The fall catfish stocking season wraps up the week of November 2-7 with another 14,000 pounds of fish delivered to the 20 Urban Fishing Program waters in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.  Starting in a couple weeks, fish stocking trucks change from delivering channel catfish to rainbow trout.  Lake temperatures are within five degrees of the 65 degree target for trout.  The winter trout stocking season is scheduled to begin Monday, November 16.  Trout ranging from 10-12 inches will be stocked at two-week intervals throughout the winter.  Over 100,000 trout from Colorado have been ordered for delivery to Urban waters during the four month stocking season.  With the colder temperatures at Payson’s Green Valley Lakes, trout stockings already started on October 20 and will continue every other week for the next eight months at this forest location.

Lakes receive sunfish, bass coming soon. Urban waters were stocked with 5-6 inch bluegill sunfish on October 28-29.  Bluegills are stocked twice a year (fall and spring) to provide fishing fun for kids and families.  Fish sizes ran on the smaller side this last delivery, but our productive lakes should support rapid growth.  A truckload of over 22,000 fish were delivered from Arkansas, with each lake receiving 110-160 fish per surface acre.  Some of the bluegills are expected to last until the spring when they will reproduce in the lakes and provide more fish for the future.  Sunfish will bite all day long for anglers using small pieces of worms or mealworms on small hooks fished under a thin bobber and 2-4 lb. leaders.  Daily bag limits for bluegill/sunfish are 10 fish per person at Urban Lakes and 5 fish per day at Urban Ponds.

The annual stocking of largemouth bass is scheduled to occur in November with over 8,000 fish on order.  Bass will be from 6-9 inches in length—below the 13-inch minimum legal size.  Younger bass are stocked to help rebuild the resident bass populations in our lakes.  They are not stocked for anglers to catch and keep like catfish, bluegill or trout.  Regulations require that anglers carefully release these juvenile bass unharmed back into the water so they can grow to catchable size in the future.

2009 Urban Fishing Licenses 50-percent off sale in November and December.
If you recently found out about the great fishing in the urban lakes and the start of the trout stocking season, we have a deal for you.  The 2009 Class U, Urban Fishing, license is now 50% off for the last two months of the year.  Stop by a Game and Fish office or any of our sporting goods or retail license dealers and ask for your 2009 discount Urban license for $9.25.  Fishing is excellent this time of year at all Urban Program lakes for trout, bluegill and catfish.

URBAN FISHING REPORT
The month of November offers some of the best fishing available at Urban Program lakes.  The lakes have been loaded with catfish all fall with one last stocking the week of Nov. 2-7.  Stockings of bluegill sunfish took place Oct. 28-29 at all lakes.  The first trout delivery for the winter season begins Nov. 16.  Finally, juvenile largemouth bass under the 13-inch legal length are being stocked during November.

Top baits for catfish are shrimp, stink baits and hot dogs with fish biting throughout the day.  Bluegill are biting well on a variety of baits (mealworms, bread, hot dogs) and are ready to take wet flies in the late mornings and afternoon.  Using light tackle with small hooks and bobbers will keep you and the kids busy catching bluegill.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – A nationally televised fishing program, City Limits Fishing, visited Town Lake last week and according to Kris Baxter with the City of Tempe, caught fish throughout the lake “like magic.”

Mark your calendars — the Welcome Back the Trout celebration is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving again (just like years past), starting at 3 p.m. We will be doing a fishing clinic, so even if you don’t have a fishing license, you can legally fish if you are signed up for the clinic. Bring the youngsters after school — this is a great treat right before turkey day.

By the way, this lake has been named the “Best in Phoenix” by the New Times.

Bluegill fishing success is almost a guarantee if you fish with a mealworm under a bobber. Yellow bass are falling for the same technique. There are some redear in the lake and they tend to go for the worm or mealworm off the bottom with a foot or two leader. Some nice largemouth bass are getting caught especially near the bridge and railroad abutments.  Carp are also a fun fish to catch, use corn or doughbait fished off the bottom.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction. There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,652 ft (50percent full). The lake is slowly rising as CAP water is pumped into it. Anglers reported catching crappie in the northern coves using poppers over very deep water.

