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Early snowmelt and runoff in the high country means the great spring trout fishing has arrived early this year.
Don’t wait, go now: we don’t know what the future may hold on forest conditions. The daytime temperatures this weekend in the high country are forecast to be in the 60s and 70s: near perfect weather. Nights are still down around freezing, so take warm clothing. Lower Lake Mary near Flagstaff has been stocked with 9,000 rainbow trout and channel catfish: fishing is terrific there. Ashurst is doing great for rainbows and pike (including some monster northerns). My favorite choice for early high country fishing is Big Lake in the White Mountains for rainbows, cutthroat, brook trout and Apache trout. Walleye are spawning at Show Low Lake and it has been stocked with trout. Willow Springs, Woods Canyon, Blue Ridge, Knoll and Bear Canyon are all good bets right now. Black Canyon has rebounded from the Rodeo-Chedeski Fire and is a hot spot. Canyon Creek is also back in action this season. Green Valley Lake — an urban program lake in Payson — is providing good action on trout and warm water species.
If you can’t make the high country right now, Pleasant, Bartlett, Saguaro and Roosevelt are all providing some of the best fishing in recent memory: This is a season anglers will talk about for years as “the good ole days.” Whether you fish from shore or boat, don’t miss out, or better yet, don’t let your kids miss out. Further afield, Lake Powell is providing anglers great action on stripers and smallmouth bass, plus walleye should start biting anytime – it’s an April fishing bonanza there. Another one of my spring favorites is sight fishing bedding bass at Lake Mead; it’s a place for spring solitaire where you can often have whole coves to yourself. Havasu has turned on for stripers, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The smallmouth fishing below Parker Dam is “hot, hot, hot.” Bass and crappie have turned on at Martinez Lake, which is a Colorado River backwater near Yuma.
Central Arizona URBAN LAKES — An angler at Kiwanis fishing off the east bank caught a 4.5 and a 5.7-pound largemouth bass using a Texas-rigged Culprit in red and black on 6-pound Trilene line using a slow retrieve. Big fish have been biting at urban fishing program lakes with three notable catches over 10 pounds. A 33-pound grass carp (white amur) was caught March 17 from Kiwanis Lake in Tempe. On Feb. 29, a 13.3-pound largemouth bass was caught at Kiwanis. There was also a 10.5-pound channel catfish caught March 20 from Chaparral Lake in Scottsdale. Fishing for catfish is good to excellent at the urban lakes. Try stink baits, shrimp or worms fished on the bottom. Catfish are biting throughout the day but are most active at dusk. Sunfish are biting well at most lakes. Try small worms or mealworms. Bass fishing has been good at the large lakes and at Papago Ponds. This is the spawning period for bass, so please practice catch-and-release.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE — It is the warmwater sport-fishing season now. Bass fishing is very good. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds and can be caught on crankbaits and plastics and some on minnows. Bass were the most abundant species in a recent fish survey. Many bass over three pounds, largest about six pounds. Various types of rubber worms are working the best. A 13-inch minimum length regulation for largemouth bass is in effect. There are plenty of bluegill and yellow bass that will bite mealworms and night crawlers. Channel catfish are starting to bite also. The lake is producing some nice cats up to five pounds. Try hotdogs or shrimp. Fishing for carp is excellent: use dough bait or corn. Trout fishing is slowing down. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s already. Some trout can still be caught over the next few weeks. Good bait choices are Power bait, salmon eggs or corn. 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 — Fishing is incredible with a few anglers reporting mixed bag catches of up to 100 fish per day along with catching some monsters. Water level is at 1,692 feet (88 percent full). Water is not being pumped into the lake. The lake level will likely remain steady until water is released in mid to late May. Lake temperature was around 66 degrees on Saturday about 9 a.m. Several largemouth bass over 8 pounds have been caught during the past two weeks, including a 14 pounder. Most are having success in the northern reaches of the lake using Senkos, drop shot, lizards, creature baits, and tubes. One fisherman reported catching 17 fish in Humbug using a drop shot. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are working well during morning and evening hours. Two anglers report catching 40 whites, 14 largemouth and six channel catfish using live shad and live minnows in the Castle Creek area along the submerged creek channel in 10 to 25 feet of water from dawn to noon on April 19. Live bait always works well, especially shad, which can be easily caught with a cast net. White bass and crappie are also being caught throughout the lake, but the hot spots seem to be the Agua Fria and Castle Creek. Several striped bass catches were reported from the Castle Creek, Coles, and Humbug this weekend. The catfish bite is starting to pick up. Several fish are being caught in 10 to 25 feet of water. One angler reported catching 15 crappies under lights at night. Sunfish have moved near shore and can be easily had on worms.
