July 11 Fishing Report
Posted in: Fishing Report
Jul 11, 2012
Share or Bookmark:
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email Share on favorites Share on print | More Sharing ServicesMore
Digg this story!
Email this article
Printer friendly page

Rory’s tips:

With a waning moon and monsoon-generated rain showers possible on most days, you've got some nice choices for summer fishing, but on the extremely hot days, expect fish to go deep and be less active.

As the monsoon thunder bumpers start to build and the barometric pressure drops, insects will start flying closer to the water's surface and predatory fish will typically become more aggressive at the top of the water column.

In the high country especially, the insectivorous trout will feed more aggressively. This is a good time to use reaction baits, such as in-line spinners. Try Mepps, Roostertails or Blue Fox. KastMasters, Crickhoppers and Super Dupers can also work well at times.

Flies can work especially well. Even if you are spin fishing, you can use flies such was wooly buggers. I like to use a tapered fly line as a leader from a casting bubble, but 2-pound fishing line or leader can work well.

Typically, the deeper lakes such as Big, Willow Springs and Bear Canyon lakes are the better producers. Since we stock Woods Canyon weekly, it is also a contender for some nice stockers. Ashurst and Kinnikinick near Flagstaff are typically reliable producers even in the heat of summer.

When storms are not building then you can expect trout to be holding deep and feeding less aggressively. At those times, the best fishing will be at first and last light. Try using night crawlers, Power Bait or corn fished on the bottom using slip sinkers, small hooks and light line. Quite often, trolling out in deeper water is the key to finding a better bite. Try cowbells, spinners, Crickhoppers, Z-Rays or Super Dupers.

By the way, it's sad that Z-Ray has gone out of business -- don't lose the ones you have.

I am still getting reports of some good northern pike fishing in Upper Lake Mary near Flagstaff and one angler caught a very nice channel catfish there. Haven't heard much out of Long Lake recently, but it has some huge pike as well.

A little farther afield, my friend Terry Gunn at Lees Ferry Anglers says the cicadas are singing up a storm right now and the cicada bite should start any time soon (maybe it already has). With any luck, I'll get up there for the bite this year, I've had bad timing now for three years.

By the way, check out this month's edition of Arizona Highways magazine, they used one of my pictures of fly fishing at Lees Ferry. It was a small picture, but a big honor.

Sounds like the striper fishing at Lake Powell has slowed, but you can still find decent action for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and catfish.

My buddy Mike McFarland at Lake Pleasant has some awesome news -- the threadfin shad have come up to the surface and there is an all-day topwater bite. He said use the typical topwater baits to catch 8- to 12-inch bass in huge humbers, or use swim baits to catch the lunker largemouth bass and big striped bass. In other words, Pleasant is now the fishing hot spot in Arizona.

Sounds like there is a decent topwater bite at Lake Havasu starting at first light. Check out the report this week from John Galbraith.

An awesome fishing adventure this time of year is Willow Beach where you can catch trout in the desert, along with huge stripers. But what makes this a true adventure is the desert bighorn sheep -- this is the rutting season. You might see or hear bighorn rams butting heads. It's one of the best wildlife shows in North America.

You might also see or hear bighorns at Canyon Lake or Apache Lake along the Apache Trail. The picture on the left was taken by Gary Canady this week. Thanks Gary.

Canyon Lake is land of the largemouth lunkers, but don't expect high catch rates. This lake can be tough to fish. I've probably gotten skunked at Canyon more than any other Arizona lake. But seeing some bighorns scrambling up the cliffs or watching peregrine falcons stooping on ducks certainly makes it a wonderful experience anyway. Keep the binoculars handy.

Apache Lake also has a healthy herd of bighorns. Plus Apache is one of my favorite summer fisheries. The past few years, it has really become a tremendous largemouth bass fishery. There are also plentiful yellow bass, which are a lot of fun to catch on light tackle. Apache also has a decent population of walleye. Be sure to take a camera -- this is one of our most photogenic lakes, which is saying something in a state full of photogenic waters.

However, if you are afraid of heights or get anxious on narrow winding dirt roads down treacherous cliff faces, traveling to Apache Lake across Fish Creek Hill is probably not for you. For some of us, that is part of the Apache Trail allure.

Night fishing under submersible lights will become more viable with each passing night. The new moon is July 18. Some anglers have been loading up on striped bass even though the moon phases weren't agreeable, especially at Pleasant, Mead and Powell. Not hearing much on the crappie angling right now, but Alamo, Roosevelt and Bartlett should all be decent.

There are lots of summer fishing adventures to sample. Go catch some great memories and maybe I'll see you out there.






CENTRAL WATERS

Note: If you have a fishing report or good fishing pictures to share (JPEG), send them to raikens@aszgfd.gov. Rory can also be reached at (623) 236-7214.

URBAN LAKES -- The final spring stocking of catfish took place the week of June 11-16. The Urban Fishing Program does not stock fish from June 25 through mid-September. Catfish stockings in the Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes will resume the week of Sept. 17-22.

Fishing has been good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8-12 feet deep.

Catfish are biting irregularly throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down. Most catfish are from 13-16 inches, but some lunkers over 3 pounds are being hauled out of the lakes.

Bluegill fishing is good for anglers using worms and mealworms fished under a small bobber in 3- to 6-foot depths. Action for largemouth bass is fair, with the best baits being finesse plastics fished in the early morning hours.

At Green Valley Lakes (Payson), fishing for trout is slowing down since stockings wrapped up on May 11. However, fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie is good. Anglers using worms and meal worms under a small bobber are enjoying plenty of action. Also try small plastic or marabou jigs, plastic worms, and dark-colored nymphs or streamers. Trout stockings will resume in October.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Fishing is fair to good, with the best bite at first and last light for bass and sunfish. This is a good time to try for channel catfish and carp using corn or dough baits after dark. Keep in mind that although this fishery in in the city, it is not part of the Urban Fishing Program, so you will need the regular state fishing license to fish here.

