Striper fishing continues to be hot at Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Bass fishing has been picking up on Havasu and the Lower Colorado. Topwater is good early in the morning and late in the evening.

Mid-day fishing has slowed down at many high country lakes, so trout fishing is best at first and last light. The forests are tinder dry, and restrictions are in place in most forest areas. The Coconino National Forest closed to public access on Friday, June 23. The closure will be lifted when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level, and hot, dry weather conditions are not forecast to continue. Check with the Forest Service for restrictions in other areas before heading out. Remember, the local communities in those areas still offer many summer attractions and activities and are still great destinations for a high-country vacation.

Central Arizona

URBAN LAKES - Due to fish supply issues in Arkansas and unforeseen equipment failures, the catfish stocking scheduled for the week of June 12-17 was cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our dedicated urban anglers. The Urban Fishing Program will make every effort to ensure a full load of quality channel catfish is stocked at our Urban Fishing Program lakes and ponds the week of June 26-July 1. We will also work with our catfish hauler/vendor to provide extra channel catfish at our urban waters for this final stocking of the spring/summer season. Catfish stockings will resume in mid-September. On June 9, more than 12,000 sunfish were stocked into Urban Fishing Program lakes. These aggressive and hard-fighting hybrid sunfish are mostly in the 6- to 8-inch range. They bite best on worms, but can also be taken on corn, bread and small jigs. Most anglers use small bobbers to keep their baits off the bottom and make it easier to detect strikes. Andrew Larson reports catching and releasing about 20 bluegills in about two hours at Red Mountain Park this week. “No big fish, but loads of fun,” he says. For more information on our Urban Fishing Program, see our Urban Fishing Program Bulletin.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE - Bass fishing is slow during the day. Fish can be caught before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. at times. Try crankbaits and rubber worms around the ledges and docks.  Minnows under a slip bobber will work as well. A good mixed bag of yellows, catfish and sunfish can also be caught this way. A good place to try is under the Loop 202 underpass in the northeast side of the lake. Yellow bass and bluegill are plentiful in the 5- to 7-inch range and will bite mealworms or night crawlers. Channel catfish averaging 1 to 2 pounds will bite stink baits, hot dogs and shrimp. Carp fishing is getting better.

LAKE PLEASANT - Water level is at 1,695 feet (92-percent full). Fishing is good for white bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Danny Sons reports that he saw three people on a boat catch about 200 fish in six hours last week, including a 9-pound largemouth and a 13-pound striper. Good action for white bass and stripers can be had by the towers down by the dam. Try using a 1-inch white curly-tail grub on a 1/16-ounce jig. Let it jig sink about 20 seconds before retrieving. Crappie fishing is a good time in the northern coves; try jigs or live minnows in 12 to 18 feet of water around brush. The crappies are averaging about a pound with some going a pound and a half. John Whaggart reported catching some nice crappie on jigs while fishing under a full moon two weeks ago. The Agua Fria arm of the lake is open. It’s already possible to see small schools of bass fry from earlier spawning efforts this year. Bass are generally in the post-spawn mode and have moved off points and deeper mouths of coves. Bass fishing is good. Early morning topwater can be good, but generally fish have switched to the summer mode where drop-shotting at night can be very productive.  Drop-shotting is the technique of choice, tight lines. Power Worms, jigs, Carolina-rigs and Westy Worms are proven producers.  Catfish are biting well at night on hotdogs and shrimp.
  
ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 68-percent full at elevation 2,125 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 90 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was flowing at 1 cfs. Anglers are currently catching large numbers of bass, mostly slots and unders. In fact, largemouth bass anglers are often encountering feisty smallmouth bass as well; look for rocky areas. Topwater action is good when and where shad are boiling. Fishing off points in 10-25 feet of water has been effective, as well as in areas of stick-ups and brush. Live shad or minnows are also good baits, either with bobbers or free-lined. Crappie fishing has slowed some during the day, but should be good at night under submersible lights. Minnows under slip bobbers and jigs (1/32-ounce) cast into the brush will do the trick. Catfishing is picking up for both flatheads and channels. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be good, especially on windy days. Try areas where waves are stirring up the rocky shoreline. Use inline spinners and crayfish imitations, especially off rocky points and cliff walls, and live night crawlers. Remember, the slot is in place for smallmouth as well. Bluegills are spawning: This is a great time to take the kids out. Try the backs of coves, especially around structure. Nice bluegills have been caught recently around Windy Hill and Salome. Note: Anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt. Bass between 13 and 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 94-percent full at 1,909 feet. Fishing has been good for yellow bass. Walleye can be caught off cliffs and rocky points with inline spinners or drifting night crawlers. Try rock-runners with worm harnesses or shad-patterned crankbaits for walleye after dark. Yellow bass are hitting jigs and spoons. Fish for them around balls of shad in 20-60 feet of water. Cut bait also works well for them. A recent fish survey showed good numbers of yellows, some of them world class, and also good catfish numbers, both channel and flatheads. Catfishing is picking up. Carp fishing is good, and very good for bow fishermen. Largemouth bass fishing is slow, but can be decent in the upper end of the lake right now. 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 1,659 feet. Bass fishing has transitioned to dawn/dusk and then good at night. For bass, drop-shotting (fish slow, letting the worm rest on the bottom for a few seconds at a time) is still the method of choice. Senkos and Westy Worms have also been catching fish. Night fishing for bass is also good at this time. 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. 