ROOSEVELT LAKE — The lake is 38-percent full at elevation 2,088 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 914 cfs and Tonto Creek was flowing at 20 cfs Monday morning. Crappie fishing is heating up. They are being caught near shore in coves and around structure and stickups. The flats just north of Salome Cove are a hotspot. Many fish are over 1 pound. A minnow under a slip bobber is the bait of choice. One angler reports catching 31 crappies trolling jigs in 13 feet of water on the Salt end of the lake (he also caught 20 small bass). Largemouth bass fishing is fantastic. Anglers are reporting 15-30 fish per day with more over the slot limit this spring than in recent years. Many fish under the slot are being caught in the 10-13 inch range. One angler reports using drop shots in 5 to 25 feet of water to catch 30 bass – with 11overs – and four large crappies (more than 2 pounds). Bass are spawning and on beds now. Try reaction baits to locate fish then switch to finesse plastics. Smallmouth bass are also biting; try using in-line spinners and crayfish imitations especially off rocky points and cliff walls. Windy days can be good for smallmouth as the waves stir up the rocky bottom. Carp fishing is excellent; use corn or dough bait. Department sponsored Camp Carp – an on-the-water bottom fishing clinic – will be held May 1 and 2. For more details call (480) 981-9400 ext. 213. Please harvest largemouth bass under the 13-inch slot. Catfishing is improving but cats are not real active yet. Call the Mesa Game and Fish office at (480) 981-9309 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 96-percent full at 1,908 feet. Largemouth bass fishing is heating up. Bass are being caught in the 10-20 foot depth with drop shots and Senkos. Spinnerbaits and lures like a Shad Rat-L-Trap are also working. Smallmouth fishing has also picked up. Fish for them along the cliff walls in 5-15 feet of water. They will take inline spinners and crawfish imitation baits. 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 in and around balls of shad. Spoons and cut bait work well for them. 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) 981-9400. You can keep the tag and the fish. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.
CANYON — Lake is 94-percent full at 1,658 feet. Bass fishing is good. Bass are in the spawning mode and guarding nests. Crankbaits and plastics are catching fish. Garland spider jigs and lizards are working well. Some big fish are being caught at night. Smallmouth action can be really good right at dark; imitation crawdads work well. At night try noisy topwater lures and crankbaits. This is also a great lake for yellow bass, a member of the true bass family. Locate balls of shad and jig spoons in and around the school 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.
SAGUARO — Lake level is 1,527 feet (97-percent full). Bass fishing remains red hot. Anglers are reporting some of the best catch rates in several years. One angler caught 33 bass in four days of fishing in mid April. Lake temperatures are in the upper 60s and in some coves, in the 70s. Most fish are being caught drop shotting (tight lines) or with Senkos in 10-25 foot depths. A good place to try is the snags area. Anglers are starting to see fish in the 5- to 15-foot depths and even occasionally some topwater action. Males are on the nests; creature and nuisance type baits can trigger these fish to bite. The big females can be found deeper off points and in the mouths of coves. Fishing off points and shelves in 20-30 feet of water can also be productive. Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons or cut bait. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them. They are often found near Shiprock and where the “no wake” zone buoys area in the upper end of the lake. One angler reports catching lots of bluegills from the docks using a No. 14 or small hook and a little bit of bait — especially a small strip of skin from a bluegill — fished under a bobber. Catfishing is improving. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. Reports of large channel catfish 5-15 pounds are being caught in Mesquite and Bagley flats areas. 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 1,763 feet (55-percent full). One fly angler reports catching bass on a four-inch super prawn with a slow tip sink. Another reports catching a “huge” albino catfish that was “mean.” Crappie fishing is good. Some are being caught with minnows near the Yellow Cliffs area and in coves around structure. Also try the Alder Cove area. Night fishing under lights has been good around the Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Area. Don’t’ overlook the habitat buoys as fish will start to concentrate around these structures. Bass fishing is red hot. Bass aren’t huge (1-2 pound range) but plentiful; anglers often catch between 10 and 20 bass a day. 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. Black Power Worms and lizard imitations have been catching fish. 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 is improving.
