but the flow was good. We were using worms and within a few minutes my grand-father and I each caught a baby rainbow in the 3-4 inch range. We released them back into the creek for next year. We moved to another pool up stream and saw a decent rainbow rise and feed off an insect. We starting fishing for him and my grand-father hooked him 2 times but was never able to land him. We were catching a lot of crawdads. I was finally able to catch that Rainbow. He ended up at 13 inches. Final count for the day was 3 Rainbows (2 were released) and 43 crawfish.
Tom Leeper
Christopher Creek – Stocked weekly with rainbow trout. The section of stream near the See Canyon trail head contains a nice mix of stocked rainbow trout and wild browns. This is a really nice section of stream to fish. Try your typical trout arsenal.
HORSETHIEF BASIN LAKE – No new report
COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?” at bfishing@azgfd.gov
LAKE POWELL – Lake Powell Fish Report - By: Wayne Gustaveson July 20, 2011. Lake Elevation: 3,660. Water Temperature 78-83 F
Fishing is improving - slowly and steadily. We survived the full moon period where catching was slow to nonexistent. Now we are heading into much better conditions with lake level stabilizing, water temperature leveling off and shad growing larger. The variables combine to make it easy to predict good fishing times ahead. Here is what to expect.
The headline news in summer is surface feeding by striped bass. If not the only game in town it is certainly the biggest draw. In the southern lake the first surface dimples appear at approximately 6 a.m. (MST) as about 5 stripers chase slow swimming shad. The little slurping boil is noticeable but not often repeated. The boat can be positioned near the fading surface rings but no fish pop up to take the lures. But with time, striper group size increases to more than 10, slurps get a bit bigger, and the school resurfaces allowing a good cast over the feeding fish. The key is to cast just as stripers resurface for the second time. Then a lure placed in front of the first fish will be eaten perhaps a third of the time. If this sounds a bit picky - it is. Our best lure in these conditions was a KastMaster spoon with a chartreuse stripe.
The best time to fish boils this week is between 7-8 a.m. Fish are more likely to hit the lure during this magic hour. Later in the day slurps are seen more often but fish are entirely focused on small shad and not as likely to hit a variety of lures. These are "ghost boils" meaning you can see the boil but not often catch fish. While this sounds like very tough fishing it is very encouraging to me, in that, fishing is improving every day. Perhaps as early as next week slurping fish will be very catchable.
Better news is that the first boils have been seen at White Canyon in the Hite area. Water is clearing some allowing shad and stripers to see each other. When the boils at Hite start up the rest of the lake will pale in comparison. That may be the end of July but more likely sometime in August.
Stripers are eating very well even though the surface slurps are small. Their guts are stuffed with small shad .
This week the hot spot remains the channel from the mouth of San Juan to Escalante. There are still lots of boils seen in this remote section of canyon. These are not "ghosts" but aggressive stripers chasing larger shad in reasonably clear water.
Bass fishing is decent with smallmouth hovering around main channel structure including rock piles and terraces. Small fish are in shallow water now but larger bass are still down 15-30 feet. There is a decent bite going for largemouth in the deeper cuts leading to the tree lined end of the cove. Surface lures and white Zoom flukes are productive as bass are in the tree tops waiting for shad or sunfish to swim by.
Fillets are prime again now that stripers and shad are back on the same wavelength.
Catfish are being caught in big numbers now as they are in their most active period following spawning. Sunfish are very active in the brush near shore. They are best caught on live worms and small hooks. The best bait for shallow water right now is a live worm. Many different species of fish can be caught on worms.
Anchovies work at times but most stripers are now looking up to see shad and ignoring bait.
LEES FERRY -- Lees Ferry Fishing Report and forecast 7/14/11 by Terry Gunn
Cicadas, monsoons, and high water; this pretty much describes what is currently happening right now at Lees Ferry.
Our monsoon season has recently arrived bringing some rain, clouds, and welcome cooler weather.
The Cicadas are singing and the fish have just recently begun to key in on them. Unless something changes in the next few days and the cicadas are just late or the hatch grows in intensity, this will not be remembered as a banner cicada year. There are many bugs singing in the trees, however, there does not appear to be near the numbers that occur some years. I’m not sure why this is but every year is different.
