Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Yet more fishing to tell about.
#1
[font "Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#336633][size 2]Related Information[/size][/#336633][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=9b117ac7af51ddfdbe20b6caa5138738&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom%252fh_f%252fedits%252flake_levels%252eshtml');"]Lake Levels[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=868c9f686226498ae1cbd47763a60208&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom%252fh_f%252fstocking_schedule%252eshtml');"]Stocking Schedule[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=f16c2b3a43486bc9908c4a475982386b&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom%252fh_f%252fwhere_fish%252eshtml');"]Where to Fish[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=7d4bc8449495136114d44bcce01cd35e&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom%252fh_f%252furban_fishing%252eshtml');"]Urban Fishing[/url][/size][/font][font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#336633][size 4]Fishing Report[/size][/#336633][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Oct. 27, 2004[/size][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][#336633]Been Fishing?[/#336633]
[url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=479ecdc2d6d85d09292986a7096e2763&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom%252fh_f%252fbeen_fishing%252eshtml');"]Tell us about it.[/url] Your comments may be added to the weekly fishing report. We could really use reports on lake temperatures each week from now through summer. With those in hand, we can provide everyone a better idea of fish activity levels.[/size][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][#336633]Report editor:[/#336633]
[url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=raikens@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Rory Aikens[/url], (602) 789-3214

[#336633]Regional editors:[/#336633]
Pinetop Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=rdreyer@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Richard Dreyer[/url], (928) 367-4281
Flagstaff Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=cbenedict@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Chuck Benedict[/url], (928) 774-5045
Kingman Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=aclark@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Andy Clark[/url], (928) 692-7700
Yuma Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=wgunter@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Wayne Gunter[/url] (928) 342-0091
Tucson Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=dneill@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Dave Neill[/url], (520) 628-5376 ext. 561
Mesa Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1098908958.14&start=491655&len=45634&src=&type=x&to=rwiggins@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=c18aacec9f9d96232a2e9a3017a1b2c0"]Richard Wiggins[/url], (481) 324-3544

[#336633]Other ways to get the fishing report:[/#336633]
Internet home page: [url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=69e2fb7707cba749495a9bfa87c26004&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwww%252eazgfd%252ecom');"]azgfd.com[/url]
Recorded public call-in line: (602) 789-3701[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2] [/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Rory's Tip[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Rory’s Tips: Put it on your calendar or you day planner now: watch the spring and summer fishing reports for Alamo Lake. The Big Sandy was flowing at 34,000 cfs last week, making it Arizona’s largest river by more than triple. The last two storms raised the Alamo Lake level 21 feet (that’s vertical feet), submerging a lot of lush vegetation that had grown up in the lakebed during the drought. It doesn’t take a biological genius to predict great things for Alamo the next couple of years. Hey, there is also great cat fishing there right now. Watch out for floating trees and debris.
Rain and snow might play havoc with some fisheries this week, but it makes for perfect smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. Apache and Canyon lakes are the top choices, although Roosevelt is a contender as well. Try chartreuse-colored Yamamoto grubs on a 1/8-ounce or less jig head, or fish the bottom with a heavier spider jib. Keep a shad-like crankbait handy.
I am also hearing some great reports of using drop shots for smallies. Generally, pick the windiest, nastiest shoreline where crayfish and other food morsels are being swept out of the rocks. Or, try just around the corner on the lee side. If you see a shallow ledge with a steep drop-off adjacent, fish the edge of the drop-off for the larger bronzebacks and for walleye, especially at Apache Lake. Try putting a small piece of night crawler on your jig’s hook.
Two smallmouth dark horses right now are Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip (just below Parker Dam). Anglers are also doing well for stripers at Havasu. Sounds like a good fall trip. You’ll be crossing a lot of good quail country to get there, so you might want to take along the shotgun as well. The desert-zone waterfowl season opened Oct. 22. Smallmouth fillets and duck breasts could provide a gourmet feeding opportunity.