Last week’s wind and cold likely drove fish deep, but they will often come up into the warmer water in the afternoons. For striped bass, try the northern coves especially over the submerged creek channels. When you located a school of fish on the graph, try chumming with frozen anchovies (pieces). Stripers can be picky, so try using a piece of anchovy on the hook with little or no weight. Spoons can also be effective for stipers and largemouth bass.

ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2132 ft (77 percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 133 cfs. The cold front and windy conditions likely pushed fish deep, but these warmer condtions might result in a warmer layer of water in places, which could attract fish.

One of our resident experienced fishermen trolled the Tonto end in pretty windy conditions and cranks were the only thing the bass were interested in.

Another angler caught a few overs on Robo Worms.

Anglers who are looking for the topwater bite are getting disappointed.  This time of year when the mercury dips a bit the fish tend to seek deeper water.  If you have real clear water you might entice some fish up from the depths.  Right now drop shot is working pretty well.  An angler caught 18 largemouth bass from 7:00 to 10:00am employing drop shot.

Crappie are likely starting to school up, but might not be in large concentrations yet.

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1906 ft (92-percent full). Smallmouth and largemouth bass were stocked getting stocked with the help of UAAF members, concerned anglers and Game and Fish.  About 7,000 4 to 6-inch smallmouth bass were just stocked at Apache Lake and about 3,000 smallmouth bass were stocked at Canyon Lake.   Apache also received about 2,600 4- to 6-inch Florida strain largemouth bass, Canyon Lake received about 2,100 and Saguaro received just over 500.  I would like to extend a big thanks to UAAF and anglers who helped tag and stock these fish on such short notice.  More bass are due to come in next week.

I am still hearing some good fishing reports from Apache. A couple fishermen caught a few small largemouth bass while trolling spinners. The resort at Apache could use your business. This is their slow time of year and fishing groups make up the bulk of their business.  It sure is nice having a hotel and restaurant down there. Cell phone service is available there now too.

Don’t forget that there is a slot limit in place on the Salt River lakes.

Rory,

First time reporting to you. Thank you for your reports I have read them every week and the information is very useful.

This past weekend my family and I fished Apache Lake from the shoreline. We had 6 small bass on worms from the bottom. In the early afternoon I started to throw a chartreuse and gold bladed bass spinner, it was rigged with an extra stinger hook that I place a 3″ silver swim bait body on it. Stared by the west boat ramp and dragged it through the shadows cast by the wall. Four bass about 17 inches were caught there. We moved to the point over by the ranger station and drifted worms there. We caught 2 8-inch channel cats there and one 22″ cat took the spinnerbait I was throwing earlier, never had that happen before. Took 3 more largemouths off that point. Had some hits that I missed on the spinnerbait that chewed the plastic bait up suspect walleyes were chasing it. We spent only 5 hours there but the kids loved the fishing consistent enough to keep them focused.

All in all
Fish
7 Largemouth’s
3 Channels
Bait: Night crawlers, Chartreuse And gold willow blade 1/4 ounce Spinner with Plastic silver and white swim bait on the stinger hook.

Eric Seif
CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95-percent full. This deep canyon lake can be challenging to fish at times, but there is always a chance you might catch the next state record largemouth bass here. Just don’t expect high catch rates for bass.

However, Canyon also has plenty of yellow bass, bluegill and catfish. There is also a fishing pier in the Boulder Recreation area.

See the Apache Lake entry for information regarding recent bass stockings.

A shore angler is a bit frustrated with this lake, but it sounds like he only used a couple types of lures.  Fish are fickle, if you don’t succeed try, try again… with a multitude of lures and techniques.  Peruse the weather Web sites and find out when the moonrise and moonset is and try those time periods.