LAKE PLEASANT - According to Mike McFarland, a guide at Pleasant, the threadfin shad have come up to the surface and there is an all-day topwater bite. He said use the typical topwater baits to catch 8- to 12-inch bass in huge humbers, or use swim baits to catch the lunker largemouth bass and big striped bass. In other words, Pleasant is now the fishing hot spot in Arizona. Mike said the surface bite can be anywhere from the backs of coves to the open water of the lake in 100 feet or so of water. Look for surface disruptions or bird activity. Take along a pair of binoculars to help spot the action.

The anchovy bite for stripers at around 60 feet is still going strong as well. If you can't find boils, it's a great fall back. Once you catch one striper, be sure to chum to hold the school

Nighttime fishing for catfish, especially from shore, should be good. This is prime catfish time. Try stink baits such as chicken liver. Corn can also work for both catfish and carp. Frozen anchovies fished on the bottom are another good choice -- you might even catch a striped bass.
Rory,
I caught this largemouth bass this morning {July 2) while fly fishing at Lake Pleasant. I got him on top using a white Gurgler pattern that I tied last night.

I didn't weigh him but he is 23" long and now the biggest fish I have caught while fly fishing.

I just thought you might find this interesting since it's a monster fish and I caught it at Pleasant while chucking flies.
I'm attaching both the picture of me and the fish, plus one of the fly just in case you are curious.

Thanks
Eric Austin
Scottsdale, AZ



ROOSEVELT LAKE - Lake elevation is 2,109 feet and the lake level is 55 percent. There is no indication that the fish kill on the Salt River due to golden algae has impacted the fish populations on Roosevelt. However, some of the dying fish from the Salt could be swept into the lake by the current.

With hot summer temperatures interspersed with monsoon generated storms, there could be an on-again off-again bite for largemouth bass.

Expect a decent topwater bite at first light, but then expect the fish to do into their deeper holding patterns. Drop shots will most likely be the best bet, or work the submerged vegetation with flutter-down lures such as Senkos or curly tails.

For night fishing, there is a new moon on July 18, so the conditions should be decent for fishing at night using submersible lights. Haven't heard anything from crappie anglers at Rosy for some time, but the crappie should be in larger suspended schools right now, it's just a matter of locating them.

This is definitely prime catfish season. For channels, think sink bait. For flatheads, live bait such as bluegills or small carp work best. For channel catfish, try any stinkbait. Although you can catch channels during the day, the prime bite has likely shifted to the nighttime hours.

APACHE LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,907 feet (93 percent full). Bass fishing is fair to good. You might also find bass chasing shad at the surface, especially at first light. Try working the major points using soft plastic crayfish like lures worked along the bottom. Crankbaits can also work well at times. A few good-sized smallies are being caught -- please practice catch-and-release on these fish, which are in the comeback mode. Walleye fishing should be decent at first and last light using night crawler rigs, or jigs tipped with worms. Apache is also full of some really nice yellow bass. Try gold KastMasters or yellow/gold Rooster Tails. Catfishing should be good. Carp fishing is very good. You might even catch one of the monster buffalo fish (see picture from Canyon Lake).

CANYON LAKE - Lake elevation is still holding at around 1,658 feet, which is 96 percent full. This is a good time to possibly see or hear desert bighorn sheep in the rut.

While Canyon is the land of the lunkers, it can be tough to fish, especially for novice anglers. Catch rates are typically low and even veteran anglers get skunked here. But the possibility of catching a hawg keeps many anglers coming back time and again. This is a pretty good lake for bluegill and yellow bass. Try small crappie-like lures, such as 2-inch curly tails, along the rocky shoreline. Shore fishing for channel catfish and carp can also be viable both day and night right now. As the season progresses, the better fishing for bottom dwellers will transition to the nighttime hours.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation is 1,524 feet at 92 percent full. Largemouth bass fishing isfair to good when the recreational boating pressure is lower, especially at night. The bite is a little more sporadic right now.

BARTLETT LAKE – Lake elevation 1,751 feet, 44 percent full. The best fishing is at first and last light, or at night. During the day, crankbaits or jigs bounced along the rock stringers, or worked around the points, islands and reefs should produce. Drop shots should also be viable.



Look for a first-light topwater bite. Sometimes it is sporadic to non-existent. But if you hit it right, you might be able to get some good action. This bite should continue getting better and better as the season progresses. There might also be a topwater bite right before monsoon-generated storms hit. But be sure to get off the water of there is lightning.

This is the prime flathead catfish season. Try live bluegill or small carp as bait. Look for the deeper holes, especially uplake where there is a little current. For bluegills, try the backs of rocky coves using night crawlers or meal worms on light tackle.

HORSESHOE LAKE - Lake is empty.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – They are releasing from 1,350 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro. You might be able to catch some bass or sunfish in the deeper holes.


Creeks Below the Mogollon Rim

The following creeks are being stocked weekly right now:

* Tonto Creek
* Christopher Creek
* Haigler Creek
* East Verde River

Don't forget we have a new interactive 2012 trout stocking schedule that actually shows the locations we stock along the creeks.


COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST

LAKE POWELL -- By: Wayne Gustaveson, http://www.wayneswords.com/, July 11, 2012

Lake elevation: 3,632. Water temperature 80-83 F

Water temperature has now reached the high point for the year. Early morning temp is 80 and by afternoon it reaches 83 or higher. From now until September the temperature will remain the same but the band of warm water will deepen. These warm temperatures are higher than any of the fish in Lake Powell prefer. It makes sense then that fishing has slowed down all over Lake Powell.