If you are headed to the high country, put on your woolies, but also expect to have some terrific fishing. It’s an adventure to fish for trout with fresh fluffy powdery stuff on the ground. Trout should be in their end-of-autumn feeding frenzies thanks to all these storms blasting through the state. Keep in mind that if there is a lot of runoff, turbidity can slow down the bite.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Central Arizona[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]URBAN LAKES — Channel catfish are being stocked this week. Fishing for channel catfish is good at all urban lakes. Catfish are biting on stink baits, shrimp and chicken liver on the bottom. Try fishing early mornings or evenings for the best bite by these 16-20 inch catfish. Fishing for bass and sunfish has been good this time of year as fish move into shallows in the early morning. Trout will be stocked before Thanksgiving arrives.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – One angler reports using a flour tortilla to catch catfish, including a three-foot-long one weighing 10.5 pounds about six feet from shore on the east side of the railroad bridge. Largemouth bass fishing is fantastic. One angler reports catching nine largemouth bass in the 1-2 pound range using a drop-shot rig with a 4-inch Robo Worm worked slowly over weed beds. Another angler caught eight bass using a 4-inch pumpkin-chartreuse worm in a drop-shot rig along weed beds and man-made structures, such as ramps. Anglers are report catching 2-3 fish per hour averaging 1-3 pounds with an occasional fish over 5 pounds. Look for fish chasing shad and throw shad Rat -L-Traps, crawdad crankbaits or broken-back Rapalas into the boils. Bass are also being caught dragging plastic worms slowly along the ledges. A good spot for bass is under and around the Highway 202 overpass on the east side of the lake near the Indian Bend Wash. Fishing with live minnows under a slip bobber is an effective way to catch yellow bass, crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. A 13-inch minimum length regulation for largemouth bass is in effect. There are plenty of bluegills and yellow bass try using mealworms and night crawlers. Channel catfish are biting also. The lake is producing some nice cats up to 5 pounds. Last week an angler reported catching a 10.5-pound channel cat on dough bait. Try hotdogs or stink baits at night. Fishing for carp is excellent: use dough bait or corn. Try fishing in the shaded areas under bridges. You need a state fishing license – Class A (not an Urban License). A two-pole stamp can be used here. All questions regarding boating information can be answered by the Town Lake Operations Center (480) –350-8625.
LAKE PLEASANT — Water level is at 1,617 feet (24-percent full). Water is being released at 2,900 cfs until Nov. 1. One angler reports trying everything from topwater to minnows under lights without catching a fish, adding that the report of good fishing is erroneous. Another angler fishing at night for crappies caught 32 “keepers” in the Castle Creek area between sundown and midnight. Another angler reports using night crawlers under a float to catch bluegills and bass while fishing from shore between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Castle Creek area, adding, “ I would have caught more if I had stayed longer.” Another angler reports catching-and-releasing lots of small bass using topwater baits (Zara Puppies) at first light in the backs of northern coves. Fish are being caught at all times recently in the Castle and Humbug areas. Jigs, Texas-rigs, and Carolina-rigs, are also working well. White and striped bass can be most easily had when chasing shad on the surface but spoons are also producing some fish. The marina, Castle Creek, and Jackass Cove, and the Agua Fria are good places to target these fish. The catfish bite is good and several catfish are being caught in 10 to 30 feet of water. Crappies are being caught under lights at night and on minnows during the day. Sunfish have moved near shore and can be easily had on worms, especially near boat ramps.
ROOSEVELT LAKE — The lake is 28-percent full at elevation 2,074 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 172 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was at 8 cfs. Both Salt River and Tonto Creek had increases in flows this past weekend, but quickly subsided. Crappie fishing under lights was good last week. Historically fish have been caught at night at the mouth of Salome Cove and off Windy Hill. Crappie can be caught in the day suspended in10-20 feet of water hitting power grubs. Bass fishing has really picked up. Drop shotting is the most effective fishing technique. Crankbaits are also effective at times. Use topwater spinnerbaits/blades in and around baitfish boils (shad). Wired worms are also working. Many fish under the slot are being caught in the 10-13 inch range. In a recent tournament, anglers reported catching hundreds of bass, mostly unders to 15 inches. The winning weight was 17 pounds. Smallmouth bass are also biting; try using in-line spinners and crayfish imitations especially off rocky points and cliff walls. Carp fishing is winding down, use corn or dough bait. The channel catfish bite has slowed. Use baits like corn, stink baits, and hotdogs. Please harvest largemouth bass under the 13-inch slot. Call the Mesa Game and Fish office at (480) 324-3544 if you catch a tagged flathead catfish. Note: Anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt where bass between 13 to 16 inches must be released immediately. Also those bass below 13 inches and above 16 inches that are kept can only be gutted with the head and tail attached so the legal length can be determined. All other fish such as crappie, catfish and bluegill harvested from the lake must have a piece of skin attached to the fillets so species can be determined.