SAGUARO - Lake level is 1,524 feet (95-percent full). Fishing is slow for largemouth bass. Some are being caught with drop-shot rigs as well as Texas and Carolina rigged worms. Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons (quarter-ounce KastMasters) or cut bait. Recent reports of yellows being caught in the Butcher Jones Cove area. Another good area for yellows is near Ship Rock and the-no wake buoys in the channel. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them. Catfishing is improving. Try stink baits, hot dogs 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 is at 1,778 feet (72-percent full). Bass fishing is good to great. Again, early and late with night fishing will be the most productive right now. Crawdad imitations and worming rigs (drop-shots and Texas rigs) are producing. Some anglers are picking up crappies in the 2-pound range near the buoy line upriver using Kalin 1/16-ounce black/blue/chartreuse jigs. This is a good time to switch to night fishing for crappies--they are mostly in the post-spawn mode. This is an excellent time to target flathead and channel catfish. Bluegills are on the beds and big flatheads can often be found raiding those nests in the backs of coves or along rocky ledges. Use live bait such as bluegill or small carp for the flatheads and shrimp, hot dogs or stink bait for the channels. Remember, the live bait must come from the lake itself (excluding minnows, waterdogs or worms), not transported from another body of water. This is a good time to take the kids bluegill fishing. Mealworms and a small bobber in the backs of rocky coves can be the ticket.
 
HORSESHOE - Lake is empty.

VERDE RIVER – Fishing is poor for largemouth, smallmouth and catfish. 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. Monday morning’s flow was 100 cfs at Tangle Creek station above Horseshoe Lake. Horseshoe release was at 100 cfs. Recent survey of the Verde between Childs and Sheep Bridge found a lot of common carp and numerous smallmouth bass averaging about 8 inches. Very few larger bass, smallies or largemouth were caught. Thus, fishing in the river is still a year away from getting good again.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – Rainbow trout were stocked last week at Blue Point Bridge and Water Users Park. Contrary to a previous report, there is still one more scheduled stocking next week. Last week the river was stocked again and the water temperature was 68 F. Try inline spinners, Power Bait or drifting night crawlers. Fly-fishing can be good with nymphs, Painted ladies and Wooly Buggers. We have mixed angler reports: Some aren’t catching many fish, others are catching limits. Some bass can be found in the portion above the Verde confluence.

CREEKS - Canyon, Tonto, Christopher, Haigler and Workman are all cosed to access due to fire restrictions.

Colorado River Northwest

LAKE POWELL - Report courtesy of wayneswords.com. Lake elevation: 3,611. Water temperature: 75-82 F. The lake level is stabilizing and surface water temperature is steady. The constancy allows fish to slip into summertime patterns. That is really a good thing, because fish will be in the same spots and do the same things for most of the summer.

Stripers will be on the lookout for shad. The first hatch of shad was good in the southern lake and great in the northern lake. Since then, shad numbers are lagging in the south but consistently good up north. Stripers will have a brief boiling period where young stripers will eat larval shad each morning and evening. The boils will get bigger and better with time from Bullfrog to Hite and in the San Juan. But, from Rainbow to Wahweap, boils will simmer and then decline until more shad are found. If you’re looking for boils, go to the upper reservoir.

The lack of shad near Wahweap means that the over-abundant adult stripers will continue to be caught with anchovies in incredible numbers. Stripers are holding at 30-50 feet in the main channel from the dam to Warm Creek, including Navajo Canyon. Catches of 30-plus fish per trip are common, and those results should continue for the rest of the month.

Night fishing at Wahweap and Antelope Point gets better each day. Try a green or white light from your boat or fish from the public fishing docks to enjoy catching fish in the cool comfort of a balmy evening.
 
Bigger bass have gone deeper during the heat of the day. Probe the depths to 30 feet with a plastic grub or tube to find some decent smallmouth bass. If you just like to catch fish, then throw the soft plastic bait near shore to find an eager army of little bass willing to bite at most times of the day.
 
The real excitement comes from throwing topwater lures around brushy pockets and rocky points at first light in the morning. Bass and stripers are searching the shallows for food during twilight. One of the most common patterns found in summer is a consistent topwater bite. It is possible to fish all day with a Super Spook Jr., Jumpin Minnow or surface popper. At the end of the day, the surface bait will be responsible for catching just as many fish as the deep-running plastic baits.
 
Catfish and bluegill are active in large numbers. Use live worms on a very small hook for good panfish action. Kids around the houseboat should always have a rod rigged and ready for sunfish that swarm the boat looking for shade.
 
Summer is here, but the fish haven’t quit biting. Take fishing tackle along on your family vacation this year.

