December 2023
Arizona Game and Fish Department
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Youth combo licenses make perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season |
Looking for that last-minute gift idea for the young outdoors enthusiasts in your family? The Youth Combination Hunt/Fish License for ages 10-17 is only $5 and is valid for an entire year. It allows take of all sport fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, and migratory and upland game birds. As with all hunting and fishing licenses, sales help support Arizona's wildlife and our state's hunting and fishing recreational opportunities.
Youth combo licenses can be purchased online, or at any Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) office statewide. License dealers no longer sell paper licenses, but many offer to sell licenses through the department’s online purchase system. AZGFD provides a list of dealers statewide that offer online license purchases.
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Check out these video resources for Arizona fishing |
There are a number of recent informational videos that provide good fishing information, tips or trip reports. Check these out:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has a Learn How to Fish video series on its YouTube channel.
Pro Angler Gary Senft has posted several new videos on his YouTube channel: Winter Fishing at Bartlett, Fishing Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Fishing.
Kevin Rapkoch has a new video on his YouTube channel, 3 Best Methods for Catching Trout in Rivers.
TheFishinMagician2.0 has a new video on his YouTube channel, This Underrated Bait SLAYS Trout! (Salt River, AZ).
Jeff Lewis of the REEL Fishing Arizona YouTube channel is back in the saddle again and has a couple of recent videos, including First Day Back Fishing and Catfish and Carp in Arizona Canals.
Drew from the Southwest Fishing YouTube channel has a new video, Sonoran Desert Trout Fishing the Salt River! (Arizona).
Pro Angler Johnny Johnson of the Fishing with Johnny Johnson YouTube channel has a couple of new posts, Spring Buzzbait at Alamo Lake, AZ, and Power Worm - Roosevelt Lake, AZ.
James L. has posted a video, 1,000 Fish - Mission Accomplished! It shows the young man catching his 1,000th fish this year (no bluegill counted).
If you have some YouTube resources that you enjoy or find helpful, please forward those to bfishing@azgfd.gov.
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Seasonal restrictions in place as bald eagle breeding begins |
Arizona’s bald eagles are back, and they will soon be preparing for the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 97 eagle breeding areas.
To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily closed to help these majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring.
“Arizona’s bald eagles are hard at work preparing their nest for what we hope will be a productive breeding season,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. That’s why we must be vigilant to help protect the birds and ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during the breeding season.”
During the 2023 breeding season, 76 young hatched, and 65 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging.
Pilots are reminded to maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, while drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely. Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests, and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure.
Wildlife and land management officials ask for your help in protecting Arizona's bald eagles by honoring the bald eagle closures throughout the state. Information on individual closures can be found HERE.
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Fishing tips and upcoming events By Chase Newlon, AZGFD R3 Coordinator
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With winter and cooler temperatures well under way, coldwater fishing opportunities are abundant! Whether you are targeting rainbow trout, brook trout, or one of our native species of trout, the Apache or Gila trout, I am here to give you some tips and tricks to increase your success on the water.
Let’s talk about lures and baits. This time of year trout can be aggressive and hungry. My favorite lures for trout in the winter are silver Kastmasters in a variety of sizes, 3- to 4-inch jerkbaits, and ⅛-ounce black or white Marabou jigs. In the rivers, the trout will be moving into deeper, slower-moving water. Fishing these lures slow and along the bottom in the deeper pools should yield the best results.
For the fly fishermen out there, midges and small mayfly patterns are on the menu this time of year. Miracle Midges, Black Beauties, Griffiths Gnats, and NO-SEE-UMs, all in a size 22-16, are my go-to flies in the winter.
The Salt Rver is one of my favorite local waters. You can catch trout, native suckers, and largemouth bass, all in one trip! Try your luck at one of the many access points along the Salt River. You will need a Tonto National Forest pass for these access points, so make sure to pick one up before heading out. You can find more information on where to purchase a pass HERE.