APACHE — Lake is 89-percent full at 1,903 feet. Largemouth bass fishing is decent. Try the mouths of coves and off points. Spinnerbaits and lures like a Shad Rat-L-Trap are also working. Drop shotting (tight lines) of Carolina-rigged or Texas-rigged worms can be effective. Anglers are reporting on average catching 3-8 bass in a morning. Smallmouth fishing can be good on windy days. Wind driven waves stir up the bottom; try along rocky bottoms and off cliffs with crawdad crank imitations. Fish for them along the cliff walls in 5-15 feet of water. Walleye can be caught off cliffs and rocky points with in-line spinners or drifting night crawlers. Try rock-runners with worm harnesses or shad-patterned crankbaits for walleye after dark. Yellow bass can be found around balls of shad. Spoons and cut bait work well for them. Catfishing is getting slow. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is tagging walleye with a blue spaghetti-type tag near the dorsal fin. If you catch one, please note the tag number, location caught and accurate length of the fish and call the department’s Mesa office at (480) 324-3544. You can keep the tag and the fish. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.
CANYON — Lake is 95-percent full at 1,657 feet. Bass fishing is good in the early morning and evening but slow during the day. Crankbaits are working well with some big fish being caught at night (10-plus pounds) with a Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged drop shot method. Senkos and lizard imitations have also been catching fish. Target smallmouth with crawdad imitation lures right at dark. At night try noisy topwater lures and crankbaits near shad boils. This is also a great lake for yellow bass, jig spoons in and around balls of shad. A few walleye are being caught trolling along cliffs. Shad imitation Rat-L-Traps can be effective for walleye here. Big carp can be caught off the shore in the recreation and beach/picnic area. Use dough bait and corn. Small bluegill are being caught in the shallows and around docks with worms
SAGUARO — Lake level is 1,525 feet (94-percent full). Bass fishing is good. Fish are found in the extremes this time of year and can at the surface and then back down to 40 feet in the same day. Weather and time of day will dictate the pattern. Topwater bites can be found in places all day; fish with blades and poppers. Look for top water eruptions of shad being chased in the evenings. Target these boils with topwater plugs and crankbaits. Most fish are being caught drop shotting (tight lines) or with Senkos in 10-25 foot depths during the day. Spinnerbaits were very effective last week also. Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons or cut bait. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them. Catfishing is good at night. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. No recent reports on catfish. There is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.
BARTLETT — Lake level was at 1,782 feet (77-percent full). Crappie fishing should be good in the nighttime hours using lights for a few more weeks. This is generally the last good time to catch crappie under lights before they disperse and become suspended all over the lake. Try Rattlesnake Cove or the two coves above the Yellow Cliffs area. Bass fishing is fantastic. Reports are indicating an abundance of bass in the 1-2 pound range. Bass are being caught with crawdad imitations and dark plastics. Most reports say shad imitation crankbaits fished near rock piles along the main lake are working best. Drop-shotting “Robo Worms” is working well in 10-25 feet of water. Soft plastics, jigs and Westys are the best nighttime baits. Also keep a look out for bass chasing shad boils, try throwing jerk baits into the boil. Catfishing can be good for a few more weeks. Recent reports of channel and large flatheads caught at night near the dam. Use live bait such as bluegill or small carp for the flatheads. Remember the live bait most come from the lake itself not transported from another body of water!
HORSESHOE — Lake is empty. Upstream from Horseshoe Dam is an unlimited harvest area for all game fish. The deep pool below the dam (Catfish Point) is known for producing flathead and channel cats. The Colorado pikeminnow and the razorback sucker are endangered and must be released immediately.
