Although weekly stocking is over for the heat of the summer, fish are still in the urban lakes. The best cat fishing is during low light or nighttime conditions. Stinkbait and shrimp fished on the bottom is your best bet. Hot dogs, bacon and chicken livers will also entice the bite.
Sunfish like the warmer weather although fishing will be best in the mornings and evenings with parts of worms or meal worms fished under a bobber. Largemouth bass are still in the system and they can be caught again in early morning or late evening. Don’t forget the bag limits and fishing regulations. All anglers 14 years and over need to have an Urban Fishing License. The bag and possession limits for unlicensed anglers under 14 are half that of licensed anglers.
The daily bag and possession limit for largemouth bass is 2 and must be a minimum of 13 inches, except at Urban Ponds where the limit is 1 bass. The daily bag and possession limit for sunfish is 10 at the lakes and 5 at the Urban Ponds and there is no size limit. Catfish daily bag and possession limit is 4 catfish, 2 at Urban Ponds and no size limits. See the Urban fishing brochure or look on the AZ Game and Fish Website for details. At Green Valley lakes (Payson) most of the trout have been caught out, but anglers are enjoying great action on bluegill, crappie and bass. Try small jigs and worms fished under a bobber at Green Valley.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Anglers are doing real well largemouth fishing next to the bridge and railroad structure in the early mornings with the drop shot technique. White colored and shad colored crankbaits are productive baits as well. The yellow bass and largemouth population is up compared to last year’s survey. One group of anglers caught 20 bass drop shotting and 12 more with cranks. Most of the largemouth bass were between 12 and 16 inches. One was 4.3 pounds. They also caught 1 yellow bass. Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.
There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.
LAKE PLEASANT – Water elevation is 1681 ft, which is 77% full.
I’m getting reports of some shad boil activity, but people are also fishing near the tires on the public side (you are not allowed on the private side unless you are a member of the marina). You are also not allowed to tie up to the tires on the public side, so anchor near there since the stripers are stacked up just waiting for your anchovies. I had one report of fishermen catching about 30 in a couple hours. Get your bait deep pretty fast or you will catch a bunch of dinks. Nighttime fishing is more comfortable for you and the fish if you go the anchovy route.
ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2146 ft (94% full). Tonto Creek runoff is at 16 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 178 cfs.
Monsoonal cloud cover seems to help the bite although it can get dicey with the wind and lightning. Looks like it will take a break for a week or so according the forecast I just looked at. A couple anglers caught a few fish in the early morning on topwater then a little later jigs, senkos, and Texas rigged worms worked for a while.
Anglers are also having some good luck nighttime fishing humps, depressions and structure at the bottom. Crayfish imitations are working in the submerged trees.
APACHE – Lake elevation is 1908 ft (94% full).
With the lake level going down a bit the largemouth bass are hanging under drop-offs and around rocks. Early morning and late evening are still the best times to fish. Largemouth bass are taking spoons and yellow/green crankbaits with most pretty small, but the occasional big one will take the bait. My fishing contact has caught quite a few channel catfish in the 4 to 8 pound range using worms with a split shot. A few small smallmouth bass are hanging in the rocky areas. If you find some submerged vegetation the sunfish will take mealworms and earthworms as well as some small spoons.
CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95-percent full.
Lake elevation is 1657 ft, which is 95% full.
An angler fished Canyon and caught 9 largemouth bass in three hours all before 11am. Bass tend to stack up along the cliff walls this time of year and they will go after your rigged worms bounced down the cliffs. They like to hang in the nooks and crannies along the wall. Fish on the shady side
SAGUARO LAKE – Lake elevation 1525 feet at 93-percemt full.
Lake elevation 1524 feet at 92% full.
Fishermen are still catching a lot of small bass on Texas rigged worms along rocky spots and emergent vegetation. There are a few real good spots on the lake where the lunkers are hanging that anglers are keeping to themselves.
Two anglers fished after work in a couple coves with dropshotts and Texas rigged worms. After trying several different sizes and colors of worms, they caught over a dozen in 4 hours. Many were slot fish, some dinks and some were in the 2 and 2.5 pound range. They also were lucky enough to see a bobcat on shore.
