Arizona Fishing Report - August 6, 2008
Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon and Knoll lakes along the Mogollon Rim are all worth a refreshing visit to rediscover hungry trout jumping after flying insects while soft mountain breezes push puffball clouds across the sky.
Fishing is best at first and last light, or right before afternoon rain showers. However, if there is lightning, don’t be caught near or on the water with a fishing pole in your hand.
Trout fishing high country lakes at night is also terrific. The moon is in the first quarter right now, making this a pretty good time to see shooting stars as well during the Perseid meteor shower. Also, while out camping the past two weeks, we saw satellites crossing the heavens on just about every night while sitting around a campfire (after we let it go to hot coals).
By the way, congratulations to Royal Norman, the weather guy at Channel 3, who just caught-and-released his first golden beauty – an Apache trout – ever while fishing the Little Colorado in Greer along with his family.
Speaking about weather, according to NASA Space Weather, the annual Perseid meteor shower peaks on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The best time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday morning when forecasters expect 50 to 100 meteors per hour. Get away from city lights if you can; plan a camping or fishing trip! The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see.
On the warmwater lakes, it’s tough to beat Lake Pleasant right now. Some anglers are encountering boils – bass (stripers, whites and black bass) actively chasing shad at the surface – at most hours of the day. Sometimes these boils are out in open water that is 50 to 100 feet deep. Take along binoculars to spot the boils. Also watch for bird activity, especially gulls or herons actively feeding on shad at the surface. The night bite is pretty good using anchovies for stripers and catfish.
Mead, Powell and Havasu are also good choices for angling fun chasing surface boils. This is not your typical sit-back-and-relax fishing, it’s intense and exciting. Be sure to have new line on your reels. It sounds like the main lake at Powell might be a little slow, but anglers near Hite (where the Colorado enters the lake) or those fishing in the San Juan Arm are catching 50 to 100 stripers per day on topwater lures. It’s worth the extra travel time for this world-class angling action.
This is also time for three other critters: frogs, bluegill and dragonflies. Bass forage on all three. Topwater frogs can be a hoot. I especially like Arivaca Lake in southern Arizona, but any lake will do. Try throwing the frog on shore and then working it into the water with sporadic movements. When a bass explodes on a frog, it’s pretty dramatic. For bluegill, try some of the swim baits. They might just get you that hawg wall hanger. Fly anglers especially will want to imitate dragonflies. Sometimes the bass will jump out of the water to gobble the flies in mid air, even on your back cast.
This might also be a good weekend for night crappie fishing under lights at Alamo, Roosevelt or Bartlett. Small jigs and live minnows should work well. If you don’t catch anything in an hour or so, move. As I mentioned before, keep a watch on the night sky for meteors.
It sounds like the cicada bite is continuing at Lees Ferry in northern Arizona. Plus, spin anglers are cleaning up using Marabou-style jigs and the like. With gas prices in the somewhat reasonable range again, this is an excellent time to visit the Ferry.
Don’t forget that Game and Fish now has a new interactive online fishing hole map of Arizona. It’s way cool. Also, you can post your fishing pics on our Fishing Blog. Share the good times.
News: Latest summer trout stockings for the week of 08/08 from the Page Springs Hatchery:
* Region 2: Ashurst Lake (3600), White Horse Lake (4500), Kinnikinick Lake (2700), and Oak Creek (1500) were stocked this week. Water Quality: Ashurst Lake: pH 8.0, Temp 76*F; White Horse: pH 9.0, Temp 76*F; Kinnikinick Lake: pH 8.0, Temp 70*F; Oak Creek: Temp 58-70*F.
* Region 3: Goldwater Lake (1350) was stocked on 08/04. Water Quality: pH 8.5, Temp 76*F.
Central Arizona
URBAN LAKES - There are no scheduled fish stockings at Urban Fishing Program waters from July 1 through Sept. 15. Once lake temperatures begin to decrease entering the fall season, then catfish stockings can resume again. This fall, a total of four catfish stockings are planned at two-week intervals before fish stockings switch over to rainbow trout in mid November. Fishing at Urban Program waters will remain slow throughout the summer. Catfish can still be caught, especially from the larger lakes, with bluegill, bass and carp still providing some fun for persistent anglers.
Fishing activity has slowed over the summer due to high water temperatures and absence of fish stockings through July and August. Catfish up to four pounds are still being reported along with fish in the two-pound range, but catch rates are poor overall. The last seasonal (spring/summer) stocking of catfish was June 25. Generally, the best bite is late in the evening; however some anglers are finding hungry cats in the middle of the day. Try baits such as stink bait or shrimp fished on the bottom without a sinker.
Sunfish continue to bite throughout the summer on small worms fished under a bobber; mornings are best. Largemouth fishing is slow with the best activity around dawn for anglers using finesse worms rigged drop-shot or split-shot style, or try topwater at first light. At Green Valley lakes (Payson) the best fishing is for bluegill, crappie and bass. Monsoon rains have kept the lake cooler and seem to invigorate the fish. Try small jigs and worms fished under a bobber at Green Valley.
Angler reports:
Where:Red Mountain
When:08/02/08
Caught:one 13-inch largemouth
Technique:top water( spook)
Comments:Saw lots of nice bass from 3- to 6-pound bass hit the Spook two feet from the shore.
Name:andy
Where: Papago Lake (Urban)
When: 07/21/08
Caught: Catfish
Technique: Bait-Worm. No weight. I used a clear bobber set approx. 3' from the hook.
Comments: Fresh water was flowing into the lake. I casted about 10-20 feet from the opening of the irrigation opening. A couple of minutes later I saw my bobber get pulled down in an instant. I landed a 16 incher that was delicious. What is it about seeing that bobber nose dive from sight? We fishermen and fisherwomen endure the most severe of weather conditions willingly just to see that sight, or the tug on a weighted line? Like junkies awaiting their next fix! God I hope it never wears off! I've been "getting my fix" since I was a kid. I'm 55 now.
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
Where: Evelyn Hallman Pond, formerly Canal Lake
When: 07/23/08
Caught: Nothing
Technique: Worms, corn, Power Bait. On a bobber set at different depths (1'-4').
Comments: I was greatly disappointed. Not in that I didn't get a bite-you have to grow thick skin when it comes to that if you fish regularly. No, I was upset at the condition of the lake. Algae trash and a stench floated on the scummy surface of this once beautiful urban lake. There weren't even any fry fish swimming clustered in small clouds as I remember. The lake had no surface activity. It appeared dead. I was there about 3PM to 5PM. This may have accounted for some of it, but I have fished this lake in the past at various hours and even if my luck was bad, I'd still see surface activity or bait fish swimming along. There is some type of construction making it a little difficult to get in, but that should not be an excuse for Tempe's Park and Recreation Department from doing their job of cleaning up trash or fallen dead tree limbs in the water, or from flushing the lake by opening the flood gates to allow more fresh water in. How about AZ. Game and Fish? Where's that wonderful active lake with all of those fish? What's going on with the smell and the algae?
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE
Shore anglers are catching largemouth bass on crankbaits and jigs.
