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Mountain lakes now accessible: Game and Fish experts expect best trout season in years
MOGOLLON RIM – The deep snow drifts across backcountry mountain roads have melted and now Arizona’s picturesque trout lakes in the national forests are not only accessible, most have filled and spilled as well, creating premium fishing conditions not seen in more than a decade.
Categories: Arizona
URBAN FISHING REPORT
Fishing for catfish is good to excellent with a variety of baits working well on the bottom. Cats are biting variously throughout the day and anglers willing to spend a couple hours or fish different times of the day are being rewarded with some 2-3 pound fish. Top catfish baits include stink baits, shrimp or worms fished with a sliding sinker, or no sinker. Catfishing is poor at Chaparral (Scottsdale) and Red Mountain (Mesa) lakes due to cancelled catfish stockings the week of April 29-May 3. Bluegill and other sunfish are biting readily at all lakes on meal worms, worms or small doughballs under a small bobber. The bite for largemouth bass has slowed somewhat during this post-spawn period, but early morning anglers are still getting action on some nice fish in the 2-3 pound range using drop shot and split shot rigs. At Green Valley lakes (Payson) fishing is good for trout, particularly in the two smaller ponds which received some bonus trout stockings recently for local children’s fishing clinics. The final trout stocking of the spring season will take place the week of May 4-10 and will be a double stocking. Try PowerBait, worms or salmon eggs for the trout.
Categories: Arizona
VETERANS OASIS LAKE NOT READY FOR SPRING STOCKINGS
The Chandler Parks and Recreation Department recently notified Game and Fish officials that Veterans Oasis Lake would not be ready for catfish stockings this spring. Additional work is still needed to ensure this new lake is effectively sealed to conserve water. These unfortunate delays mean that no catfish can be stocked into this 5-acre urban lake in southeast Chandler until the fall catfish stockings resume in mid September. Fingerling and juvenile bluegill and largemouth bass from 2-7 inches are on order for stocking sometime later this summer to get this new fishery started. The park, located at Chandler Heights and Lindsay Roads is now open for public use with vehicle access only available off Lindsay Road at this time.
Categories: Arizona
MOTHER NATURE BLAMED FOR WEAKENED CATFISH
The cause of death of recently stocked catfish at 5 of 19 urban lakes looks like it is just a case of fish stress and common bacteria. “There is no need to worry,” said Dr. Andy Goodwin, Fish Pathologist Associate Director at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He explained that catfish throughout Arkansas have experienced late winter/early spring stress due to a highly unusual sequence of major cold and wet storms earlier this year. Periods of cooling and warming cycles favor certain common bacteria that can infect weakened catfish. Additionally, until water temperatures reach the mid 50’s, fish farmers do not feed their catfish—this did not occur until mid April, a delay of 4-6 weeks over normal.
Categories: Arizona
GILBERT PARKS BOARD TO CONSIDER CLOSING URBAN PROGRAM
On Thursday evening, May 1, the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will be deciding on a citizen proposal to drop Water Ranch Lake from the Urban Fishing Program and convert it to a catch and release, artificial fly and lure only fishery requiring a state fishing license. Urban anglers and concerned citizens are invited to attend this public meeting taking place at the Southeast Regional Library at Water Ranch Park, 775 N. Greenfield Road (corner of Guadalupe) starting at 6:30 p.m.
Categories: Arizona
KEY ACCESS ROADS OPEN TO ARIZONA'S WOODS CANYON AND BIG LAKE
PHOENIX – Key access roads in the mountains opened on April 17 allowing anglers and other outdoor recreational users entry to Woods Canyon Lake along the Mogollon Rim and Big Lake in the White Mountains.
Categories: Arizona
Key access roads open to Woods Canyon and Big Lake
PHOENIX – Key access roads in the mountains opened on April 17 allowing anglers and other outdoor recreational users entry to Woods Canyon Lake along the Mogollon Rim and Big Lake in the White Mountains.
Categories: Arizona
GILBERT PARKS BOARD TO CONSIDER CLOSING URBAN PROGRAM
On Thursday evening, May 1, the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will be deciding on a citizen proposal to drop Water Ranch Lake from the Urban Fishing Program and convert it to a catch and release, artificial fly and lure only fishery requiring a state fishing license. Urban anglers and concerned citizens are invited to attend this public meeting taking place at the Southeast Regional Library at Water Ranch Park, 775 N. Greenfield Road (corner of Guadalupe) starting at 6:30pm. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not support this proposal. Eric Swanson, Urban Fishing Program Manager, will be giving the Advisory Board a presentation to highlight urban angler and Urban Fishing Program facts at Water Ranch Lake. This popular lake has been part of the Urban Program since 1999. In 2007 there were over 2,100 anglers that fished this lake accounting for nearly 25,000 recreational days of fun, wholesome fishing activity for families and anglers of all ages and abilities.