Canyon is scheduled for its first trout stocking of the season the week of Nov. 16.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1526 feet at 94-percent full.

Bass were stocked here too, see the Apache entry.

An angler was nice enough to post the stats: Water temp 68.5 F in the shallows, 71 F on the main lake and visibility was 5-6 feet deep in the main lake and 2-3 feet in the river.  The fish were on the main lake shelves in 40 to 50 feet of water.

An angler did real well using Sammy’s topwater lures in Butcher Jones in the morning.

This lake is scheduled for its first trout stocking of the season on the week of Nov. 9

BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1,760 ft, which is 52-percent full, but the lake is dropping about a foot per day. Reservoir release is 1,150 cfs. SRP is drawing this reservoir down for scheduled maintenance work on the dam. Launch ramps will be out of the water very soon.

Photo: I thought that you might to see the pictures I took of an otter at Bartlett on sat, 10/31. I know the lighting is bad but he wasn’t going to stay long and I was just able to get these before he dove back in the water.

He was in the river end maybe less than a half mile from the last bouys.
Thomas Podborny

An angler fished from 6:30 to 9:30am and caught two largemouth bass on spinner baits and one on a Texas rigged Roboworm.

Another fisherman caught about 40 8 to 10 inch bass using mostly Blue Black Chartreuse jigs but they also hit John Deer jigs and cranks.

A couple anglers caught a bunch of bluegills and small bass, but no info on technique or location.
Fish near the fish habitats with small power grubs for crappie.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1969 feet, 7 cfs.  They are releasing water at 25 cfs..

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 176 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 1,150 cfs.

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 129 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 119 cfs.  The shift to the Verde River side has occurred and SRP is only releasing 8 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro.

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 8 cfs.
Trout will be stocked at Phon D Sutton and Granit Reef this week, which is where the Salt and Verde rivers meet.
CREEKS
The creeks are at their autumn low and we have had no recent report from anglers.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

Bluegill and bass are biting well in the early mornings as they seek to fatten up before winter sets in.  The special fall stocking of bluegill is scheduled for the week of Oct. 26-31, so make sure to take the kids, grandkids or a friend.  Earthworms, mealworms or a piece of hot dog on a small hook under a small bobber will keep you and the youngsters busy catching bluegill.

The Green Valley Lakes (Payson) received the first delivery of rainbow trout on Oct. 20, kicking off an eight-month trout stocking season.  Fishing should be excellent for the 11-14 inch trout.  Best trout baits include Power Bait, small spinners and lures, and worms.  Green Valley anglers continue to have success catching bass, bluegill and crappie.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

• All UFP waters in Phoenix area and Tucson area - Last stocked catfish Oct. 9 (second of four fall stockings). Next stocking, catfish the week of Oct. 19-24 and sunfish the week of Oct. 26-31.
• Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Stocked with trout on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Mark your calendars — the Welcome Back the Trout celebration is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving again (just like years past), starting at 3 p.m. We will be doing a fishing clinic, so even if you don’t have a fishing license, you can legally fish if you are signed up for the clinic. Bring the youngsters after school — this is a great treat right before turkey day.
By the way, this lake has been named the “Best in Phoenix” by the New Times.

Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Here are some nice reports:

“Hit Tempe Town Lake this morning with a buddy. Fished the north side east of Rural/Scottsdale Rd. Caught 6 mirror carp in the 4- to 10-pound range using corn and dough balls. Also caught 2 channel cats about 2 lbs each. All in all a fun morning.”

For those tilapia fishermen, here is another tidbit from an angler:  “There are quite a few in front of the bridge at Rural Road.  Use worms and a slip bobber at about 7 feet deep.”

Another angler gives this report and a warning:  “Hit up TTL yesterday afternoon. Only caught 1 lmb on a t-rig. Caught one yellow bass on a CB. Saw 2 guys fishing in an aluminum boat and almost got run over by the fleet of row boats.”

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1651 ft (49% full).