Our cicada is an annual variety where most cicadas are a periodic variety that only show up every 7 or 14 years. Another factor that will likely affect future cicada hatches is the loss of the tamarisk trees here and across the Southwest since the tamarisk beetle arrived; all of the tamarisk trees between Lees Ferry and Glen Canyon dam are either dead or dying. The cicada nymphs live in the ground for several years feeding on the roots of vegetation before hatching and I would think that this loss of food will impact the cicada population. I expect the cicada fishing to last at least another two weeks and possibly longer. One interesting side note is that some of the larger fish that my clients have been catching has been on cicadas versus nymphs.
The heavy nymph fishing continues to be productive and consistent. I’m using a very long leader (14-ft from the indicator to the AAA split shot), with a San Juan worm and a size #14 ginger scud. We have been drifting the riffles and runs that we would usually wade. This style of fishing is especially productive and consistent in the higher water.
The trout continue to eat midges in certain areas of the river and your best bet is to fish a double midge rig on a long leader with a split shot. Assorted zebra midges are the ticket and the larger sizes work best. I have been surprised at the intensity of the midge hatches in the higher water, I usually associate prolific midge hatches to lower flow releases but that has not been the case.
The current water flow from Glen Canyon Dam is 25,000-cfs, 24 hours a day. Lake Powell has risen 44 feet so far this season and continues to rise on average of half a foot a day. The high flows bode well for the river and fishing; every “fishing boom” period at Lees Ferry has been preceded by extended high water flows exactly like the one we are seeing right now; it is all about nutrient transfer, food production, oxygenation, and movement of food.
Expect high flows to continue for several months and if there is a good snow pack next year expect to see them again. This is all about filling lake Mead which is still at critically low levels despite the high flows. Current flow projections are calling for a reduction in water releases for September and October to 14,000 cfs, the fishing should really be on fire with these lower flows so plan to be here.
Walk in: The Walk-In area has been doing really great. Fishing conditions here are of equal status to upriver, albeit diverse in many ways.
Techniques differ. For instance, the upper boulder field section of the Walk-In provides (surprisingly) calmer water and lower flows in certain areas. This means that you will be performing shorter drifts. Fish near aquatic structures and in the inside seams of the slower body of water meeting the much faster water current.
The middle section of the Walk-In, near the boulder in the middle of the river requires a much different approach. You will be using longer drifts with a lot of split shot – focusing on the banks. Don’t wade past your knees – any further and you will be on top of the fish.
As for flies, use Laser Midges, Zebra Midges, and Glo Bugs. Feel free to play with Cicadas as well, but not until about 2:30PM in the Walk-In.
Overall; Walk-In is a really great section to fish. There is a plethora of rainbow trout in this section of water all waiting to be caught. Wading is ideal. Just don’t wade past your knees because of the speedy current. Have fun.
Spin Fishing: Spin fishing is good! It’s all about bouncing glo bugs off the bottom.
You can also try fishing with gold KastMasters or black and gold Panther Martins. I have heard many success stories with these two flies.
Also definitely don’t forget about the marabou jig, this one has been working great and has been very reliable. Try the olive and black.
If you have some news you would like to report about fishing lees ferry, the walk-in section or up river please e-mail your report to: anglers@leesferry.com Attn. Lees Ferry Fishing Report. We would be happy to have your input, and pass it along.
LAKE MEAD – The current water level is 1105 feet above msl. Lake levels have moved up about a foot this past week. Stripers and catfish are biting. Many anglers were successful last weekend. Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice. Check the moon phases before you go – there is a waning moon right now and the next new moon is Saturday, July 30. Dark nights work best when fishing under light.
Fish for strippers in 50 plus feet of water to find the larger fish. If you can locate the shad, the stripers are not far behind. Trolling usually works best in areas were shad are found and best done in the early mornings and evenings. The recent Stripe-R-Rama XX produced a tournament record monster striped bass that tipped the scales at just over 52 lbs. and was caught trolling at 20 feet deep over a grass bed. This of course produced the winning team with a 40 fish bag of 115 lbs. The second place team’s 40 fish bag weighed just under 74 lbs. The second biggest fish weighed 3.95 lbs with the average fish weighed was approximately 1.5 lbs.
Launching conditions at South Cove have improved as the water level has gone up. There are currently four lanes.