Another angler caught 7 good sized bass from 8 pm to midnight. Two were over 3 pounds and 3 were over 2 pounds. No mention what he was using.
One angler fished Saguaro from 7:30 am to 2pm and caught about 60 fish, all on 1/8oz kastmasters. The yellows were deep off the points and on some flats. This angler’s breakdown was 6 largemouth bass all around 10 inches, 1 green sunfish, 4 channel catfish, 8 bluegill and lots of small yellow bass.
BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1796 ft, which is 97% full. Reservoir release is 115 cfs.
One angler fished from 5am to 1pm under overcast skies and caught over 50 largemouth bass. They were hitting Rico’s. The shad were boiling and that added to the fun.
Another couple anglers had good luck with top water ricos in the early morning. Robo worms were working a little later in the big boulders and submerged trees. Dropshot technique worked well.
One angler reported some good shad boils all morning till about 10am, but they were tough to sneak up on. After a few failed attempts to get into the boils they threw ricos, soft jerkbaits and crankbaits. Jigs were sought by the bass as well. Their biggest largemouth was just under 4 pounds. They caught over a dozen largemouth. This group was the lucky recipient of an impressive show by mother nature. They witnessed a duel between a squirrel and a rattlesnake. The squirrel outperformed the snake inflicting a few bites of its own and was able to protect its home and live another day.
HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1951 feet, No pool. They are releasing water at 110 cfs.
VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 108 cubic feet per second. Release from Bartlett Lake is 115 cfs.
SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 178 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 179 cfs. They are releasing 1325 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
CREEKS
Fishing is good in the early morning and late evening. Nighttime fishing works real good for the browns around undercut banks and overhanging veg.
Haigler Creek – Fly fishermen are having luck using dry droppers, hoppers, little midges and emergers. Trout are also taking spinners. If you hike up a bit from Fisherman’s Point there are some nice wild rainbow and large browns.
Canyon Creek – Fly fishermen are catching trout using hoppers, phantom tails, prince nymphs, hares ears and copper johns. Above the OW Bridge you can keep 4 trout of any size and they are taking worms, spinners along with the flies. Below the OW Bridge its catch and release only and you must use artificial flies and lures. A fly fisherman caught a 28 inch rainbow, one of the incentive stockers. Damsels are hatching so match the hatch.
Tonto Creek – Again hoppers, ant patterns, phantom tails, prince nymphs, hares ears and copper johns. If you decide to hike to some nice secluded fishing holes prepare to get wet. Downstream of Bear Flat have quite a few wild rainbows and browns.
LAKE POWELL – Note: There are now mandatory boat inspections at Lake Powell to ensure you are not Moving A Mussel or other invasive species. Mostly, the inspection stations are open dawn to dusk, but you cannot launch without one.
Best bet is to make sure your boat is quagga free to begin with. Clean, drain and dry your boat following each outing, and be sure to wait at least five days before launching your boat on any other lake (if you are a day user).
June 24, 2009, By Wayne Gustaveson. Lake Elevation: 3638. Water Temp: 72- 75F
One method of judging how fishing changes from week to week is to try the same methods in the same spots each week. Last week I chased striper boils from Wahweap to Padre Bay and caught one fish from every third boil. This week I caught one fish in every other boil and two fish in some. Since the frequency of sighting boils also increased, my determination is that fishing for stripers in boils is getting better.
Tight ‘Slurp’ of stripers feeding on larval shad.
Here is a closer look at techniques. The best lures are those that cast great distances with accuracy. We had good success with large rattletraps because many schools were headed down as the boat got in range. ‘Traps’ dive and could be effectively presented to fleeing fish.
The best lure for me was the full size Jumpin’ Minnow. It is heavier and therefore casts further than anything but a heavy spoon. Fish are feeding on top so the surface lure was just right. You should fish with your best “confidence” lure. If a lure has been good for you in the past it will be good now.
Still it is imperative that the lure is cast in front and beyond the lead fish. As the lure hits water quickly work it into the racing striper school. Stripers are looking toward the surface. They swim fast enough to beat their school mate to the next shad. A larger ‘fish’ (lure) will be eaten if it is in just the right spot. Casting into or behind a moving school is fruitless. Perfect placement results in a hook up with a 20-25 inch striper. Anything less is ignored.
