fishing report 11 / 22 / 04

[OneWhoFishes]

[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:ol('http://www.azgfd.com/h_f/edits/lake_levels.shtml');"]Lake Levels[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:ol('http://www.azgfd.com/h_f/stocking_schedule.shtml');"]Stocking Schedule[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:ol('http://www.azgfd.com/h_f/where_fish.shtml');"]Where to Fish[/url][/size][/font] [size 2]-[/size] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][url "javascript:ol('http://www.azgfd.com/h_f/urban_fishing.shtml');"]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]Nov. 18, 2004[/size][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2][#336633]Been Fishing?[/#336633]
[url "javascript:ol('http://www.azgfd.com/h_f/been_fishing.shtml');"]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=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=raikens@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]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=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=rdreyer@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Richard Dreyer[/url], (928) 367-4281
Flagstaff Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=cbenedict@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Chuck Benedict[/url], (928) 774-5045
Kingman Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=aclark@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Andy Clark[/url], (928) 692-7700
Yuma Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=wgunter@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Wayne Gunter[/url] (928) 342-0091
Tucson Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=dneill@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Dave Neill[/url], (520) 628-5376 ext. 561
Mesa Region - [url "http://by1fd.bay1.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=MSG1100801731.26&start=520893&len=40297&src=&type=x&to=rwiggins@gf.state.az.us&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=F000000001&a=9d6a55c56df3e3093f7c07c92f70e35f"]Richard Wiggins[/url], (481) 324-3544

[#336633]Other ways to get the fishing report:[/#336633]
Internet home page: [url "javascript:ol('http://www.azgfd.com');"]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]On Saturday or Sunday, come visit us at the Hunting and Shooting Showcase being conducted at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, which is located on the Carefree Highway just west of I-17. On Saturday at 3 p.m., there is a fishing demonstration. Learn the secrets for catching fish close to home from two department biologists, Tom McMahon and Jim Warnecke. Jim is also giving a short demonstration on fish cleaning and handling to ready your catch for the frying pan or grill. There will also be a fishing simulator available throughout the event. Fisheries biologists will be available both days at the Fisheries Branch booth to answer your questions.
This is the time to get out for winter trout.
Tempe Town Lake is being stocked on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Come join the celebration for the return of the trout. Last year, Tempe Town Lake posted some of the best catch rates in the state for stocked rainbow trout. Remember, you do need a state fishing license (not an urban one) with a trout stamp.
Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and the Lower Salt River have all been stocked with trout. The urban lakes were stocked with trout this week.
A note of interest: Alamo Lake has now risen 47 feet, inundating lots of vegetation that had grown up in the exposed lake bed. That’s good news for the future of this bass and crappie fishery.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Central Arizona[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]URBAN LAKES — 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- to 20-inch catfish. The first stockings of trout are scheduled for Tucson area urban lakes on Nov. 16 and for Phoenix area urban lakes on Nov. 18. Best baits for trout are Power Bait, worms, small spinners, or spoons. Trout fishing at Green Valley lakes (Payson) is good to excellent for anglers using Power Bait or small spinners on light (2- to 6-pound) line.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE — Rainbow trout will be stocked on Nov. 23 to kick off the winter trout season. At 3 p.m., the Arizona Game and Fish Department is conducting a free fishing clinic. Loaner rods, bait, tackle, and instruction will be available. The clinic will be held at the new boat marina on the north shore. Largemouth bass fishing is good. Anglers are reporting two to three fish per hour averaging 1 to 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 by 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. 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 at (480) 350-8625.
LAKE PLEASANT — Water level is at 1,621 feet (30-percent full). The lake is coming up about 6-8 inches per day. Fishing for largemouth is tough. At the recent ABF tournament, 112 anglers caught just over 300 fish. The winning sacks totaled about 15 pounds for the two-day event. The best technique for catching largemouth bass is the drop shot and blades. Jigs, Texas-rigs, and Carolina-rigs are also working well. White bass are really hitting now on spoons (KastMasters) and cut shad. Striped bass can be caught trolling shad imitations in the open water. An angler recently caught an 11-pound striper. The marina, Castle Creek, and Jackass Cove, and the Agua Fria are good places to target these fish. The catfish bite is slow.