LEES FERRY - Report courtesy of Lees Ferry Anglers. Fishing has been good for those on the river. A nymph rig with a San Juan, zebra combo on the drift is effective, as well as a dry dropper set up with a midge-X or other zebra pattern about 24 inches to 3 feet below a large dry. Cicada activity has been great, so hopefully the trout are anticipating the cicadas, which should lead to some great topwater action any day now. No new reports from the walk-in, but those that use this area will want to work it thoroughly. Start at the boulder field and work your way down to the confluence. Plan on nymphing this area as well while using San Juans and zebras. Otherwise, entice the fish to the surface with all the best topwater stuff. For spin-fishing, some fish have been reported caught on glo bugs and zebra midges drifted deep in the channel with a hunk of lead and surgical tubing. Also, retrieving Mepps spinners off the banks while back trolling can bring you some success.

LAKE MEAD – Striper catching is still going strong. Anglers were finding and catching stripers all over the upper lake from Temple Bar to Sandy Point. Trolling during the day was also putting stripers in the boat using deep-diving crankbaits or anchovies. Night fishing under lights was yielding limits using anchovies and squid. During a night tournament recently, many teams were experiencing 100- to 200-fish nights using anchovies (be sure to chum), with lots of dinks being culled. Try fishing in a spot where you see large numbers of fish on your fish finder. If you don’t have one, note the places where you catch fish while trolling, then when it gets dark, drop your lights there. Points tend to do well. Some are in shallows, others are in 30-plus feet. Largemouth bass are also being caught using drop-shot rigs and Power Worms. There are some decent-sized largemouth being caught this year. Catfish are being caught in good numbers on anchovies, dip-baits and squid. Some reports of large catfish being caught at night from shore.  Hand-sized bluegills are being caught off mealworms. Bottom line is, you almost can’t go wrong at Mead right now unless you don’t go! So get out and give it a try. Water levels are at 1,130 feet and should stay fairly stable throughout the week.

LAKE MOHAVE – No new reports. Striper fishing has been fair. Try dropping anchor in 30-plus feet at night with crappie lights. If you don’t get fish in 1.5 hrs, move to a different spot. Anglers fishing near the Davis Dam from shore have reported some success. Anchovies continue to be the most popular bait for stripers, but if you want to try something different, use shrimp or squid. Spring fishing is here. Nevada Telephone Cove and the power lines have been good for stripers and largemouth bass. Also, there is a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine’s Landing.

WILLOW BEACH – No new reports. Fishing for rainbow trout after the weekly stocking was good. A few anglers caught their limit using a Jakes lure (gold with red dots). Panther Martins and Super Dupers were also being used. Orange, salmon peach, and rainbow Power Bait were also working well. A few striped bass in the 2- to 3-pound range were caught from shore on cut anchovies. Take along your binoculars: This is the leading edge of the desert bighorn sheep rut. Bighorns can often be seen along the shoreline (sometimes even near the launch ramp).

TOPOCK MARSH – No new reports. Catfish are biting at night; the largest we’ve heard of the last couple of weeks was 12 pounds. Chicken livers or anchovies are easy to find and both work well as bait for catfish. They can be used alone or in combination with various forms of stink bait. You can access the marsh by boat at North Dike, Catfish Paradise and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing, too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – No new reports. Most anglers are having limited success for stripers using anchovies everywhere. Some anglers are limiting just south of Rotary Park. Remember, the limit of stripers on the Colorado River is 10. The cooler temperatures and lower river flow in the mornings and evenings are still a good time to get out and fish for stripers along the shore. Also, the striper fishing has really been picking up in the Topock area. The water level has been higher during the day, making it easier to get a boat on the water. If you are fishing by boat, plan accordingly. You can also check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions at http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go.

Southwestern Arizona

HAVASU — No change, summer is here!  With the higher temperatures, topwater will be best early in the morning and late in the evening. Once the topwater bite is over, switch to spinnerbaits, crankbaits and any of a variety of soft baits. Also keep in mind that largemouth bass like to forage in weeds and structure areas and smallmouth bass like to forage along the rockier areas; look for plastics or crayfish-colored cranks to get a reaction. Catfish fishing has also picked up. Try worms or chicken livers just off the bottom. Wait a few more weeks for the flathead catfish bite to start.

PARKER STRIP — No change, everything should be good. The largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing have improved. Reports are that they are hitting on hard-nose jerk baits. Work the edges and structure for both. You can also pick up some real nice redear and bluegill in these areas. Catfish are biting now on chicken livers and night crawlers. There has also been a report that the channel catfish were hitting on French fries. Take the leftover fries, soak them in some vegetable oil and cook them in the microwave until crispy. Flathead catfish haven’t started yet, but it’s not far off.   