Boat handling is key. Fish in boils are vulnerable for 5-30 seconds. Move quickly into range trying to parallel direction of fish travel. I shut off the motor when in range and grab the rod while the boat is slowing to a stop. Sometimes the school will stay on top long enough to put one cast into the school. More likely the school will sound and then resurface. The most effective cast is to the resurfacing school. Hopefully, fish come up in range and the first cast goes beyond the lead fish. Spend some time watching the school and make one good cast instead of three errant ones. I only stay with a pod of stripers long enough to see them resurface three times. After that they are wary and I move to find a fresh school.
Boils cover the length of Lake Powell and are continuous from daylight to dark when the water is calm. Wind may put them down for an hour but they come right back up as soon as the lake calms. Boils are strong from Wahweap to San Juan and Escalante. Reports are less from Rincon to Good Hope but I suspect that is lack of reports and not lack of striper boils. My crew reports strong boils in Good Hope this morning. Water is clearing and fishing out of Hite is effective once more.
If the craziness of chasing fish does not appeal then look for a striper boil near shore. Go to that spot and cast a surface walking bait or popper into the submerged trees and have fun with bass on topwater lures.
LEES FERRY – Lees Ferry Fishing Synopsis and Forecast by Terry Gunn 6/29/09. Visit www.leesferry.com for daily fishing reports and updates.
Recent Fishing Conditions: Summer arrived with mild temperatures and calm winds, a welcome relief from our crummy spring weather. The weather has warmed of late and the cicadas are starting to sing and the fish are just now starting to key in on them. It is too early to tell what “kind” of cicada year it will be…every year is different. I have seen the bite last only 2 weeks and other years last well into late August. Our cicadas are unusual in the fact that they hatch every year, most places they occur every 7 or 14 years. I have seen 4 hatches that were so intense that the fish would come up off the bottom in the middle of the river to eat a cicada that has landed on the water. Watch our daily reports for up to date reports on the cicada hatch.
The water flows will increase in volume for July and August. These two months usually provide the best and most consistent fishing of the entire year here at Lees Ferry and they are also the least crowded. In the higher water most all of our fishing is done from the boat, drifting with heavy nymph rigs or casting big cicada dry flies into the rocky shores. The largest fish of the year are usually caught in the summer months and it is during these 2 months that the trout experience tremendous growth rates due to the high water transporting large quantities of food around.
For those who were fortunate to be here during the 8,000 constant flow in early June, they likely experienced the best fishing of their lives. There were many days where more than 100 fish were hooked per rod, fishing was off the charts (we rated it a “9” only because no fish over 10-lbs were landed). You may remember from my previous reports my mention of our prolific spawn of 2007 and that the river was full of small fish that disappear from the time that they reach 3” and reappear when they are 12” long…well, they showed up in mass immediately following the 8,000 constant flow. They are everywhere! For the first time in many years we are catching fish of all sizes, from 10’’ to 20” which is typical of a very healthy river. The only downside is that our average fish size has dramatically decreased; the river is still chock-full of big fish but the challenge is getting your fly past the smaller and not so smart little fish.
The current health of the river is outstanding…better than it has been in years. Last year’s above normal runoff into Lake Powell delivered and stirred up countless tons of nutrients into the water and this nutrient rich water is passing through the dam and into the river. Algae is everywhere in the river and this provides food and habitat for the aquatic food base that the trout depend upon. Lake Powell has risen more than 30-ft this year and is still rising which is good news for us and all of the people in the southwest who depend on this water for household use and electrical generation. The rising lake and the nutrient load will guarantee this trend of healthy trout populations and good fishing will continue for the next several years.
The turning point and the beginning for the recovery of the Lees Ferry fishery occurred in 2005 when Lake Powell had the first above normal snow-pack and runoff year since 1997. Last year we had almost exactly the same conditions. The above normal winter snow pack and runoff into Lake Powell in 2007-08, stirred up a tremendous amount of nutrient laden sediment that had accumulated at the lake mouths of the Colorado River, San Juan River, and the Green River. Lake Powell elevation increased 43-ft. and the rivers flowing into the lake mixed the sediment and nutrients into the lake water. It usually takes several months before we see this mixing affect. The increased nutrient load in the lake and river is evident this spring by the dramatic increase in aquatic vegetation and aquatic organisms throughout the river.
