July 24, 2008

I am on vacation, so the ever-able Jim Harken will be performing this report\'s editing duties while I am away refining the art of gallivanting (thanks Jim).

If you want a superb wildlife and fishing adventure you\'ll be talking about for years, head for the Willow Beach area of the Colorado River to see desert bighorn sheep in the rut and to fish for rainbow trout, plus huge stripers (see our new interactive fishing map for the location and directions). http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish.shtml

You might just see or hear bighorn rams butting heads for the right to mate with a waiting harem of ewes. It\'s a remarkable wildlife experience.

What\'s more, the federal fish hatchery at Willow Beach stocks rainbow trout every Friday like clockwork. And just like clockwork, huge striped bass weighing from 10 to 50 pounds will come in to feed on stocker trout – lollygaggers get eaten.

Just take along some trout-imitating "swim baits" and get ready for action. Be sure to have new fishing line on your reel, preferably 20-pound strength or greater. Do the math: If you have a 40-pound striper traveling at 30 mph hitting a one-ounce lure on the end of 50 feet of line, the coefficient can be . . . a broken line. Not to mention a broken heart from losing a monster fish. At the price for some of those swim baits, losing one might even cost you a few crocodile tears.

My family also likes to fish frozen anchovies while drifting for stripers and searching for bighorns moving about the shoreline or along the rugged slopes of Black Canyon. It's amazing when you see bighorns bounding up or down cliffs.

But keep a close watch on your fishing poles – when a fast-moving striper hits, an unattended pole can disappear faster than the last potato chip at a Saturday night poker game.

Be sure to get on the water early – like at first light. Not only is the fishing better at that hour, it is also cooler. By late morning, the temperatures in Black Canyon can stress out a cheap thermometer or an expensive tan.

If you plan on taking a swim to escape the heat, keep in mind that the water temperature can be around 50 degrees cooler than the air temperature: be sure to wear a life jacket. The shock of that cold water can do strange things to your bodily functions.

It\'s a bit of a drive, so at these gas prices, maybe plan on visiting Willow Beach then visit Hoover Dam with a possible side trip to Lake Mead, Boulder, or even Las Vegas. Always look at ways of maximizing your recreational time in the field – it just makes sense, no matter how you spell it.

Good luck. Go catch some remarkable memories. I\'ll be back the first week of August.

Everyone's Fishing News

New interactive e-map shows where to fish in Arizona

PHOENIX – Ever wish you could see a map of Arizona showing all the places to go fishing, along with what types of fish you can find and maybe even something about the facilities at each lake, river or stream?

Well, just wave a magic wand over your computer because your wish has been granted – thanks to a little computer magic from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Game and Fish Department now has a computerized interactive fishing hole map of Arizona on its Web site under "Where To Fish."
Most of the information for the interactive computerized map was taken from the popular "Arizona Fishin' Holes" booklet published by the Game and Fish Department.

One of the cool things about this interactive map is it gives you the ability to locate places to fish for specific species. "Want to know where to fish for rainbow trout? Simply click on the words 'rainbow trout' at the bottom and the map will only show those locations with trout," said Web Master Brian Ference, who headed up the project.

Do you need directions to a particular fishing hole? Those are there too. You can even choose the type of map you want, including topographical or satellite imagery. There are even links to Wikipedia to provide more detailed information.
Are you curious about the current weather over your prospective fishing hole? Just click on the link to "View on Google Earth" at the top of the map and with a couple of tweaks, you can see for yourself.

Don't forget, you can also sign up to have the Arizona Game and Fish Department\'s Weekly Fishing Report delivered directly to your computer each and every week. It's always good to find out what fish are biting where, and what baits or methods to use as well.
To complete your friendly arsenal of relevant fishing information, you might want to purchase the $6 "Arizona Fishin\' Holes" publication as well – it is sized to fit most vehicle glove compartments. To obtain an order form, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/pubs/publications.shtml.