Speaking of the Salt River, our partners over at Trout Unlimited are hosting Salt River Saturday River Cleanups every other Saturday. These are great events if you are looking to help promote conservation and keep our waterways clean. After a few hours of picking up trash, you can relax and wind down with some fishing on the Salt River. This is a great opportunity if you are new to fly fishing, as there will be tons of experienced fly anglers who are willing to help. To find more information, check out the FishAZ Network at the link below.
The FishAZ Network is filled with great events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For an up-to-date list of events, visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Here are a couple coming soon:
Saturday, Jan. 20, 9-11 a.m. - Salt River Saturdays River Cleanup, Trout Unlimited Zane Grey Chapter, Blue Point Recreation Area - Salt River, Fort McDowell. The Zane Grey TU Chapter is joining with the Arizona FishAZ Network and presenting Salt River Saturdays every other week. We are continuing our conservation efforts by asking everyone to collect a net full of trash. #cleanmywater What to bring: rod, waders, net and flies (Green Weenie's, small black Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, green, black and yellow Wooly Worms and Wooly Buggers). Make sure you have a Tonto National Forest pass, as well as a valid Arizona fishing license. You can get an Arizona fishing license at www.azgfd.gov. To register for this event, visit https://register-ed.com/events/register/205393.
Saturday, Jan. 27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Winter One-Day BOW Workshop, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, Gateway Park, Yuma. Think Yuma is just a hot, dusty desert town on the way to San Diego? Let us prove you wrong! Attend the one-day BOW workshop on and around the Colorado River. This venue is unique in Arizona BOW history because it is in town. It is amazing what has been accomplished in the Yuma East Wetlands. A partnership between the Heritage Area, Quechan Indian Tribe, the City of Yuma, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department has restored this area from a garbage pit to a model of wetlands restoration. Special recognition to Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, Yuma Audubon, Yuma SWAG, Tara's Herbs, City of Yuma, Arizona Flycasters, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department Yuma Region for their support. A special rate at the historic Coronado Motor Hotel has been arranged for this event. Breakfast is included if you are staying here. Lunch will be provided by the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club. Workshop fee is $140 and includes instruction, program materials, use of equipment, and meal. For more information and to register, click HERE.
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Video shows Bender's Pond renovation in Gila Bend |
A new video put together by the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Video Production Section shows the expansion of Bender's Pond in Gila Bend for fishing enjoyment. The small pond that originally had been at the site was only 4 feet deep and would largely dry out in the summer because of the heat.
The renovation project, which expands the pond to an acre, is a collaboration between the Arizona Deer Association, the Town of Gila Bend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and volunteers. Funds for the project were raised from the community and benefactors. The expansion will bring year-round fishing opportunity in the community. View the VIDEO.
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Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Transportation. |
ADOT sets closure dates for 3 White Mountains highways |
Anglers are advised that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has set winter closure dates for the following state highways in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, though snowfall may result in earlier closures:
- State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake: Thursday, Dec. 7
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State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake: Friday, Dec. 29
- State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake: Friday, Dec. 29
Before heading out this winter, drivers should call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.
ADOT has tips for traveling in areas with snow at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
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Reminder: Volunteers sought for two upcoming lake habitat improvement projects
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers for two upcoming aquatic habitat projects in January.
Roosevelt Lake – Jan. 20, starts at 9 a.m.
AZGFD will be installing donated Christmas Trees into Roosevelt Lake on Saturday, Jan. 20. Meet at 9 a.m. at Ringtail Boat Ramp on Windy Hill. A portion of the volunteers will then split off and go to Cholla Day Use area where additional trees have been stored. We will be tying trees to cinderblocks and loading them up on department pontoons to distribute around the lake. Volunteers will be able to help build and deploy trees. AZGFD will provide gloves for those who need them, along with the habitat supplies to get the trees ready to deploy. Volunteers should bring their own water, food, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and should wear closed-toed shoes and clothes appropriate for January weather. The project is anticipated to be finished around 2-3 p.m. If you have questions, please email Lacey Schmitt at LSchmitt@azgfd.gov or Nathan Bailey at NBailey@azgfd.gov. To register, visit
https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=873421.