ROOSEVELT LAKE — The lake is 29-percent full at elevation 2,075 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 232 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was at 14 cfs. Fishing was tough last week. Fish are transitioning into winter patterns. Some crappies are being caught trolling in 20-25 feet of using Power Grubs and Jumping Cholla Jigs. Windy Hill area is the best right now. Bass fishing slowed last week. Drop shotting is the most effective fishing technique. Crankbaits are also effective at times. Wired worms are also working. Many fish under the slot are being caught in the 10-13 inch range. Smallmouth bass can be good; 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 sporadic: it can be decent one day, and bad the next. 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 is also 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. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week. To some this means Power Bait, inline spinners and salmon eggs. Others it means big imitation swim baits like Castaic targeting monster bass. Bass fishing was slow last week. For bass drop shotting is still the method of choice, either Texas-rigged or Carolina-rigged style. Senkos and Westy Worms 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. 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 slow. Fish are starting to go deep. Most fish are being caught drop shotting (tight lines) or with Senkos in 10-25 foot depths during the day. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week. Use Power Bait, corn, salmon eggs, and inline spinners like a Vibrex or Rooster Tail. 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 slow. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. 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 1,787 feet (85-percent full). This is the best bet right now for numbers of bass, however not as easy as a few weeks ago. 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 boils of bass chasing shad; try throwing jerk baits into the boil. Crappies are suspended and tough to target. Catfishing has really slowed. Some channel and large flatheads may still be caught near the dam. Use live bait such as bluegill or small carp for the flatheads and shrimp, hotdogs or stink bait for the channels. Remember the live bait most come from the lake itself not transported from another body of water!
HORSESHOE — Lake is temporarily holding some water but is in the process of being drained. Fishing is poor. 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 168 cfs at Camp Verde. For information on stream ([url "javascript:ol('http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/current/?type%3dflow');"]http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/current/?type=flow[/url] ). Bass fishing is about over until spring and warmer water temperatures. 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) —Rainbow trout have been stocked at Phon-D-Sutton Recreation Area and the Granite Reef Recreation Area this week. Fish can be caught using traditional trout baits and lures such as Power Bait, corn, night crawlers and spinners. Cast slightly upstream in the riffles and let the current carry your bait into the pools. 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.
CREEKS — Tonto, Canyon, and Haigler have some hold over rainbow trout. Stockings have ended for the year. Spinners, worms, corn, and Power Bait will all work.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Colorado River Northwest[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]LAKE POWELL — For striper fishing, there is only one place right now: between Warm Creek and West Canyon. For more information, visit wayneswords.com
LEES FERRY — A planned experimental water release from Glen Canyon Dam could affect boaters and anglers over the Thanksgiving week. For the first time since 1996, the Bureau of Reclamation is planning to release about four times the normal amount of water that flows through Glen Canyon Dam. If the plan is approved, the flows would start increasing late on Nov. 20 and return to normal on Nov. 25. The peak of the release would last for about 60 hours.
LAKE MEAD — No new reports. Nighttime striper fishing should be good this weekend under crappie lights. Water temperatures have cooled a bit but schools of stripers should still be accessible in 25-30 feet of water.
LAKE MOHAVE — No new reports. 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 — Rainbow trout fishing continues to be good on Friday stocking days. Power Bait and lures were working well. The most common colors of Power Bait used are rainbow and orange sherbet.
TOPOCK MARSH — No new reports.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM — About 2,000 rainbow trout were stocked into the river in the vicinity of the Riverside Casino three weeks ago. No new reports on catching. Next stocking is scheduled for late November.
[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]Southwestern Arizona[/size][/font] [font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]HAVASU — The weather slowed down fishing for most species this week. Boat anglers fishing off of Windsor and Crazy Horse before the front moved through had a steady striper bite. Anglers were doing well still fishing with anchovies and trolling lures. Fishing should continue to pick up in the upcoming days. When the weather turns bad don’t forget the smallmouths. Lake Havasu supports a large number of these renowned fighters and they are often easier to catch in inclement weather. Focus on windy shorelines where the turbid water meets the clearer water. Small crayfish imitation crankbaits and dark colored plastics are popular smallmouth baits. 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 — Water levels have been dropping. Boaters should watch for submerged hazards, especially on Thursdays, which seem to be when the water is at its lowest level. Cooler weather means cooler water temperatures. This forces fish into deeper pools often suspended over underwater structure. For bass, try fishing soft plastic baits such as worms and grubs. Keep an eye out for smallmouth bass when low-pressure systems move in from the coast. Smallmouths respond to the wave action washing food out from the shoreline. Catfishing has slowed down but some channel cats are still being caught on cut anchovies, chicken livers, and night crawlers. Drifting little dillies or worms along the outside edge of grass beds can land some monster bluegill and redear. Small live bluegill are good bait for flatheads and for striped bass.
MARTINEZ LAKE/COLORADO RIVER — Recently anglers have 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 — Bass are still biting from shore and by boat. Channel catfish can be caught with worms and stink bait along the many shore jetties.
YUMA AREA RIVERS/CANALS — Catfish are hitting worms and stink baits throughout the day. Stripers may be starting soon in the bigger canals using anchovies or chicken liver.
FORTUNA POND — Anglers are enjoying catching channel catfish, which have been recently stocked, into the pond: more than 2,000 pounds with average weight of 2-4 pounds. Worms are working for bait. There is a 4 catfish bag/possession limit at Fortuna Pond. Trout are planned for the month of December. Bluegills are also biting regularly on worms.
REDONDO POND — No recent reports. Use a small boat to access the lake for bass and bluegill.