URBAN LAKES – June 23-28 was the last week for catfish stockings at the urban lakes this summer.  With the lake temperatures climbing rapidly towards 90 degrees and air temperatures well above 100, it becomes impractical to haul live fish into Arizona's urban lakes.  Fall catfish stockings will resume in Mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again.  Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower.  The best catfish action is during low light or nighttime conditions and sunfish continue to bite well on small worms fished under a bobber.  At Green Valley lakes most of the trout have been fished 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

Shore anglers are catching largemouth bass on Crankbait and jigs.

LAKE PLEASANT – Water elevation is 1678 ft, which is 75% full.

Anglers are reporting fewer shad boils, but a couple fishermen didn't let that get them down.  They fished in the northern coves with 4 inch swimbaits and caught mostly stripers and whites.  The largemouth bass they caught were around a pound or pound and a half in size.  When the bite slowed in the coves they fished mid lake with Carolina rigged worms and other plastic critters and had some luck with that technique.

Lots of night fishermen saw an obvious reduction in striper action during the full moon phase.  Fishing was good until the moon came up then the bite turned off.

Water conditions reported as hovering around 85F.   Be diligent and find shad boils and use top water lures such as Spooks, Vixens, Zara Puppy\'s and the like.  Clear lures are working well.  Kastmasters are also spoken highly of by many anglers.  Jigs are also working for a variety of fish along with Carolina Rigged plastics.

Striper fishing is fantastic, not only in the northern coves but boils are surfacing all over the lake, usually in the morning.  Try the clear topwater lures.  An angler got into the boils and he caught over 50 stripers in a morning of fishing, also about 12 whites and 5 largemouth bass.

Angler report:

Where: lake pleasant
When: 07/17/08
Caught: 1 channel cat
Technique: anchovy
Comments: lots of bites till sun went down
Name: Andrew Althaus

Where: lake pleasant
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Stripers
Technique: tubes and grubs on a trolling down rig
Comments: night fishing on a full moon night
Name: Terry

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 2146 ft (94% full).

Tonto Creek runoff is at 44 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 230 cfs.

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 8:30pm he turned to Carolina rigged plastics and caught another 10-15 more.  He caught 3 bass in the morning.  Water temperature was 84 F and water clarity was 8-10 feet.

Fishing reports for Rosey has 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 is 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 1909 ft (95% 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.

CANYON – Lake elevation is 1657 ft, which is 95% full.

I\'m still hearing good things about fishing at Canyon Lake; water clarity is a bit low but fish are lively and healthy.
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
When: 7/15/08
Caught: Cat and bluegill
Technique: top water foot under with stinkbait for the cat. small worm top water about 6 inch under for blue gill
Comments: Started at 4 and fished till 9 and ended up with 4 cats and 8 blue gill. Cats were a little small up to 2.5 lbs blue gill were really small but more around then I new what to do with.
Name: Tyler

SAGUARO – Lake elevation 1525 feet at 93% full.

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 1/16th oz jigs and caught 3 largemouth of varying sizes, 6 bluegill (two were 8 inches), 4 channel catfish and only 1 yellow bass.  A couple good spots include Eagle\'s Grotto area, Skunks 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 Lake
When: 07/20/08
Caught: 10 Largemouth Bass
Technique: Drop Shot and crank bait
Comments: Several of the fish were well over 12".
Name: Michael Rathgeber

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1789 ft, which is 86% full.

One angler mentioned fishing was tough and he only caught 6 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.  Dropshot method, jigs and crankbait worked for him on 1-2 pounders.  He also says to fish the points in about 20 feet of water.  Bluegill 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 Hungary 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 shot method and crankbait, 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 Report:

Where: Bartlett
When: 07/13/08
Caught: 4 Largemouth
Technique: Topwater, poppers only!
Comments: They did not want sammy, props, or buzz baits. Also tried skinny dippers, no luck. Water stopped boiling around 9:30am. Left around 10:00am. Decent 2lb 4oz out of the bunch while one was a pounder and other two were little guys. Also had a hit on a flick shake but couldn\'t get them to bite it again.
Name: Efrain Betancourt Jr.