A couple fisherman fished Pleasant at night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. while anchored in the main lake by Castle Creek in 70 feet of water.  They used anchovies (also chummed a bit) under a green light.  They steadily caught stripers although some were small.  They kept 25 and the biggest 6 were close to 3 pounds.

With a full moon on Nov. 2, submersible lights won’t be as effective, but chumming can still work once you locate a school of stripers. Our research studies show that his time of year, the stripers will orient more toward the northern coves. Whether day or night, try over the submerged creek channels, which act as underwater fish freeways. Chumming can work well with frozen anchovies, but spoons during the daytime can also get you fish. Try small KastMasters.
ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2132 ft (77-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 129 cfs.

A cold front and possible windy conditions this week could drop the lake temperatures below optimum. During the windy days, fish the rocky shorelines using crayfish-like lures for smallmouth bass. It is possible that fish will go deeper if the lake temperatures drop significantly, but it’s a wait-and-see proposition.

However, the cooler temperatures this week may make it better for quail hunting, so maybe plan to do a cast-and-blast.

A fisherman caught 20 fish mostly on drop shot and a few on crankbait, Rat-L-Trap and Texas-rigged worms.  Water temps were in the high 60’s and warmed into the low 70’s by mid-day.  Most fish were caught before 10 am.

Another angler had a tough day of it and caught 4 largemouth using drop shot then the bite died and nothing the angler threw at them worked for the rest of the day.

A couple anglers caught 9 bass using Texas rigged worms in the shoreline brush.  On the previous day drop shot worked the best and they caught 14 in the morning and then the wind picked up and the bite died.

An experienced fisherman fished Monday morning and did real well trolling the Tonto end catching 18 crappie, 6 yellow bass, and 3 largemouth in 20 to 25 feet of water then they went out again on Thursday and only caught 2 largemouth, 2 yellow bass and 2 bluegill and no crappie trolling the same area.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,906 feet (92 percent full).

Here is a good report:
“I fished Apache twice during the week of Oct 10, a total of 14 hours + or -. I caught about 15 fish, all LM except 1 SM. The two or three largest were maybe 13″, about half between 11″ and 13″, the smallest few were very small, clearly this year’s spawn. The SM was about 13″. All fish seemed healthy; the larger fish were chunky and well developed.”

This is from Bill of Game and Fish who conducted the survey on Apache a couple weeks ago at Apache:
“Things are looking great. Both LMB and SMB were very healthy and it looks like we have some smallmouth recruitment. We also caught a lot of small walleye (8-10”) and just about one at every site.
Largemouth Bass

Below Slot: 639
Within Slot: 60
Above Slot: 9
Total: 708

27 recaptures
Smallmouth

Young of year: 17
Below Slot: 23
Within Slot: 4
Above Slot: 0
Total: 44

27 recaptures
Walleye

< 12 inches: 166
> 12 inches: 9
Total: 175”

Angler report:

Rory,

First time reporting to you. Thank you for your reports I have read them every week and the information is very useful.

This past weekend my family and I fished Apache Lake from the shoreline. We had 6 small bass on worms from the bottom. In the early afternoon I started to throw a chartreuse and gold bladed bass spinner, it was rigged with an extra stinger hook that I place a 3″ silver swim bait body on it. Stared by the west boat ramp and dragged it through the shadows cast by the wall. Four bass about 17 inches were caught there. We moved to the point over by the ranger station and drifted worms there. We caught 2 8-inch channel cats there and one 22″ cat took the spinnerbait I was throwing earlier, never had that happen before. Took 3 more largemouths off that point. Had some hits that I missed on the spinnerbait that chewed the plastic bait up suspect walleyes were chasing it. We spent only 5 hours there but the kids loved the fishing consistent enough to keep them focused.

All in all
Fish
7 Largemouth’s
3 Channels
Bait: Night crawlers, Chartreuse And gold willow blade 1/4 ounce Spinner with Plastic silver and white swim bait on the stinger hook.