Angler report:
Where:Tempe Town Lake
When:07/26/08
Caught:9 lb catfish and 2 smaller catfish (1.5lbish)
Technique:chicken liver for the cats, I also threw various spinners, cranks, and even jigs before/at sunset to try and snag a bass, but no luck.
Comments:Fishing was slow all night until I hooked a monster at about 10 p.m. It was a great fight...jumping, taking line, took me about 5-10 min to land her. Biggest freshwater fish I've landed. Lots of fun. Weighed in at 9.0 exactly. Good luck!
Name:Josh
Where: Tempe Town Lake
When: 07/19/08
Caught: 5 Catfish, one small bass
Technique: Caught 5 catfish on chicken liver ranging 1-4 lbs each from about 8-11pm. Caught the bass on a white spinnerbait at about 8pm, but he was a little guy.
Comments: Good luck!
Name: Josh
Where: Tempe Town Lake
When: 07/23/08
Caught: One 14" blue catfish
Technique: Bait and bobber. I used worms and corn.
Comments: I had just finished trying to fish at Canal Park. The two lakes were like night and day in their presentation. Tempe town lake was clean and although a little slow, it DID have activity because it had FISH! I was fishing just to the west of the dock. Park security arrived later and informed me that although it isn't posted, no one is allowed to fish between the two bridges. I think the two are the Mill Ave. Bridge and the Transit Bridge. He said that anyone can fish west of the Transit Bridge -up to the "Blue Fence" and East from the Mill Ave Bridge to Rural. It might be me, but I drove around and could not find any access to the lake except from where I was at-- between the two bridges just north of the Tempe Town Lake parking lot. If anyone knows how to get to the lake other than where I was, I'd greatly appreciate any info.
Name: Joseph E. Perez Jr.
LAKE PLEASANT - Water elevation is 1,672 feet, which is 75-percent full.
An angler caught what looked to be at least an 8-pound largemouth bass on a topwater lure.
Another couple anglers went night fishing for stripers and whites and caught a few by the tires and the dam. The shad boils showed up in the early morning around the marina, at least that was one spot they were hanging. Northern coves are pretty good in the early mornings as well. However, you can expect to find boils off-and-on throughout the day in the main portion of the lake – take along binoculars to spot the action. Also, watch the feeding birds.
Angler reports:
Where: Lake pleasant
When: 07/24/08
Caught: 10 white bass 2 largemouth and 3 catfish
Technique: Spooks for bass and anchovy for cats
Comments: good boils, I was getting bites every time I casted in to them
Name: Andrew Althaus
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/23/08
Caught: White Bass
Technique: Casting topwater lures and KastMasters to shad boils
Comments: Wife and I got into several good boils in northern coves but could only get one fish. For some reason nothing we threw was fooling them
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/17/08
Caught: 1 Striped Bass about 2 1/2 pounds
Technique: Using a Krocodile Spoon 3/8 ounce
Name: Dave J. Skowronek
Where: Lake pleasant
When: 07/22/08
Caught: 12 STRIPERS 1 CAT FISH
Technique: GOT TO THE LAKE AROUND 10:30 PM TIED UP TO THE TIRE LINE USED FROZEN ANCHOVIES
Comments: VERRY GOOD BITES ALL NIGHT TILL 1:30 AM IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT TO BE OUT, PERFECT CONDITIONS TO FISH
Name: ART CARDENAS
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 07/27/08
Caught: Channels
Technique: Frozen Anchovies from Shore
Comments: Fished from 6 to 8 p.m. Caught two small channels. I sometimes hear people ask if channels will bite anchovies and the answer is YES.
Where: Lake Pleasant
When: 7/28/08
Caught: 4.75lb largemouth bass & 8 (2- to 3-pound Stripers
Technique: Crankbaits that look like shad "black and white in color with some silver deep divers and topwater Zara "clear color" Spooks. Also used silver Rooster Tails
Comments: Been fishing the topwater boils that appear only for a short time consistantly from about 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and after that is slows down. Its been in about 5 to 50 feet of water, with this extreme top water action. After 7 - 7:30am the boils are gone. Castle Creek is hot!
Name: warren risberg
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.
ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake elevation is 2,146 ft (94-percent full). Tonto Creek runoff is at 10 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 884 cfs.
There is good fishing at Roosevelt. Try early mornings or late afternoons using topwater lures, including buzzbaits. During the daytime, try drop shots off major points.
One nighttime angler mentioned a slow bite at Roosevelt, but he did catch about 20 largemouth bass and all were in the slot. The drop shot method and Texas rigged plastics worked well. Another fisherman mentioned top water poppers are working for him in the morning.
Another night angler caught over 40 fish using drop shots and crankbaits in the boils. When the bite slowed around 8:30 p.m. he turned to Carolina-rigged plastics and caught another 10-15 more. He caught three bass in the morning. Water temperature was 84 F and water clarity was 8-10 feet.
Fishing reports for Rosey have been a bit sparse, but some anglers are having luck with worms using the drop-shot method; Texas-rigged and Carolina-rigged plastics thrown in the bushes are working as well. The frogs are out, so try some frog imitations. Try Another thing that will get you some action is putting a cicada on a hook, don't use a weight, throw it as far as you can then let some more line out and slowly retrieve it. This works pretty good for shore anglers.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1907 ft (93-percent full).
Anglers are catching bass and catfish in the Crabtree area. Worms are working pretty well and if you have minnows throw one of those in there.
Don’t forget Apache is a very good yellow bass lake, with some absolute lunkers hanging out on the points where the substrate takes a dip. Look at your sonar and find out where they are hanging and throw KastMasters if you have them. The silver and blue ones are working pretty well for anglers right now. You might come up with a walleye if you use shad like lures.
Where:Apache lake
When:07/31/08
Caught:0
Technique:worms, lures, plugs, liver, plastic, cicada, tuna, crayfish, cheese bait, corn, blue gill, fished deep and shallow, day and all night, in coves, near rocks, out in open water, covering 10 miles of lake-Nada.
Comments: all we saw was algae bloom, two dying shad and one fresh dead blue-gill, and lots of carp jumping for flies. We got no bites and fished between the marina and burnt corral. I suspect that the algae bloom depresses the fishes appetite.
Name:Russ Dryer
CANYON - Lake elevation is 1656 ft, which is 94% full.
I’m still hearing good things about Canyon Lake; water clarity is a bit low but fish are lively and healthy. Anglers are catching quite a few bluegill, bass and catfish. I even had an angler catch two rainbow trout. Some of the better fishing spots are Mormon Flat, Beaver Landing, and mouth of First Water and LaBarge Cove near the bridge.
If you are shore fishing, Boulder recreation area has some real good fishing and convenient fishing access. Don’t forget we installed fishing habitat at Teddy bear, Beaver Landing and Mormon Flat. The structures are 25 feet below full lake level and they are evident on your sonar. Twenty five feet also happens to be in the thermocline when the lake is stratified.