San Carlos Lake

Angler report:

Where: san carlos lake
When: 07/10/08
Caught: large mouth bass
Technique: 4 inch purple with fire tail, fishing along the steep rocky cliffs north of the dam! also caught crappies
Comments: using a 32 oz jig head with a 4 inch worm, any color worked for me, motor oil was the best right at about 3pm to about 11pm.caught about 25 bass, all over 4lbs, and 4 were 5, 5 1/2 and a 6 pounder! my dad caught about 35 crappie in the same area! had to be the best single day of weight and fishing in my life!! the bite stopped right about 11 pm, the lake is coming alive!!
Name: ROBERT BISHOP

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1988 feet, which is 28% full.  They are releasing water at 400 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 143 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 400 cfs.

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 230 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 143 cfs.  They are releasing 875 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.

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 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

Angler report:

Where: Workman Creek
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Rainbow trout
Technique: Mepps #1 spinner
Comments: Caught about 10-12 nice sized rainbows. River was hard to fish as the flow is down. Water was very clear and it was fun to watch them chase and hit the lure.
Name: Jason Williams

Horsethief Basin Lake – Lake Level is up, fishing is nominal.

LAKE POWELL – Lake Elevation: 3633 Water Temp: 79-85 F

July 16, 2008

By Wayne Gustaveson

Lake Powell is still rising, but just barely. It will peak very shortly and then start a slow decline. Stabilization will improve bass fishing success. Striped bass fishing success is slowing with full moon lurking this week. Full moon impact will vary by species of fish and location.
Striped bass are still boiling. Boil personality has changed somewhat in the southern lake. Stripers are feeding in smaller bunches. It seems that 5-6 stripers are chasing smaller pods of larval shad. The result is quick little blow ups are up and gone just as fast. That makes catching very tough unless the school will surface for the second or third time in casting range. It still takes a precise cast, usually at long distance, to hit the sweet spot and get a hookup. Clear surface lures, rattletraps and white swim baits are all working if the cast is perfectly placed just beyond a newly surfacing striper convoy. A lure just behind the lead fish will be ignored.

It may be that shad numbers are declining which limits the amount of time stripers are on top, or it could be full moon effect limiting feeding. When striper schools are larger than 25 fish they seem to stay up longer and are more aggressive, making them more catchable.
Boils in the northern lake are completely different. Shad schools are just becoming visible to stripers in the chocolate-brown water of the Colorado River inflow. Shad schools are large. When shad and stripers get together the result is sustained surface action from 1-2 pound stripers. Large catches of small stripers are now common. The muddy water clears up between Scorup Canyon and Good Hope Bay. Red Canyon has consistent boils making it well worth the trip from either the primitive launch at Hite or from Bullfrog/Halls. Fishing near Good Hope or in the San Juan Arm is the best bet during the full moon phase.

Boats launching at Hite and Halls are required to be clean, drained and dry to prevent movement of invasive mussels into Lake Powell. UDWR Techs are monitoring both ramps and requiring compliance with NPS invasive mussel certification.

Smallmouth bass fishing is much improved this week with small bass now easy to catch along the shallow rocky shoreline. Larger bass are holding at 20-30 feet. Fish grubs and drop shot rigged lures along the 25 foot contour for best success for quality size bass.

Catfish may provide the most consistent catching this week. Hook some table scraps on a number 4 bait hook. Add a small weight. Cast to the sandy beach behind camp and invite a catfish to join you for dinner

LEES FERRY – From Lees Ferry Anglers

July 16th, 2008 by Lees Ferry Anglers

Report by: Natalie Jensen

Today's Fish rating Upriver: 6.75

Walk-In: N/A

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!

Today's Weather: Mostly cloudy again today with isolated thunderheads. There was a 46% humidity level today. Daily temperatures ranged from 72 to 95 degrees.