MARTINEZ LAKE/COLORADO RIVER — The early morning topwater bite has been excellent.  Stripers are hitting in the lake as well as in the main river channel, at the mouth entrance and on trailing edges of sandbars in the river with chicken liver and worms. Largemouth bass fishing is also on with almost anything you want to toss at them. Skirted spinnerbaits and plastics have been working for some anglers. These hot summer nights are great for flathead catfish fishing.  Use live baits such as bluegill for catching monster flatheads weighing up to 50-plus pounds. If you catch a monster, have it weighed and measured at our Yuma Game and Fish office for possible big fish of the year. On the river, there hasn’t been any change from last week. Everything should be good. On the Colorado River by Yuma, the bass fishery is coming back. Anglers slowly working plastics were very successful catching 1 ½- to 2-pound bass, with several 4 and 5 pounders also being taken.

MITTRY LAKE — Always a good choice for bass and bluegill. Shore anglers continue using worms and chicken liver to catch channel cats.
 
YUMA AREA RIVERS/CANALS — Night fishing is the best on canals such as the Gila Main Gravity canal, Yuma Main Canal, and East and West Main Canals. Catfish dominate the catch, with bluegill, bass and stripers also being caught. Use worms or stinkbaits.

The Gila River is a great place to fish right now.  Hot weather is drying up sections of the Gila River, providing isolated pools of hungry bass and bluegill. You may have to hike to find such areas.

FORTUNA POND — Bass and bluegill are biting right now. Mealworms and night crawlers are top bait choices for bluegill. Channel catfish are 2-3 pounds and can be caught on chicken liver and stinkbaits.

REDONDO POND — This is a great bass and bluegill fishing hole. A small boat or "belly boat" is ideal here.

YUMA WEST WETLANDS POND — No recent reports have been turned in for this area. The daily bag/possession limits for fish caught at the Yuma West Wetlands Pond are two trout, one largemouth bass (13-inch minimum), two channel catfish and five sunfish of any combination. For detailed information see the 2005-2006 Arizona Game and Fish Department's fishing regulations.

EHRENBERG — Largemouth bass should be good in the various backwaters along this stretch of the river. Try topwater in the mornings and evenings followed by plastics and spinnerbaits after the topwater bite shuts down. Flatheads will continue to bite on bluegill or other live bait in the main channel. Worms and green crankbaits will continue to attract bass in the backwaters. Just a reminder, Cibola Lake is closed to fishing from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. 

ALAMO LAKE — Fishing is pretty good. Anglers are coming in with ice chests full of crappies. The cliffs, on the north side of the lake by the dam, are the hot spot. Crappie lights and minnows are the hot ticket. Put a couple of split shot about a foot above the hook, attach a minnow, and you’re set. It's very important to jig the bait up and down. When you catch that first fish, mark your line. The crappie are going to stay schooled and at that depth. Most anglers are working 10 to 18 feet of water to find them right now. Shad or minnows are important. Prescott Bass Masters had a 15-boat night tournament here last Saturday night. Big fish was over 5 pounds, and winning weight was over 15 pounds.  Good job, guys. About 3:30 in the morning is when everything turned on for them. Not me. I had good intentions of getting up at 4 a.m. the other day and getting in on some topwater action. When all was said and done, I didn’t clear the no-wake zone until around noon. Had good intentions, but got sidetracked by some household and yard projects. Anyway, after that, I did very well all afternoon throwing plastics. From noon until 4 p.m. I caught 16 bass, all going over 2 pounds. Once again, lizards and grubs worked for me. I focused on bluffs. I would toss up to the edge of brush/shoreline and work the bait back into 20 feet of water. Every bite I had was on the fall. You never felt the bite until you lifted the rod tip up. I worked a lot of areas, and every time I caught a bass I stayed put and usually caught three or more out of same spot.  Before I left the spot, I threw a crankbait in for good measure but only caught two bass all day trying that. I was hoping to see some good boils. Rory Aikens and I had a blast last year chasing boils and throwing topwater. With the temperatures going into the 111's this week, it won’t be long now. I was still catching fish at 4 p.m., but the winds got so bad I had to get off the lake. Shore fishing is pretty good all over the lake right now. Anglers using worms and bobbers are catching bass, bluebill and catfish. Speaking of catfish, they’re starting to get real active right now. Anglers are catching them on topwater, training wheels and plastics. We have lots of minnows, but I'm having a hard time getting night crawlers, shrimp and liver right now. Bring those with you or call before heading out here. I should have this resolved this week. The lake level is at 1123 feet with releases of 50 cfs. No news on the store. Both ramps are open and work great. Remember sun block, bug spray, and to drink lots of fluids. We do not rent boats at this time. There is a fish advisory at Alamo Lake. The advisory recommends that people limit consumption as follows for bass and 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 meals per month. For catfish it is the same for children and women of childbearing age, but for all other adult women - five 8-ounce fish meals per month. For adult men - six 8-ounce fish meals per month.

North Central Mountains

Note: The Coconino National Forest closed to public access on Friday, June 23. The closure will be lifted when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level, and hot, dry weather conditions are not forecast to continue. Check with the Forest Service for restrictions in other areas before heading out. Remember, the local communities in those areas still offer many summer attractions and activities and are still great destinations for a high-country vacation.