Excellent fishing reported at Canyon Lake. A knowledgeable angler used 1/8 oz kastmasters and caught 68 fish. His fishing spots were at Beaver Landing, Teddy Bear Pt, and Beer Can Pt. The bite was pretty much over after 12:30pm. The tally was 41 yellow bass, most were between 8.5 and 11 inches, 17 bluegill most between 4-7 inches, 8 largemouth bass 4.5 to 8 inches, and 2 channel catfish 12 and 14 inches. Water clarity was poor but fish were lively and healthy.
Shore fishing at Canyon Lake is pretty good as well. A family used worms and caught quite a few bluegill and several catfish from the Acacia picnic site.
Angler report:
Where:Canyon Lake
When: 07/28/08
Caught: Channel Catfish, Yellow Bass
Technique: Caught: 2 lb. Channel Cat, 1 16" Yellow Bass Used: Topwater poppers, Booyah Swimmin' Jig, Red 1/8 Jig, Rainbow 1/8 Z-Ray and Night crawlers under Bobber or Carolina Rig Where: Teddy Bear Point, Acacia Picnic Site 20' Depth in Kayak *** Worms drifted onto or rocks under bobber with minimum weight ~ 3' down. No strikes on anything else. Did have a few Bluegill chase a quick moving small jig***
Comments: High Golden Algae Levels - Terrible Visibility Fished Teddy Bear Point, Acacia Picnic Site, ( could not find where beer can point was mentioned in the previous report, could not find a decent map ) Jet Ski's and Water Ski's showed up around 8AM
Name: Brenton Scott
SAGUARO - Lake elevation 1523 feet at 91-percent full. A very experienced and productive angler caught 39 fish in Canyon using mostly 1/8-ounce KastMasters. He fished upriver at the points such as Mushroom Point, Beer Can Point and points in between. He caught 30 yellow bass (seven were near 11 inches or over), four bluegill (mostly 4 inchers), two channel catfish about 12 inches each, and three largemouth bass; one was about 12 inches and the other two were 5 inches. The yellow bass were eating shad and many had 1-inch crayfish in their stomachs. The algae that you see in Canyon Lake is mostly a filamentous blue/green algae stimulated by the dam maintenance drawdown earlier this year and subsequent re-suspension of substrates providing nutrients in the water column.
A couple shore fishermen had some real good luck catching largemouth bass near Ramp 2. Just a note to the shore fishermen, there is fantastic catfish fishing from Ramp 2 to Keyhole as well. Butcher Jones is a real good area to shore fish for largemouth, catfish and yellow bass. Use KastMasters for the yellow bass, lipless, rattling crankbaits for the largemouth and whatever you got in the freezer that will stay on a hook for the catfish.
A couple fishermen reporting the bite was off a bit a Saguaro last week and they only caught 14 fish between the two of them. They used KastMasters and 1/16-ounce jigs and caught three largemouth of varying sizes, six bluegills (two were 8 inches), 4 channel catfish and only 1 yellow bass. A couple good spots include Eagle's Grotto area, Skunk’s Wash and the Meadows. The water clarity was poor but all fish caught were healthy and spunky.
A couple anglers caught over 60 fish in about 7 hours. They caught mostly largemouth bass using KastMasters and bottom bumping a plastic worm on a jig heads. They also caught a fair number of bluegill, yellow bass and a couple channel catfish. These guys are avid fishermen and they noticed the largemouth bass are growing nicely.
Angler report:
Where:Saguaro
When:08/01/08
Caught:3 largemouth bass
Technique:Everything but the kitchen sink....
Comments:The 3 we caught couldn't be added up to make one dinker
Name: Robb Mansfield
Where: Saguaro
When: 07/25/08
Caught: Smallmouth Bass
Technique: Crankbait, worms, stink bait
Comments: Fished from 7-9:30 at Butcher Jones and caught one smallmouth bass on large crankbait about 8:30. Used worms for bluegill and got zero bites! Switched to doughbait for cats with no success.
Name: Russell
Where: Saquaro
When: 07/27/08
Caught: Catfish, LM Bass, Bluegill
Technique: Rappala shad colored, small #4 crankbaits and worms for Bluegill. Thanks Sean for the tip on the small rappala crankbaits, I did not lose the only one you left me on the shelf after you bought the whole stock at Sportsmans Warehouse.
Comments: Trolled the flats at day break for bass, caught 5 one pounders, release all in good shape. Caught a big, maybe 4 lb catfish that was feeding on shad. When the heat started I fished a cove for some bluegills. This is a beautiful lake, I'm glad Game and Fish are trying to bring the fishing back by stocking this lake heavily.
Name: Grantman
BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1789 ft, which is 87-percent full.
Lake elevation is 1,789 feet, which is 87-percent full.
Morning is still the best time with topwater baits. Even later morning you can still catch some bass using jigs, rattletraps, and plastic worms.
There are lots of bluegill reported in the rocky areas along shore. Use small hooks baited with mealworms, crickets or small portions of earthworms on a bobber. If live bait isn’t your preference, try using small (1/32-ounce or smaller) jigs, tube jigs, grubs, spinnerbaits etc. Use ultra-light line or braided line if you want as they are line shy.
One angler mentioned fishing was tough and he only caught six fish on his fishing trip. He did have success using plastics and jigs off the main lake points.
Another angler says the fishing is real good. Drop shots, jigs and crankbaits worked for him on 1 to 2 pounders. He also says to fish the points in about 20 feet of water. Bluegills are aggressive near shore around the rocky areas.
Anglers are having good luck catching flathead catfish on just about anything they throw out. Typically you catch them using live bait; they must be pretty hungry to go after lures and plastic worms. Try throwing a decent sized minnow or better yet a waterdog and see what lunker hits your bait.
A couple fishermen caught some largemouth bass using drop shots and crankbaits, but no other details revealed except impressive lighting serving up some electrical perturbations. Be careful and cognizant of your surroundings when you are out there watching Mother Nature's lightning shows. Your fishing pole and metal lures make pretty good lightning rods; not to mention the fact that you are basically sitting in a big pool of highly conductive water.
Angler reports:
Where:Bartlet Lake
When:08/02/08
Caught:crappie,bluegills, bass
Technique:slip shot, jigs, minnows
Comments:Fishing was slow until about 9:30 p.m. when we found a nice school of crappie on the east bank across from Rattlesnake Cove. We were in 20 to 10 ft of water when the hits started coming. The crappies were small in size, but the action was a blast. We where surprised that we were catching a lot of bluegills also in about 10 feet of water. Although we where next to a large under water rock pile. We were also catching bass here in the two- to three-pound range. Saturday Night fishing under the AZ skies was fantastic,
Name:Terry
Where:Bartlett
When:08/01/08
Caught:3 Largemouth
Technique:Zoom Brush Hog (weightless) 2/0 hook.
Comments:Caught both fish in 25 feet of water. The bite was really light, I missed a few...
Name:D.N.
Where: Bartlett
When: 07/24/08
Caught: Largemouth, bluegill
Technique: Grubs, plastic worms. The bite was real strange. Hitting mainly off of submerged rocky areas..