Today's Crowd Rating:  Upriver: 2.0 Walk In: 1.0

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early!

Today's Fly Fishing:

There was a noticeable change in the Cicada activity during the last couple of days. We may have had the best of the hatch already. We have had a water level increase as of Monday. This will inevitably change the fishing activity as of late. Today's fishing was slower on the cicada bite. However activity was good after the water came up in the afternoon while drift nymphing over gravel bars. Scuds and san juans were the hit. What remains of the foam lines once the water reaches peak flow doesn\'t support many trout. We are likely at a brink of change once again. We'll keep you posted.

Walk in: Sorry no new reports. This area has very low pressure and is a great body of water. Stop in at the fly shop and get all the latest information on where to go and what to throw.

Spin Fishing: Stop in and pick up some egg patterns and ask us about the recommended rig and best areas to fish. The marabou jigs are also working.  We do have maps available in the fly shop as well.

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 were catching as many 13 to 18-inch stripers as they wanted to clean.  Catfishing under lights was also very productive using anchovies.  Artificial lights tend to be most productive if fished with a new moon.  August 1st, 2008 is the new moon so trolling crankbaits during the day should be good now and begin to drop off 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 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 640 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. The fishing for trout has been good from shore immediately following the stocking.  Try using a Jake, Panther Martin, or other spinner's or spoons.  If that doesn\'t work you can always use Power Bait.  Look for the striper fishing to really be 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.  The new fishing dock is open for fishing.

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/.

Alamo Lake:

We analyzed some samples of bass from Alamo Lake at our Fisheries Health Lab in Pinetop, and were not able to make any conclusions on the "red spots" present on some of the fish.  We're pretty certain that it is not one of the grubs or other fairly large parasites, as we were able to detect nothing in the sores, not even microscopically.  While a fair number of bass exhibited these "spots," it did not appear to be affecting their health and vigor, and the bass that showed the spots seemed to be very lightly infected.  It appears to be an infection on the skin, which doesn't affect the meat of the fish.  We're continuing to look into it.

Angler report:

Report courtesy Mark Knapp with the Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, this week your not missing allot out here.  It's been humid and windy.  The monsoons keep threatening, but only deliver enough rain to mess up the windows on your car.  We did get about 1/16 of an inch a few days ago, but that\'s about it.  Bass fishing is still pretty good.  I talked with Brent Riesop and Victor Gheorghe who stated they caught 13 bass and 3 catfish fishing at night this last weekend.  Working points and throwing black worms worked well for them.   I have found the evening bite has tapered off a little.  I'm only catching 10 to 15 bass a night.  I have found that using red flake lizards during the day and switching to dark colored wolly hog tails right at dark works well.   If the wind is blowing, which is 90 % of the time, I get on the back side of a point and work the bait slowly back into 20 foot of water.   You can usually pull 4 to 5 fish off of the same point.  Anyway, from all the people I've talked to the evening is still the best time to fish.  No reports on a morning bite.  I talked with William Miller who said he caught 50 crappie last Saturday night.  He went on to say the bite started at 2 a.m. and was over by 4.   If you don\'t do any good up by the dam then try the coves between the main ramp and Cholla.   No reports on shore fishing.  The lake level is at 1121 with releases of 50 cfs.  You know the rest of the story – bring bug spray and sun block.

Angler report:

Where: lake Alamo
When: 07/05/08
Caught: Bass
Technique: pumpkin lizard, tube and craws, almost any color dark seemed to work
Comments: My partner Jerry Coperider and I caught 91 bass over two days. Evening bite was great, morning was not so good. We caught 8 of the 91 in the morning also caught a 5.2 and a 3.8 so it was a great weekend. We also caught a 5.12 on 5/25/08 drop shot on a point headed up to the dam.
Name: Mark Chambers

Mittry Lake:

AGFD has been conducting monthly hoop-netting surveys to get an idea of channel catfish numbers in Mittry Lake.  Results from April, May and June indicate we have a very robust population of channel catfish throughout the lake.  Most individuals are on the small side, but there are significant numbers of channel catfish in the 2 to 6-pound range, and larger.  Shoreline access is somewhat limited at Mittry Lake, but there are a number of fishing jetties on the east side of the lake that can produce catfish.  Boaters will have a better chance at large numbers of catfish throughout the lake, especially in Teal Alley.