HORSESHOE — Lake is temporarily holding water at 36-percent capacity. The boat ramp is 9 feet in the water. In a recent fish survey largemouth bass from 1-3 pounds were caught in the upper end of the lake. The water is very clear and fish will be visible on beds. Upstream from Horseshoe Dam is an unlimited harvest area for all game fish. The river above the lake is fishable now, and will be a good bet for large and smallmouth bass in the next few weeks. The deep pool below the dam 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 200 cfs at Camp Verde. Flows were 230 cfs below Bartlett Dam. Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass is improving. One angler reports catching 13 bass and three catfish on the river north of Horseshoe Lake, saying, “Could have caught cats all night.” 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 (602) 789-3257.
LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) — Rainbow trout were stocked at Phon-D-Sutton and Granite reef four weeks ago for the last time this season. 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. A recent survey in this stretch produced some nice largemouth bass; a few were over 5 pounds.
CREEKS — Tonto, Canyon, Workman, and Haigler have all been stocked recently with rainbow trout. Stockings will continue through the spring and into the summer. Spinners, worms, corn, and Power Bait will all work.
HORSETHIEF LAKE — This 10-acre lake located in the pines is a real sleeper. Take the Crown King exit off I 17. Great for a canoe, car topper or belly boat. The lake is full of largemouth bass, sunfish and channel catfish. Great trip with the family to escape the heat.
Colorado River Northwest LAKE POWELL — By Wayne Gustaveson. Lake elevation 3,583. Water temperatures 59-64 F. Early morning water temperature is nearing the magic 60-degree mark. That means the peak of spring fishing is near. Bass are moving on nests again. Stripers are feeding on shad in the backs of canyons. Walleye will become quite catchable. Crappies are spawning in isolated spots throughout the lake. In short the next two weeks may be as good as it gets this spring. Runoff and rising lake levels will determine how long the peak lasts and how strong it will be. Stripers show no signs of leaving shad schools found in the backs of canyons where water temperature is warmer than in the main lake. The murky green water has an abundance of plankton, which holds shad and entices stripers. Stripers can eat their fill of shad from numerous schools any time of day or night, which makes fishing success spotty. But if the school starts to feed while you are close by the action is fantastic. On Monday last week in Padre Bay we caught stripers as fast as we could drop jigging spoons to their waiting mouths. On Wednesday at the same time in the same spot, the action was short lived. If a canyon has lots of shad, check back often to find an active striper school. Troll deep divers (Shad Rap size 5), Rat-L-Traps, Yozuri and Lucky Craft, or bounce jigging spoons (Wallylure, Spinnow) off the bottom. I suggest finding the murky green water to limit the search area. Bass are not very agreeable in the morning but heat up dramatically as the water warms in the afternoon. Plastic tubes and grubs in pumpkin color worked great for me in short, 15 foot deep, cuts in the main channel. Bass were holding in ledges and floating tumbleweeds. The best cuts were those with wind blowing directly into the inlet. The windy side was better than the calm water. The bass went wild for two hours (1-3 pm) before the wind blew too hard for enjoyable fish. The two largest smallmouth bass weighed a combine total of five pounds. That was fun. Launching access will improve soon: the lake is lapping at the end of newly constructed concrete ramps at Bullfrog and Wahweap.