WILLIAMS LAKES:

KAIBAB LAKE — Fishing has slowed down with higher temperatures. Catfish are being caught sporadically on chicken livers and night crawlers. Next scheduled stocking is early July.

CATARACT LAKE — Fishing has slowed down with higher temperatures. 

CITY RESERVOIR — Closed.

DOGTOWN LAKE — Fishing has slowed down with higher temperatures. Was scheduled to be stocked, but water was too warm to stock last week. 

JD DAM — Lake level is dropping. Some nice fish are being caught.

SANTA FE — Lake is full. Fishing is good using worms and Power Bait. Fishing for catfish has been good.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Fishing has slowed down with higher temperatures.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

UPPER LAKE MARY — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

ASHURST LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

MARSHALL LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

OAK CREEK — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.
 
LONG LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

BEAVER CREEK — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

STONEMAN LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

BLUE RIDGE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

KNOLL LAKE — Closed to access due to fire restrictions.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was last stocked two weeks ago and won’t be stocked again until September. The water levels are down, so the fish should be easy to find. The Forest Service gate is now open. Try bright-colored Power Bait, salmon eggs, or various spinners. If you fish Mingus and are having luck, please e-mail mchmiel@azgfd.gov so we can share your successes with others. 

DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK – No new reports. Try anchovies or chicken livers for catfish. There were 4,500 bluegill stocked into the lower lagoon during February, including a few fish over a pound. The lower lagoon should still be a good spot for bluegill. Bass and catfish should be biting. One angler reported catching a “surprise” 4-pound bass recently.

VERDE RIVER — (throughout Verde Valley) – No new reports. Trout were last stocked March 13. That was the last trout stocking for the season. Stocking sites were at Tuzigoot Bridge outside of Clarkdale, the bridge that leads to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, at the Dead Horse Ranch State Parks access point called “The Jacks,” at the White Bridge in Camp Verde, and at Bignotti Beach. The department stocks trout in these waters from November through March, when the water temperature can support a trout fishery.

Tuzigoot Bridge (leading to Tuzigoot National Monument) has decent rainbow trout fishing early and late in the day. Most fishermen concentrate near the bridge, but the pools and currents downstream within 300 yards of the bridge hold lots of trout and do not see much fishing pressure. Small spoons such as Z-rays, Mepps and Panther Martin spinners, and Power Bait all work well.

Fly-fishermen seem to prefer fishing the Verde River between Riverfront Park and Dead Horse Ranch State Park in the town of Cottonwood. The trout aren’t too fussy about the type of fly/lure or presentation. The best success here has been first thing in the morning.

At Bignotti Beach (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, near Thousand Trails RV Park), anglers are tossing inline spinners, small spoons, or fly-fishing with dark, gold-bead nymphs. Fly-fishermen are floating a variety of dry flies early and late in the day.

The White Bridge in Camp Verde (Highway 260 bridge over the Verde River) is an under-utilized trout fishery. A U.S. Forest Service picnic area above the river provides convenient parking and a short walk to the Verde River. Try fishing the riffles and pools upstream of the bridge. Mepps inline spinners, small KastMaster spoons, and bright-colored Power Bait (fished on a treble hook above a sliding egg-sinker) have been the most productive offerings.

LYNX LAKE — Trout were stocked last week. Next stocking will be in September. Try wooly bugger flies and Power Bait. Lynx was stocked with 4,500 bluegills on Feb.16. A few large bluegills over a pound were included in the stocking. Catfish and largemouth bass were stocked at Lynx on Aug. 25 last year. The Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest, installed artificial habitat into four sites at Lynx Lake. It’s hoped the habitat will encourage bluegill and largemouth bass to frequent those areas and make it easier for anglers to catch them.

FAIN LAKE — Trout were last stocked June 12. Fishing has been good following stockings. Try using spinners in the morning and switching to Power Bait as it warms up. Some people have been catching catfish as well.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were last stocked June 5, scheduled to be stocked again in early to mid-July. Fishing has been pretty good, with one angler catching his limit in three hours. One of the six was a 2.5-pounder. Game and Fish biologists sampled a 7.3-pound bass and a 9.8-pound catfish during a population survey. Both were released back into the lake. All of the sampled bass looked very healthy. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail mchmiel@azgfd.gov so we can share your successes with others. 

Mogollon Rim

CHEVELON CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Try lures such as spinners, Z-rays and Rapalas. Try flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and brown or black semi-seal leeches. This is a hike-in fishery. There are two steep trails to the lake, so a small boat or float tube is recommended. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors. Chevelon Canyon Lake is open to artificial lures and flies only. Trout between 10-14 inches may not be kept. 