Striped bass can still be caught but it takes a bit more patience or some late night work. Stripers are most active at dusk and dawn. There will be an occasional boil in the northern lake. In the south there is scattered surface action from yearling stripers feeding in groups of 2-5 fish. They hit the surface from dawn to 7 a.m. (MST) but splashes are widely spaced. If close enough to cast to a rising fish the chances of catching it are high. It is much more efficient to troll the general area where striper splashes are seen. Use a shallow running pointer, LV100 or X-rap to steadily catch yearling stripers while trolling near surface feeding stripers.

We tried trolling deeper under the surface action without success. We are still clueless as to the general location of adult stripers in the southern lake. It is now too warm for them to feed on the surface for extended periods. We don’t see many adult striper schools when graphing deeper water. Conditions seem ideal for bait fishing now but the only successful bait fishing reports come after dark. This is a great time to break out the green fishing lights and use bait in areas that have produced well in the past. Some stripers are taken under the lights near the marinas or off houseboats in the buoy fields. Adult fish are deep and should be hungry. Down rigger trolling is another good option to take bigger fish.

Smallmouth bass are by far the best choice for targeting catchable fish. The brush zone from shore to 25 feet deep harbors most of the action. Large and smallmouth bass, walleye, stripers and sunfish are in brush along with shad and small sunfish. Cast plastic grubs to rocky drop-offs in the brush zone to catch multiple bass. Surface lures work very well morning and evening. Casting crankbaits in the spaces between the trees is very effective. Use your favorite fishing technique to catch bass early and late.

Catfishing success peaks in warm water of summer. It’s time to use some smelly old bait along the shoreline at dusk and into the night to catch some dandy whiskered fish. Chicken liver, shrimp, night crawlers, hot dog rounds and anchovies are excellent catfish bait.

My hopes are high that after this fishing lull that the anticipated summer boil season will break loose. Usually all that is needed is for me to write one dismal fishing report and stripers start to boil everywhere. This is that dismal report. Now we are impatiently waiting for the bigger stripers to find shad and start boiling.





LEES FERRY -- Report By: Terry Gunn, July 6, 2012

Fly Fishing Up-River: Our monsoon season has recently arrived bringing clouds, and welcome cooler weather.

The trout fishing at Lees Ferry continues to be better than we have seen in many years. The AZ Game and Fish department has confirmed through creel surveys that fishing is better than it has been in more than a decade. The trout are in superb condition, growing fast, and we are seeing fish of all sizes in the system which is indicative of a very healthy fishery and should continue that way for the foreseeable future.

The cicadas are singing and the fish have just recently begun to key in on them. It always takes a while for the cicadas to start flying and getting into the river but when they do the fish will really start to key in on them. Judging from past years I think that this is going to be a good cicada year. I’m not sure if it is going to be one of those banner years where a trout will rise 20-feet to take your fly in the middle of the river; we’ll have to wait a couple of weeks and see. I expect the cicada fishing to last at least another 3 weeks and possibly longer. One thing is obvious; the fish that are eating the cicada flies are overall larger this year. The best cicada fishing is done from the boat, casting the fly into the shore. Our cicada is an annual variety where most cicadas are a periodic variety, which only shows up every 7 or 14 year

Our water levels rose on July 1 as they do every year. There are still a few places to wade, however, this is the season when our most productive fishing is from the boat, drifting. The heavy nymph fishing continues to be productive and consistent. I’m using a very long leader (14-ft from the indicator to the AAA split shot), with a San Juan worm and a size #14 ginger scud. We have been drifting the riffles and runs that we would usually wade. This style of fishing is especially productive and consistent in the higher water. The current high flows will continue through August and it is during these high flows that we generally catch the largest fish of the year. The reason that the fishing is so good and the fish are in such great shape is that the high water flows move the larger food items around (scuds and worms) and the fish are feeding like crazy; it’s when the fish are actively feeding that the fishing is at its best.

The next water flow change will be in September when the flows will drop substantially and remain low through November. The fall weather is the best of the year and usually provides good fishing.

The trout continue to eat midges in certain areas of the river and your best bet is to fish a double midge rig on a long leader with a split shot. Assorted zebra midges are the ticket and the larger sizes work best. I have been surprised at the intensity of the midge hatches in the higher water, I usually associate prolific midge hatches to lower flow releases but that has not been the case.

The streamer fishing has been picking up and will likely get hot since the water flows have increase this summer. The reason for this is that the higher flows move larger food items around (scuds, worms, etc.). Be sure to stop by the shop to see the flies that are currently working. The flies change on a daily basis and every day the LFA guides let everyone at the shop know the top producing flies and how to use them.

Walk In Fly Fishing Report, By Dean Wyndam:

The fishing has been very good the past few weeks. The flows have come up the past few days and this has changed things somewhat but everyone seems to be catching fish. Some of the smaller fish have been showing up especially in the upper boulder area but larger fish in the 17-inch-plus range are being caught all up and down the walk in section. Cicadas are just starting to show up in the walk in area so dries are working but not as well as up river. Midges and San Juan worms are working best with streamers doing well in the evening or late afternoon.

With the higher flows the upper boulder field is doing best in the early morning when the flows are at the lowest. Midges and San Juan worms are the best combo here.

From the large boulder down to the Paria River streamers have been working very well. This might be an area to try some cicada patterns with a dropper. Remember with the higher flows wading in this area is hazardous with all of the slick rocks and fast water. The fish here will be closer to the shore that they were last month so most takes will be at the end of the drift.

The point where the Paria River enters the Colorado is also a good place to fish but with the higher flows this can be a difficult area to wade; if you wade here, a wading staff is recommended. Midges and San Juan worms seem to be working well here also. Streamers work well as the water rises in the afternoon.

I would rate the walk in a solid 8 for the past few weeks. Hope to see you on the water.

Walk in Spin Fishing Report:

Spin fishing has not been really good at the walk in area. The best spin fishing has been of off Paria Beach. However, with the higher flows everything will be changing for the better. As the flows come up it is easier to get a good drift with the spinner and not be dragging moss off of the bottom. There is still quite a bit of moss in the water but this will become less of a problem as the flows stay high. Kastmasters and panther martins are the best producing lures here at the Ferry.