VERDE RIVER — Monday morning flows were 662 cfs at Camp Verde. Flows had increased significantly last week following the storms. For information on stream ([url "javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.244.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=894bfcdf80e0a18edfefd9690c81e9ea&lat=1099169029&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fwaterdata%252eusgs%252egov%252faz%252fnwis%252fcurrent%252f%253ftype%253dflow');"]http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/current/?type=flow[/url] ). Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass should be good again at the confluences of Oak, Wet Beaver and West Clear creeks as the flows have dropped to near normal levels. Fish congregate in the pools where the cooler water enters the Verde. There is an unlimited harvest of sport-fish in this area of the Verde River. Largemouth will be found in deeper pools and back-eddies while the smallmouth prefer more flow and rocky areas. Typically smallmouth will be found at the end of a riffle. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). For further information concerning regulations, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (480) 324-3544.
LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) — Flows were 20 cfs bellow Stewart Mountain Dam on Monday morning. SRP is in the process of switching over to the Verde reservoir system for the fall. Trout are no longer being stocked in the river but some hold over fish can still be caught. Fish can be caught using traditional trout baits and lures such as Power Bait, corn and spinners. Fish are averaging 9-14 inches. Fly-fishing can be very productive in this stretch of the river. Patterns of black wooly buggers have been working. Trout stockings will resume at Phon D Sutton and Granite Reef sometime around the end of November. Largemouth bass can be found in deep pools. Catfishing has been good in the Granite Reef pond using shrimp and waterdogs.
CREEKS — Tonto, Canyon, and Haigler have all been stocked recently with rainbow trout. Stockings will continue through the fall. Spinners, worms, corn, and Power Bait will work.
HORSETHIEF LAKE — This 10-acre lake located in the pines at 6,000 feet elevation is a fun place for the family. Take the Crown King exit off Interstate 17. Great for a canoe, car topper or belly boat. The lake has largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Colorado River Northwest[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]LAKE POWELL — Report courtesy waynes.words.com. Water temperature 65-65. Stripers and smallmouth are gorging on shad between storms. Storms force shad to leave the shallow sanctuaries, but will return when the storms cease. Between those times, stripers attack. When stripers are attacking, they can be caught on crankbaits, spoons and topwater lures. For more information, visit waynes.words.com.
LEES FERRY — Report courtesy of Lees Ferry Guides. The drastic drop in the water level is extremely advantageous for fishing. The low water displaces fish and increases the competition for food. The summer food sources were so prevalent that the fish should be healthy and ready to give any angler a run for their money. Anglers should take advantage of the midge hatches during the beginning of the month and, as fish settle into the new flows, they should return to fishing scuds and worms in the riffles. The best methods appear to be with either a dry/dropper or a two-nymph rig. It is a good idea during these times to experiment with different fly patterns and provide adequate drifts for natural presentation. Spin fishing has been good. Marabou jigs have been especially productive in black, olive and brown. Rapalas, Kastmasters and Panther Martins are also drawing strikes. Drifting a combination of Glo Bugs, San Juan worms, and scuds has also been very good.
LAKE MEAD — Striper fishing has been good around Gregg Basin. Anglers have been finding smaller stripers in 30-40 feet of water. Anchovies are the bait of choice. Chumming with mackerel or anchovies has been a good tactic to get fish into your area. The courtesy dock has been removed at South Cove due to low water, so expect tricky launching and mooring if you go.
LAKE MOHAVE — Fishing was good over the weekend. Several anglers had great success in Telephone Cove (AZ) catching smaller stripers. Some good-sized catfish were caught in the same area using chicken liver.
WILLOW BEACH — The local wildlife manager reported last week that fishing for trout at Willow Beach was fair on stocking day. “It seems that the trout were biting good for about 10 minuets after the stocking then about 20 cormorants showed up and would dive down and come up with a trout in its beak. Later in the afternoon fishing picked up, only one person had a limit, the average was two trout on the stringer. One angler had a 3-pound trout that he caught with rainbow Power Bait. Several small stripers (10 to 12 inches) were caught with anchovies from shore.”