Important notice: With the 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 lake level is around 642 feet above msl. The black bass are hitting soft baits when worked slowly. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom. While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. A local fisherman that fishes at Katherine’s Landing fishing pier often said the strippers bite is down, but did catch the biggest stripper he had ever caught there. He catches catfish often in the 2-8 lb. range. Best time to fish is at night for cats and he likes fishing for largemouth and smallmouth in the early morning with blue, black and purple and black grubs and worms.
Submersible lights fished during the new moon are an effective way to catch stripers. New moon was Wednesday, June 1st. Cut anchovies usually work the best.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove, Shoshone, and Arrowhead. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill and catfish 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 mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the 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 www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH – Willow beach is stocked every Friday with 3,000 13-inch rainbow trout. Rainbow, orange and yellow Power Baits and Power worms were being used most for trout. Jakes, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails are also usually effective. Fishing is usually best near the fishing pear after the Friday stocking. Construction near the river is mostly complete and the new store and parking lots are open.
Important notice: With the 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 mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
TOPOCK MARSH – Night crawlers have been tempting catfish at Catfish Paradise. Midday this is the place to be. Bass can be hit and miss.
You can access the marsh by boat at the 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 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 www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Trout were last stocked the week of March 8. This was the last stocking at Davis Camp until October of 2011. Trout continue to bite in the casino area. In addition to the stockers multiple anglers have been reporting catching trout in the 20- to 22-inch range on night crawlers.
Although the striper bite at Topock Gorge has been absent, the bluegill action has been first-rate. Meal worms, bits and pieces of night crawlers as well as plastics are all producing. Smallmouth bass weighing between 1- and 5-pounds continue to be taken, but no largemouth bass have been reported.
Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter. The fish are normally stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.
Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses.
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 mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Verde Valley.
SOUTHWESTERN WATERS
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?" at bfishing@azgfd.gov.
LAKE HAVASU -- No recent reports. Striper fishing should be good right now. Also try topwater frogs at first light in where the Bill Williams River enters the lake. Night fishing for stripers should be good using anchovies -- the new moon is July 30. You might also find some daytime action for stripers feeding at the surface -- use your binoculars to find birds, like seagulls, actively feeding at the surface and go join them.
PARKER STRIP -- This is a good time to float the current near the dam and work curly-tails jigs or small topwater lures for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Catfishing should be picking up. We've got mostly channels and some flatheads on the strip. They'll be getting more active as the days get hotter with the best action at night. Channel cats should be hitting on night crawlers or frozen anchovies. Good local areas include, Patria Flats day use, La Paz County Park near the lagoon, upper end of Barefoot Alley, and even take off point at the south end of Havasu right by Parker Dam. Flatheads will be hitting on live bait, bluegill work well but many of the locals like goldfish too.
The smallmouth bass fishing is best just below Parker Dam.
And as an FYI, the parker stretch is generally drawn down to its lowest on Thursdays, which could affect boating, so be careful out there.
ALAMO LAKE -- Report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park.
I was deployed to the Wallow Fire a few weeks back so everything is hear say on fishing. Pam and Ward Peterson have been catching some nice sized bass trolling deep diving crank baits in the upper end of the lake. They have been catching a few crappies also. Locals have been telling me there catching 3 pounders (bass) and up on top water. This starts around day break and is over by 7 a.m. There throwing chug bugs and buzz baits.
As you know we closed Cholla campground and boat ramp for the summer. The repairs, with a little luck, should be done by the end of September. In the meantime the Dept installed a courtesy dock at the main ramp. Once Cholla ramp is completed, a dock will be added there also.
That's all I got. Mark
TOPOCK GORGE – Capt. Doyle’s report - Catfish in the Topock Gorge remain disinclined. However, a monster of a cat–it looked to be about eighteen inches across its head¬–was seen chasing a big bass in the back waters of the refuge. Jerry Smith and Keith Dockwell of Golden Valley, Arizona killed the sunfish and the smallmouth bass! The duo caught and released twenty bluegill and eighteen smallmouth bass. Also taken and released was a 7-pound carp that by the way it acted all aboard thought it was a striped bass–it swam to open water rather than the tulles. Although a small number of largemouth bass have been caught, the majority of the bass that end up on the hook are smallmouth. Sizes have been ranging from dinks to 5-pounders and while night crawlers are nearly always successful, my preferred bait has been four inch black and purple curly tails Texas rigged. Striper action has been somewhat lean. Nevertheless there are some decent numbers being caught after dark near the rocky points.
COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) -- Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes. The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or larger. Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies. Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.
Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.
COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PALO VERDE DIVERSION DAM AND WALTER’S CAMP) -- This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2 to 5 pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. Flathead catfish surveys last May yielded a handful of fish between 15 and 50 pounds in this section of the river, although the majority of fish were much smaller. The time for fishing for both species of catfish will be late spring and throughout the summer. Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing. Lively bait is the key to successful flathead fishing. Using the largest bait fish you can come by will increase the odds of catching a larger flathead.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN WALTER’S CAMP AND PICACHO STATE PARK) -- This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). Backwaters are somewhat limited in this stretch of the river, but the few that are there will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill, redear and occasionally black crappie). Channel catfish are also very numerous in this section of the river. Smaller numbers of smallmouth bass and striped bass also occur.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PICACHO STATE PARK AND IMPERIAL DAM) -- This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds not uncommon, occasionally much larger. There is definitely a state record or two lurking in these waters. Only very heavy fishing tackle will suffice for the really large fish. Bluegills, redear sunfish and black crappie are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the channels connecting backwaters and the main river channel. Smallmouth bass seem to be on the increase in the lower river above Imperial Dam. They generally prefer swifter water and rockier substrate than largemouth bass, and certainly aren’t as numerous, but they are very aggressive and very scrappy fighters and well worth seeking out.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN LAGUNA AND MORELOS DAMS) -- This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area. Be aware that some sections of the river are within Quechan tribal boundaries, and a tribal permit is required to fish there. Boundaries are not well marked, so doing some research prior to fishing this section may prevent hassles while you are out there.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend exercising extreme caution, avoiding nighttime use, or even staying away from the area altogether (Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam).
MITTRY LAKE -- Mittry Lake is located just above Laguna Dam, and supports a good population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, and even some good-sized flathead catfish. There are shoreline fishing opportunities at this lake in the form of about a dozen rock jetties, but you’ll probably have the best success in a small boat. Mittry Lake can be frustrating, as the bite seems to be real variable, but the fish are there. It is just a question of getting them to respond to your presentation. The water tends to be very murky most of the year, except for the upper end of Teal Alley where the lake inflow comes in, so play to the fish’s sense of hearing and smell, rather than sight. There are also crappie and sunfish to be caught, although they tend to average relatively small in size. Mittry Lake is well-known locally for the quality largemouth bass it produces, and fishing during the spring spawn will increase your chances of success.
YUMA AREA PONDS -- The Department has stepped up efforts to encourage the recruitment of new anglers, and retention of existing ones. To this end, the Department has increased stocking efforts in a few ponds in the Yuma area that are easily accessed without a boat, within a short distance of the urban center. Those ponds are the Yuma West Wetlands pond, located in the City Park, and Redondo and Fortuna ponds, located about 10 miles northeast of Yuma. Access to Redondo Pond was recently improved with the addition of an ADA compliant fishing pier, and thick cattail growth was removed at Fortuna Pond this summer, improving shoreline access by many orders of magnitude. All of these waters received multiple stockings of rainbow trout in the winter months; Redondo Pond will be stocked with channel catfish during the spring, and the Yuma West Wetlands pond will receive channel catfish and bluegills. We may be able to stock Fortuna Pond with channel catfish in the future, pending the outcome of the statewide sport-fish stocking consultation with the USFWS that is hopefully nearing completion. Depending on available funding, we hope to continue regular stockings into all three of these shoreline-accessible waters, and perhaps add additional waters to our stocking schedule. These ponds provide an ideal place to take the family. All three waters now are provided with restroom and trash facilities. Special regulations on fish limits are in effect for these waters, so be sure to consult the Regulations before you take fish.
REGIONAL HOT SPOTS -- Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon. Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our Region (and perhaps the State) for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish. Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher. The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam. Expect many in the 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters. Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds.
If you need any additional information or assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have. A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website and forum at www.yumabassman.com.
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note: Due to increased precipitation, as of 12 July the Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Fire restrictions continue in portions of the Apache, Tonto and Coronado National Forests. All fire restrictions have also been lifted for the Grand Canyon. During this time of increased precipitation, debris flows are a concern in areas of recent fire activity. For more fire information go to: http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is closed. Fishing wasn’t as good this weekend as last because of the active monsoon pattern. Some nice crappie and bluegill were being caught on flies. Trout were also being caught on bait. Scheduled to be stocked this week. Stocked last week
CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open.