Eric Seif
CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,658 ft, which is 97-percent full. If we get rain, there can be some spectacular waterfalls at this lake. Also, bighorn sheep numbers in the area are looking better, which means your chances of seeing them have also improved over previous years (the same at Saguaro and Apache).

A float tube angler fished the boulder creek area and caught a smallmouth bass.  There are a few in there. That area is real good for bluegill and yellow bass as well.

When the expected winds come this week, try using crayfish-like lures for smallmouth and possible largemouth bass as well. Apparently the fish have gone deep at Saguaro already, so it is possible they are deep here as well, so if you can’t connect at the top of the water column, go deep.

This lake can be tough to fish, but experienced anglers might just land a new state largemouth bass record. This lake is also full of fesity yellow bass — try gold KastMasters or yellow spinners.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 92% full.

The fish have gone deep at Saguaro. An experienced angler found the shad 28 to 32 feet deep; yellow bass, largemouth and bluegill are at that depth too.  He also noted the young of year yellow bass are in that depth range as well. You can find fish in the channels and other deep water areas. Surface temps are in the 60s and surface action is pretty much nonexistent.

BARTLETT - Lake elevation is 1,768 ft, which is 60-percent full.  Reservoir release is 1,250 cfs., so this lake is dropping fairly rapidly, which can help the bite at times.

An angler fished from sunrise to 10 a.m. and boated 10 keeper fish.  He threw a handful of small ones back.  The bass were all caught on spinner baits, crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastic worms. Most the fish were around 1.5 pounds.

Another angler fished from 1pm to sunset using jigs with twin tails in 25 feet of water.  He caught 7 bass with the biggest one about 3.2 pounds.

An angler warns of some islands barely exposed, so pay attention as the water is dropping fast and there are quite a few unmarked obstacles.  Lots of fish are in the main lake and secondary points around 8 feet of water and deeper.

Bill Eveland said several anglers have reported good numbers of Crappie been caught up river trolling crankbaits and grubs. Plus much to my surprises many small Crappie under 10” are being caught. This is very good news as for the past few years we have worried that Bartlett Crappie may not be spawning. The only catch is that SRP in drawing the lake down for dam inspections/ repairs and the water level is dropping fast. Because of this the bite has started to slow down a little so the time to try Bartlett is now. And be careful up river as there may be hazards that are not marked yet.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1967 feet; no pool.  They are releasing water at 25 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 135 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 1,250 cfs..

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 129 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 119 cfs.  The shift to the Verde River side has occurred and SRP is only releasing 8 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro.

LOWER SALT RIVER — The shift has occurred; SRP is now releasing 8 cfs from Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) and the release out of Bartlett into the Verde River is 1,250 cfs. This is the typically late-fall/early-winter pattern.  This stretch of river near Tempe and Mesa is scheduled to start getting its winter trout stockings on the first week of November, but it is still possible to catch bass and even some holdover trout in the deeper pools. The stockings will occur at the Phon D. Sutton and Granite Reef areas below the confluence with the Verde River.
CREEKS
Try wooly buggers and minnow streamers for the wild browns.  Nymphs, hares ears and pheasant tails are also enticing the bite.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

Bluegill and bass are biting well in the early mornings as they seek to fatten up before winter sets in.  The special fall stocking of bluegill is scheduled for the week of Oct. 26-31, so make sure to take the kids, grandkids or a friend.  Earthworms, mealworms or a piece of hot dog on a small hook under a small bobber will keep you and the youngsters busy catching bluegill.

The Green Valley Lakes (Payson) received the first delivery of rainbow trout on Oct. 20, kicking off an eight-month trout stocking season.  Fishing should be excellent for the 11-14 inch trout.  Best trout baits include Power Bait, small spinners and lures, and worms.  Green Valley anglers continue to have success catching bass, bluegill and crappie.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

• All UFP waters in Phoenix area and Tucson area - Last stocked catfish Oct. 9 (second of four fall stockings). Next stocking, catfish the week of Oct. 19-24 and sunfish the week of Oct. 26-31.
• Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Stocked with trout on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – This lake has been named the “Best in Phoenix” by the New Times. Get out and experience what makes this lake so special.

Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625..

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,651 ft (47-percent full) and slowly rising as it is filled with CAP water. Many anglers are saying the topwater bass bite in the early morning is not very good at all unless you find a boil. Buzzbaits near shore are working for many in the early morning. Drop shots are productive as well.
ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2,132 ft (77% full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 121 cfs.

An angler fished from 6 to 11 a.m. and landed 10 bass, all slots and unders.  Most fish were caught before 9 a.m. and drop shot was the best technique for this fishermen.  Crankbait nabbed a couple fish.  Vixens elicited a good response but fish weren’t committed. There were a few smallies.

A trio of fishermen trolled the Tonto end and caught 11 largemouth (5 slots and 6 unders), 7 crappies, 6 bluegills, and 4 yellow bass.  The best bite was from noon until 1 p.m.

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1904 feet (90% full).

Here is a good report:
“I fished Apache twice during the week of Oct 10, a total of 14 hours + or -. I caught about 15 fish, all LM except 1 SM. The two or three largest were maybe 13″, about half between 11″ and 13″, the smallest few were very small, clearly this year’s spawn. The SM was about 13″. All fish seemed healthy; the larger fish were chunky and well developed.”

This is from Bill of Game and Fish who conducted the survey on Apache a couple weeks ago at Apache:
“Things are looking great. Both LMB and SMB were very healthy and it looks like we have some smallmouth recruitment. We also caught a lot of small walleye (8-10”) and just about one at every site.
Largemouth Bass

Below Slot: 639
Within Slot: 60
Above Slot: 9
Total: 708

27 recaptures
Smallmouth

Young of year: 17
Below Slot: 23
Within Slot: 4
Above Slot: 0
Total: 44

27 recaptures
Walleye

< 12 inches: 166
> 12 inches: 9
Total: 175”

Angler report:

Rory,

First time reporting to you. Thank you for your reports I have read them every week and the information is very useful.

This past weekend my family and I fished Apache Lake from the shoreline. We had 6 small bass on worms from the bottom. In the early afternoon I started to throw a chartreuse and gold bladed bass spinner, it was rigged with an extra stinger hook that I place a 3″ silver swim bait body on it. Stared by the west boat ramp and dragged it through the shadows cast by the wall. Four bass about 17 inches were caught there. We moved to the point over by the ranger station and drifted worms there. We caught 2 8-inch channel cats there and one 22″ cat took the spinnerbait I was throwing earlier, never had that happen before. Took 3 more largemouths off that point. Had some hits that I missed on the spinnerbait that chewed the plastic bait up suspect walleyes were chasing it. We spent only 5 hours there but the kids loved the fishing consistent enough to keep them focused.

All in all
Fish
7 Largemouth’s
3 Channels
Bait
Night crawlers
Chartreuse And gold willow blade 1/4 ounce Spinner with Plastic silver and white swim bait on the stinger hook.

Eric Seif

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95% full.
No recent reports. This lake can be tough to fish, but experienced anglers might just land a new state largemouth bass record. This lake is also full of fesity yellow bass — try gold KastMasters or yellow spinners.

Two fishermen the week before and fished from 6 to 11a.m.  It was slow in the morning.  They caught a total of 7 and all were small.  Crankbait and jerkbait is what they fell for.  They caught a big bluegill on drop shot.  Topwater didn’t produce.

Another angler caught some on topwater in the afternoon.  Most the fish went for drop shot and jigs.  Most the fish were in 15 to 25 feet of water.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 91-percent full.  This is a good lake to catch a mixed bag of largemouth bass, yellow bass and bluegill.