LEES FERRY — The Lees Ferry Anglers say the morning has been providing good action as the water rises. The flies of choice seemed to be #8 stimulator, #12 unbelievables, #12-16 beadheaded zebra/copper midge, #16 ginger scud, brown/red/wine San Juan worms, and a few #16 Oregon cheese glow bugs. Try fishing these flies with a two-nymph rig or a dry/dropper through the riffles or back eddies. Remember, as the water rises, increase depth and provide enough split-shot to reach the fish quickly and often. If the fish seem to be looking up, try sight casting to a few with a #8 stimulator and a #16 zebra midge as the dropper. If you are lucky, you may get into some good dry fly action. All in all, fishing is looking great for April and May, so book your trip as soon as possible. Fishing the walk-In: We received reports of good fishing and some nice sized fish in this section. Changing flies often is key as no one specific fly has been extremely productive. To be successful one should carry a good selection of scuds (ginger, orange, tan, pink size 12 to 16), San Juan worms (red, burnt orange, worm brown size 12 to 16), and midges (black/copper, black/silver, red/copper, red/silver sizes 16 to 20), and not be afraid to use any or all of them during a single day of fishing. It seems that each fish has a taste for something different. Spin Fishing Report: Marabou jigs are becoming more and more productive lately. The top colors are black, olive, and brown. Glo-bugs are still effective as well when trailed by a San Juan worm or scud. KastMasters, Z-rays, and Rapalas are picking up a few fish here and there.
LAKE MEAD — No new reports. Striper fishing has been slow out of South Cove with just a few anglers reporting two weeks ago limited success in South Bay. There have been a few largemouth bass caught in the same area.
LAKE MOHAVE — Striper fishing picked up last week out of Katherine’s Landing. Several anglers were doing well near Nevada Powerline Cove. Also stripers were being caught around Katherine Powerline Cove using anchovies. A recent tournament caught some nice largemouth bass two weekends ago despite high winds. Jigs and tube-baits were catching the most largemouth.
TOPOCK MARSH — Bass fishing remained fair to good on the marsh last week. Fish were being caught on jigs and white tub-baits fished in the reeds and spinnerbaits run along the edges of the reeds. Crappie fishing was slow. Some catfish were being caught on chicken livers near the “boathouse”.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM — No reports this week.
Southwestern Arizona HAVASU — Fishing is good. Boat anglers are catching limits of stripers on anchovies either drifting, trolling, or anchoring over fish located with sonar. The shad have moved off the fishing piers, which has slowed catch rates in these areas. The largemouth and smallmouth spawn is wrapping up. Anglers continue to catch both species on soft plastics (dark colored). Drop-shotting small baits and Carolina-rigging larger plastics on shoreline breaks have worked for quite a few anglers. Catfishing is fair to good and should continue to pick up with the warmer months. Remember that both smallmouth and largemouth bass must be a minimum of 13 inches to possess. All bass less than 13 inches must be released immediately.
PARKER STRIP — Water releases have been up lately. The smallmouth bite has been hot, hot, hot. Anglers are having luck with plastics (worms and tubes, purple or green), spinners, and crankbaits. One angler even reported catching several crappies on a small Rapala. Catfish are hitting now too. Shrimp and chicken livers were the baits of choice this past weekend. Sunfish (bluegill and redears) are nesting near shore. Spoons and spinners may work here.
MARTINEZ LAKE/COLORADO RIVER — Water temps are ranging from 63-65 degrees. Bass are staging for the spawn. A few bass were caught around the small lakes along the Colorado above and below Martinez Lake and all along the river edges. Crappies are bedding in many areas around the lake. A couple of anglers caught a few channel cats in the inlets below Martinez Lake, but nothing to brag about.
MITTRY LAKE — No report.
YUMA AREA RIVERS/CANALS — Nighttime anglers experienced some good luck this past week for channel catfish along the Gila Main Gravity Canal and the Salinity Canal. Try chicken liver, night crawlers and stink baits.
FORTUNA POND — Last week was the last channel catfish stocking. Anglers enjoyed success this past week catching the cats with chicken liver, stink bait. Some largemouth bass were also caught on spinnerbaits. There are plenty of bluegills to be caught using mealworms or night crawlers.
REDONDO POND — No new reports; bass and bluegill dominate the catch here. Spring should kick off with good fishing. You might use a fishing tube to fish here because shoreline access is limited.
EHRENBERG — Bass fishing is really picking up. Some large bass are being caught in the area between I-10 to McIntyre Park. The backwaters A1, A7, and A10 are producing good-sized bass. Light colored jigs, and flashy plugs are working well. Cibola Lake is open again and bass are being caught there in the 2- to 5-pound range.