Comments: Few fish caught, I caught 3 myself biggest being 3 lbs or so, and he could JUMP. My buddy caught 3 as well, a 3 1/2 lb and a 4 1/2 - 5 lber, and one more small one. my third friend caught 2 little blue gill. Heck of a day overall. Fish the early mornings
Name: John L Dowden
Where: Bartlett - The Flats
When: 07/24/08
Caught: 3 Crappie, 4 Largemouth, 1 monster flathead (10lb)
Technique: For the crappie go for small crankbaits. For your Largemouth, drop shot darker colored 4" worms. The flathead hit a night crawler off the bottom.
Comments: Going back out on Friday to give it another go! Side note... If you're into photography and like snapping pictures of lightning, you'll likely capture some impressive shots out at Bartlett--be careful though.
Name: D.N.
Where: Bartlett - Flats
When: 07/26/08
Caught: Bluegill & Channel Cats (all very small)
Technique: Dropshot - 4" worm (Bluegill) Hotdogs (marinated) & bait shrimp (marinate)
Comments: Bluegills were aggressive with anything close to shore. The Cats would've eaten anything, probably. If you're looking to get into some bass or crappie, head north of the flats a bit and you'll find them.
Name: D.N.
HORSESHOE - Lake elevation is at 1,983 feet, which is 21-percent full. They are releasing water at 400 cfs.
Where:Horseshoe Lake
When:08/01/08
Caught:7 Flathead Catfish, 2 Channel Catfish
Technique:I used live bait bluegills.
Comments:The fishing at this time is very good. Best time for fishing at night.
Name:Juan Giron
VERDE RIVER - Verde River flow at Tangle is 85 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 400 cfs.
Angler report:
Where: Verde River, Cottonwood
When: 7/14/08
Caught: 2-Bullheads, 1-carp, 1-bass 2lb, 2-channel cats 3-4lbs
Technique: The river was muddy so I used worms and chicken liver on the bottom like I always do under conditions like those.
Comments: I am also catching more turtles than usual including one very agitated snapping turtle. All fish and turtles were released.
Name: Tim
SALT RIVER - Salt River into Roosevelt is 791 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 717 cfs. They are releasing 1025 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
Where:upper salt river eddies wash
When:07/31/08
Caught:one huge channel cat!
Technique:we had mackerel as cut bait blue gill water dogs and worms.
Comments:I was setting up a fire and my pole with the mackerel head on it went crazy i got there let him take it for a second then pulled up i fought this fish for 3 min and it popped off assuming it was a flathead. two more on water dogs but no luck when i pulled up my wife caught the only fish a 15 lb 30-inch channel had non-stop fun!
Name:matt burch
LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) -- No more trout stocking for the summer, but you can still catch bass, catfish, carp and sunfish. Worms are a good all around bait and jigs will work for the sunfish and bass. Corn will entice the carp. Its cicada season, so try putting one of them on your hook and throw it out as far as you can, let the current take it a bit then slowly reel it in. No weight on the line though. Try it around overhanging vegetation. You can also catch roundtail chub in the deep water around Coon Bluff, Phon D. Sutton and Granite reef areas. They will hang out in the pools. You can catch them with trout lures, Kastmasters, Meps or worms. The tubers typically take out near blue point so if you fish downstream there won't be as many of the tubers in your way. Make sure you have your Tonto Pass which can be purchased from a variety of convenience stores including, circle K's and Big Five Sporting Goods stores.
CREEKS - Terrestrial patterns are still working well according to the fishermen and fishing supply vendors.
Haigler Creek - Dry flies, cicada patterns, ant patterns and hoppers are doing well for fly fishermen right now.
Canyon Creek - Try terrestrial patterns such as cicada, ants and hoppers. One angler caught a 14 inch wild rainbow on a hopper.
Tonto Creek - Terrestrial patterns including hoppers, ant patterns and cicadas are all working pretty well.
Christopher Creek - Trout are hitting terrestrial patterns. If you catch a bass keep it they need to be fished out.
East Verde - Terrestrial patterns
Workman Creek - Terrestrials
HORSETHIEF BASIN LAKE - Lake Level is up, fishing is nominal.
Colorado River Northwest
LAKE POWELL - Lake elevation: 3,633 Water temp: 80-85 F
A Tale of Two Lakes
First Tale
Fishing in main Lake Powell is as tough as it gets right now. It is mid summer with surface water temperature at its peak. The lake has stabilized at 3,633, which is maximum elevation for the year. Fish hiding cover is more numerous than it has been in over five years. The easy answer is fisherman just don't have what it takes this week to catch fish in the trees. Fish can't be bothered to respond to lures with tiny shad and sunfish forage so plentiful in their front room.
The only way to catch a bass now is to put on a heavy plastic grub (1-ounce lead head) and drag that along the bottom contour at 20-35 feet. Bass are sulking in the depths waiting for cooling and shad to grow larger. It is tedious fishing but a few quality bass will be taken with this method while other means will be unproductive.
Stripers have all but quit boiling. There is an occasional swirl where a single striper chases two tiny shad. By the time the swirl is recognized the striper is gone. There is little fishing success and not much more fishing pressure.
This is tough but I have to categorize fishing success at Lake Powell. I have never had to classify fishing as poor before except in the deadest of winter. So here goes:
Tale Two
Fishing at Lake Powell is Red Hot! How can I say that? The lake is so darn big that there is always a place that excels. The spot this time is the inflow area around Hite and in the upper San Juan. Stripers are boiling mid day from Hite to the Horn. It is possible to catch 50-100 fish per day - all on topwater lures. That is awesome fishing in anyone's book. Average size is 15 inches and fish are strong and acrobatic.
In the upper San Juan there are occasional decent sized striper boils. Bass fishing is super - again for the smaller fish. Bait fish are prevalent in the coves and bass are working them over. Plastic grubs, Senkos, surface lures and crankbaits are all being readily accepted.
Fish the Great Bend area and above for the best action. Stripers will provide infrequent big boils but the abundance of shad limits number of boils. Stripers that can catch shad individually do not have to work together as a group to eat. Therefore, boils do not always occur in high forage situations.
So fishing is Hot - if in the right spot!
From Chuck Benedict at AZGFD: We fished the upper end of Navajo Saturday and caught a few fish (crappie, striper, smallmouth bass) trolling Shad Raps at 2 mph and up. Fish wouldn’t hit at lower speeds.
LEES FERRY – From Lees Ferry Anglers
Fishing Synopsis and Forecast by Terry Gunn: The Cicadas began singing in June and by early July the trout were starting to key on this winged meal. The hatch was normal by historical standards but not the “bumper crop” of last year. The numbers of cicadas are such that the fish are feeding on them near the rocky shores but not in the middle of the river like last summer.
It is always a treat to catch Lees Ferry trout on big dry flies; July and August is the time to do it. The cicadas appear to be declining as their life cycle is short but there will be some flying around for the rest of the summer and the fish will continue keying on them even as the cicadas die off. The cicada fishing is always best on cloudy or overcast days.
Drifting from the boat with heavy nymph rigs has been very productive! The high flows of summer restrict the areas that are productive to wade but open up vast areas that are productive to the drifting angler. We have been having terrific success with scuds and San Juan worms, attached to 10 to 15-ft leaders, with heavy shot and a strike indicator. The key to success is to stay over fish, get the flies down to the bottom, and get a long, perfect dead drift.