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.

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.

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 good over the weekend.  Stocked last week.

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. No Report   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.  Stocked last week.

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 Pike are being caught on anchovies.  This lake also has walleye and catfish. Remember, there are no boat motor restrictions on this lake, so it is a good one to take your bass boat to escape the heat.

Angler report:

Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 07/09/08
Caught: 3 Walleye
Technique: Night Crawlers
Comments: Fished by the dam
Name: Eric Garcia

Where: upper lake Mary
When: 07/13/08
Caught: Nothing
Technique: Drift and anchor fished. Shore fished one day. Used night crawlers on worm harness.
Comments: 4 of us fished from a boat for 3 days. Lots of rain. Didn't observe anyone else catching anything either.
Name: Chuck Hasley

ASHURST LAKE – The lake is full, the road is open.  Stocked last week

FRANCIS SHORT POND – A fish kill has occurred caused by a die off of an algae 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 – Road Open.

MARSHALL LAKE -  Road Open.

OAK CREEK – Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

Angler report:

Where: Oak Creek
When: 07/17/08
Caught: Rainbow trout
Technique: Great day, I used everything in my bag and it all worked. Flies(bead head black wooly buggers, zugbugs, dries), Joe's fly spinners and whole kernel corn.
Comments: Caught over 40 today, some as large at 14". Lower part of Oak Creek still not recovered from fire and landslide. Best spots were below Slide Rock Bridge and at Cave Springs Campground.
Name: Robert Followwill

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. No report.

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 16th.  This was the last scheduled stocking until September, but anglers continue to catch fish.  The best bait has been white Powerbait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers under a bobber are also having some success nearly 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!

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 9th.  The catfish bite has been pretty good 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 #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 9th and again on June 25th.  Trout were stocked the week of June 16th.  This was the last scheduled stocking until the fall.  While fishing has been slow, these two stockings should help.  One angler reported catching a two pound rainbow with a worm under a bobber on a slow retrieve.  Silver Kastmasters and panther martins have also had some success.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.  The hot ticket for the trout is salmon egg scented power bait.

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 – Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23rd.  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 16th.  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 were last stocked the week of July 7th and are scheduled to be stocked again this week, the week of July 21st.  One angler reported that Gold Kastmasters were working excellent in the morning.   While there is no shortage of fish, most people report catching only one or two fish.  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 next trout stocking is scheduled for the week of July 21st.  The water temperature is 76°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 11th a 26 lbs catfish was caught on a hotdog.  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.

BEAR CANYON LAKE – Fishing is fair for 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. The lake is down about one foot 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.

BLUE RIDGE – Fishing is fair to poor. Fish at first and last light. This is a deep canyon lake that is tough for shore angling, but great for small boats and canoes, or float tubes. In fact, trolling is probably the most effective method right now.

Angler report:

Where: Blue Ridge Res.
When: 07/18/08
Caught: rainbows
Technique: trolling cowbell with worm trailer
Comments: caught 16 total in 2 days early morning and evening after rain storm caught one 3 pounder, the rest 12 inch range
Name: Steve Ferguson

KNOLL LAKE – Fishing was good.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – The lake is down about two feet. Fishing is fair to good. The best fishing is at first and last light, or just before rain showers hit.  It was stocked last week with catchable size rainbow trout. 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.