ALAMO LAKE — Bass fishing has started to slow down. Anglers are still having luck on white spinner baits, crankbaits, and dark-colored grubs. Best fishing is in 5-12 feet of water. Crappie fishing is still good. Trolling with jigs and minnows works the best. Cat fishing is really good. Four- to 5-pound cats are being caught right before dawn using liver and shrimp. We have had high winds every day for the past two weeks. Two boats have sunk. Please take a minute and check your bilge pumps, and make sure you have the proper equipment on your boat. 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.
North Central Region Angler Note: Most lakes are open. Fishing has been good to excellent at Lower Lake Mary and Ashurst. A 24.5-pound pike was caught in Ashurst April 5. Catchable channel catfish have been stocked in Lower Lake Mary, Sante Fe and City Reservoirs. Remember: the catfish limit on these lakes was changed to four fish.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Water level is low. Some holdover trout were being caught on lures and flies. Lake is muddy.
CATARACT LAKE — Gates are closed but water level is better than last year.
CITY RESERVOIR — Gate is open. Recently stocked with catfish and trout. The catfish limit here is four fish.
DOGTOWN LAKE — Very low water.
WHITEHORSE LAKE — Small trout (8 inches or less) are being caught on Power Bait. These trout were stocked last fall as 5-inch fish and are growing well. The fish being caught are full of insects.
JD DAM — Water is muddy and the lake is spilling. Roads are muddy. Some fish are being caught on wooly worms and bead headed midges.
SANTA FE — Open water. Some small trout are being caught. Recently stocked with channel catfish. Remember, the catfish limit is four on this lake.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — Recently stocked with trout and channel catfish. Fishing was good for trout to excellent on corn, green, red, or rainbow Power Bait fished under a bobber and on small lures. Fish were also hitting midges on the surface; fly-fishing in the evenings has been excellent. Remember, the catfish limit is four on this lake.
UPPER LAKE MARY — Open water. This is the time of year to catch big pike. Fish the areas where the water is running for walleye and yellow bass. 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 — Trout fishing was good. Four anglers reported catching 23 trout in two hours from the north bank, with 19 of them over 13 inches long and “fat” on April 10. A family of anglers reported catching 12 fish within a couple of hours using Power Bait. Another angler reported using yellow and rainbow Power Bait to catch several holdover rainbows in the 1.5 to 2-pound range, adding that four of them caught 12 “quality fish” in three hours despite windy conditions. This is the time of year to catch big pike: A 24.56-pound pike was caught on a marshmallow by a trout angler April 5.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Has been stocked. Some nice size trout were concentrated near the inflow area. Large numbers of channel catfish were caught during sampling.
OAK CREEK — No reports from anglers
LONG LAKE — Open water. Remember that using live fish as bait here is illegal. There is a health advisory on this lake; mercury has been detected. Do not eat fish caught here.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Open water. 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 — Stocked last week.
WEST CLEAR CREEK — Stocked last week.
STONEMAN LAKE — Water level is too low for stocking.
BLUE RIDGE — Road is open.
KNOLL LAKE — Action is picking up. Two anglers on April 18 report catching-and-releasing more than 30 trout bottom fishing using Power Bait, worms and corn, saying, “They were hitting everything we threw.” Another angler reports that he and his two sons caught six in about three hours April 17 using spinners and Power Bait, but it was very windy and other anglers weren’t doing well.
MINGUS LAKE — A fly-fisherman caught and released 50 rainbow trout April 10 using wooly bugger, dead chicken and Colorado stonefly. Another angler on April 12 used a Super Duper or a royal coachman fly to catch and release 10 trout, adding that he hooked another dozen of so but couldn’t get them landed.
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK — No reports this week.
LYNX LAKE — Two fly anglers report catching rainbow and brown trout using any black flies with a quick retrieve, saying, “In two hours, me and my friend Jim caught about 30 to 40 fish. It was so fun.” Scheduled to be stocked with 4,000 more brown trout this week. Fishing was still relatively slow late last week due to wind and rain but should be picking up. This will be the last load of brown trout for the year. Only a few trout were being caught on silver spinners and flies.
FAIN LAKE — Fain lake was stocked last Friday. There have been no reports on success. The lake is open for fishing from 7 to 10 p.m. daily.