Apache Lake – Jan. 26 and 27, starts at 9 a.m. both days
AZGFD will be placing Mossback Safe Haven and Georgia Cube fish habitat structures into Apache Lake on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27. Work one or both days (separate registrations below). Plan on meeting at 9 a.m. at Burnt Corral Boat Ramp. Each day we will work most of the day, hopefully finishing by 2 or 3 p.m. Volunteers will be constructing habitat and assisting with loading it onto department boats for installation. This activity will include the use of some power tools such as drills, so small children will likely not be able to participate in this event. However, we welcome ages 10+ to come help out and see what we do. Volunteers should bring their own water, food, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and will want to wear closed toed shoes and clothes appropriate for January weather. If you have any questions, please email Lacey Schmitt at LSchmitt@azgfd.gov or Nathan Bailey at NBailey@azgfd.gov.
To register for the Friday, Jan. 26 work day, visit
https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=873889. To register for the Saturday, Jan. 27 work day, visit
https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=873452..
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Camden with one of his many bluegill double-catches,
this time at a Valley Lake. Photo courtesy of Martha Strogen.
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Share your love of fishing with others |
Nice article by Jim Strogen in the Payson Roundup about his family sharing fun memories and experiences, including fishing trips with kids, grandkids and other family members.
As Jim says, "These are the kinds of memories that a dad and proud papa treasure. There is no doubt that is what my dad, grandfather, and uncle were also enjoying as they helped me become a lifelong fisher so many years ago. These days, I look forward to opportunities to fish with others and to help them have fun catching fish. I encourage you to take someone fishing and share your skills and love for fishing. It could very well become a treasured memory for both of you.
Read the article.
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Recent podcast discusses angling recruitment and retention, fall fishing in Arizona |
Check out one of the most recent podcasts on AZGFD's Wild About Arizona series. In the segment Fall Fishing in Arizona (second item down), host Andy Clark interviews Chase Newlon, AZGFD's Fishing R3 Coordinator, and Alec Young, Angling Recruitment Partnership Coordinator with Trout Unlimited, about the efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate (R3) anglers. They also provide some insights into fall fishing in Arizona.
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Remember to choose auto-renew for your fishing or combo license . . . it's easy, convenient |
Anglers are reminded that they have the option to automatically renew their fishing, hunting or combo license when it expires. To opt-in for license auto-renewal, customers must have an AZGFD portal account. Customers who have an existing portal account should use that account. Do not create a new portal account if one already exists. If assistance is needed to fix an existing portal account, email customer service at customer@azgfd.gov.
Selecting license auto-renewal is a three-step process: (1) Purchase a license, or use a valid license; (2) Add a credit card to be used to auto-renew a license; (3) Select the license(s) to be auto-renewed. Click HERE (and scroll toward bottom) for step-by-step instructions.
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Week of 12/11 to 12/15/2023 (stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated):
Central Arizona: Apache Lake, Saguaro Lake, Salt River
North Central Arizona: Verde River (middle), Watson Lake.
Southern Arizona: Parker Canyon Lake.
Community Fishing waters (stocked with rainbow trout):
Gila Bend - Bender's Pond
Yuma area - Fortuna Pond, Redondo Lake.
Core Community Fishing Program waters in Phoenix, Tucson and Payson due to be stocked the week of Dec. 18-22.
Week of 12/04 to 12/08/2023 (stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated):
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Dead Horse Lake, Goldwater Lake (upper), Verde River (middle), Watson Lake.
White Mountains: Luna Lake.
Southern Arizona: Dankworth Ponds, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing waters (stocked with rainbow trout):
Payson area - Green Valley Lakes.
Phoenix area - Alvord Lake, Chaparral Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Evelyn Hallman Pond, Paloma Park, Papago Ponds, Pioneer Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Sundance Park Lake, Surprise Lake.