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair. Kyle Yarbrough reports he caught 11 trout after 6 .m. and before 8 a.m. on an outing last week. Fishing from shore, he used 4-pound line and Power Bait with small splitshot off the bottom. His two daughters (ages 2 and 8) caught their first fish. Rob Miniuk reports he caught seven rainbows a week ago, then caught another four in about a little over an hour the next day. All were more than 11 inches, with an occasional 15-incher. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners) and flies (wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, zug bugs, and prince nymphs). Bear Canyon Lake is a hike-in fishery. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — The boat ramp is low and float tubes or small car-topper boats are recommended. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures (small spinners and Z-rays), flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, zug bugs and prince nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE — The boat ramp is accessible. The lake is scheduled to be stocked with catchable rainbow trout weekly through September. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners), flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, peacock ladies, brown or black semi-seal leeches, zug bugs and prince nymphs. Try trolling worms on spinners or flies behind cowbells. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors.  

WOODS CANYON LAKE — The boat ramp is accessible. The lake is scheduled to be stocked with catchable rainbow trout weekly through September. Fish early and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners) and flies (wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs and prince nymphs). Try trolling worms on spinners or flies behind cowbells. Juan Martin Varela reports he caught 20 rainbow trout last week by trolling with cow bells with worms at the end.The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. The store is open and boat rentals are available.

Northeastern Arizona (White Mountains)

BECKER LAKE — The boat ramp is accessible. From May 25 through Sept. 30, bait may be used. Fish early in the morning and late in the evening. Fishing is fair to good. Try lures such as Z-rays, Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps, and Rooster Tails) and flies such as peacock ladies, black or brown wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, brown Montana stone nymphs, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and damsel fly and dragon fly nymph patterns. Bait fishers may want to try Power Bait and worms. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors.

BIG LAKE — The boat ramps are accessible but low. The Railroad Cove boat ramp is very low, and small boats or float tubes are recommended. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms and Power Bait, lures (Z-rays, spinners and Rapalas) and flies (wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and brown or black semi-seal leeches). Try trolling worms on spinners or flies behind cowbells. Most anglers are catching 10- to 12-inch trout, with an occasional big trout over 12 inches. Paul Windrider reports he caught two cutthroat, two rainbows and one brook trout last week. Two of his fish were over 15 inches. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors. The store is open and boat rentals are available.

CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake is very weedy. Anglers are catching some larger trout, but the action is a little slow. Try flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, zug bugs, prince nymphs, and small black, brown or green nymphs. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only, with barbless hooks only and a two-trout bag and possession limit. There are no boat ramps, so small boats or float tubes are recommended. Access into the water is difficult due to the weeds. There is a spot, about 200-300 yards to the left of the fence, where you can launch a float tube or pontoon boat. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.

CONCHO LAKE — The boat ramp is accessible. Fishing is poor. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. An algae bloom has driven up pH levels, making trout sluggish. The lake is not being stocked. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners) and flies (brown or black wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, prince nymphs, zug bugs and peacock ladies. The lake is open to 10 hp-gas motors.

CRESCENT LAKE — The boat ramps are accessible but low, and the west side and south side ramps are the best. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays, spinners and Rapalas), flies (peacock ladies, wooly worms or wooly buggers, zug bugs, prince nymphs, halfback nymphs and brown Montana stone nymphs). Joe Meloni reports he caught a 2-pound and 4-pound brown trout using sparkle rainblow power bait, fishing on the bottom last week. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors. The store and boat rentals are closed at this time.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — The boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is fair to good for rainbow trout, sunfish, and walleye. Bass fishing is slow. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Try worms, Power Bait, lures and flies near structure such as rocks, tree stumps, weed beds, and fishing piers. Some anglers are catching nice-sized fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fool Hollow has trout, walleye, channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, sunfish and black crappie. There are some trophy-sized walleyes, northern pike, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in the lake. The Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is managed by Arizona State Parks, and excellent camping facilities are available. Anglers wishing to fish the lake only for the day must use the west side boat ramp and parking area. A fee is charged for use of the other facilities, including the east side boat ramp. To create new fish habitat, juniper trees (12) were placed in clusters in deep water in the southern part of the lake. The trees are marked by fish habitat buoys. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors.

GREER LAKES — All reservoirs are low. All of the reservoirs’ boat ramps are low. Small boats, canoes, and float tubes are recommended. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays and spinners, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, KP buggers, zug bugs and prince nymphs. Bunch and Tunnel Reservoirs are open to electric trolling motors only. River Reservoir is open to 10-hp gas motors.

HULSEY LAKE — The lake has a strong algae bloom. Fish early in the morning and late in the evening. Fishing is poor to fair. Fish near the surface with bait or small spinners. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as small spinners and Z-rays, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs, prince nymphs and hares ear nymphs. Hulsey Lake is a short hike-in fishery.

LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — The lake and boat ramp are low. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair. Try small lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, halfback nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, zug bugs, prince nymphs and hare’s ear nymphs. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, trout minimum size 12 inches, and a two-trout bag and possession limit. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. The lake was stocked in the spring with small Arctic grayling (3-6 inches).

LUNA LAKE — The boat ramp is accessible. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-rays and spinners, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs and prince nymphs. Trolling lures and flies has been productive. Also try trolling worms on lures behind cowbells. There is a store with boat rentals available at the lake. The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors. 