The only area that is really productive for spinners is Paria Beach or the area where the Paria River enters the Colorado River. There are some deeper holes here and some really nice seams where larger fish have been taken. Just a reminder be very cautious when wading in this area, a wading staff is recommended. Also you will need to have new line on your reel, we recommend 4lb test. If you see me at the river please come by and say hello.

I would rate the spin fishing at 6, rising to a 7 with the higher flows.

Whirling disease detected for 2nd time at Lees Ferry.

This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December.

Fishing here this year has been off the charts good and most all the fish that we are catching are in prime+ condition.

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.


Note: Check out the latest edition of Arizona Highways magazine, there is a nice photo of fly fishing at the Ferry taken by Rory Aikens.aalmarri@asu.edu.

LAKE MEAD – The current elevation is still around 1116 ft msl. The water level will continue to drop approximately one foot per week. Be careful boating because structure previously submerged may be at the surface and watch for floating debris. There seems to be an abundance of shad currently which may be the reason for the lack of bite. Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice. Check the moon phases before you go –last new moon was June 19. The next new moon will be July 19. Dark nights work best when fishing under light.

Fishing for stripers in 50 plus feet of water will normally find the larger fish. If they are not taking the anchovies try swimming baits and see if you can get them to bite. Jigging in 50-60 feet deep has been doing well on Mead. If you can locate the shad, the stripers are not far behind. Trolling usually works best in areas were shad are found and best done in the early mornings and evenings.

The bite for largemouth and smallmouth was reported good using plastic worms and crawdads with purple and browns in them. Several fishermen said that top water lures were working for them. All the fishermen contacted were hopeful for the coming years with rising water conditions and the abundance of baitfish they have seen this year.

Launching conditions at South Cove have improved as the water level has gone up. There are currently four lanes. As the water raises logs and other debris can become hazards, so be careful boating.

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 has maintained about 642 feet above msl. The black bass are hitting soft baits when worked slowly especially on grass beds in 20 to 30 feet deep. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom. While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. Dan caught a healthy 7.3 pound 28 inch striper plus a couple catfish to make his evening productive.

Submersible lights fished during the new moon are an effective way to catch stripers. Next new moon is July 19. Cut anchovies usually work the best.

Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove, Shoshone, and Arrowhead. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets.

There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

WILLOW BEACH – Willow Beach is stocked every Friday with 3,000 13-inch rainbow trout. Rainbow, peach, garlic and yellow Power Baits and Powerworms were being used most for trout. Jakes original and Jakes Juniors, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails are also usually effective. Fishing is usually best near the fishing pier after the Friday stocking. Most of the nice stripers and trout are seem to be caught between river mile 49 and 53. A picture of a large striper was sent in and was caught around mile 52. Willow Beach can be hit-or-miss bait fishing. Try different baits including swim baits when nobody seems to be hooking anything.

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 gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Trout continue to bite in the casino area with some larger fish in the deep holes. Several folks have called and spoke of very large trout being caught in the Laughlin area. Rusty from Riviera Marina sent a picture of a nice 8.12-pound striper caught by Randy on the Nevada shore in the Big Bend area using anchovies. Richard caught a beautiful rainbow trout from the lower Big Bend area that weighed in at 4.8 pounds and 22 5/8 inches. Overall the fishing is great on the river with large rainbow trout still being caught.

Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter. The fish are normally stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Stocking at Rotary Park has made another access point to the river for fishing and has made many people happy. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.

Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses.
Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Topock Gorge- Most bass are being taken on minnows and night crawlers. Smallmouths are ranging from 2 – 5 pounds, and sunfish up to 1.5 pounds. A 5.5-pound beauty was the largest black bass so far this year. Stripers caught in May averaged between 2-5 pounds but have dropped to 1-2 pounds recently. Catfish have been harder to catch. A beautiful 7.42 pound channel was recently caught on anchovies by Rex while fishing for stripers. Sunfish are in the river and being taken on plastics like small worms, curly tails, and 4 inch Robo Worms.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass action has been outstanding. Derek landed a nice 2.9 pound largemouth using a spinner a little ways up river. Anchovies are still the bait of choice for the stripers. John and 11 year old son Jack limited out on bass and with Jack besting his dad with a 4.5 pound largemouth. Thanks Georgia for the fishing report.

TOPOCK MARSH – The action at Topock Marsh has been steadily improving. Night crawlers and live minnows have been tempting catfish from North Dyke. Dayton sent a picture of one of his largemouth and reports that the bass and sunfish are moving off their nests. Bass can be hit and miss but live bait has been reported to work the best now. Stripers appear abundant from the February AZGFD survey. Small crappies are being taken throughout the marsh.

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...asu/index.html.

Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.


SOUTHWESTERN WATERS

Note: If you would like more information on southwestern waters, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_southwest.shtml. Our Yuma Regional office has recently updated all the information to provide you more insight into these fisheries.

For more information, visit the updated "Where to Fish" pages at http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_southwest.shtml.

If you have a fishing report or good fishing pictures to share (JPEG), send them to raikens@aszgfd.gov. Rory can also be reached at (623) 236-7214.

LAKE HAVASU -- Report courtesy John Galbraith of BassTackleMaster.com, Lake Havasu City, Az.

Lake Havasu Fishing Report. Lake Level 449.05. Striper bite good with morning shad boils (5-7:30 a.m.)
from the North entrace to the Bridge south to Black Rock/Calif Bay. LuckyCraft Pointer 100/128s or pencil poppers are good choices now. Trolling & Casting has been effective. Cut bait fishing anchovies or sardines producing smaller limits than using artificial lures.