Prescott Valley area - Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes.
Safford area - Graham County Fairgrounds.
Tucson area - Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake, Sahuarita Lake, Silverbell Lake.
Yuma area - Council Avenue Pond, Fortuna Pond, Pacific Avenue Athletic Club, Redondo Lake, Yuma West Wetlands.
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Northern Arizona
Snow and rain are in the forecast this week and into the weekend for Flagstaff, Williams, and on the Mogollon Rim. Highs will be in the 40's-50's and lows will be in the teen’s-20’s this week. Ice has been forming on the shoreline of high elevation lakes in the mornings, but they are clear by the afternoon. Progressively colder daytime temperatures as the week progresses will likely increase ice cover. This is the time of year when we start getting questions about ice fishing. Ice is not safe to ice fish from until it is at least 4 inches thick. Given the wide variability in daily temperatures that occur in northern Arizona and unpredictable thickness of the ice, it is wise to never drive a vehicle or snowmobile onto the ice. Similarly, ice that may be thick enough to ice fish from in the morning may become thin and unsafe by the afternoon. Currently none of the bodies of water listed below are safe for ice fishing. Trout, northern pike, and walleye remain active, but warmwater species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and channel catfish have transitioned to their winter routine of congregating in schools around structure and remaining primarily dormant until spring brings warmer weather.
Bait Anglers: Worms, corn, and PowerBait will be your best bet for trout this week. For northern pike and walleye, anchovies and worms are a good approach. Reminder, the use of live minnows/fish as bait is not allowed on any waters in Coconino County, including all of the bodies of water listed below.
Lure Anglers: Lures with flash and vibration, such as inline spinners like Joes’ flies, Panther Martins, Mepp’s spinners, Kastmasters, crayfish imitations, spinner baits, and Dare Devils, are good choices. Think small for trout, 1/8 to 1/12-ounce lures are best (silver, gold, or copper). Large swimbaits, crankbaits with rattles, and soft plastics should work well for northern pike and walleye. Allow your lure to sink to varying depths and try a variable retrieve. Pay attention to what is working and
duplicate that presentation. This is the time of year when fish can be in shallow close to shore. Slow your retrieve, as fish are cold blooded and the colder water temperatures will slow fish metabolism and fish activity.
Fly Anglers: Producing flies this week include #10 bead-headed Simi-seal leeches (brown, black, olive, and wine), #10 bead-headed Wooly Buggers (brown, black, olive, and wine), #12-10 dragonfly larvae (olive), #18-16 Zebra Midge, #12-14 Prince Nymph, #14 Renegade, #12-14 Peacock Lady, #16 Pheasant Tail, #12-14 San Juan worm, and dragonfly larvae. Pay attention to the hatch and mix it up until you find what works. This is the time of year when fish can be in shallow close to shore. Slow
your retrieve, as fish are cold blooded and the colder water temperatures will slow fish metabolism and fish activity.
Check the 2023-24 Fishing Regulations before heading out, as many of the lakes around Williams and Flagstaff have special regulations. Reminder, live minnows are not allowed on any waters in Coconino County, including all of the bodies of water listed below. Your licenses pay for the fish you catch, poachers are stealing from YOU. It is illegal to transport and release live fish in Arizona, including all of the waters listed below. The illegal introduction of unwanted species is costly and diminishes the quality of our fisheries. If you observe a violation, please report it to the Operation Game Thief Hotline (OGT) at 1-800-352-0700.
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WILLIAMS LAKES (Kaibab National Forest):
Kaibab Lake - Access to the lake and boat launch are still open, but the campgrounds have closed for the winter season. The lake level is below the end of the boat launch, but launching a boat is still achievable. Fishing has slowed with the colder temperatures. PowerBait, worms, lures, and flies are good approaches for rainbow trout. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or
less) or single electric motor are allowed on Kaibab Lake.