LYMAN LAKE — Boat ramps are accessible. Fishing is fair. Try fishing for bass, walleyes and sunfish along rocky areas or weedy areas of the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish prepared baits, and lures (Z-rays, spinners, jigs, and Rapalas). Anglers are catching channel catfish on worms and prepared baits. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park, and camping is available. There are also some new cabins for rent. There is a fish-consumption advisory here. Consult the fishing regulations or contact the Arizona Game and Fish regional office in Pinetop for more information. There are no boat motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. 

NELSON RESERVOIR — The main boat ramp at the dam is the best ramp to use. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing reports have varied. J. Sugameli reports he caught his limit of rainbow trout in about 30 minutes last week. He advises the lake is low and weedy, but the fishing is great if you get there at or before sunrise. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays and spinners) and flies (wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, prince nymphs, zug bugs and peacock ladies). Try trolling worms on spinners or flies behind cowbells. The lake is open to 10-hp motors.
                
RAINBOW LAKE — The lake is a little low and the boat ramp is accessible. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good for trout and fair for bass and catfish. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays, spinners, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and Rapalas) and flies (such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers and peacock ladies). The lake is open to 10-hp gas motors. 

SCOTT'S RESERVOIR — The lake is full. The boat ramp is accessible. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing reports vary. J. Sugameli wrote in and said he’s been to this reservoir about four times a week for the last three weeks, getting there a little before sunrise, and has caught his limit every time. Try worms, Power Bait, lures (Z-rays, spinners, crankbaits and Rapalas), and flies (wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, KP buggers and brown Montana stone nymphs). The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.  

SHOW LOW LAKE — The lake is down and the boat ramp is accessible. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair. Try worms, salmon eggs and Power Bait for trout. Boat anglers should try trolling lures such as Z-rays, spinners (Rooster Tails, Mepps or Panther Martins), jigs (chartreuse and brown) and Rapalas near rocky shorelines for walleye and bass. Fly-fishers should try wooly worms or wooly buggers, KP buggers, brown, black, or purple semi-seal leeches. The lake is open to 10-hp motors. There is a store with boat rentals.

WOODLAND LAKE — The lake is a little low. The boat ramp is accessible. Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair to good for trout. Try worms, salmon eggs or Power Bait. Try lures such as spinners, and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers, peacock ladies, zug bugs and prince nymphs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only. Woodland Lake has restrooms, picnic tables, verandas, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, softball fields and hiking trails.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR — Fish early in the morning and late in the day. Fishing is fair.  Anglers are catching bluegills on worms. Also try salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures and flies. Both boat ramps are accessible, but there is a sand bar near the first boat ramp, so use caution. There are no motor restrictions on the lake.   

SILVER CREEK — Fishing is fair to good. From April 1 through Sept. 30, Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is open to bait fishing. The upper section (big marked fence) is closed. Apache trout are stocked weekly. Use worms, salmon eggs, Power bait, or small lures such as Mepps, Rooster Tails and Panther Martin spinners. Fish upstream or downstream. Fly-fishing anglers may want to try peacock ladies, beadhead black wooly buggers, prince nymphs, beadhead nymphs, mayfly and caddis fly nymph imitations, and shrimp patterns. Fish your flies upstream and dead-drift them downstream, or cast your fly downstream and retrieve the fly slowly upstream, twitching it occasionally. Try small dry flies such as Adams, parachute Adams, midge imitations, and caddis fly patterns in sizes #16, #18 or #20. Mrs. Mickey Garland reports catching a 7-lb., 26-inch long trout in late May using a nightcrawler on 4-pound test line.

STREAMS

EAST FORK OF BLACK RIVER – Stream flows are low. Buffalo Crossing to Diamond Rock has been stocked with catchable-size Apache trout this week. Stocking will continue weekly as long as water temperatures and forest conditions are good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as small spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, zug bugs, prince nymphs, hare’s ear nymphs, and black or brown nymphs.

WEST FORK OF BLACK RIVER – Stream flows are low. The West Fork campground area has been stocked with catchable Apache trout and will be stocked weekly as long as water temperatures and forest conditions are good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as small spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, zug bugs, prince nymphs, hare’s ear nymphs, and black or brown nymphs. Bait can be used in the campground area to the confluence of the East Fork of the Black River only. The catch-and-release area, artificial lure and fly only, is from Hayground Creek to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary, approximately 10 miles. All tributary streams (Hayground, Stinky, Thompson and Burro) are open to catch and release with artificial lure and fly only.      

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER – GREER – Streams are low. Catchable-size Apache trout are being stocked weekly, as long as water temperatures and forest conditions are good. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as small spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, zug bugs, prince nymphs, hares ear nymphs, and black or brown nymphs. 

SHEEPS CROSSING – WEST FORK LITTLE COLORADO RIVER – Stream flows are low.  Catchable-size Apache trout will not be stocked until July 1 because of a stream renovation scheduled for the next two weeks.