TOPOCK MARSH — No new reports.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM — No new reports.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Southwestern Arizona[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]HAVASU — The striped bass fishing is excellent when anglers can get on top of a boil. A key to finding the boils if to look for the birds. Early last week anglers had great success fishing topwater lures around boils early and late in the day. Several anglers reported a topwater bite near boils around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. near Crazy Horse and Havasu Landing. Anglers were also doing well trolling Rapala type lures. Fish caught on lures were noticeably larger than those caught with bait. A cut anchovy fished on or near the bottom continues to produce 12- to 16-inch fish. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are being caught on soft plastics fished near the artificial fish habitat. Twin-tailed jigs bounced off the bottom on reefs between 10 to 20 feet have been producing smallmouth bass during the midday period. The topwater bite was spotty this week for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Anglers were generally having better success on topwater up river than on the lake. Catfishing remains good. Anchovies have been the most popular bait, however, night crawlers, chicken liver and stink bait are also good choices for channel cats. Live sunfish are the best bet for flatheads. You also have a chance of landing a trophy largemouth when fishing with live sunfish. Remember that both smallmouth and largemouth bass must be a minimum of 13 inches to possess. All largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 13 inches must be released immediately. There is not a size limit on striped bass at Lake Havasu.
PARKER STRIP — Cooler weather is bringing the fish out. Catfish are still hitting in the evening hours. Angler’s choice of bait is worms. Bass should be active around structures. Try soft baits. Watch the weather for low-pressure systems moving in this fall. As the wind picks up so does the small mouth bite. Try working the rockier shorelines upriver with crank baits. Sunfish are still plentiful in the river, and big too. Again worms are the key to hooking these monsters. Landing one is up to you.
MARTINEZ LAKE/COLORADO RIVER — Anglers have recently been catching bass around the lake and backwaters using spinnerbaits and some topwater. Some recent bass anglers reported catching several small bass (1-1.5 pounds), but no lunkers. Striped bass seem to be starting to move into the coves of the lakes and backwaters. Shore anglers around Hidden Shores are reporting catches of stripers using worms and chicken liver as bait. MITTRY LAKE — Anglers are catching channel catfish from the shore on worms. Some nice bass being caught by boat using plastics, topwater and spinnerbaits.
YUMA AREA RIVERS/CANALS — Anglers still having success with catfish using stink bait and worms. Some small mouths have been caught in canals using crawdads. Remember not to transport live baitfish between waters. Check 2004 regulations for complete baitfish rules and regulations.
FORTUNA POND — Anglers are catching catfish on worms and chicken liver. Try for bluegill using worms. A few bass are being caught on worms and spinnerbaits. Watch for upcoming stockings of catfish and trout.
REDONDO POND — Also called Yuma Lakes, this pond has not had much angler pressure this year, which may mean that the fish are hungry. Bass and bluegill dominate here. Very clear water with limited shore access. A small boat is ideal.
EHRENBERG — Fishing on the Colorado River Cibola Division has picked up lately. Flatheads have been biting well lately on bluegill in the main channel. Worms and green crankbaits are catching bass in the backwaters and main channel. Just a reminder, Cibola Lake closed to fishing and all entry as of Labor Day.
ALAMO LAKE — With a blink of an eye bass fishing went from excellent to slow. The reason is because the lake rose 15 foot this past week from the rain. At one point, the Big Sandy was flowing at 34,000 cfs and Burro Creek was hitting around 17,000 cfs. Between the last two storms the lake rose 21 feet. Although visibility is not bad, use extreme caution while boating on the lake. There are lots of logs and debris floating around. There are no reports of crappies being caught. Catfishing is excellent. Anglers have been going up the lake to where the water is flowing in, then fishing the eddies and back waters. Using shrimp and livers anglers have been catching 20 to 50 catfish, some weighing over 6 pounds. The ramp at Cholla is usable. The turn around area of the main ramp is now in operation. The ranger Station now has minnows again. Office hours 8-5. Any questions regarding hazards and launching please call (928) 669-2088. There is a fish advisory here. The advisory recommends that people limit consumption as follows for bass and black crappie: children under age six: no consumption; women of childbearing age: one 8-ounce fish meal per month; all other adult women: three 8-ounce fish meals per month; adult men: four 8-ounce fish meal per month. For catfish, the consumption guideline is slightly different: for children under the age of six, no consumption is recommended; for women of child-bearing age, one 8-ounce fish meal per month; for all other adult women, five 8-ounce fish meals per month; for adult men, six 8-ounce meals per month. If you have any questions, call the park (928) 669-2088.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]North Central Region[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Angler Note: This is the time of year to fish for trout in the Flagstaff Area.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Water level is very low. Some catfish were caught in the evenings.