WOODS CANYON – Fishing is fair to good. Stocked weekly. The lake is full. 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 report:

Where: Woods Canyon Lake
When: 07/17/08
Caught: 10 rainbow trout
Technique: Trolled with cowbells with a brownish colored cricket hopper
Comments: They were biting mostly later in the evening in shaded areas where the water temp was cooler
Name: Kyle

Where: WOODS CANYON LAKE
When: 07/20/08
Caught: LIMIT ON TROUT
Technique: SLOW TROLLING WITH COW BELLS AND WORMS.
Comments: GET OUT EARLY BEFORE THE LAKE GETS CROWDED AND THE WEATHER IS COOLER.
Name: ROB WAREHIME

BECKER LAKE – Fishing is good. The lake is down about four feet but the boat ramp is accessible. Fish off the bottom along weed beds and retrieve your fly slowly.  Sometimes an ant hatch occurs at Becker so try a black ant pattern in size 18-20.
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. 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.

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.

Angler report:

Where: Big Lake
When: 07/14/08
Caught: Rainbow Trout
Technique: Trolling Cow Bells with worm.
Comments: Caught three total, son caught one then before he could even let out his line BAM another. Rainy off and on all day although, bite was still good. We saw a Osprey swoop down and pull out a nice rainbow, what an awesome sight that was. Good Times
Name: Joe

Where: Big Lake
When: 07/18/08
Caught: Rainbow Trout
Technique: Trolling cow bells with fly and power bait (orange and green)- also trolled with lures and worms all with success!
Comments: An absolutely amazing day at Big Lake. My brother and I caught and released 57 trout on Friday the 18th in a full day of fishing, and then the next day we caught and released 27 fish in a half day. The best fishing we have ever had at Big Lake. There were times that both my brother and I both caught a fish at the same time and couldn\'t believe how fast we were catching them. They were not down very deep the first day, but the second day they were a little deeper. Lake was calm for the better part of both days – was almost glass looking on Saturday AM before the storms rolled in. It was a great two day retreat from the summer heat in Phoenix and awesome two days of fishing. We absolutely love this lake and it is the best lake in Arizona by far for trout fishing.
Name: Bryan Baker

CARNERO LAKE – Fishing is good, but the lake is very weedy. Try fishing the open water areas. As the summer progresses, the weeds will be 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. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout in mid-May.  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 fair. The boat ramp is accessible. The lake was stocked catchable size rainbow trout in early April and another load in the first week of May. 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 to good.  Crescent Lake experienced a winter kill; however the lake has been restocked with over 14,000 catchable size brook trout in the last week of April and first week of May.  Crescent was also stocked with almost 5000 catchable rainbow trout in mid-May.  .

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.

Angler report:

Where: Crescent
When: 07/13/08
Caught: Nothing
Technique: Fly fishing from tube.
Comments: Algae bloom has started.
Name: Andy Jury

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. The lake should have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout last week. The lake is down about 1-1.5feet 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.

GREER LAKES — Fishing is fair to good.  All three reservoirs have been stocked with rainbow trout. All reservoirs are very low.  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.

HULSEY LAKE -Fishing is fair. 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. Lee Valley Lake probably has some ice cover, although it should be considered unsafe.
LUNA LAKE – Fishing is fair. The lake is down about 1 foot and the boat ramp is accessible. Anglers have been catching some nice sized trout at the dam on worms, lures, and flies. Boat anglers have been catching trout on Panther Martin spinners and yellow Crickhopper lures. There is an algae bloom present in the lake.
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 fair 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 lake is down about 1 foot 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.

Angler report:

Where: Nelson Reservoir
When: 07/14/08
Caught: Rainbow Trout
Technique: Small brown wolly bugger spinner with a ultra lite reel.
Comments: Had fun catching these rainbow on an ultra lite reel. Fished from boat and from rocks on north end of reservoir. One nice fellow fisherman gave me four rainbows he caught on worm under a bobber, Thanks again. Took away eight fish between me and my son. Good times.
Name: Joe

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. Two weeks ago the water was clear and the water temperature was 74 degrees.