If you can take the heat; the summer is a very productive time to fish the Ferry and provides the most consistent and least crowded fishing of the entire year.
I recently heard the spawn this year was 10X normal. I have never seen so many fry and small trout in the river.
Lots of stuff happening at the Ferry and it is all good!
Fly Fishing: Reports we have received today were good. Cicada bite is still strong in certain areas. The water flow is high and wading is not too hot, so we are drifting the channel with large scuds and midge larvae. Fish are looking good and lovin it.
Walk in: Very few reports, but have heard fishing is better in the morning hours. Use usual rig, dry with a dropper, midges, scuds and San Juan worms.
Spin Fishing: Spin fishing is off the charts right now; use an egg pattern in the drifts. Black and olive marabou jigs are a good bet also.
LAKE MEAD – Lake Mead water levels have held steady as the elevation is currently at around 1,105 feet above msl. Nighttime striper fishing has been really good again. Anglers using artificial lights are catching as many 13- to 18-inch stripers as they want to clean. Catfishing under lights is also very productive using anchovies. Artificial lights tend to be most productive if fished with a new moon. There is a quarter moon this week, so trolling crankbaits during the day should pick up a little in the coming weeks, but the night bite should be great.
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 sides of the metal extensions at either side. National Park Service is working to keep the ramp open.
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 for small striper’s has been pretty good. Try using cut anchovies at night. If you have submersible lights try using them around the new moon. The lake has dropped a little and is running at 641 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 year 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, 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 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/.
WILLOW BEACH - Trout are stocked every Friday. fishing was a bit spotty for those fishing from the shoreline with about half the angler’s having success. Most of the success has been coming from or around the new pier. Try using a Power Bait, green Power Worms, or salmon eggs. Anglers report the fishing being best before 07:30. The striper fishing has been picking up. As the water in the basin of Lake Mohave warms, the bigger fish move into the colder water in the Willow Beach 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 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 azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
TOPOCK MARSH –No new reports - 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 has been slow. Trout were last stocked on March 24-25. This was the last trout stocking until next winter.
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.
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 Havasu Fishing Report provided by John Galbraith, Anglers Pro Shop, Lake Havasu City: Lake Level 448.43. Average day time water temp 86-92 degrees. Striper bite good for limits of small to medium sized fish using cut mackerel, squid or anchovies in 30 to 55 feet of water. Use plenty of chum as schools of stripers are broken up due to the reduced numbers of shad this year. Early morning trolling or casting lures such as chrome/blue Rat-L-Traps, pointers and chug bugs are all good for a few quality fish over 4 pounds.
Smallmouth bass excellent using ¼- to 3/8-ounce brown jigs, hula grubs and Zoom speed vibe craws fished around rocky points in the main basin south to Standard Wash.
Largemouth bass fishing is good using Senkos and Gitzits thrown along cattail rows and weed lines. Try topwater frogs like the Bully Wa and swamp donkey during the peak sunrise and sunset activity for a chance at a "big bass".
Sandpoint Fish Report for July 31, 2008 by Karen Coats (Sandpoint Bait and Tackle Shop Supervisor)
* 7/26 Rigo Quiroz of Temecula, CA got a 8-pound 4-ounce cat using anchovies at Sand Island
* 7/27 Rob Perkins of Yorba Linda got a 9-pound 6-ounce striper at the pump station using anchovies
* Ryan Lamprecht of Peoria, AZ got a 5-pound cat in the marina using a bare hook!!
SUMMER OUTLOOK:
Alamo Lake: The lake elevation continues to be good, presently 1121 feet. Alamo Lake has had a couple years of good reproduction, and the fishing should be excellent for largemouth bass and crappie. There are a fair number of bass over the protected slot, and a couple of strong year classes of smaller bass that have grown into, or are just about to enter the slot. We believe that the bass population would benefit from a higher harvest of the smaller bass. Fishing for channel catfish is expected to excellent this year. Our netting surveys indicate there are incredible numbers of smaller catfish in the upper portion of the lake. Given the ideal water levels all of the boat ramps will be useable this summer.
The store at the lake has not yet opened, so you need to bring everything with you. If you run short of supplies, you might be able to pick it up at the Wayside Inn in Wayside, or in Wenden. The certified scale that was located at the store is now located at the Alamo State Park office. The Park office also carries live bait.
Angler report:
Well folks; not a lot has changed this week. Hot and windy. I got a phone call from a guy that went out bass fishing at 8 this morning and was off the water by noon and only caught 2 bass. Both were in 20 feet of water, and were caught on plastics. A twin tailed grub and a green lizard were the baits of choice. I still think the best bass fishing is in the evenings. I go out around 5, figure out wind direction, and hide behind a point. You can pull 5 to 6 bass off of every point. I'm still averaging about 10 a night which I think is pretty slow. I can not buy a fish on a crankbait so I stick with what works. Red flaked lizards and wolly hog tails. Brush hogs will work too. I will say that the fish I've been catching are on the upper side of the slot and couple going 4 pounds. No boils to speak of. I have no clue as to what's up with that. Everything is late this year. Crappie fishing up by the dam has become a bust. Try the coves and points between the main ramp and Cholla. I talked to a couple of guys that caught 80 crappies. They were fishing in the upper end of the lake on the North side past the first buoy line. It was a late night bite and they said they had to really work for them. Although they caught fish I would still give crappie fishing a big thumbs down until I hear of more people catching them. I turned a friend of mine on to a honey hole and there going to give it a try tonight. If they do well then I'll be able to point out better areas to fish. So for all of you in Las Vegas that have been calling, stay put, save your money, and tune in next week for more details. No reports on shore fishing. The lake level is at 1121 with releases of 50 cfs(I think) and both ramps are working just fine. Remember sun block and bug spray. Report courtesy Mark Knapp with the Alamo Lake State Park.
Where: alamo lake
When: 07/28/08
Caught: bass,catfish,blue gill, crappie,carp
Technique: plastic lizards,macro,blue gill,minnows,crawlers
Comments: myself and Ernie Castro, & Danny Castro caught 4 bass,5 crappie,1 10lb carp,6 catfish including the highlight of the night, a 14lb 35inch flathead cat at about 12:20am Sunday. Ernie caught it on a live blue gill caught there at the lake.He jumped up and down when he seen it. Its by far the biggest cat weve ever caught at alamo. We found a great spot and are looking forward to going back. Remember, always watch your kids around water.
Name: Raul Montoya
Where: Alamo Lake
When: 07/27/08
Caught: 11 largemouths
Technique: 5" kaitlins, chartreuse, salt and pepper, and purple color
Comments: Carolina rigged,walked the shore casting next to trees. I was with two frineds one caught five bass the other caught seven on pumpkinseed 6" lizards
Name: Vance Jenkins
Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:
Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent. The size will range from 13 inches and up, with an occasional fish greater than 4 pounds. A 12-pounder was landed this spring. Striped bass will continue to be excellent for small fish (12-18 inches), with occasional fish over 8 pounds. Fishing for channel catfish, as well as bluegill and large redear sunfish, will be fair to good. If your interest is flathead catfish, fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (the Bill Williams River arm) late in June, and on through the summer. Flathead catfish in Lake Havasu have been caught as large as 40 pounds, although they can potentially become much larger.