VERDE RIVER — No new reports. Trout stockings have ended for the season. One stocking of 500 trout went in at the White Bridge in Camp Verde on April 2.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Lots of good reports. Stockings are scheduled to resume this week. One angler says he and a friend caught and released 16 trout in a single morning using small spinners. Another used a yellow Rebel Crickhopper with a fast-paced retrieve to catch hook nine rainbow trout, but he only landed six of them. He also caught and lost around a 5-pound largemouth bass. Goldwater is a 35-surface-acre lake perched along a shoulder of the Bradshaw Mountains approximately 4 miles from Prescott along Senator Highway.
Mogollon Rim CHEVELON CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try lures such as Z-Rays, Rapalas, Roster Tails and Panther Martin spinners or flies such as woolly worms and woolly buggers and large streamers. All Forest Service roads are open but may be muddy, so use caution when driving on the Mogollon Rim roads.
BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. Access roads are open. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
BLACK CANYON LAKE — Access roads are open. Fishing is good for carry-over trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies. The lake was stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is accessible.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — The access road is open. Fishing is good for carry-over trout. One angler caught trout slow-rolling Panther Martin spinners or using salmon eggs. Another angler fishing from the ease side of Sardine Point caught rainbow trout using a small silver spoon or Roost Tails, although Power Bait worked as well, saying, “Any lure I used had the most success on the first few casts; after that it seemed to be ignored.” Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Panther Martin spinners, and KastMasters, and flies such as woolly worms and woolly buggers. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is accessible.
WOODS CANYON LAKE — Access roads are open. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies (green woolly buggers are catching fish). The boat ramp is accessible. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
GREEN VALLEY LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. This lake is part of the urban fishing program and requires an urban fishing license and contains rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms are effective. Try crappie jigs, small Rapalas, crankbaits and small spoons.
White Mountains Note To Anglers: Several mid-elevation lakes should be good for carry-over trout. The best lakes to try include Becker Lake near Springerville, Luna Lake near Alpine, Show Low Lake in Show Low, and Black Canyon Lake near Forest Lakes. The high elevation lakes (Big Lake and Crescent Lake) are open as well as access roads.
BECKER LAKE — Fishing is good for carry-over trout. Try flies such as wooly worms in brown and black colors. 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 fly only through May 24. There is a two-fish limit. The lake is full with clear water and the boat ramp is accessible. Water temperatures have been in the high 50s.
BIG LAKE — The lake is open and access roads FS 261 and FS 273 are open. Fishing is good to excellent for trout. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. One angler reported that he had the “only” boat on the lake and the “limits came easy” while anchored off the points. His big fish were two 17-inch brook trout. Boat ramps are accessible but use caution when launching boats. The lake is not full.
CARNERO LAKE — The lake is open but experienced a complete fish kill but will be stocked this week. Fishing is poor. The lake is open to lures and flies only with barbless hooks.
CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is fair. Try using worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies off the dam and around the boat ramp area. The lake level is a little low and the water temperatures are running in the high 50s. Boat ramps are accessible. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
CRESCENT LAKE — The lake is open and access roads FS 261 and FS 273 are open. The lake has been stocked with catchable size brook trout and rainbow trout. Fishing is poor to fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies off rocky points.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is fair. Lake level is low but the boat ramps are usable. Water temperatures are in the mid 50s. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies off the dam and around the boat ramp area. The lake has been stocked with catchable rainbow trout.
GREER LAKES — All lakes are open and full. Water temperatures have been in the 40s. Launching boats at all reservoirs is good. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners), and flies (wooly worms and wooly buggers). Bunch and Tunnel reservoirs have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The area by the dam at River Reservoir is closed to access due to dam repairs. The area at the south end parking lot is open. River Reservoir will not be stocked until the Forest Service allows access.
HULSEY LAKE — The lake is open. The access road to the lake is open. Fishing should be poor until the lake is stocked. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — The lake is open and access roads FS 261 and FS 273 are open. The lake has been stocked with catchable size Apache trout. The lake is open to lures and flies only, two-fish limit, and a minimum size of 12 inches. The lake is a little low. Fishing is poor to fair.
LUNA LAKE — The lake is open. Fishing is good for carry-over trout. Water temperatures are in the 50s. The boat ramp is accessible. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays, Rapalas, and spinners. Flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers are also effective. The lake has not been stocked yet.