CITY RESERVOIR — No new report
DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
JD DAM — Had an angler report that he did well on wooly buggers.
RUSSELL TANK - The lake is to shallow to stock.
SANTA FE — No Report.
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campground is open.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — No report
UPPER LAKE MARY — Fishing was slow over the weekend except in the area of the Narrows.
Angler Report: Last week, I took my friend Drew Nosbisch out fishing for the first time in his life up at Upper Lake Mary and this was the first fish he ever caught in his life – a 6 lb, 30-inch Northern Pike! He still hasn’t stopped smiling and bragging about it!
James Chance
ASHURST LAKE — Stocked. Fishing slowed with the active monsoon pattern this weekend. Trout were being caught on worms under a bobber or yellow powerbait on the bottom.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing was good on corn dropped straight down by the dam.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — No report
MARSHALL LAKE — No report
OAK CREEK — Stocked last week. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
(Here are two successful fishermen at Oak Creek)
LONG LAKE — No report
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — No report
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH
BLUE RIDGE — No report
KNOLL LAKE — No report. Stocked last week.
VERDE VALLEY:
Note: Fire restrictions have been lifted in the Coconino National Forest.
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked for free fishing day on June 4th. The catfish bite should remain good following the stocking. They bite best in the early morning hours and the evening.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – The last trout stocking was the week of March 7th. The catfish and bass should be active. Always check your regulations before fishing this area with live bait. Game and Fish Commission Rule requires anglers to only use live bait that has been caught in the river. No transporting of live baitfish or crayfish is allowed.
BEAVER CREEK – No report.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report.
OAK CREEK — Scheduled to be stocked this week. Fishing will likely range from fair to good for rainbows, depending on the stretch you fish, and poor to fair for brown trout, with the best brown fishing located in the upper end of the canyon in the signed catch-and-release area. There was a report of a nice 2.5-pound brown caught in the lower canyon.
FOSSIL CREEK -- Is now closed to fishing. This unique catch-and-release, artificial lure with barbless hook only fishing for roundtail chub fishery came to an end April 30. This fishery will open again on the first Saturday of October.
PRESCOTT AREA:
FAIN LAKE — Fain Lake is open and was stocked last week with 500 trout, the week of June 27th. Game and Fish will be stocking bass, catfish and bluegill as soon as it receives clearances.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of then 4th. Many anglers reported doing well. Power bait is probably your best bet, although spinners and flies can do well also. With the monsoons hitting, fishing patterns may change frequently. One day fishing may be great, and the next it may be slow.
Game and Fish has been trying to boost the some of the warm water species in Goldwater. Bass and catfish have been stocked three times over the last four years. The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish. Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 15, 2009 and found bass and catfish populations to be much improved over last year. The number of green sunfish was greatly reduced. The bass had a successful spawn last year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
GRANITE BASIN LAKE –Both largemouth bass and bluegill should be active. If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE – The bass and bluegill should be active. Catfish can be caught in the late evening and early morning. Trout stockings will resume in the fall.
Cut anchovies, night crawlers or hot dog are your best bet for catfish. Lynx can be difficult to fish, if you are not catching anything try moving to a new spot. There are some good spots on the north end of the lake that don’t get fished as heavily as the south end does.
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked last the week of June 20th. The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishing can be really good at times, because angler use is lower than other lakes in the area. This lake is more remote than the other Prescott area lakes and not very big.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700 or online at www.azgfd.gov/ogt_form.shtml. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
WATSON – Watson Lake was stocked with 8250 Rainbow on March 30th. Over 13000 rainbow trout have been stocked since January into Watson Lake. Prior to the January stocking Game and Fish had not stocked trout here since 1962. Not much information coming in about Watson.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful. Crappies were also doing well. Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Willow has a great population of bass. The vegetation makes fishing this lake a challenge in the summer.
If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WHITE MOUNTAINS AND RIM LAKES:
Recommended waters to fish:
Big Lake and Crescent Lake are now open with access on Hwy 273 and fishing is good to excellent. Hwy 261 is still closed. Nelson Reservoir is also open. These lakes have not been fished for over a month and all the trout that normally would have been harvested in June from these lakes are still there waiting to be caught.
The Greer lakes are also open, but are low due to irrigation releases.