Evening/night fishing for bigger channel and flathead catfish has been excellent. Best time is 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Use live sunfish or bluegills from 2.5 to 4 inches long on a Carolina rig with 3/4 to 1 ounce sinkers with 12- to 15-pound test with a 24 to 36 inch leader.

Redear fishing with nightcrawlers around submerged grass beds producing some quality redears over 2 pounds.

PARKER STRIP -- The smallmouth fishing had been good below the dam around Big Rock Island, but has tapered off a little. Try using curly-tailed grubs on a swimming jig head, cast in to the rocky shoreline, and slowly swim the jig back or bounce it along the bottom. Also try topwater stick baits worked across submerged gravel bars in the current, or submerged grass beds waving in the current. You might tie into a smallmouth, largemouth bass or possibly an occasional striper.

This is the time of year for catfish along the strip. One of the more productive areas is along Buckskin State Park. Try using chicken livers. Also, Patria Flats day-use area has a history of producing some fish. Hasn't been much in the way of flathead catfish fishing, but bluegills are the way to go; try any of the back waters below headgate dam. Just be sure to have the proper permits from CRIT.

ALAMO LAKE -- Fishing Report courtesy Mark Knapp at Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, I don't have a a lot to report this week. There's no one out here to get reports from. So the only real update you get is from Junior and I's nightly fishing report.

We have been trying different areas and throwing a variety of different things. Although we catch a few bass on training wheels (Shad Rap crankbaits) we have had better luck throwing plastics. Junior caught a nice sized redear the other night. When He was trying to release it it peed on him. I tried to lay some BS on him that when a fish pees on you your supposed to kiss it and it will bring you good luck and better fishing. I thought it sounded pretty good sense I was making up as I went. He pretty much told me I was full of it and on his next cast hooked into a big bass. We got to to see it when she jumped out of the water. Big fish! Right after that his line snapped and he just stood there dumbfounded. I just stood there with a crap eating grin on my face. I had to run with and said, "See, you just thought I was making this up!" He got pretty quiet after that and I knew he was wondering if I was full of it or was there really something to it. Needless to say he was kissing every fish after that.
We still catching 10 to 15 bass a night throwing lizards. Were having better luck up around the cliffs by the dam than any where else. No reports on crappie. The lake is full of cat fish so don't think you have any problems catching one.

Cholla Ramp is open and were using the old rental boat road as our main ramp. The lake level is at 1100ish. The CORP"s is working on a by pass valve on the dam so there doing some weird releases at night.

Tonight we're using my boat so I can hit some places I have been eye balling. When we use his boat he calls the shots on where to fish. This mixes it up and each get a turn at what we want to do and have the front of the boat. At least Junior is providing us with some cheap entertainment.

Mark

COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) -- Fishing for smallmouth bass over 2 pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes.

Canyon_bighorns.JPG
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 2 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 are clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.

COLORADO RIVER (Picacho State Park to Imperial Dam, including backwaters and Martinez Lake)

This stretch of the river is best known for its trophy-sized flathead catfish, with some over 70 pounds, and largemouth bass, with some over 10 pounds. However, it can also be good for channel catfish, sunfish and carp, and to a lesser extent, striped bass, crappie and tilapia.

Largemouth bass fishing is generally best in the backwaters or near the mouth of the backwaters. There are many different techniques used for largemouth bass. As a general rule, most people will use topwater lures such as buzzbaits or spinnerbaits in the early morning and then switch to jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits as the day progresses.

Using plastic baits that resemble worms, crawdads, frogs, or lizards often work well. It is generally best to fish around structure such as weedbeds, emergent vegetation, tree stumps, brush, or boat docks. Fishing picks up as the water temperatures warm up in the spring and summer, but largemouth can be taken any time of the year.

Flathead fishing is generally best in slack water areas, deep holes, or near overhanging vegetation along the main channel of the river. Flatheads prefer live bait such as bluegill or small carp, and fishing is best at night during the summer months. Channel catfish are widespread in the main river channel and backwaters and will bite on night crawlers, chicken liver, stinkbait, or about any other “smelly” bait. They can be caught year-round but probably bite best at night.

Bluegill are also widespread but are most likely to be found around structure in the backwaters or slackwater areas. Bluegill will bite on meal worms, night crawlers or small crappie jigs.

MITTRY LAKE -- Mittry Lake is located just above Laguna Dam and supports a good population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, and even some good-sized flathead catfish. There are shoreline fishing opportunities at this lake in the form of about a dozen rock jetties, but you’ll probably have the best success in a small boat. Mittry Lake can be frustrating, as the bite seems to be real variable, but the fish are there. It is just a question of getting them to respond to your presentation. The water tends to be very murky most of the year, except for the upper end of Teal Alley where the lake inflow comes in, so play to the fish’s sense of hearing and smell, rather than sight. There are also crappie and sunfish to be caught, although they tend to average relatively small in size. Mittry Lake is well-known locally for the quality largemouth bass it produces, and fishing during the spring spawn will increase your chances of success.

YUMA AREA PONDS -- The Department has stepped up efforts to encourage the recruitment of new anglers, and retention of existing ones. To this end, the Department has increased stocking efforts in a few ponds in the Yuma area that are easily accessed without a boat, within a short distance of the urban center. Those ponds are the Yuma West Wetlands pond, located in the City Park, and Redondo and Fortuna ponds, located about 10 miles northeast of Yuma. Access to Redondo Pond was recently improved with the addition of an ADA-compliant fishing pier, and thick cattail growth was removed at Fortuna Pond this summer, improving shoreline access by many orders of magnitude. All of these waters received multiple stockings of rainbow trout in the winter months; Redondo Pond will be stocked with channel catfish during the spring, and the Yuma West Wetlands pond will receive channel catfish and bluegills. Depending on available funding, we hope to continue regular stockings into all three of these shoreline-accessible waters, and perhaps add additional waters to our stocking schedule. These ponds provide an ideal place to take the family. All three waters now are provided with restroom and trash facilities. Special regulations on fish limits are in effect for these waters, so be sure to consult the regulations before you take fish.