Southeastern Arizona

TUCSON URBAN — Kennedy, Silverbell, Sahuarita and Lakeside will be stocked with channel catfish for the last time this summer the week of June 26-July 1. Due to fish supply issues in Arkansas and unforeseen equipment failures, last week’s normal stocking of catfish was cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our dedicated urban anglers. The Urban Fishing Program will make every effort to ensure a full load of quality channel catfish is stocked at our Urban Fishing Program lakes and ponds. We will also work with our catfish hauler/vendor to provide extra channel catfish at these Urban Fishing Program waters for this final stocking of the spring/summer season. Catfish stockings will resume in mid-September. Top catfish baits were worms, stink baits and hot dogs. Catfish have been biting well throughout the day, but early mornings and evenings remain the best times. Most anglers prefer fishing their baits on the lake bottom, but anglers using baits 4-8 feet under a bobber experienced great fishing, too. These lakes probably still have some rainbow trout remaining. Try Power Bait or small spinners. The lakes have also been stocked with small sub-catchable sized largemouth bass.  Largemouth bass are spawning in shallows at most lakes. Please exercise catch and release (recycling) for spawning bass and remember that the minimum keepable size for bass is 13 inches. The lakes have also been stocked with aggressive, fast-growing, tasty hybrid sunfish. 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. Buy a two-pole stamp and try different baits to double your odds.

RIGGS FLAT — The lake will not be stocked with trout until the water quality improves. For lake information, call (928) 428-4150.

CLUFF RANCH — Not being stocked at this time. For lake information, call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE — Not being stocked at this time.  For lake information, call (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND — Not being stocked at this time. For lake information, call (928) 428-6760.

KEARNY LAKES — Not stocked due to water quality issues.
 
ARIVACA — The bass fishing has been good to excellent. Aaron Del Grosso reports catching about 15 bass from 6 a.m. until about 9:30 a.m. He used chartreuse pepper worms, texas-rigged, fished in about 10-15 feet of water. The lack of rain has impacted the level of the lake. The water level is extremely low. It is virtually impossible to launch any boats from a boat trailer. Only boats that can be carried or dragged to the lake are usable. If you choose to launch your boat from the shore, be aware of the soft mud. Also, do not park your truck on the shore. Park your vehicles in the designated parking lot. The weeds are growing rapidly and are starting to impact the fishing from shore. Our fall fisheries surveys showed that the change in regulations to catch and release for all bass has had a positive impact. Several bass in the 7+ pound range were surveyed. Remember, powerboats on Arivaca Lake are restricted to the use of a single electric motor only, and all bass must be immediately released back to the water. The mercury advisory for all fish is still in effect.

PENA BLANCA – The bass fishing is fairly good.  Due to the lack of rain, water levels remain extremely low. It is very difficult, if not impossible to launch boats. Only small, high-drafting boats can be launched. You will probably need a four-wheel drive truck to facilitate the boat launching. The weeds are growing rapidly and are starting to take over the lake. Unfortunately, the department cannot begin its weed-cutting efforts until the water levels rise, due to the low draft on the weed-cutting boat. Remember, powerboats on Pena Blanca Lake are restricted to the use of a single electric motor only. The mercury advisory for all warmwater fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be immediately released. The daily bag limit for bass is four. Also, be advised that Pena Blanca is not an urban lake; therefore an urban fishing license is invalid to fish at this lake. 

PATAGONIA — The marina boat ramp is still open, but the other is closed due to low water levels. If the lake continues to drop, there will be problems launching at the marina. The lake will continue to drop until substantial summer rains hit. The lake is about three feet low, and there are many rocks and obstructions that are usually not navigational hazards but can now damage boats. Crappie fishing has also been fair using jigs off the reeds. Remember, the use of personal watercraft (jet skis/water bikes) is prohibited. The Board also voted to prohibit the use of above-water-exhausted boats at Patagonia Lake. This type of boat is typically a watercraft powered by a jet pump, which is driven by a large displacement automotive engine with exhaust pipes above the water. Water skiing and towing is allowed Monday through Friday (except legal holidays) from May 1 through Sept. 30. From Oct. 1 through April 30, water skiing and towing is allowed seven days a week. For more lake information, call Patagonia Lake State Park at (520) 287-6965.

PARKER CANYON — Fishing at Parker Canyon Lake is fair. Bass and bluegill are hitting a variety of lures and baits along weed beds and in shallow waters in the early mornings and evenings. During the day, work deeper waters with worms and mealworms for bluegill and sunfish. Bass can be enticed to bite using deep-water lures around structures. Some trout are still being caught in deeper, cooler waters. Water levels are still good, with no issues launching boats. Some of the coves and shallower shorelines are becoming weedy, which is limiting fishing. The steeper shorelines along the south side of the lake do not have weed issues and are a great place to fish deeper waters.

PICACHO RESERVOIR — No report.

ROSE CANYON LAKE — Rose Canyon Lake and campground are opened to vehicle traffic. The lake will not be stocked with trout until the water quality improves.