The Rim Lakes are now all accessible. The closure on the Sitgreaves National Forest (Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts) was lifted entirely. Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake continue to be the best producing lakes on the Rim; however, Bear Canyon Lake will also be good.
Scheduled Fish Stockings
Week of 7-11-2011
Bear Canyon Lake – 1,946 rainbow trout
Fool Hollow Lake –1,730 rainbow trout
Woods Canyon Lake – 3645 rainbow trout
Willow Springs Lake – 3,038 rainbow trout
Silver Creek – 1,300 Apache trout
Week of 7-18-2011
Silver Creek – 1,500 Apache trout
Fool Hollow Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout
Show Low Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Note: The Forest closure on the Sitgreaves National Forest has been lifted entirely. All Rim Lakes in this forest are now accessible.
BEAR CANYON LAKE – Access to the lake is open along all routes, including Forest Roads 300 and 89. Fishing is good. The lake was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. The water temperature last week was 70 degrees.
BLACK CANYON LAKE – Access to the lake is open along all routes, including Forest Roads 300 and 86. Fishing for stocked trout is fair to good. The lake level is very low, approximately 8 feet down, and launching a boat may be very difficult. The water temperature last week was 65 degrees.
BLUE RIDGE RESERVOIR (CC CRAGIN) -- No recent reports. This has steep canyon sides that are not shore-angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak.
CHEVELON LAKE – Access to the lake is open. Fishing is good. This lake is a hike in fishery. The lake is open to lures and flies only and trout 10-14 inches may not be possessed. The daily and possession limit is 6 trout.
KNOLL LAKE -- Trout are typically deeper right now except when monsoon storms sweep up over the Rim, then it is possible to catch fish in the shallows or at the top of the water column.
Angler report:My 3 sons (14, 10 & 6) and I went to Knoll Lake this weekend. The weather was wonderful with short bursts of sprinkles throughout the day Sunday. Monday morning was the best with one son catching 4 and the other two 3 each in the 2 hours before we pulled out to head back to the heat. We tried worms without a hit but Power Bait (any Power Bait) was the success all weekend and we had a great time. Keep up the great work on your reports.
Thanks,
Randall GardnerWILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – This is a fishiing hot spot. Fishing is fair to good. The lake was recently stocked with over 3,000 rainbow trout. Trolling with lures, flies, or bait with cowbells have been successful. The water temperature last week was 68 degrees.
WOODS CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked recently with over 3,600 rainbow trout. Trolling with lures, flies, or bait with cowbells have been successful. The store is open and boat rentals are available. The water temperature last week was 70 degrees.
Note: A bald eagle closure area is now in effect on a portion of the lake and shoreline on the west side of the lake. Shoreline anglers will need to hike up and around the closure to get to the very upper west portions of the lake, while boaters will just need to avoid the shoreline at the closure. Buoys and signs are in place to mark the closure area.
WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKES and STREAMS
Note: Portions of the Apache National Forest have recently opened to public access.
Highway 273 is open to Big Lake, Crescent Lake, and Lee Valley Lake. Hwy 261 is still closed. The Greer lakes, Nelson Reservoir, and Luna Lake are also now open. Day use only is allowed on Crescent, Lee Valley, Luna, Nelson, and the Greer lakes. Carnero Lake and Sheep’s Crossing, (upstream of bridge), are now open. The forest north of Highway 260 is open. The remainder of the Apache National Forest is closed to public entry. Highways 273, 260, 373, 60, 180 and 191 are open.
Lakes that are NOT accessible due to the Forest closure include:
Hulsey Lake
Pratt Lake
Streams that are NOT accessible due to the Forest closure include:
East Fork Black River
West Fork Black River
LCR upstream of Greer
North stream and forest section at Sheep’s Crossing Bridge
Black River
All the numerous non-stocked streams on the Apache side of the Forest
BECKER LAKE – Becker Lake is open. Water temperatures are high, so fish very early in the morning for best success. Anglers are reporting rainbow trout to 22”. Becker is catch-and-release only, with artificial lures and flies only with single hook. The water temperature last week was 70 degrees.
BIG LAKE – This is THE trout fishing hot spot for Arizona.