For those of you that remember what the fishing was like in 1999 and 2000…you should be as excited as I am about the current conditions and what the increased nutrient load should do for the fishing at Lees Ferry.
Lots of stuff happening at the Ferry and it is all good!
Recent Fishing: With the water flows increasing we will be spending more time fishing from the boat than wading. Fishing techniques have been mixed between using a “heavy nymph rig” which is a 9 to 12-ft leader, strike indicator, split shot, and dual fly rig, a “double tiny” rig with a long leader and 2 bead-head midges on 7X, or a dry and dropper rig. I have been using 6 and 7X fluorocarbon tippet and feel that the lighter tippet results in a much higher success rate than say 5X. Anglers might argue that they break fish off on such light tippet but my argument is that in order to break a fish off, you first have to first get a fish to eat your fly and you are going to get more eaters with lighter tippet than heaver tippet.
When wading the riffles you need long dead drifts. There are 2 types of drifts; perfect dead drifts and all other drifts. Perfect dead drifts catch fish at Lees Ferry; all other drifts don’t catch fish here. You get a dead drift by mending the line, then throwing slack line on the water. If your line is straight from your rod tip to your indicator or you move your indicator during the drift, then your drift is not perfect and will not catch fish. The key to success is to stay over fish, get the flies down to the bottom, and get a long, perfect dead drift.
The high flow experiment, 4/08, was basically a non event as far as the fishery is concerned. It came and went with few visible changes to the river or the fishery. For more details and to see my complete comments go here: http://coloradoriverconservancy.org/
The experimental steady flows that occurred in September and October 2008 (12,000 constant) were beneficial to the river and are scheduled again for 2009. In years past, the flows in September and October have been the lowest flows of the year and have reset the “green line” to the 5,000-cfs level from the 12,000-cfs level of the summer flows. This has effectively reduced the food supply in the river by a significant amount. Then the higher flows of November and December arrive; but because of the declining sun angle and the shade of the cliffs, photosynthesis and aquatic production in the river declines and the areas of the river that were desiccated by the low flows do not regenerate until the following spring. This did not happen this year because of the steady flows in September and October the green line stayed high. The current fluctuating flows (7,500-cfs to 13,000-cfs) are continuing to keep the green line higher than in years past. There have been prolific midge and black-fly hatches every day and it appears as though the scud population has a higher density than any time since 2004.
For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/
For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000
LAKE MEAD –Lake Mead water continue to drop slowly, falling about 1 foot over the last three weeks. The current level is 1,095 feet above msl. The striper bite has been great. Both trolling and fishing under lights at night yielded large numbers of fish. The lights are more productive when used around the new moon, on dark nights. The next new moon is on Wednesday the 22nd. Most stripers being caught are in the 1 lb range, with occasional fish up to two lbs. Stripers are being caught 12’ – 60’ of water.
Launching conditions at South Cove will continue to deteriorate as the water level continues to drop. The concrete ramp the National Park Service completed last year is one lane with cones 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. Temple bar launch ramp is two lanes. Launching conditions in general are better at temple bar than south cove.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
LAKE MOHAVE – The lake level is around 640 feet above msl. Fishing for stripers seems to be pretty good in the southern portion of the lake. Submersible lights are very effective for stripers when used on dark nights, but keep in mind there is a full moon July 7th. The next new moon will be on July 22nd. Bass are located both in shallow and on fish habitat in 15-20 ft.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove and now Shoshone. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, Tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. 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 discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH – Trout are stocked every Friday. The trout fishing has been pretty sporadic. About 30 percent of shoreline anglers are having success. The majority of these anglers were after trout and were fishing with Power Bait, night crawlers, spinners, Super Duper lures, Power Worms, and marshmallows. No stripers were reported from shoreline anglers on Friday.
Boat anglers had a little more success with about 67-percent of anglers contacted having caught fish. One angler reported catching 2 stripers, approximately 10 and 12lbs each on an AC plug.