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. The lake is nearly full and the boat ramp is accessible.
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 to good. This lake should have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout last week. The lake is about 18 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 fair.  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.
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.
East Fork Black River: Fishing is good. The East Fork was stocked with catchable size Apache trout last week and will be stocked again this 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 last week. 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. The stream could be turbid from recent rains. It is stocked weekly 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.

URBAN — LAST STOCKING OF SPRING CATFISH SEASON was JUNE 23-28. No fish stockings are scheduled during July, August and the first half of September.  Fall catfish stockings will resume in mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again.  Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower.

RIGGS FLAT – Fishing is slow but a few fish are being caught.  Due high pH levels the lake will not be stocked until these values come down.

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 closed until further notice.  The area repaired last year has washed out once again and it is impossible to get to the ramp.  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.

Angler report:

Where: Pena Blanca
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Large Mouth Bass
Technique: Topwater- Sammys, poppers, and swamp donkeys
Comments: Had to carry our boat down to the water because of ramp closer. Me and a buddy fished from sunrise to noon. We caught 20 fish on a great topwater bite. 15 of those fish were in the range of 2-7 lbs. ALL WERE RELEASED!! I hope that these fish will be preserved. It was the best fishing we\'ve had since we started fishing (all over the state)since February. Im seriously hoping that AZGFD rethinks the draining of this AWESOME lake! We took a few pictures of the fish we caught to show what we'd be losing if the AZGFD continues with their plan. If its a mercury problem, then why cant we make it a catch and release lake like Arivaca? Oh…..P.S. I really didn't wanna give away this hotspot, but if that's what it takes to keep this kind of quality fish around…..then so be it!
Name: John Levison Jr.

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.

Angler report:

Where: Patagonia
When: 07/19/08
Caught: Channel Catfish, Sunfish (Bait)
Technique: Worms, tried shrimp.
Comments: Went night fishing for catfish; trying for flatheads. Caught baitfish, sunfish (bluegill) in a cove to the W of Marina. Caught 12 or so w/i 1-2 hrs. Rains came and most fair weather recreational & fishers left; there was a bass tournament of some sort. We had the lake basically to ourselves on the E end. We then went down to source creek, or thought so, it was dark. We were S of creek @ E side of lake & fished for cats. Some nice channels in early evening, then real slow. No flathead action – but the sunfish (bluegill)/baitfish died in our redneck, coffee can live well. So, we just fished worms. It rained, so were pretty cold all night. The next am, at around sunrise, the place went crazy. We (Pat Dansdill & I) caught 12 channel catfish. Plenty of action, it appeared the channels were aggressively feeding. Lost some big ones, w/ light gear snapping. Overall, a great trip. The State Park people were full of helpful tips from the fish being in the water/lake, to not having waterdogs (what are they?). Although, the Marina help were experienced & generous w/ assistance, comment. Oh yeah, there was some kind of bass tournament w/ fancy fisherman & boats; we never did get who won or how. Thanks, John.Gravina@azbar.org
Name: John A. Gravina

Where: Patagonia Lake
When: 07/18/08
Caught: Three largemouth bass and a channel catfish.
Technique: A Texas rigged lizard. My tecnique was called \"dead sticking\"
Comments: I had a great time
Name: Darick Hall

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 top water lures and buzz baits.  Trout are very slow, in deep water only.

Angler report:

Where: parker canyon lake
When: 07/15/08
Caught: bluegill, red ear sunfish, green sunfish
Technique: roostertails
Comments: This little lake has some real monster green sunfish!!!They put up a great fight on light tackle!! Fish early evening along rocky shoreline areas !!!+
Name: marc & joe Tucson

Where: Parker Canyon Lake
When: 07/19/08
Caught: 7 largemouth
Technique: Caught them off the weed line with brushhogs and on top water as the sun was coming up
Comments: I caught 5 and my buddy Derek caught 2. Still my favorite lake
Name: Chris Clutter

PICACHO RESERVOIR – No Report at this time.

ROSE CANYON LAKE – The fishing is slow.  Worms, and green and yellow power bait is doing the trick though for those with the patience to wait the fish out.