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Cataract Lake - This is the time of year when the day use area on the Coconino National Forest side of the lake closes; check with the South Kaibab National Forest while planning your trip if you plan to camp at the lake. The county park on the other side of the lake stays open all year. The cooler water temperatures should have tiger and brown trout active this week. Only boats with a 10-horsepower motor (or less) or single electric motor are allowed on Cataract Lake. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout.
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City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - Reservoir level remains full. The city does close access to City Reservoir during the winter months. Check with the City of Williams for information on access. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout. |
Dogtown Lake - Access to the lake is open, but the campground is closed for the winter. PowerBait, corn, and worms are a good approach for trout. Small (1/8- to 1/12-ounce) inline spinners and spoons in gold, silver, and black are good lure choices. Fly anglers might consider throwing large (#12 or #10) dark-colored (black, brown, purple, wine, or olive) bead-headed Wooly Buggers or Simi-Seal Leeches. Crayfish patterns are also a good bet. Only boats with a single electric motor are
allowed on Dogtown Lake. No gas-powered motors. Repairs to the boat launch are completed and launching a boat is now possible. However, ice has been present on the edges of the lake until around noon recently. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 trout. Fall is a good time to target brown trout. The bite has been slow, but anglers are having success catching rainbow and brown trout. Fish are most active during the afternoon. |
Santa Fe Reservoir - Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Santa Fe Reservoir. Small brown trout were stocked this fall and are likely active. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout.
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Whitehorse Lake - The campground and access to the boat launch are closed for the winter; access is walk in only at this time. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Whitehorse Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish. With the drop in temperatures, fish activity is likely minimal.
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JD Dam - JD Dam is catch and release only for trout; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single-pointed, barbless hooks only. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on JD Dam. No gas-powered motors. |
Russell Tank - Russell Tank is full. Successful patterns include PowerBait, worms, and small lures. The limit is 4 trout. |
FLAGSTAFF LAKES (Coconino National Forest):
Lower Lake Mary - The day use area is closed for the winter season and ice has been present along the shoreline most mornings, limiting access. Anglers are finding success using nightcrawlers, garlic PowerBait, small lures (1/12 to 1/8-ounce), and flies (#10 bead-headed Simi-Seal Leeches in black, olive, wine, and purple, #12 Prince Nymphs, #10 brown bead-headed Wooly Buggers, and Zebra Midges). Trout are active and being caught throughout the lake. Folks are catching small northern pike spawned from the few northern pike that migrated from Upper Lake Mary into Lower Lake Mary during the spring. These small pike can be fun to catch on lures such as inline spinners. Reminder, the daily bag limit is 4 trout per day and 4 channel catfish per day. Northern pike are unlimited, but must be immediately killed or released. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or a single electric motor or less are allowed on Lower Lake Mary.
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Upper Lake Mary - Worms fished on a jig head or night crawler harness has been the most productive approach. Statewide limits apply for the fish species in Upper Lake Mary, check your regulations (page 6). The Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 2 Aquatics Program conducted gill netting surveys of Upper Lake Mary early this week. Highlights from the survey include walleye up to 25 inches and 5 pounds and many yellow bass that exceed the current state record (11.25 inches, 1 pound, 15.8 ounces) in length up to 12.68 inches.
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Frances Short Pond - Frances Short Pond has been refilled, thanks to the City of Flagstaff, and rainbow trout were stocked last month. The City of Flagstaff has worked tirelessly to remove literally tons of ash, debris, and sediment from the pond. The city has repaired and installed a new aeration system that not only runs on solar power, but is also hooked up to main electrical power. Fishing has been good using flies (#12 Prince Nymphs and #10 Simi-Seal Leeches) and lures (1/8-ounce Panther Martins and Kastmasters). The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout.