Access to the lake was recently opened along Hwy 273 only. The following portions of the Forest around the lake are now open: Big Lake boat ramps and parking areas, Big Lake Visitor’s Center, Big Lake Administrative Site; Big Lake Store and marina, South Cove boat ramp and parking area, Railroad Cove boat ramp and parking area, and Big Lake campgrounds. The store is open and boat rentals are available. Fishing is good to excellent. Anglers are catching trout in 10-15 feet of water. Boat anglers are catching trout on spinners, Z-Rays, KastMasters, and Crickhoppers. Trolling lures, flies, or bait behind cowbells is also productive. Shore anglers need to fish off deep rocky points. Most of the area around Big Lake was unburned and that portion that was burned is mostly grassland, which does not produce much ash. This and the extremely small watershed around the lake mean that Big Lake will not be affected by ash runoff from the fire. The water temperature last week was 66 degrees.
CARNERO LAKE – fishing is fair to good. The lake is now open, but the water level is low. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag and possession limit.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair.
CONCHO LAKE – Fishing is poor. Water levels are extremely low and the lake is covered with weeds. The water temperature last week was 76 degrees.
CRESCENT LAKE – Access to the lake was recently opened along Hwy 273 only. The lake is open to Day use only. Fishing is good. Most of the area around Crescent Lake was unburned and that portion that was burned is mostly grassland, which does not produce much ash. . This and the extremely small watershed around the lake mean that Crescent Lake will not be affected by ash runoff from the fire. Anglers should fish off deep rocky shoreline areas. Try worms, Power Bait, Lures and flies. The store is closed. The water temperature last week was 66 degrees.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. The lake has been stocked recently with rainbow trout Camping is available at this State Recreation Area. Anglers have been catching trout, smallmouth bass, walleyes, crappies, and sunfish. Fish habitat has been placed around the fishing piers and in the southern part of the lake. Anglers should try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. The water temperature last week was 76 degrees.
GREER LAKES – Access to these lakes (River, Tunnel, and Bunch) were recently opened through Hwy 373 and Forest Road 87B. All of the Greer Lakes are open to Day use only. All three lakes are very low due to heavy irrigation use in early summer. Launching boats is difficult.
The boat ramps at River and Bunch reservoir are not usable. Tunnel reservoir is very low and only small boats or float tubes can be used.
Fishing is poor at River due to ash and debris runoff from the Little Colorado River, poor to fair at Bunch, and poor to fair at Tunnel.
All reservoirs are muddy colored.
Hoyer and Benny Creek Campgrounds near these lakes are open. River Reservoir has caught some ash runoff from the burn area during recent monsoon rains, but it has not affected the fish at this point. Bunch and Tunnel are located off the Little Colorado River and will not get significant ash runoff. These lakes are filled from a diversion off the river, which is operated only after Sept 15, and most of the ash coming down the river should be washed past by then.
The water temperature last week for Bunch Reservoir was 70 degrees, Tunnel Reservoir was 68 degrees, and River Reservoir was 66 degrees.
LEE VALLEY LAKE – Access to the lake was recently opened along Hwy 273 only. The lake is open to Day use only. Fishing is fair for Apache trout and Arctic grayling. The lake is very low and launching a boat will be difficult. Use only small boats or float tubes. Lee Valley Lake is open to artificial lures and flies only, with a 2 trout limit. Winn Campground near the lake is also open. Lee Valley Lake is outside of the fire perimeter and will not be affected by ash runoff. The water temperature last week was 64 degrees.
LUNA LAKE – Access to the lake was recently opened for Day use only. Fishing is poor due to an algae bloom. The lake has experienced a fish kill due to high pH’s and low oxygen levels. The lake is low. The Luna Lake Campground is NOT open at this time. Luna Lake may receive ash runoff from the burn area during monsoon rains. However, it has not impacted the lake at this point. The water temperature last week was 72 degrees.
LYMAN LAKE – Lyman Lake State Park is open. Fishing is good for bass and catfish. Camping is available.
NELSON RESERVOIR – Access to the lake was recently opened. The lake is open to Day use only. Access is open to the north end boat ramp, north end parking area, fishing piers, National Forest land underlying Nelson Reservoir, and the lake itself. Fishing is good. Large carryover trout are still present from last year, along with many catchable size rainbows stocked before the closure. Nelson Reservoir may receive ash runoff from the burn area during monsoon rains; however, it has not impacted the lake at this point. The water temperature last week was 68 degrees.
RAINBOW LAKE – Fishing is poor to fair. Bullheads are being caught on worms off the fishing pier. The weeds are fairly thick; however, the weed harvesting machine has been cutting the weeds at the lake.. The water temperature last week was 78 degrees.