The desert bighorn sheep are in the rut, so this is a great time to fish and possibly see some rams bumping heads (or at least hear them – it sounds like a rifle shot echoing in the canyons).
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
TOPOCK MARSH – The water level is up and the bite has been pretty good. Both bass and catfish are biting well. Catfish are biting on anchovies and night crawlers.
You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM –The striper bite has been pretty good. I have not heard about the rest.
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 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.
LAKE HAVASU – Striped bass bite improving during the morning hours using blue/white 3/8 to 3/4 Stump jumpers with 4? hyper tails cast or trolled in the early twilight hours. After sunup switch to
trolled anchovies with fish seekers or 2 oz. banana sinkers. Still fishing cut sardines or anchovies producing numbers of small limits throughout the Windsor basin south to Black Rock.
Smallmouth bass hitting red 8 to 14ft diving crankbaits, wacky rigged finesse worms in oxblood, junebug or red craw colors with a 1/4 oz. drop sinker fished near rocky or gravel bottomed shorelines where bass are preparing to spawn in 4 to 15 ft of water.
This report was provided by John Galbraith of Anglers Pro Shop Lake Havasu City
Hi Rory,
Sorry, but the striper news is bleak this week. Only a few have been taken and those were only around a pound. No news on catfish. There has been some small –1#ers–smallmouth bass picked up from the rocky points. And, the bluegill are in the back bays. Hopefully next week will be better. A nice catfish with an estimated weight of 10#’s was caught at Catfish Paradise in the Topock Marsh.
Talk to you next time,
Georgia www.captdoyle.com.
Report Provided by: www.HavasuFishing.com. The warmer weather has heated up the water and fishing is greatly improving for almost all species.
Fishing Outlook: Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent this spring. The size will range from 13 inches and up, with an occasional fish greater than 5 pounds. Striped bass fishing has been problematic this year, with catch rates far below what has been experienced the past couple of years.
Striper fishermen report that they can see schools of striped bass on their fish-finders, but have had poor success getting them to strike, and have not been seeing the boils on shad that they are used to seeing. Shad numbers are probably lower this year, which affects the striper fishing, as striped bass tend to concentrate mainly on shad.
Remember, shad schools move around, and populations tend to fluctuate, so spots that have been “hot” in the past may no longer be so if the shad have moved elsewhere, or are in lower numbers. The majority of striped bass in Lake Havasu tend to be smaller fish of 1 to 2 pounds, but the occasional 20-30 pound fish is caught. Channel catfish as well as bluegill and redear sunfish will be good to excellent.
Lake Havasu is well known for large (2-3 pound) redear sunfish, and with the proliferation of the quagga mussel in the lake, we may see larger numbers of large redears. Redear sunfish are also known as “shellcrackers,” due to their preference for eating clams and mussels, so they may actually benefit from the presence of the invasive quagga mussel.
There have also been reports of crappie fishing picking up, a species that used to be sought after in the lake, but has declined in recent years. Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (Bill Williams River Arm) through the spring, although surveys in the fall indicated that they are taking up residence farther north in the lake than in the past. Flathead catfish can reach as high as 40 pounds or better in Lake Havasu. When fishing for them, select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure has been placed.
The warmer weather causes the bite to increase making crankbaits and topwater lures a good choice. Also, spinner baits, jigs, cut fish, live shad, etc. should work depending on the species you are looking for.
Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other waters by accident. This invasive species certainly has profound effects on water delivery and control structures, boat engines, and likely on fish populations. Quaggas are abundant and widely distributed in Lake Havasu, but are absent from many of our interior lakes. Help keep those lakes quagga-free. Make sure your boat and trailer are free of the mussels, drain all bilge and livewells before leaving the area, and most importantly, let your boat bake in the sun for 3-5 days in the sun before you launch it at another lake.