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Ashurst Lake - This is the time of year when the campgrounds close; check with the Coconino National Forest while planning your trip if you plan to camp at the lake. For bait anglers, PowerBait and worms fished on the bottom is the best approach. A slow retrieve with small lures such as Joe’s flies, Kastmasters, Panther Martins, Rooster Tails, and Mepps are all excellent choices. Good fly patterns include: Simi-Seal Leeches and Wooly Buggers (#10 bead-headed black, brown, or olive), Zebra Midges, and # 12 Prince Nymph, #14-#12 Pheasant Tails. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are allowed on Ashurst Lake. The limit is 4 trout. The lake is about 80% full and water clarity is excellent. Small northern pike are being caught. Northern pike were illegally introduced and are not managed for in Ashurst Lake. They are unlimited in Ashurst Lake; please kill any northern pike caught.
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Kinnikinick Lake - Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Kinnikinick Lake. The limit is 4 trout. The lake is full and turbid. The fall is a good time to fish Kinnikinick Lake for brown and tiger trout. Please do not place rocks on the boat launch. They can damage boats and trailers when the lake refills and the rocks are no longer visible, and they make it difficult to stock the lake.
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Long Lake - Boat access to Long Lake is possible with both boat ramps in the water and an average depth of about 6-8 feet with a maximum depth of 11 feet. Small rainbow trout were stocked this fall in hopes of catchable-size trout being available to anglers in the spring. |
Marshall Lake - The limit is 4 trout. Small tiger and brook trout were stocked this spring. The tiger trout are about 10-12 inches now. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Marshall Lake. Aquatic vegetation is very thick, which provides excellent habitat for aquatic insects, but can also make fishing more challenging. Water clarity is excellent. Fishing from a small boat or float tube is best. Being a shallow weedy lake, Marshall Lake is one of the first lakes on Anderson Mesa to freeze over during the winter. As such, access may be limited.
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Central Arizona
Roosevelt Lake is at 2,137 feet elevation (83% full). Fishing is rated fair. Try power worms and Senkos, and Texas-Rigged Brush Hogs.
At Canyon Lake, rainbow trout are due to be stocked this week. The lake is at 1,657 feet elevation (95% full). Try PowerBait, spinners, spoons, Rooster Tails and worms on rigs for trout. For bass, try throwing top waters by grass in watermelon and sungill colors.
Bartlett Lake is at 1,756 feet elevation (48% full). Try Brush Hogs or 5150 Money Shot worms for bass. Throw close to anything sticking out from the bank. Fish should be in about 10-20 feet of water, maybe even a bit deeper.
North Central Arizona
Dead Horse Lake - Rainbow trout were last stocked 12/04/23. Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover.
Fain Lake - Trout were last stocked the week of 12/4 and are due to be stocked the week of 12/18.
Goldwater Lake (upper) - Trout were last stocked here on 12/8/23. Water temperatures have declined and trout have become more active. Most anglers are having success with PowerBait. The bite may be most successful early in the morning and in the evening.
Goldwater Lake (lower) - Lower Goldwater Lake is now open to the public for catch-and-release fishing with artificial flies and lures only. There are no watercraft permitted in this water, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. During the spring this lake was stocked with brown trout, albino rainbow trout, and Gila trout. Gila trout were stocked again this September. Largemouth bass fishing has slowed down for the season due to decreasing water temperatures, but a local angler has reported catching a 10-pound, 3-ounce largemouth in October.
Lynx Lake - Trout were last stocked Nov. 14. Water temperatures have cooled down.
Oak Creek - As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only, barbless hooks only. Stream flow was 28.6 cfs on 12/18/2023. Cave Springs and Pine Flat Campgrounds are closed for the winter. Anglers are finding success on spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-Seal Leech, Zebra Midge, Elk Hair Caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. The leaves are off of the trees and the mornings are COLD. Now is a good time to target the large brown trout that inhabit Oak Creek.
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Mingus Lake - Trout were last stocked the week of 10/16.
Watson Lake - Trout were last stocked on 12/11.
West Clear Creek - Smallmouth bass are unlimited harvest in West Clear Creek. Roundtail chub are often caught in sections of West Clear Creek, please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. West Clear Creek streamflow was at 31 cfs and stream temperature was 46.22-48.2 F on 12/18/2023.