Colorado River (Parker Strip Area, between Parker Dam and Headgate Rock):
Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for smallmouth bass, with fish over two pounds in size common. The best smallmouth bass fishing can be found in the upper half of the Parker Strip, while largemouth bass are more numerous in the lower half, in very respectable numbers. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good to excellent in the pound-plus sizes. Our surveys last fall turned up good numbers of redear sunfish in the two-pound range. That is dinner-plate sized, folks! Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River.
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 smaller ones, in the 2 to 5 pound size range, with an occasional fish over 20 pounds. Our annual surveys in the spring each year generally turn up a couple of fish in the 40 to 50 pound range, so trophy flatheads are always a possibility. Look for large deep pools formed at eddies for the larger fish. The best time for fishing for both species of catfish will be all summer and on into the fall months. Generally, the hotter the weather is, the better the cat-fishing. Nighttime is the best time to go after both species of catfish.
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 reaching over 40 pounds. The best time will be summer and on into the fall months. The hotter the temperature the better the fishing is. The various backwaters will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill & redear). Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.
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 relatively numerous, along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds. Our survey this spring turned up an 89-pound monster that should still be lurking in the waters where it was found. Bluegill are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the main river channel, especially near Imperial Dam. Fishermen did quite well on small stripers this spring between Martinez Lake and Imperial Dam.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):
This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Accessing the water can be a problem, as river flows are much lower than historically, and launching a boat can be a challenge. Accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released upstream. A small shallow-draft boat or float tube should get you into some good fishing. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common, and larger ones definitely exist. Flathead catfish over 20 pounds are also a good bet in the deeper pools. The lower end has had some dredging work done, and larger boats may be able to get on the river in that area.
Because of the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch of the river, we recommend using extreme caution while fishing the area from Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam.
If I were to pick a hot fishing area for summer in the Yuma region, I would have to go with the Colorado River below the Palo Verde Diversion Dam (near Blythe), all the way down to Imperial Dam (near Yuma) for flathead catfish. There is an incredible amount of flathead catfish biomass in the river. In seven days of survey this spring, we handled (and released) a total of 2500 pounds of flathead catfish. Another good bet would be Alamo Lake. It should be good to excellent for largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish, with the bluegill fishery also picking up.
If you need any additional information or additional areas covered don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office, at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to accommodate you.
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 — Campground area is open. Fishing was fair over the weekend. Try Pistol Petes for crappie.
CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open. Fishing for trout and catfish was good. Stocked with catfish.
CITY RESERVOIR — Road is open. Lake is full. Stocked with catfish.
DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is open. Lots of folks are catching crayfish. Some browns are being caught on lures.
JD DAM — Road is open.
RUSSEL TANK - Has been stocked
SANTA FE — Lake is full. Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch. Stocked with catfish
WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers. Campground area is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
Where:Whitehorse lake
When:07/27/08
Caught:Crappie
Technique:small jig head with yellow and black feathers resembles wasp. torpedo float reeling in slow. Cast next to reeds or cover.
Comments:
caught lots of little ones. Kids had a blast.
Name: Jake Culp
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred. There may not be any fish left.
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Some northern pike are being caught on anchovies.
Angler report:
Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 07/29/08
Caught: 9 perch, 2 bluegill
Technique: fished off shore with split shot sinker and Canadian worms on bottom
Comments: Got caught on bottom a few times but caught 9 perch all about 6-10 inches
Name: Brian Camilli
ASHURST LAKE — The lake is full, the road is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
Angler report:
Where:Ashurst Lake
When: 07/26/08
Caught: Nothing.
Technique: Trolled and cast spinners, spoons, dragged wooly worms and drowned powerbait. Not a single bite in ten hours. Saw a few hundred fishermen but saw only one (1) actual trout caught ALL day. This lake is completely depleted of catchable fish and in desperate need of better management. It is beautiful, but there are no fish to be caught. Heavy pressure, not enough stockers. Waste of time and precious gas to get there.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – A fish kill has occurred caused by a die-off of an algal bloom which reduced oxygen levels in the water. Some fish survived the kill, but fishing will be tough until the lake gets stocked after water quality improves.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Scheduled to be stocked this week. No angler reports.
MARSHALL LAKE — No angler reports.
OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
LONG LAKE — Lake is open. Water level is good. Lake has been stocked. Some nice fish being caught near the ditch.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open.
Angler report:
Where: Soldier Lake
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Nada
Technique: Believe lake had TOTAL FISH KILL due to algae. Fished an hour or so at dawn with no strikes. When the sun was up enough, I realized water was cloudy with floating algae particles throughout. No surface activity at dusk nor dawn. No baitfish swimming around. Dead crawfish litter the shore. Shame.
BEAVER CREEK — No report.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report.
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
MINGUS LAKE – The seasonal gate across the access road is open. Mingus was stocked on June 16. This was the last scheduled stocking until September. The best bait has been white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers under a bobber are also having some success more than one month after the last stocking.
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. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
Where:Mingus Lake
When:08/01/08
Caught:trout, yellow bullheads
Technique:worms, bobber
Comments:I read bullheads were illegally stocked. They are multiplying fast - there were thousands of baby fish in the lake - they were in schools shaped like balls of 1 foot to 3 feet in diameter moving around the lake.
Name: mike c
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK –Largemouth bass fishing has slowed a little. Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover. Catfish stocked June 9. The catfish bite has been fair in the evening. Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.
Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small. This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish. Try using a No. 12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success. While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small. Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Channel catfish action is starting to pick up in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk. Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.
LYNX LAKE — Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25. Trout were stocked the week of June 16. This was the last scheduled stocking until the fall. The fishing has been slow. With the water warming trout will become increasingly hard to catch, but for now some veteran anglers report trout still biting. Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are showing up. Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish. Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.
Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3. These structures should protect small fishes from predation. Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.
FAIN LAKE — No new reports- Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23. Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms. Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish. The lake has some debris from the recent rains. Fain lake was last stocked with rainbow trout the week of June 16. This is the last trout stocking scheduled until September. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait. Fain lake was stocked with brook trout on Feb. 25.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of Aug. 4. I have not gotten any feedback on how they are biting. You may want to try using KastMasters. If that does not work you may try worms or Power Bait. Early in the morning and in the evening the bite may be a little better. Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well.
The water temperature is 73?F on the surface. If the temperature continues to increase we will postpone scheduled stockings until the spring when the water cools. Bluegills were stocked Feb 25.
Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then. While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater during the middle of May 2007 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish and bass was low, the quality was exceptional. One 16-pound catfish was sampled and released. The bass averaged about 3.5 pounds.