REGIONAL HOT SPOTS -- Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon. Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our region (and perhaps the state) for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish. Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher. The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicated 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- to 10-pound size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters. Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds.

If you need any additional information or assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Yuma regional office at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have. A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website and forum at http://www.yumabassman.com/.


CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

Note: The summer trout stocking schedule can be accessed at http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/fishin...ckSchedule.pdf


WILLIAMS LAKES:

KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is open. .

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is open. Fishing was fair to good over the weekend. Crappie and bass were being caught on small jigs. Trout were being caught on worms under bobbers. The rain that hit over the weekend seemed to help. Stocked last week.
CATARACT LAKE — Campground is open. Trout were being caught on worms. Please try to leave the larger bass in the lake to spawn.

CITY RESERVOIR — Closed due to Fire Danger

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground is open. Crappie fishing was excellent over the weekend when the wind wasn’t blowing. Fish along the shore on the opposite side of the lake from the boat ramp. Stocked last week.

JD DAM — No report. Remember the lake is managed as a catch and release fishery.

RUSSELL TANK - The lake is to shallow to stock.

SANTA FE — Closed due to Fire Danger

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campground is open. Fly fishermen were catching a lot of small crappie on bead head prince nymphs. In addition folks were catching trout. With the warm water temperatures trout fishing will be best early in the morning or late in the evening.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — almost dry.

UPPER LAKE MARY — Had a report to the office of a large black crappie, a 20-pound channel catfish and a 15-pound northern being caught in the last couple of weeks. Water levels are dropping and larger boats can only be launched at the second boat ramp. Boat anglers are doing well fishing for northern pike and walleye. Fishing is slow from the shore,

Rory,

We had been reading your report about some good sized cats being caught at Upper Lake Mary so we had to go try for some. Here is a picture of a 12-pound catfish our daughter caught last night broken foot and all. Thanks for the reports.

Mike Street

ASHURST LAKE — Fishing was good during the week on green Power Bait and worms. Boat anglers were catching some of the large brown trout and brook trout that have been stocked in the lake over the last couple of weeks. Stocked last week.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing was good last week. Catfish were being caught on hotdogs. Trout were being caught on green powerbait. A fly angler caught 5 trout in an hour on Sunday with 4 of them being over 18 inches.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. No report. A lot of nice Brown trout and channel catfish were caught during fish sampling. With the warm water temperatures trout fishing will be best early in the morning or late in the evening.

OAK CREEK — No report. Stocked last week.

LONG LAKE — We have had a few reports that the pike fishing has been good.

BEAVER CREEK – Has been stocked

WEST CLEAR CREEK- Has been stocked

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.


VERDE VALLEY

DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK – Catfish were last stocked for the Free Fishing event. Trout were last stocked the week of March 19. The catfish and largemouth bite has been fair. Catfish are still being caught on night crawlers, chicken liver, and stink bait. The bass are being caught on small plastic worms and Gitzit-type plastic grubs, bounced slowly along the bottom. Sunfish have been doing well on worms, salmon eggs, or small piece of Powerbait under a bobber. They bite best in the early morning hours and the evening.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of March 26. Carp fishing has been good using corn or dough baits. Always check your regulations before fishing this area with live bait. Game and Fish Commission rule requires anglers to only use live bait that has been caught in the river. No transporting of live baitfish or crayfish is allowed.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — The last stocking was the week of June 11. The reports from regulars at the lake say the trout are biting, but the morning bite is the best. Anglers are having luck throughout the day using Power Bait and Berkley Gulp. Rainbow and yellow seem to be the popular colors.

Fishermen using their fly rod gear are having the best luck. Flies are less likely to get swallowed so releasing the fish is much easier.

GOLDWATER LAKE — The lake is open again and if you have fished Goldwater send me a report of how you did. Trout were stocked for the Free Fishing Event on June 9, and most of the kids at the event caught trout and had a great time. There might be a cicada bite right now.

Game and Fish has been trying to boost the some of the warm water species in Goldwater. Bass and catfish have been stocked three times over the last four years. The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish. Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 15, 2009 and found bass and catfish populations to be much improved over last year. The number of green sunfish was greatly reduced. The bass had a successful spawn last year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

GRANITE BASIN LAKE – The bass are biting now. Michael sent in a report of catching 4 largemouth in two hours with the biggest 3.5 pounds. He was using a rubber trout with a spinner tip and a rainbow trout spinner. Thanks for the report Michael! If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others. Ed had four good strikes but could not bring in a fish.

LYNX LAKE –Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 11.

Cut anchovies, night crawlers or hot dog are your best bet for catfish. Lynx also can be an exciting place to fish for carp. Common carp are very strong fighters and will provide an excellent table fair. A quick search on the internet will produce tasty recipes for these robust fish. Corn and an assortment of other baits will attract these fish.

Lynx can be difficult to fish, if you are not catching anything try moving to a new spot. There are some good spots on the north end of the lake that don’t get fished as heavily as the south end does.

MINGUS LAKE – The last stocking was scheduled for the week of June 11. For trout the best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishing can be really good at times, because angler use is lower than other lakes in the area.
Yellow bullhead catfish are active and easy to catch with nightcrawlers on the bottom.

This lake is more remote than the other Prescott area lakes and not very big. The lake is open as weather permits. Forest Road 104 is relatively impassable when wet. The lake is still open to foot traffic.

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 last trout stocking was the week of Feb. 13. Folks have caught 16- to 17-inch holdover trout from the shore near the new boat launch. Peter, fishing from a kayak caught a 17-inch bass weighing approximately 3 pounds using a live worm. He saw several other large bass but could not get any others to take his bait. The Wildlife Manager for the Watson area sent me a picture of some nice trout an angler caught from shore. Both of these fish looked like they had been in the lake for a period of time because of the size and condition of the fish. If you have fished Watson Lake please send me a report of your trip to share with folks.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson recent 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 gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – The fishing should be slow until the water warms up I the spring.
If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.