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Wet Beaver Creek/Beaver Creek - Bass are unlimited harvest in Wet Beaver and Beaver Creeks. There is the potential to catch a native sucker or roundtail chub, please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. Stream flow was 7.66 cfs on 12/18/2023. Average base flow is about 4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek. |
Yavapai Lakes - Rainbow trout were stocked the week of 12/4 and are due to be stocked the week of 12/18. |
Lees Ferry/Lake Powell
Lees Ferry - Dec. 11 report courtesy of Kevin Campbell, Lees Ferry Anglers. Water temperature: 52.88-53.96 F. Discharge rate: 7,060-10,700 cfs. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area of the National Park Service has secured funding to
continue the Brown Trout Incentivized Harvest Program for an additional year.
Days are shortening and water temps are slowly dropping here at Lees Ferry. Fishing remains good and the fish are looking healthier as the water cools off. Some riffles are fishing well, with shallow nymph rigs and streamers producing in the tail-outs and runs. Drifting from the boat continues to be the most consistent method for all-day action.
Wading
Dry/ dropper rigs and shallow double nymph rigs are both working. Midge hatches have been heavy one day and very sparse the next. During heavy hatch days, the fish will definitely take a midge dropper below a dry fly and might even take the dry. Recent success on dries has been on Parachute Adams and stimulators. On days where the midge hatches are stingy, a double nymph rig of combinations of scuds, worms, eggs and midges is the ticket. In addition to nymphs, swinging and/or casting and retrieving streamers like Wooly Buggers, muddlers and leeches is working very
well. This is done with a sink-tip fly line or sinking leader depending on depth and current speed. Favorite buggers include olive, black/ wine and peacock/ black and brown.
Boat Drifting
Drifting from the boat has been about bigger flies with large orange, pink or ginger scuds and red, tan, and brown San Juan worms. A 9-foot 4X leader, with flies tied on 4X tippet about 16 inches apart, does the trick. Weight can vary from 1/2 gram to 2 grams depending on depth and current speed. Depth, like weight, varies on conditions, typically from 6-9 feet from weight to strike indicator.
Walk-in Summary
Streamers like Wooly Buggers on sink-tip lines still working best like last month. Also, try a larger scud or San Juan worm followed by a midge with split shot to get it deep in pocket water and runs. No current spin reports to pass along, but the normal techniques should produce. Use gold 1/4 or 1/8-ounce Kastmasters and 1/4-ounce Panther Martins and other spinners. Also try small Rapalas in rainbow trout, gold and silver colors. Cast out, then retrieve them at a steady speed (and maybe even give it a little twitch here and there) to trigger a strike.
Spin Fishing Summary
Spin fishing upriver remains good. Please remember, Arizona Game and Fish regulations require barbless hooks on everything. Smash them down with a needle nose pliers or my favorite tool, smooth jaw hemostats. Bottom bouncing is working again with large Glo-Bugs in orange, pink or yellow. Also try a San Juan worm. Longer leaders of at least 2 feet behind the weight are best with the grassy bottom. Recent reports have Rapala-style minnows working. One note on these: I personally take the belly treble off and only fish the barbless tail hook. Fishing two trebles will often tear up the trout’s mouth and we want to be easy on these precious fish. Also working, as always, are Marabou jigs, Kastmaster spoons, spinners like Panther Martins and Rooster Tails. When fishing jigs, don’t be too subtle with your presentation. Cast out and let it sink until the jig is near the bottom, but not on the bottom collecting grass. Vertically snap the jig 1 to 3 feet and let it settle back until the sinking jig is tight to your rod tip and repeat. Strikes will come as the jig falls back down. You’re basically making a hook set each time you hop the jig this way. The same snappy motion can be used with Kastmasters as well.
Lake Powell - Report courtesy of Dan Keller, www.wayneswords.net. On 12/9, water temperature was 51 F. Lake elevation was 3,570.03 msl and dropping. For gill netting results from November 2023, see the Lake Powell section in the November edition of the AZGFD Fishing Report.