CATARACT LAKE — Campground is closed. Fishing was good for trout. Anglers are also catching black crappie on pink and white jigs.
CITY RESERVOIR — Fishing was good for trout. Stocked last week.
DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground gate is closed. Fishing was fair on worms and Power Bait. The campground is open.
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campground Gate is closed.
JD DAM — Some fish are being caught on wooly worms and bead headed midges.
SANTA FE — The City of Williams is pulling water from the lake. Remember, the catfish limit is four on this lake.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — Lake is basically dry.
UPPER LAKE MARY — Water level is good. Try for walleye at first and last light. Trolling can be effective. There is a health advisory here. Mercury has been detected in the fish. Do not eat the walleye or more then 8 ounces (uncooked weight) of any fish caught.
ASHURST LAKE — Three anglers say they caught limits of trout and one pike on Power Bait (color didn’t matter) and corn fished on the bottom.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — No report .
OAK CREEK — Scheduled to be stocked weekly. No reports from anglers
LONG LAKE — Lake is dry.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Soldiers Lake is full and Soldiers Annex has water. There is a health advisory: do not eat fish from these lakes because Mercury has been detected.
BEAVER CREEK — No report.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report.
STONEMAN LAKE — Water level is too low for stocking.
BLUE RIDGE — No Report.
KNOLL LAKE — No new reports. Fishing was good to excellent two weeks ago. All colors of Power Bait seemed to be working equally well.
MINGUS LAKE — Due to be stocked this week with 500 rainbow trout. One angler reports the fishing was slow until he switched to corn, then caught a limit.
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK — No reports. Trout stocking begins the first week in November. There were 600 bluegill and more than 1,000 pounds of channel catfish stocked into the middle and lower lagoons recently.
LYNX LAKE — The next stocking is scheduled for the second week in November. Fishing over the weekend was good, with most anglers checked having two to three trout. Rainbow Power Bait was working well.
FAIN LAKE — Scheduled to be stocked this week. No new reports on success.
VERDE RIVER — No reports. The flows kicked up a little last week following the storms, but settled back down again this week. Trout stocking begins the second week in November.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Lake was stocked last week. No new reports on success. The next stocking is scheduled for the week of Nov. 15.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Mogollon Rim[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]CHEVELON CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. Try lures such as Z-rays, Rapalas, Rooster Tails and Panther Martin spinners or flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers and large streamers. Brown trout should still be in the spawning mode. Try the above mentioned lures and flies near the mouth of the creek.
BEAR CANYON LAKE — An angler reports catching and mostly release 30 rainbow trout using Power Bait rigged with a egg weight and a small split shot holding it in place, then fishing the bottom with a tight-line technique to detect the bite. “Let the trout run and then set the hook,” he advises. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait (orange and green), lures, and flies.
BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait (orange and green), salmon eggs, lures and flies. The lake is low. The boat ramp is accessible.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Two anglers report catching their limits between 7 a.m. and noon using Power Bait fished 12 inches off the bottom 10 to 15 feet from shore during a light rain. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait (green, orange or rainbow colored), lures such as Z-rays, Panther Martin spinners, and KastMasters, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers. The boat ramp is accessible. This lake also has largemouth bass.
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait (green, orange, rainbow colored), lures, and flies. The boat ramp is accessible. The brown trout should be cruising the rocky shorelines and starting their spawning runs up the creek at the upper end of the lake. Try Rapalas and crayfish crank baits. Fly fishers should try large woolly buggers and streamers.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE — Recently stocked. Fishing is very good. This lake is part of the urban fishing program and requires an urban fishing license. This lake contains rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms are effective. Try crappie jigs, small Rapalas, crankbaits and small spoons.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]White Mountains[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Note To Anglers: Some mid-elevation lakes are still producing large trout over 12 inches; try Big Lake.