WHITE MOUNTAINS AND RIM LAKES

Recommended Waters to Fish

Recommended Waters to Fish

Fishing is fair to good at Big Lake. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is good to excellent at Show Low Creek (below Show Low Lake dam), Show Low and Fool Hollow Lakes (especially for boat anglers), . Fishing is good for stocked Apache trout at Silver Creek, LCR-Greer, and Sheeps Crossing.

Stocking Schedule

Week of July 2-6

Scotts Reservoir – 2,500 rainbow trout

Show Low Lake – 2,500 rainbow trout

Fools Hollow Lake – 3,000 rainbow trout

Woods Canyon Lake – 5,600 rainbow trout

Willow Springs Lake – 3,280 rainbow trout

Sheeps Crossing/West Fork LCR – 650 Apache trout

LCR Greer (Rendezvous Cafe) – 400 Apache trout

Silver Creek – 1,000 Apache trout

Week of July 9-13

Woods Canyon Lake-1,600 rainbow trout

Willow Springs Lake-3,280

Scotts Reservoir-2,500 rainbow trout

Show Low Lake-2,500 rainbow trout

Show Low Creek-820 rainbow trout

Sheeps Crossing/West Fork LCR-650 Apache trout

LCR(Rendezvous Cafι)-400 Apache trout

Silver Creek-525 Apache trout



MOGOLLON RIM LAKES

Note: All Forest Roads (FR) are open, including the Rim Road.

BEAR CANYON LAKE – Fishing is fair for stocked trout. The lake has been stocked with 1,823 rainbow trout. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

BLACK CANYON LAKE – Fishing is poor to fair. Anglers have been catching trout on worms. The water level is very low. Launching a boat will be difficult. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

BLUE RIDGE -- Fishing is good, especially on cicada-patterned flies. This steep sided lake is best fished from a boat, canoe, kayak or float tube. Trolling can be effective. The best bite is at first light and last light, although fishing can pick up when the barometer drops as monsoon-generated storms visit the area.

CHEVELON LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching trout on spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), Z-Rays, and KastMaster spoons. Fly fishermen are catching trout in the evening on midge patterns. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

KNOLL LAKE -- With the warmer weather, the fish have gone deep. The best fishing is at first and last light. Try fishing the bottom using slip sinkers and night crawlers, corn or Power Bait. The bite might pick up right before monsoon-generated rainstorms. There could be a cicada bite.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Fishing is poor for shore anglers and fair to good for boat anglers. Anglers are catching trout near the lake bottom on night crawlers. The lake will be stocked this week with 3,280 rainbow trout. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

WOODS CANYON LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching trout on orange and rainbow colored Power Bait in deep water near the lake bottom. The lake will be stocked this week with 1,600 rainbow trout. The lake is full, the store is open, and boat rentals are available. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

Creeks Below the Mogollon Rim

The following creeks are being stocked weekly right now:

* Tonto Creek
* Christopher Creek
* Haigler Creek
* East Verde River

Don't forget we have a new interactive 2012 trout stocking schedule that actually shows the locations we stock along the creeks.




















WHITE MOUNTAINS LAKES

Note: A partial area closure will take effect on the west side of Greer on June 20 due to dry conditions and fire danger. FR 87 (from Greer to Hwy 273), 112 and 575 will be closed until further notice, including the Government Springs fishing area immediately upstream of Greer. The East Fork of the Black River and the South Fork Campground area are closed. The Greer lakes and the stream within the Greer meadow are still open. Portions of the forest on the Lakeside Ranger District are closed, except around the in-town lakes of Woodland, Rainbow, Scotts, Show Low and Fool Hollow Lake.

BECKER LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Days are hot so fish early in the morning and late in the day. Some fly fishermen are catching trout on nymphs, including zebra midges (black and red) and red chironomids, and wooly buggers. Anglers have been consistently catching rainbows over 20 inches, with reports of trout up to 24 inches. Becker Lake is catch-and-release only, with artificial lures and flies only with single barbless hook.

BIG LAKE – Fishing is fair to good. Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. Anglers are catching fish in the deeper parts of the lake. The store is open, and boat rentals are available. Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling cowbells with worms, lures (Crickhoppers and Z-Rays) and flies. Shore anglers should try fishing in deep water off rocky points.

CARNERO LAKE – Fishing is good for stocked rainbow trout. The lake level is about 1.5 feet down. Fish open water areas. The lake is weedy. Fish early and late in the day during hot weather days.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair. Some anglers are catching a few trout and bass.

CONCHO LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching some trout off the dam on night crawlers and Power Bait.

CRESCENT LAKE – Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching some nice brook trout and a few large rainbow trout in the deeper parts of the lake. The lake is weedy. The store is not open.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair for trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish. The lake was stocked last week with 3,000 rainbow trout.

Anglers are catching some stocked trout with night crawlers and Power Bait in deep water off the fishing piers. Bluegills are starting to congregate around the fishing piers. Anglers are catching bluegills and crappies on night crawlers off the fishing piers. Channel catfish are being caught at night on night crawlers and various catfish-prepared baits.

GREER LAKES – Fishing is fair. River, Bunch and Tunnel Reservoirs are very low. The water level is down below the ramps at Bunch and River Reservoirs and launching boats there will be very difficult. Tunnel Reservoir and River Reservoir have been stocked with rainbow trout. Fly fishermen are catching trout at Bunch and River on woolly buggers and peacock ladies.

HULSEY LAKE – The lake was drained immediately following the Wallow Fire to help reduce expected flooding off Escudilla Mountain and will not be stocked this year.

LEE VALLEY LAKE – Fishing is poor. pH levels are high. The lake level is very low. Fish early and late in the day.