On March 29, 2007, there were 400 pounds of bluegill stocked. These fish were hand-sized and should be easily caught. Try using worms or mealworms on a bobber. Small spinners may work as well. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Angler report:
Me and my nephews fished lynx lake Friday afternoon till dark, no one was catching anything until I landed one small stocker rainbow on a piece of night crawler. then we fished granite basin lake on sat morning, nothing but 2-inch bluegills and a turtle.
Then we tried Watson Lake off the fishing pier, nothing there. Saw a nice bass swimming in the water. Watson Lake must be the most fertile of all the Prescott lakes; lots of places to hide with all the plant growth. And then last we tried Goldwater and nothing, nothing but lots of crayfish. That lake is getting taken over with them.
That's my Prescott report
Have a great day
Dale
Mogollon Rim
CHEVELON LAKE - Fishing is poor to fair for fly and spin anglers. Try fishing at first or last light for the best results. 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. 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.
Where:Chevelon Lake
When:08/30/08
Caught:18' brown trout and 16' rainbow
Technique:1/4-ounce gold KastMaster off the bottom.
Comments:From the dam I casted my bait as far as I could and let it hit the bottom then I pulled it back in slowly. I have an 8'6 rod that really helped me get my bait out there. I caught the rainbow at 11:30 and the brown at 1 or so. I will probably use a larger KastMaster next time to catch an even bigger fish! A fishing guide taught me the proper bait and casting technique. He came with a group of guys on quads and told me exactly what to do. 20 min. after he left I caught my first brown trout! Wanted to say thanks to whoever he is! Also a guy caught a 24' brown in one of the pools on the other side of the damn. The guide also stated that browns like gold and black colors and that the dam part of Chevelon is the best place to catch browns because it is the deepest part of the lake and there is a rock shelf that they like to hide under.
Name: Nick Apodaca
Where:chevelon creek
When:08/01/08
Caught:chub? sucker? I not sure
Technique:fly fishing
Comments:we used to be able to hike down in the creek and caught some real nice trout but what in the heck happened to all of those beautiful wild trout. Sure I caught a lot of those chub/sucher fish, I would sure love to know. If the Game and Fish department killed all the trout to introduce the native fish, I dont feel they will be able survive because there are way to many crawdads that the trout used to keep in check.
Name: Bryan Colby
Note: To answer Bryan, no, Game and Fish did not do any stream renovation at Chevelon Creek, it’s just natural conditions prevailing -- lots of runoff and overflow this year.
BEAR CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair to good for rainbow trout. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout The best bite is at 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.
BLACK CANYON LAKE -- The lake can't be stocked during the hot summer months of June, July, and August because of algae blooms, high water temperatures, and high pH levels. The lake will be stocked during the first week in September. Fishing is fair. Try trolling cowbells with an attached worm, lure or fly. The lake is almost full and the boat ramp is accessible. The best bite is at first and last light. Boat anglers have been catching trout on green and yellow Power Bait.
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:08/02/08
Caught:Rainbow trout
Technique:Rainbow powerbait
Comments:Me & me 10 yr old son caught 5 fish between noon & 4 oclock. They bit best when cloud cover came over
Name: Travis Sierman
BLUE RIDGE — Road is open.
Angler report:
Where: Blue Ridge Reservoir
When: 07/25/08
Caught: Rainbow Trout
Technique: Yellow/Black Roostertail Black/Red Panther Martin Neon Yellow Z-Ray
Comments: Spinners from a boat worked pretty well in the afternoon near the dam. Weather was mostly cloudy, light wind. Let spinners sink about 10-15ft before a moderate retrieve. Also tried next morning--full sun and no wind, and no luck either.
Name: Scott Townley
KNOLL LAKE — Fishing was good.
Where:Knoll Lake
When:07/26/08
Caught:Trout
Technique:Night crawlers on the bottom, Carolina rigged
Comments:Small bites and slow fishing the entire weekend. We saw 1 nice fish 14-15 inches the rest were small stockers and not very frequently
Name: Julie and Jay
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Will be stocked this week. The lake is down a little. Fishing is fair to good. The best fishing is at first and last light, or just before rain showers hit. Anglers have been catching trout using cowbells with attached worms, lures, and flies. Trout have been active at the surface down to 15 feet during early morning and evening hours.
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.
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.
Where:WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE
When:07/31/08
Caught:40 + RAINBOW TROUT . 1 SMALLMOUTH
Technique:COW BELLS,WORMS
Comments:COULD NOT FIND A SPOT ON THE LAKE WE COULD NOT CATCH FISH. WE RELEASED THEM ALL & WATCHED THE HAWKS CATCH THE ONES THAT DID NOT MAKE IT. GREAT DAY FOR FISHING
WOODS CANYON - Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly. The lake is full. The boat ramp is accessible. The best fishing is at first and last light, or right before rainstorms.
Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling KastMasters and Panther Martins. Also try trolling cowbells with attached worms, lures, and flies. Trout have been active at the surface down to 10 feet early in the morning and late in the evening.
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 store and marina at this lake - you can rent a boat.
Angler reports:
Where: Woods canyon, River Reservoir, Big Lake
When: 07/17/08
Caught: Rainbow trout, Apache trout
Technique: Fishing from shore at woods Canyon, caught one rainbow, using worms suspended from a float. No luck at River Reservoir but Big lake was great as usual, trolling with cow bells and worms hooked 7 and landed 4 nice rainbows within three hours; as usual weather is an issue up there, but it was not that bad.
Comments: Also saw bald eagles (two) frolicking over Crescent lake when leaving Big lake.
Name: Travis Aldrich
Where: Woods canyon
When: 07/21/08
Caught: only 5 trout in 5 days
Technique: We fished everything, from July 21-25, we tried worms, Power Bait, lures (all types)and threw every thing in the tackle box. I was the only one who caught fish with a slow sinking fly in the early mornings with a fly rod.
Comments: The weather was beautiful, rain and hail every evening, good mornings for fishing, the water was a little warm and murky because of that rain. Fishing was prob. some of the worst I've seen since coming to woods canyon every year for over 10 years. The only people catching fish were in a boat and even then it was slow. Every once in a while some one fishing from the bank would find a sweet spot and catch 3-4 in a row then....nothing. My 3 boys fished that lake for every day for 5 days and tried everything. we even walked around to Tuckers cove (the cove to the North East)and didn't catch any with only a few nibbles. My fly rod didn't fail me with slow sinking flys, but I do believe bank fishing was the worst this go around, plus the fish weren’t even jumping which I thought was weird...maybe it was a combination of things ...there was just an over abundance of food, water warm causing lethargy, making the fish go deeper??
Name: Robert
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. The lake is down about four to five feet 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 lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
BIG LAKE - Fishing is fair to good with the best bite at first and last light or while rain clouds are building up.
Adult damselflies are hatching in the coves. One angler reported catching lots of trout on an adult damselfly pattern.
Anglers have been catching rainbow and brook trout on worms, Power Bait (yellow) and salmon eggs. Boat anglers are doing well using cowbells with an attached worm, lure or fly. Also try lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), Z-rays, Super Dupers, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, semi-seal leeches, and Yeager buggers, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. The store is open and there are boat rentals here. The launch ramps are in the water, but Railroad Cove may still be fairly shallow for launching larger boats.