BECKER LAKE — Lake is down 3 to 4 feet and the boat ramp is accessible. Fishing remains good. Try flies such as wooly worms in brown or black colors, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and pheasant tail nymphs. Lures such as spinners (Mepps and Panther Martins), Z-rays and KastMasters are also effective. The lake is open to artificial lure and flies only. There is a two-fish limit. Fly fishermen are catching lots of 8-12 inch rainbow trout on woolly buggers, damselfly and dragonfly patterns, Montana nymphs, peacock ladies, and midge larvae patterns.
BIG LAKE — Fishing is good for rainbows, brookies and cutthroat. One angler reports catching-and-releasing a 19-inch cutthroat while fishing from shore, along with limits if rainbows between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. using spoons and Rooster Tails. Another angler reports catching rainbows and brook trout using a silver spoon fished from shore right at sunset. Water levels are low, so use caution when launching a boat. A fly-angler reports catching small rainbows and nice cutthroats, mostly on wooly worms/buggers, adding that he normally catches more fish there than he did. The south cove boat ramp is the best ramp. Try worms, Power Bait (yellow), corn, salmon eggs, lures, and flies. Try Rapalas, crayfish colored lures, Crickhoppers, spinners and Z-rays. Flies such as beadhead peacock ladies, KP buggers, Montana stones, woolly worms and woolly buggers have been effective for fly fishermen. Boat anglers trolling with cow bells with attached bait or small lures are catching trout. Shore anglers are catching mostly 10-11 inch rainbow trout, large cutthroat trout over 14 inches, and brook trout 12-18 inches. Try fishing early and late in the day.
CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only with barbless hooks and a two-fish limit. The lake does not have a boat ramp so float tubes and small carry in boats work well. The lake is very weedy. Anglers need to concentrate on fishing the open areas of the lake.
CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is poor to fair. Try using worms, Power Bait (green, orange, yellow, or rainbow colored), lures, and flies off the dam. The lake is weedy. This lake contains some nice sized green sunfish. Try fishing with night crawlers in the open water near weeds.
CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is poor. The lake’s water clarity is good. It is approximately 5-6 feet low, so use caution when launching a boat. The boat ramp on the west shore is recommended but it is weedy. Try using worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies off the rocky points of the lake.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — The eastside boat ramp is better than the northwest boat ramp. Fishing is fair. Catfish are being caught on chicken livers. Fish early and late in the day around rocky areas and tree stumps for largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and walleyes. Try lures, flies, and bait.
GREER LAKES — One family says they experienced the “best fishing we have had in a long time.” The largest fish was 14 inches. “My eight-year-old niece caught her first fish, an 11-inch rainbow.” Lake levels are low. Boat ramps are low and accessible only to small boats. Fishing is fair at Bunch and Tunnel reservoirs. Try worms, Power Bait (green and yellow), lures (Z-Rays and spinners) and flies (peacock ladies, woolly worms and woolly buggers). River Reservoir is at minimum pool because of safety reasons. The boat ramp is not usable. River Reservoir will likely not be stocked until repairs are completed on the dam and the lake level is back up.
HULSEY LAKE — Fishing is poor. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (small spinners), and flies.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing is poor to fair. Catchable-size Apache trout were stocked in April. There are no grayling. Work to return these unique fish to the lake is ongoing. The lake level is low. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only, two-fish limit, with a minimum size of 12 inches. Try nymphs such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, hares ears, bead head nymphs in green, brown, and black. Small lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps, and Rooster Tails) also work.
LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Rapalas, and spinners. Flies such as woolly worms and woolly buggers are also effective.
LYMAN LAKE — The water level is down. Boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching catfish at the upper end of the lake. Try fishing for walleye and largemouth bass near the dam and around other rocky shoreline areas of the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Rapalas, Z-Rays, crankbaits, and spinners). There is a health advisory here. Mercury levels were detected in the fish. Children under the age of six should not eat any fish from the lake. Women of childbearing age and children under the age of 16 should limit their consumption of fish to one meal per month. Adult men over the age of 16 can consume five meals per month.
NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, orange, and rainbow colored), lures, flies, and corn. The lake water level is down. The boat ramp by the dam is the best. Try using worms and small jigs off rocky shoreline areas for black crappie and sunfish.