LUNA LAKE – Fishing is fair. Luna Lake was stocked heavily in May with rainbow trout. There is a heavy algae bloom present in the lake.

LYMAN LAKE – Lyman Lake State Park is now open through September 17. Fishing is good for channel catfish, bass, and sunfish.

NELSON RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair . The lake is full and was heavily stocked with rainbow trout in May.

RAINBOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for bullheads. Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. The lake is weedy.

SCOTT RESERVOIR – Fishing is fair for channel catfish and stocked trout. Days are hot so fish early in the morning and late in the day. The lake was stocked last week with 2,500 rainbow trout.

SHOW LOW LAKE – Fishing is fair to good for stocked trout. Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. The lake was stocked last week with 2,250 rainbow trout. Boat anglers are catching trout on cowbells with worms, flies, and lures. Shore anglers, especially off the fishing piers are catching trout on yellow Power Bait near the lake bottom, and sunfish on night crawlers. Sunfish are congregating around the fishing piers. The creek below the dam will be stocked this week with 1,000 rainbow trout and fishing is good to excellent in the large pool immediately below the outlet. The lake is about six feet low, but the boat ramp is still usable. Boat rentals are available, and the campgrounds are open.

WOODLAND LAKE – Fishing is poor for trout and fair to good for largemouth bass. Days are hot, so fish early in the morning and late in the day. The lake is weedy and low. The lake was last stocked in June with rainbow trout. Anglers are catching catfish on the bottom with bait. Largemouth bass are being caught in the early morning and late evening hours. The trout bag and possession limit is four trout.


WHITE MOUNTAINS STREAMS

Note: Trout stocking in the streams began in May and will continue every week through early September, as long as water conditions are suitable. The East Fork of the Black River and South Fork Campground area are currently closed. A partial area closure is in effect on the west side of Greer due to dry conditions and fire danger. FR 87 (from Greer to Hwy 273), 112 and 575 will be closed until further notice, including the Government Springs fishing area immediately upstream of Greer. The stream within the Greer meadow and Sheeps Crossing are still open near Greer.

EAST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – This area is currently closed due to fire and flood restrictions.

WEST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – Fishing is fair in the lower reaches. The Wallow Fire caused a partial fish kill on wild brown trout in the lower reaches, but hatchery Apache trout have been stocked weekly at the crossing on FR 68.

Apache trout stockings have been delayed due to warm water temperatures. Fishing in the middle and upper reaches is fair to good for wild trout, where the fire had little impact. Access is open at the FR 25 bridge, FR 68 crossing and FR 116. The West Fork campground will be closed through the year due to safety reasons. The middle and upper reaches of the West Fork Black are open to catch-and-release artificial lure and fly only, while the lower end is open to bait fishing with a six-trout bag limit.

BLACK RIVER – Fishing is poor. The mainstem of the Black River was heavily impacted by the Wallow Fire last year. Very few fish were found during intensive surveys last fall.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER IN GREER – Fishing is fair for wild brown trout and good for stocked Apache trout within the middle of Greer. A partial area closure is in effect for the west side of Greer due to dry conditions and fire danger. FR 575 to the Government Springs fishing area immediately upstream of Greer is closed. The stream within the Greer meadow is still open, and Apache trout will be stocked this week in front of the Rendezvous Cafe.

SHEEPS CROSSING – Fishing is good. Apache trout will be stocked weekly at Sheeps Crossing, which was not affected by the Wallow Fire last year. Fishing is fair to good for wild Apache trout in the wilderness portions of the West Fork Little Colorado River.

SILVER CREEK – Fishing is fair to good. Apache trout are being stocked weekly. Silver Creek is currently open to bait and a bag/possession limit of six trout (April 1 through Sept. 30). The upper section is closed to angling, which is well signed.




SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Please Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona! Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.

Warm temperatures are getting hot and so is the fishing action! Anglers will need to concentrate their efforts to the cooler times of day as the temperatures continue to rise. Summer trout stocking will begin soon at Rose Canyon Lake and Riggs Flat provided water quality parameters are favorable. The summer stocking schedule for the entire state can be found here: 2012 Summer Stocking Schedule . This schedule is updated as changes occur so check back often!

Need ideas on where to go fishing? Try the Departments new interactive Fish and Boat Map: Fish and Boat Arizona

URBAN LAKES -- The final spring stocking of catfish took place the week of June 11-16. The Urban Fishing Program does not stock fish from June 25 through mid-September. Catfish stockings in the Phoenix and Tucson urban lakes will resume the week of Sept. 17-22.

Fishing has been good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8-12 feet deep.

Catfish are biting irregularly throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down. Most catfish are from 13-16 inches, but some lunkers over 3 pounds are being hauled out of the lakes.

RIGGS FLAT — The lake is open for the summer. Stocking has been suspended at this time due to high Ph levels and stocking will not resume until summer rains have added sufficient water to the lake to reduce the pH. Fishing has been good for both rainbow and browns.

The department will be stocking white amur in this lake this week in an effort to reduce aquatic vegetation and control water quality problems that have prevented stocking in the past. Anglers are being asked to immediately release unharmed all amurs they catch. Check the stocking schedule here: 2012 Summer Stocking Schedule for summer stocking dates.

CLUFF RANCH —No recent reports of success. The pond is full and there should be no problems with boat launching. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND — Remains closed to access during renovation. All renovation work has been completed and the pond continues to refill. At this time the reopening of the lake is still unknown.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR –Anglers continue to report success in catching Gila trout. Remember that the daily bag and possession limit for this species is 1 fish.

Frye Creek above the reservoir remains closed to fishing.

Be advised that from July 9 through mid August, work will be done on Frye Mesa Road (Forest Road 103) from the town of Thatcher to the base of Frye Mesa. Delays of over one hour may occur on a daily basis. For further information or to check on the day’s delays please call the Safford Ranger District at (928) 428-4150