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.
CARNERO LAKE - Fishing is good, but the lake is very weedy. The water temperature last week was 69 degrees and the pH was 9.66.The weeds along the shoreline are very thick. Pontoon boats, kayaks, small boats or canoes than can skim over weeds work best. Anglers using float tubes are having difficulty getting out to open water. Try fishing open water areas. As summer progresses, weeds will become a problem for anglers. 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.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. Fishing for warm water 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 very poor. The lake is extremely low and weedy. There is practically no water at the boat ramp. 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.
CRESCENT LAKE - Fishing is fair. The water temperature last week was 69 degrees and the pH was 9.66.
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 only boat ramp accessible is the south boat ramp.
The only boat ramp accessible is the south boat ramp because of construction on roads leading to the dam area and the other two ramps. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is down about two feet and the boat ramps are accessible. The water clarity is slightly turbid. Fool Hollow Lake has been stocked with sub catchable and catchable (1.5-2 pound) channel catfish.
For kids, try fishing one of the fishing piers for bluegills. Use a small piece of night crawler on a small hook and small to no weight straight down 1-3 feet under the fishing pier. Kids have been catching bluegill and crappie using this technique all times of day.
Anglers have been catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, plus walleyes on lures (crankbaits, plastic jigs with attached worms, and Rapalas) at the dam and along the east arm of the lake. Try fishing around structures such as rocks, trees, stumps, and fishing piers.
Shore anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait (chartreuse green and pumpkin colors) in the southwest area of the lake. Channel catfish are being caught on worms and stink baits. Bluegills and black crappies have been caught around the fishing piers on worms and small flies.
Where:Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low, AZ
When:08/03/08
Caught:Northern
Technique:Spinner Bait
Comments:2lbs 2oz, 20in
Name:Doug W.
GREER LAKES -- Fishing is fair to good. All three reservoirs have been stocked with rainbow trout. All boat ramps are still accessible except at River Reservoir - do not try to launch there.
Anglers are catching rainbow trout on worms and Power Bait (green and yellow) 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.
Where:Greer Lakes
When:07/22/08
Caught:Little tiny trout
Technique:everything
Comments:We were there for two weeks, just returned and the fishing in the White Mountains is horrible. Also the Greer lakes are very full. Whoever reported that they were very low is wrong they have been rising almost daily. However, on a different note we caught some little fish on the back side of River Res. in Greer and no one could identify them. We have never seen the likes of them before. Would appreciate an identification of them.
Name:Jennifer Jordan
HULSEY LAKE - Fishing is poor. 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. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening.
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.
LUNA LAKE - Fishing is fair. An angler caught a 6-pound, 23-inch long rainbow here recently. The lake is down about 15 inches and the boat ramp is accessible. Boat and shore anglers have been catching a few trout on Panther Martin spinners, yellow Crick hopper lures, Power Bait and worms.
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.
LYMAN LAKE - Fishing is good for catfish. The water is turbid. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms and stink baits and largemouth bass on lures.
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. The water temperature last week was 75 degrees and the pH was 9.15. The lake is down about nine inches and the main boat ramp by the dam is accessible. 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, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. During the hot summer months, try fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. There is an algae bloom present in the lake.
RAINBOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. Sub catchable and catchable (1.5-2 pound) channel catfish were stocked in early June. The lake is down about 1.5 feet and the boat ramp is accessible. As summer progresses, weeds will become a problem.
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.
Anglers are catching bullheads on night crawlers from the fishing pier.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10hp. gas motors.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is nearly full and the boat ramp is accessible. Anglers have been catching trout, bass, and channel catfish on worms.
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.
SHOW LOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. This lake should have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The lake is about 18.4. The water temperature last week was 75 degrees and the pH was 8.07. feet to accommodate bridge construction over Show Low Creek, but the boat ramp is still accessible. Show Low Lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout and sub catchable size channel catfish.
Boat anglers have been catching trout and walleyes trolling cowbells with and attached worms, lures, and flies. 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.
WOODLAND LAKE - Fishing is poor fair. The water temperature was 75 degrees and the pH was 8.99. The lake is full and the boat ramp is accessible. Weeds are present along the shoreline. 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.
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.
Where:West Fork of Black River
When:07/28/08
Caught:Apache and Brown Trout
Technique:Drifting worms
Comments:Had a great week of fishing. Everyone caught fish, including my 4 YO's. At times it was a little too easy. The weather was great, and even though the campground was pretty full, it was not too crowded.
Name: Kevin Pizzuto
East Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The East Fork was stocked with catchable size Apache trout last 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. 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. Silver Creek 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
TUCSON URBAN — There are no scheduled fish stockings at Urban Fishing Program waters from July 1 through Sept. 15. Once lake temperatures begin to decrease entering the fall season, then catfish stockings can resume again. This fall, a total of four catfish stockings are planned at two-week intervals before fish stockings switch over to rainbow trout in mid November. Fishing at Urban Program waters will remain slow throughout the summer. Catfish can still be caught, especially from the larger lakes, with bluegill, bass and carp still providing some fun for persistent anglers.
Fishing activity has slowed over the summer due to high water temperatures and absence of fish stockings through July and August. Catfish up to four pounds are still being reported along with fish in the two-pound range, but catch rates are poor overall. The last seasonal (spring/summer) stocking of catfish was June 25. Generally, the best bite is late in the evening; however some anglers are finding hungry cats in the middle of the day. Try baits such as stink bait or shrimp fished on the bottom without a sinker.
Sunfish continue to bite throughout the summer on small worms fished under a bobber; mornings are best. Largemouth fishing is slow with the best activity around dawn for anglers using finesse worms rigged drop-shot or split-shot style, or try topwater at first light.
RIGGS FLAT — Fishing is slow but a few fish are being caught. This lake was stocked last week.
CLUFF RANCH — No recent reports of success. A new fishing pier has been installed which should provide a large increase in access for shore anglers. 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 – Fishing is slow as the fish have gone deep to beat the heat. Early morning and late evenings are producing a few fish though.
KEARNY LAKES — The lake remains fishless due to golden algae problems.
ARIVACA — The lake has come up and anglers should have no problem launching their boats. The fishing remains fair. Monsoon rains have slowly turned the top water bite on in the late evenings. Jan. 1 marks a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be 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 – The boat ramp at Pena Blanca lake is now open. Please use caution as the approach road is rough and there are still lots of debris along the edges of the road. No recent reports of success. Be aware that the lake will be drained and renovated late this fall to remove mercury contaminated sediment form the lake bottom. 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 —Recent storms have filled the lake and water is going over the spillway. Boaters should use caution as there is debris from flooding floating in the lake. 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 topwater lures and buzz baits. Trout are very slow, in deep water only.
PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report at this time.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The fishing remains slow. Worms, and green and yellow power bait is doing the trick though for those with the patience to wait the fish out.
Where:rose
When:08/01/08
Caught:none
Technique:worms
Comments:I been fishing rose for 40 years this last trip I seen more dead largemouth bass then ever what up whit that there was 8 in 2 hr on lake not good
Name: george jackson
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.