Categories: Arizona
GOLDEN ALGA HITS LAKES, OTHER LAKES LOSE FISH TOO
These have been difficult times for fish and fishermen alike at five Urban Fishing Program Lakes in the Phoenix area over the past few weeks. Golden alga blooms came on suddenly at Cortez and Water Ranch Lakes resulting in the loss of over 80 fish at each lake. Both lakes have since been treated with algaecides to kill off the troublesome, microscopic golden alga and stop its toxins from affecting any more fish. Recent tests indicate golden alga is under control at Cortez, but is not fully under control at Water Ranch. Some fish loses have also been reported from Desert Breeze, Chaparral and Surprise Lakes in recent weeks. Game and Fish biologists, parks staff and lake management consultants have all collaborated to respond to these issues promptly and perform all necessary water quality testing and lake management treatments. Lake conditions have returned to normal at Desert Breeze and are improving at Chaparral and Surprise. Read below to learn how all these environmental stresses will affect catfish stockings.
Categories: Arizona
MEXICAN WOLF REINTRODUCTION PROJECT NEWS
The following is a summary of Mexican wolf reintroduction project activities in Arizona on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) and in New Mexico on the Apache National Forest (AANF) and Gila National Forest (GNF), collectively known as the Blue Range Wolf Reintroduction Area (BRWRA). Additional information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at 888-459-9653, or by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at http://www.azgfd.gov/wolf or by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf. Past updates may be viewed on either Web site, or interested parties may sign up to receive this update electronically by visiting http://www.azgfd.gov/signup. This update is a public document and information in it can be used for any purpose. The reintroduction project is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA APHIS WS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR). Other entities cooperate through the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG) that meets quarterly in Arizona and/or New Mexico, including private individuals, organizations and tribes.
Categories: Arizona
Once thought dead off-highway vehicle legislation is revived
PHOENIX — The Arizona House of Representatives on Thursday, April 3, passed Senate Bill 1167 (also known as the funeral escort vehicle bill, changed by strike-everything amendment to become the OHV user fee bill), by a vote of 42 to 13.
Categories: Arizona
Trout anglers getting an 11-mile fishing bonus
PHOENIX – Trout anglers are getting an 11-mile trout fishing bonus on the Lower Salt River close to the Valley of the Sun early this spring thanks to abundant snowpack and excellent runoff for a change this year.
Categories: Arizona
Patti Ho Memorial Estate Auction to benefit wildlife
PHOENIX - The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF), in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will host an estate auction to sell items that were willed to the organizations upon the death of Patti Ho, a life-long supporter of wildlife in Arizona.
Categories: Arizona
Sage/Redington/Rio offer 8-wt Fly Fishing Outfit for Trout Unlimited Fundraiser
Bainbridge Island, Washington - The top names in Fly Fishing have joined forces together to put togther a world-class fly fishing outfit as a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited-Alaska to help with their efforts protecting the Bristol Bay watershed.
Categories: Arizona
Endangered Species Update - Mexican Wolf Reintroduction News
The following is a summary of Mexican wolf reintroduction project activities in Arizona on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) and in New Mexico on the Apache National Forest (AANF) and Gila National Forest (GNF), collectively known as the Blue Range Wolf Reintroduction Area (BRWRA). Additional information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329 or toll free at 888-459-9653, or by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site at http://www.azgfd.gov/wolf or by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf. Past updates may be viewed on either Web site, or interested parties may sign up to receive this update electronically by visiting http://www.azgfd.gov/signup. This update is a public document and information in it can be used for any purpose. The reintroduction project is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA Forest Service (USFS), USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA APHIS WS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR). Other entities cooperate through the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG) that meets quarterly in Arizona and/or New Mexico, including private individuals, organizations and tribes.
Categories: Arizona
Off-Highway Vehicle Legislation Takes a Giant Step Forward
PHOENIX — The Arizona House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2573, (also known as the off-highway vehicle, user fee bill) by a vote of 43 to 13. For the official final ballot count go online to: http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/48leg/2r/bills/hb2573.hthird.1.asp
Categories: Arizona
Rory's Tip - March 7, 2008
Put on some new fishing line and buy your annual supply of sunscreen - this is the leading edge of the great fishing. It's time to go catch some fun in the sun at our desert lakes. By the way, we are expecting the best fishing in 25 years. No kidding!
Categories: Arizona
Arizona Fishing Report - Mar. 7, 2008
Report editor:
Rory Aikens, (623) 236-7214
Regional editors:
Pinetop Region - Richard Dreyer, (928) 367-4281
Flagstaff Region - Chuck Benedict, (928) 774-5045
Kingman Region - Andy Clark, (928) 692-7700
Categories: Arizona
Arizona GFC Concerned about Proposed Legislation
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has expressed concern to House Concurrent Resolution 2037, a proposed amendment that would create a new constitutional right to hunt and fish in Arizona.
Categories: Arizona
Arizona Urban Fishing Bulletin - March 3 - 16
Upcoming Events - Plenty of family fun in March
March 7-9 (Friday to Sunday) INTERNATIONAL SPORTSMEN’S EXPO (ISE)
Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale (Glendale Avenue and Hwy 101). The 8th annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition is Arizona’s largest fishing, hunting and outdoor travel event. General admission is $12 and free for children 12 years and under. Parking is free with paid admission. All exhibits and events are indoors. See new items, catch a trout from the fishing pond, find out about places to hunt and fish around the world, hear from many outdoor experts during seminars throughout each day, and watch the experts test their skills in competitions. For more information, go to www.sportsexpos.com.
Categories: Arizona