Mogollon Rim (Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino National Forest)
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - Blue Ridge Campground is closed for the winter season. Due to large logs at the end of the boat launch, launching a trailered boat is not possible at this time. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Green sunfish are unlimited and invasive, please remove them if caught. This is a good time of year to troll small lures (1/12 to 1/4-ounce) like inline spinners and spoons in gold, silver, and copper for rainbow trout. Reservoir elevation was at 6,688.46 feet, current volume was at 8,003 acre feet or 53% full and dropping on 12/18/2023.
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Huffer Tank - Huffer Tank is full. The limit is 4 trout.
Knoll Lake - The Knoll Lake campground is closed for the winter. The reservoir level has dropped and the boat launch is no longer in the water. A large log at the end of the ramp is also blocking access to the lake. It is not possible to launch a trailered boat at this time. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Knoll Lake. No gas-powered motors. This is a good time of year to troll small lures (1/12 to 1/4-ounce) like inline spinners and spoons in gold, silver, and copper for rainbow trout. For fly anglers, a Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, or black Simi-Seal Leech would be a
good place to start. Knoll Reservoir is one of the first waters to ice over in the winter season and may not be fishable at this time.
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Western Arizona
Along the Colorado River near Bullhead City, Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery staff stocked about 1,200 rainbow trout at Community Park in Bullhead City on 12/19. Rusty Braun of Riviera Marina reports that local and visiting anglers are having great success catching some larger stripers. He has been noticing that lures are producing well. Don't forget the anchovy, which has caught more fish in this area than most any other bait. Local angler Charles V. was in the Rotary Park area and landed a 21.16-pound striper at 37-1/4 inches in length using a swim bait. Word is that Community Park and the casino area are giving up a few stripers also. Trout anglers are having good luck with PowerBait and night crawlers, but if your bait is not producing, it may be time to use your favorite spinner or trout jig. Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation website for flow predictions
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go.
Lake Mead is currently at 1,066.85 feet above msl. Fishing for black bass and striped bass has reportedly been decent. Jerkbaits have worked for black bass while plastic baits have been catching catfish and smallmouth bass near coves. Launching conditions around Lake Mead are changing regularly. For current open ramps and access conditions, visit https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Lake Mohave is at about 650 feet above msl. If you can find schools of shad, throw a small crankbait.
Topock Marsh - The North Dike Boat Ramp was dredged this spring, increasing boating access. 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 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/havasu/visit-us.
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For each edition of the Fishing Report, we'll select some photos and reports submitted by members of the angling public either through the Fish AZ Facebook Group or through the bfishing@azgfd.gov email address. If you'd like your photo/report considered for publication here, please indicate the species, place, date, name (we only publish first name and last initial), and any other information you'd like to provide. For more photos (including new photos each day), visit the Fish AZ Facebook Group.
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Ben S. had a 3-species day in the White Mountains. Caught a nice-sized rainbow, a personal best AZ tiger trout, and even a surprise of a brown. |
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Sarah D. sent in this photo and said, "Got two healthy catfish. It’s been too long since I’ve caught anything, I was so happy!" |
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William T. said, "Nice grade of fish this stocking," while at a Community Fishing Program lake. |
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Brad H. sent in this photo and said, "Cortez wasn't producing so I went to Rio Vista and it paid off." |
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Chris M. and his son got these at Upper Goldwater Lake while trolling blue foxes. |
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David M. caught this carp out of the Verde River last week. |
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Jaime P. reported, "Finally caught a tiger, this one at Woods Canyon Lake. That makes 5 of 8 AZ trout species!" |
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Jace A. caught this carp from the Lower Salt River last week. |
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Arizona fishing opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It was created through the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) and the Wallop-Breaux amendments of 1984. Through a federal excise tax paid by manufacturers on fishing gear and motorboat fuels, it provides grant funds for fishery conservation, boating access, and aquatic education. |
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AZGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS:WSFR, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.
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