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 — Well folks, all said and done the lake rose approx. 47 feet before the Army Corps of Engineers started releasing water. Now before everyone bombards the State Park with phone calls, here is how it works. Alamo Lake is a flood control dam. Anything below 1,125, then the corps will release 25 cfs in the winter and 50 cfs in the summer. Anything above 1125 the corps will release at least 1,000 cfs until the lake drops to the 1,125-foot level. Currently the Santa Maria, and the Big Sandy, which form the Bill William's, is flowing into the lake. The inflow is matching the releases, therefore stabilizing the lake at 1127ish. What's this mean for the lake? For the next few years there should be enough structure for good spawning, and hopefully some excellent fishing. Currently fishing is slow. There hasn't been a report of a bass, crappie, or catfish caught in at least two weeks. However one angler stated that while out catfishing he caught a live rabbit. The angler stated that while dodging incoming logs into the lake he spotted the near drowned rabbit floating on a log. The rabbit was dried and released. No weight reported. I guess it's safe to report that rabbit fishing is fair. 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]Note to Anglers. A new state record pike was caught at Ashurst Lake last week by a trout angler on Power Bait. It weighed 32.35 pounds. 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 recently.
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 than 8 ounces (uncooked weight) of any fish caught.
ASHURST LAKE — A new state record pike was caught here two weeks ago by a trout angler using Power Bait. The monster pike weighed 32.35 pounds.
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 Report.
MINGUS LAKE — The last stocking for the season happened last week. No reports on catching. Mingus will be stocked again in late April or early May 2005.
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK — There were 4,000 trout stocked Nov. 1 into the middle and lower lagoons and the lagoons will be stocked again this week.
LYNX LAKE — No new Reports. Stocked last week. Next stocking is scheduled for the last week in February.
FAIN LAKE — Stocked last week with 1,000 trout. No new reports on success. Scheduled to be stocked again the week of Dec. 6.
VERDE RIVER — No reports. Trout stocking began last week.
GOLDWATER LAKE — The lake is scheduled to be stocked this week. No new reports on success. The next stocking is scheduled for early next week.
[/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 be starting their spawning runs up Chevelon Creek. Try the above-mentioned lures and flies near the mouth of the creek.
BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. 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, so use caution when launching a boat. Small boats or float tubes are recommended.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — Fishing is fair. 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. 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 crankbaits. Fly fishers should try large wooly 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. The 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: High winds and rain/snow conditions are common in November, so check the weather before venturing into the high mountain lakes. Some mid-elevation lakes are still producing large trout over 12 inches; try Big Lake.
BECKER LAKE — Lake is down 3-4 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 lures and flies only. There is a two-fish limit. Fly fishermen are catching lots of 8- to 12-inch rainbow trout on wooly buggers, damselfly and dragonfly patterns, Montana nymphs, peacock ladies, and midge larvae patterns.
BIG LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for rainbows, brookies and cutthroat. Water levels are low, so use caution when launching a boat. The south cove boat ramp is the best ramp. Try worms, Power Bait (yellow), corn, salmon eggs, lures, and flies. Rapalas, crayfish-colored lures, Crickhoppers, spinners and Z-Rays also work. Some anglers are catching some nice brook trout on orange-colored lures. Flies such as beadhead peacock ladies, KP buggers, Montana stones, wooly worms and wooly buggers have been effective for fly fishermen. Boat anglers trolling with cowbells with attached bait or small lures are catching trout. Shore anglers have been catching mostly 10- to 11-inch rainbow trout, some large cutthroat trout over 14 inches, and brook trout 12-18 inches.
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. Recent gill net surveys revealed some nice-sized rainbows.
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. There was not a complete fish kill in July. Recent gill net surveys revealed some nice-sized rainbow and brook trout.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — The east side boat ramp is better than the northwest boat ramp. Fishing is fair. Catfish are being caught on chicken livers. Fish around rocky areas and tree stumps for largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and walleyes. Try lures, flies, and bait.
GREER LAKES — 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, wooly worms and wooly 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, beadhead nymphs in green, brown and black. Small lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps and Rooster Tails) also work.
LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Rapalas and spinners. Flies such as wooly worms and wooly 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. 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; they’re 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 wooly 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 rocky shorelines for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, walleye, and trout. 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 fair to good. Silver Creek is now open to catch and release (no kill), lures and flies only with barbless hooks.
STREAMS — Most streams are ice covered due to cold nights.
[/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 are being stocked this week with trout. Try Power Bait, small spinners, corn, or salmon eggs. The lakes were stocked with channel catfish two weeks ago. Try chicken liver, worms, hotdogs 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 — Closed for the winter on Nov. 15. 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 warmwater fish is still in effect.
PENA BLANCA — Is scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Sunfish, crappie and bass fishing is fair. Try mealworms for the bluegill. The mercury advisory for all warmwater fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be released.
PATAGONIA — Is scheduled to be stocked with rainbow trout this week. Bass fishing is fair. 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 — Is scheduled to be stocked with trout this 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. It is scheduled to close for the winter on Nov. 15. Try Power Bait, corn or cheese. Small spinners should work. Don’t forget, you need a trout stamp to fish in this lake.
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