ALAMO LAKE – Report Courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, I’m having to write this a couple of days earlier than I would like due to having to go help out fellow rangers at Lake Havasu this coming weekend. Although working a major holiday at Havasu is both, educational and entertaining, I’m always happy to come home. Bass fishing has been hit and miss this week. The top water bite in the early morning has been lousy. The evening bite has not been much better. A few anglers have reported catching bass mid morning drop shotting. Every one is giving crappie fishing a thumbs down. Shore fishing is o.k. Anglers are catching a few blue gills and catfish using night crawlers. I’m not sure what the lake level is but both ramps are in operation. Bigger boats are encouraged to use Cholla ramp. Hopefully I’ll have a better report next week. Mark
Spring Outlook:
Colorado River (Parker Strip Area):
Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes. The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or larger. Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies. Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.
Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.
Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter’s Camp):
This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2 to 5 pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. The time for fishing for both species of catfish will be late spring and throughout the summer. Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.
Colorado River (between Walter’s Camp and Picacho State Park):
This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). The various backwaters will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill and redear). Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.
Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):
This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds. Other sunfish such as bluegill and redear are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the backwaters and main river channel.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):
This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this area I would avoid that area (Pilot Knob to Moreles Dam).
Regional Hot Spots:
Alamo Lake will be the hot spot for largemouth bass and channel catfish. Since there appears to be an overabundance of small bass and channel catfish in the lake at present, we recommend keeping as many of the smaller bass and catfish as you can legally possess in order to try and reduce the population a little. Next choice would be Lake Havasu for large and smallmouth bass and redears, Parker Strip for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp for flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam. Expect many in the 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters.
If you need any additional information or additional don’t hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 341-4051 and I will be happy to accommodate you.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE— Fishing was fair-good on powerbait and worms.
CATARACT LAKE — According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.
CITY RESERVOIR— No reports from anglers.
DOGTOWN LAKE — No reports from anglers.
JD DAM — No reports from anglers.
RUSSEL TANK – It was stocked mid to late June, so keep fishing.
SANTA FE — No reports from anglers.
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Stocked mid to late June, so keep fishing.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — Stocking for the year is done. This lake is almost dry and water temperatures are rising in the water that is remaining.
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Fishing is fair for northern pike, but some large ones up to 20 pounds have been harvested here this spring. It is also possible to cach walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish here. There are no boat motor restrictions on this lake.
ASHURST LAKE — The lake is almost full. Fishing is fair for trout on worms fished below a bobber. There are also some large pike in this lake that provide trout anglers an occasional surprise.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked with trout and catfish. No reports from anglers.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently.
MARSHALL LAKE — There is very little open water left, but it may be possible to still catch some trout on fly fishing gear.
OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair for rainbows poor for brown trout. There are a large number of cicadas emerging around the creek. Fly anglers using cicada patterns are doing well and anglers catching live cicadas for bait are catching brown trout. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
LONG LAKE — Lake is open. Water level is good. Has been stocked.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.
BEAVER CREEK — No report. Has not been stocked recently.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report. Has not been stocked recently.
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
Verde Valley
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked on June 10; 1000 pounds were split evenly between the two lagoons. Fishing picked up immediately following the stocking. Fishing in general has been okay. Bass and Bluegill are moving around. Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch. Bass are biting on spinner baits.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite has been pretty good. Look for catfish in eddy areas of large pools. Bass should be biting as well.
Prescott Area
FAIN LAKE — Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20. Trout and catfish were stocked the week of June 15. This was the final trout stocking for the summer. Bluegill, trout and catfish are all biting. Bluegills are easily caught, and many are being released. Bluegills bite well on worms or meal worms. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait. Catfish should bite on night crawlers or anchovies in the morning and evening hours.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of July 13th. Power Bait usually works well for trout. If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters. Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day.
Both bass and catfish were stocked the week of June 22. Bass were stocked on June 10. The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish. Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lb and a 14 lb catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake. The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegills have been biting well, but most are small. Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½-pound. Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill. If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled trout stocking for the year. Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10. Between the trout and the catfish, fishing success should be high for a while. One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11. The brookies were about 3 to the pound. I have not heard if people are catching those brook trout. If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner. Fishing for trout is best following the stockings. The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled stocking for the summer. The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well. Only about 13 percent of the anglers were successful on the June 20. All anglers were fishing for trout.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
WATSON – The fishing at Watson should be pretty good by now. Bass and catfish should be active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful. Crappies were also doing well. Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Some anglers are reporting catching a few nice bass on spinner baits. Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful. Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick. If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
RIM LAKES Most roads are now open and accessible. Contact the US Forest Service’s Black Mesa Ranger District office at (928) 535-7300 for up to date information about forest and road conditions.
CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is full. All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.
This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked two weeks ago with catchable sized rainbow trout and there are also larger holdver trout in this deep canyon lake. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. .
BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. The Arizona Game and Fish Department can’t stock this lake during the summer months because of high water temperatures and pH’s. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BLUE RIDGE – There is a heavy algal bloom. Has been stocked. Fishing is fair. It may be possible to catch some nice holdovers here at times, but the lake is not very shore-angler friendly. This lake is best fished from a small boat, kayak, canoe or float tube.
KNOLL LAKE – This lake is full. Scheduled for stocking this week. Fishing was terrific following the last stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats. The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie. The limits have been removed on bass, crappie and the other warmwater fish.
Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.
There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.
Updated information – There is a small area (well signed) on the Southwestern (Originally reported on the East) end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure – it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it’s a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
BECKER LAKE— Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. Becker is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag limit. Try lures such as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), rainbow colored Z-Rays, and small spoons such as KastMasters.
Try flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers in brown, black or gray, semi-seal leeches, Prince Nymphs, Zug bugs, Pheasant tails, Hares ears, small scuds, and midges. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a fishing pier located on the northwest shoreline of the lake.
BIG LAKE — The water temperature last week was 62 degrees. Fishing is good from boat or shore.
Anthony at Big Lake said rainbows and cutthroat trout fishing is great right now, but the brookies are few and far between. However, a 5.5-pound, 24-inch-long brown trout was caught recently. Anthony, who fishes the lakes at least two or three times a week, said the trout are still being caught in 5 to 15 feet of water. This could change, or not — the monsoon thunderstorms have started and if they keep going, the trout may not be forced deep. Night crawlers and Power Bait are both working, but the trout are chasing minnows, so crankbaits like Rapalas are also working well. Thanks for the report Anthony, keep them coming.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green.
The lake is ice-free and has come up approximately two feet from last fall, but still two feet below spill. from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake is also open.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open and has boats for rent.
Bring along your binoculars – anglers report seeing lots of wildlife right now. Wild turkey are in the rut, so you might even hear gobbling or see bearded gobblers sparing right now. It’s a great time to be in the woods.
CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is good. There is a damselfly hatch going on and the trout are rising extremely well when it is overcast. Fish under the surface when there are no clouds. Forest Roads 118 and 117A are open. Trout have survived through the winter, based on winter limnological surveys and netting surveys. Rainbow trout are 14-15 inches. Carnero is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag and possession limit.
Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin and Rooster Tail), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, scud patterns, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear nymphs, and peacock ladies. Also try small nymphs in black, brown, green or gray colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. Try fishing with a bobber, split shot and worms near rocky shoreline areas for sunfish, bullheads, and bass.
Try worms, Power Bait, Salmon eggs, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), Z-Rays, crank baits, spinner baits, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, Yeager buggers, and peacock ladies. There are no motor restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir. Recent netting revealed lots of carp, a few small sunfish, catfish, and bass.
CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake was stocked in May. The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes.
The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, and small nymphs. Concho is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville is open to vehicles. Highway 273 from Sunrise to Crescent is also open. The lake is ice-free and the lake level has come up significantly from last fall; it is now two feet below full. The lake has been liberally stocked with catchable size rainbow and brook trout. Anglers have been catching brook trout. Recent netting revealed 15-inch brook trout and no rainbow trout. The store is open. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The lake level is full and all boat ramps are usable. Anglers have been catching trout, channel catfish, and walleyes on lures and night crawlers. There are also largemouth and smallmouth bass in this lake.
Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons, rubber lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches. Try fishing off rocky areas and around fishing piers. Black crappies tend to congregate around the fishing piers during April and May. Try small crappie jigs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
GREER LAKES — Fishing is fair. All three Greer Reservoirs have been drawn down 10-15 feet for irrigation downstream. Use caution when launching a boat at Bunch and River Reservoirs because water levels are low and close to the concrete curb at the end of the boat ramp. All of the Greer reservoirs have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