LYMAN LAKE — Open and water levels are rising. Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are catching catfish at the upper end of the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Rapalas, Z-Rays, crank baits, 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 — Open, and the water level is rising. Boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is poor. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, flies, and corn. Water temperatures have been in the 50s. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
RAINBOW LAKE — Open and full. The boat ramp is accessible. Water temperatures have been in the high 50s. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies. Bass and catfish should be more active as water temperatures continue to rise.
SCOTT'S RESERVOIR — Open and full. The lake is spilling. The boat ramp is fully usable. The water is turbid with water temperatures in the high 50s. Fishing is poor to fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies. Recent netting surveys revealed some nice carry over trout, bass and catfish.
SHOW LOW LAKE — Open but water levels are somewhat low. However, the boat ramp is fully functional. Water temperatures are in the 50s. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies. Walleyes are spawning along rocky shorelines, so try casting or trolling Rapalas and crankbaits. Anglers are catching some nice-sized trout on worms and Power Bait.
WOODLAND LAKE— Open and full. The lake is spilling. The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies. The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout.
CHOLLA LAKE — The Cholla Lake State Park is open. Fishing is probably poor to fair until fish populations rebound.
CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Open. Fishing is poor to fair. Try worms, Power Bait, corn, lures and flies.
SILVER CREEK — Trout fishing is poor to fair. The upper part of Silver Creek is closed. Below the closed area try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies. The creek will be stocked in May.
STREAMS — Most streams are running high and are some are turbid from snowmelt. Access roads are open. Some higher elevation roads may have snowdrifts so use caution. Trout will be stocked in May.
Southeastern Arizona TUCSON URBAN — Lakeside, Kennedy, Silverbell and Sahuarita, will be stocked with channel catfish this week. Try chicken liver, worms, hot dogs or prepared catfish bait. These lakes also have aggressive, fast growing, tasty, hybrid sunfish. Fishing for sunfish has been good. Use mealworms and earthworms and a small hook, size 10 or smaller, under a bobber set at 3 to 5 feet. Buy a two-pole stamp and try different baits to double your odds.
RIGGS FLAT — Closed for the winter. For lake information call (928) 428-4150.
CLUFF RANCH — Slow for warm water species. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.
ROPER LAKE — Slow for warm water species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
DANKWORTH POND — Slow for warm water species. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.
KEARNY LAKES — Not stocked due to water quality.
ARIVACA — Fishing is picking up for bass and sunfish. Some bass are being caught on plastics and swim baits. Try worms for sunfish. 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 — Has been stocked with trout. Weeds are no longer a problem. The reservoir is full. With warming weather, fishing should pickup for warm water species. A mercury advisory for all warm water fish is in effect. Trout are okay to eat. Bass less than 13 inches long must be released.
PATAGONIA — Bass fishing is beginning to pick up as bass are staging for the spawn. One angler caught largemouth bass “chucking” spinnerbaits into reeds. He says the water temperature was about 63 degrees April 17. Larger bass are reportedly being caught along the shoreline in Ash Canyon Cove. Try Rooster Tails, or crankbaits and work along structures. Pumpkin seed colored tubes, spinnerbaits and Texas- and Carolina-rigged plastic worms work well along the reeds and banks. Channel catfish are being caught on dough balls, shrimp, chicken livers, and worms. For flatheads use bluegills. The Lake is fair for catfish. Bluegill, and red ears are being caught in the stick-ups and along the edge of the reeds. Worms are effective bait. In shallow water try a worm on the bottom. Good for sunfish. Some crappies have been caught and fishing for this species should improve within the next week or two. Try small chartreuse mini jigs with a clear bobber in the marina and at the mouth of Ash Canyon and Hangman’s coves. Few trout are being caught in the marina and at the campground launch. Trout were biting on lures and live worms on the bottom. Small Z-ray type lures seem to be working well. Try to choose a lure with a small treble hook for best results. Lake water levels are back up and there is water flowing over the spillway. Both boat launches are open. For more Lake information call Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965.
PARKER CANYON — Has been stocked with trout. Trout fishing has been good. Try Power Bait, corn or cheese or small spinners. One angler reports catching a limit of trout in 30 minutes on Power Bait near the boat ramp on April 8. Some 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.
PICACHO RESERVOIR — No report. |
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