SCOTT RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair. Scott Reservoir was stocked recently with rainbow trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. The water temperature last week was 76 degrees.
SHOW LOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Show Low Lake was stocked recently with rainbow trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. The store and campground are open, and boat rentals are available. The water temperature last week was 74 degrees.
SILVER CREEK – Fishing is fair to good.
(Here is a youngster named Conner fishing at Silver Creek.)
The stream has been stocked weekly with Apache trout the stream will be stocked this week with 1,500 Apache trout. . Opportunities for kids to catch their first fish and to fill your bag limit will be very good at Silver Creek. Silver Creek is located off Bourdon Ranch Road, 10 miles northeast of Show Low. Anglers can use bait, lures, and flies, and the bag and possession limit is 6 trout. The upper section is closed to fishing.
WOODLAND LAKE – Fishing is poor to fair. The pH level has increased dramatically and the fishing has slowed because of the water conditions. Fish in early morning or in the evening to avoid the warmest conditions in the middle of the day. The water temperature last week was 70 degrees.
White Mountain Streams
Sheep’s Crossing- The stream is open upstream from the bridge to the headwaters of Mount Baldy. The Forest and the West Fork of the Little Colorado River downstream from the Sheep’s Crossing Bridge is closed.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Note: As of July 13th, some areas of the CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST have reopened. All areas remain under Stage Two fire restrictions. For more fire information go to: http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/pressreleases/AZ.php?id=EFEpVZFAVALcWRVUyi.
Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona! Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.
Summers coming and that means the bass and bluegill fishing is warming up also! Anglers should begin to focus their attention along the shoreline in shady areas for great sunfish opportunities. Live worms and meal worms are the classic baits for these little fighters. Bass anglers will find the best action along the shoreline as well wherever you find breaks in the shoreline vegetation. Trout stocking for the summer months is underway. You can view the schedule here: 2011 Summer Stocking Schedule
URBAN WATERS -- Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8-12 feet deep. Catfish are biting irregularly throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down.
Most catfish are from 14-18 inches, but some lunkers over three pounds are being hauled out of the lakes. Bluegill fishing is good for anglers using worms and mealworms fished under a small bobber in 3-6 foot depths.
Action for largemouth bass is fair with the best baits finesse plastics fished in the early morning hours.
RIGGS FLAT — Now Open!
CLUFF RANCH — Anglers are reporting smaller bass are hitting on night crawlers and that sunfish can be caught all day if you use smaller hooks. An angler also reported a 28-pound channel catfish was caught and released as well. The pond is full and there are no issues with boat launching. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.
ROPER LAKE — For lake information and status of the park call (928) 428-6760.
DANKWORTH POND — Closed to fishing during renovation.
FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – Now Open!
KEARNY LAKES — This small lake remains fishless due to impacts of golden algae.
ARIVACA — Closed due to fire danger.
PENA BLANCA – Closed due to fire danger.
PATAGONIA — The level remains low and boaters should use caution due to increased number of hazards. Some anglers are reporting that bass are beginning to chase shad and are reporting success fishing the boils in the late evening. No other recent reports of success.
Angler Report:
When: 07/09/11
Caught: 4 Largemouth Bass
Technique: Texas rigging power worm baits. 4 and 7 inch.
Comments: Boated 4 total, largest was 3 lbs around 5pm. Also, there was a tourney going from 5 to midnight, "for fun" but 25 extra boats on the lake once a month, every month. Wrong night to go. Warden said water 3 feet low.
Name: Dan Williams
Angler Report:
Where: Patagonia Lake
When: June 26 & 30
Caught: Bluegill
Comments: Bluegill were biting heavy all day. You could see dozens of them in shallow water. Someone next to us caught a catfish.
Name: Jesse
PARKER CANYON — Closed due to fire danger.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — Now open! Although the lake is open we have received no reports of success. The lake was stocked during the closure so there should be plenty of fish available for anglers wishing to get out to the Tucson heat. The next scheduled stocking is the first week of August and will be dependent on water temperatures.
Note to all Anglers: The Sport Fish Restoration Program was created through the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) and the Wallop-Breaux amendments of 1984.
Through a federal excise tax paid by manufacturers on fishing gear and motorboat fuels, it provides grant funds for fishery conservation, boating access, and aquatic education.
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