RAINBOW LAKE — The lake is low. The boat ramp is accessible. Large boats may be difficult to launch so use caution. The lake is shallow and weedy. Fishing is poor to fair for all species. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow or rainbow colored), lures, and flies. Black bullheads are plentiful, which are easy for kids to catch on night crawlers or other catfish baits fished on the bottom. Catfish should be hitting worms, chicken livers and prepared baits. Fish near open areas in the weeds using night crawlers for bluegills and bass.
SCOTT'S RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair. The lake is low and the boat ramp is out of the water. Use caution when launching boats. Small boats or float tubes are recommended. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, or rainbow colored) lures, and flies. Anglers have been catching rainbow trout up to 16 inches. Catfish are being caught on worms, livers, and prepared baits. Largemouth bass have been hitting worms, spinner baits, and topwater plugs. Fly fishermen have been catching rainbow trout on Montana stones, peacock ladies, and brown woolly buggers. Some nice bluegills are being caught on small flies, lures, and worms.
SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, or rainbow colored), salmon eggs, lures, and flies. The boat ramp is accessible. Gill net surveys in April showed strong numbers of walleye, including a couple of 11 pounders, and a fair number of good-sized rainbow trout. Large channel catfish were also caught. Try casting or trolling Rapalas or crankbaits around shorelines during the evening or early morning. Try fishing around rocky structures for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, and walleye. Catfish should be hitting on worms, livers, and prepared baits.
WOODLAND LAKE— Fishing is poor. The lake is low and the boat ramp is accessible. Try worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, or rainbow colored), lures, and flies. Largemouth bass are hitting lures during the evening hours. The lake is very weedy.
CHOLLA LAKE — Cholla Lake State Park is closed until April 1, 2005.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Fishing is poor to fair for all species. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, lures and flies.
SILVER CREEK — Trout fishing is good. Silver Creek is now open to catch and release (no kill), lures and flies only with barbless hooks.
STREAMS —Water levels are down a little. Try fishing the deeper pools with lures, flies, and bait (where permitted).
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Southeastern Arizona[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]TUCSON URBAN — Kennedy, Silverbell, Sahuarita and Lakeside were stocked with channel catfish last week. Try chicken liver, worms, hot dogs or prepared catfish bait. Fishing for sunfish has been good. Use mealworms and earthworms on a small hook, size 10 or smaller, under a bobber set at 3 to 5 feet. These lakes also have aggressive, fast growing, tasty, hybrid sunfish. Buy a two-pole stamp and try different baits to double your odds.
RIGGS FLAT — Has reopened since the forest fire. For lake information call (928) 428-4150.
CLUFF RANCH — Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.
ROPER LAKE — Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
DANKWORTH POND — Slow for warmwater species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
KEARNY LAKES — Not stocked due to water quality issues.
ARIVACA —The fishing has slowed down some, however, it is still fairly good. Try buzzbaits or using spinnerbaits on top in the early morning and evening. Plastic worms and salamanders are still a good choice. Remember, all bass must be immediately released back to the water. The mercury advisory for all warm water fish is still in effect.
PENA BLANCA — Sunfish, crappie and bass fishing is fair. Try mealworms for the bluegill. The mercury advisory for all warm water fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be released.
PATAGONIA —Bass fishing is fair. Catfish anglers are doing well on smaller channels and some respectable flatheads are being caught also. Bluegill and redear are still providing fun for the young folks using small hooks with pieces of worm. The average size is pretty small. For more lake information, call Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965.
PARKER CANYON — Was stocked with trout last week. Bass are being caught in early morning and evenings around weed beds. Fish deeper later in the day. Those fishing for bass are sometimes catching northern pike. Try using in-line spinners or small trout-imitating lures.
PICACHO RESERVOIR — Dry.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — Rose Canyon Lake has been stocked with trout. Try Power Bait, corn or cheese. Small spinners should work. Don’t forget you need a trout stamp to fish in this lake.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 1]The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes they have been discriminated against in any Game and Fish program or activity, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Game and Fish Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phx., AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the Game and Fish Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800 367-8939.[/size][/font]
[signature]
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)