No new reports this week, but the week before a trio of experienced anglers fished from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and caught 151 fish.  The majority of the fish were caught before 9 a.m.  They caught 80 yellow bass with a lot between 9 and 10 inches.  Sixty three largemouth bass and most were between 11 and 13 inches, and 8 bluegills were about 3-4 inches.  Water temp was 74 and the shad were busting the surface all over the lake until about 8:30 a.m.  The fish were suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over 72 feet of water.  Use KastMasters to their depth the jig a bit and they were after the lure.  Fish were also hanging on the ledges near drop offs but not as thick there.

Shore fishing at Butcher Jones is pretty good.  An angler caught a few bass using a Heddon  baby bass spook and roboworms.

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,776 feet, which is 70% full.  Reservoir release is 1,100 cfs.
An angler reports having a slow day on the water at Bartlett and caught only 5 small largemouth.  The duo trolled from the Yellow Cliffs to the river.  A crappie angler fished early till noon and didn’t catch any crappie.

Another couple anglers reports a slow day only catching 3 bass, 2 bluegill, 1 channel catfish and 4 crappie.  No details given though.

Despite the poor results for these anglers, most fish should be feeding aggressively at times to put on fat before winter conditions settle in.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1964 feet; no pool.  They are releasing water at 25 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 141 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 1100 cfs..

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 121 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 110 cfs.  They are releasing 400 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.  .

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 400 cfs.  This stretch of river near Tempe and Mesa is scheduled to start getting its winter trout stockings on the first week of November, but it is still possible to catch bass and even some holdover trout in the deeper pools.
CREEKS
Terrestrials are fading fast, but wooly bugger and minnow streamers are doing pretty well for the wild browns.  Nymphs, hares ears and pheasant tails are also enticing the bite..

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – This lake has just been named the “Best in Phoenix” by the New Times. Get out and experience what makes this lake so special.

Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625..

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,651 ft (47-percent full) and slowly rising as it is filled with CAP water. Many anglers are saying the topwater bass bite in the early morning is not very good at all unless you find a boil. Buzzbaits near shore are working for many in the early morning. Drop shots are productive as well.

Where:lake pleasantWhen:09/13/09
Caught:same as last time a few large mouth small though
Technique:drop shot Robo worm try everything else but that’s about all live caught anything on this year
Name:andrew althaus

An angler fished Lake Pleasant and brought home 32 stripers and four catfish.  He used anchovies.  Mid-lake near the eastern shore was a good area, but it wasn’t the only good spot.  Fish were around 50 and 60 feet deep.  Other fishermen are still doing well near the tires, but you do have to sink your bait fast to avoid the little guys from nabbing the bait.

ROOSEVELT LAKE – Lake Elevation is 2,133 ft (78-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 121 cfs.

A couple crappie fishermen caught 80 trolling minnows.  Trolling minnows, JD and BBC jigs are enticing the crappie bite.

There are reports of busting shad but it seems the bass weren’t interested in getting hooked for one couple.  Topwater, buzzbaits and medium cranks left them fishless. But drop shot worked resulting in 12 bass with one at 16 inches.

Another angler used a roboworm on a dropshot and caught 20 largemouth that were stacked around the shad schools 20 to 35 feet deep.  Sort of explains why the top water wasn’t working for the other anglers.

Other fishermen had luck with mostly slot fish on the Salt end using buzz baits in real shallow water.  Another angler had luck catching some nice overs in the Tonto end with a super spook at dusk.

One altruistic angler offered some pointers for fishing on the main lake points:
Use 10 inch Carolina rigged worms with 12 inch leader to the bait and use watermelon color with red flecks.

Fish slow through the trees with white and chart skirted blades.
Buzz baits fished slow in the early am. In the late morning and throughout the rest of the day use small cranks (floating and shallow running).

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1907 ft (92-percent full).  We conducted our surveys at Apache Lake last week and wow!  There sure are a lot of small walleye out there.  They have dispersed throughout the lake and anglers are catching them on the points and in some coves while trying to catch yellow bass.  They are growing fast and don’t have the girth as of yet so way too skinny for any filets, but it sure was nice to catch so many. The stocking from two years ago is paying off.  Crabtree area especially the points going into the cove revealed quite a few yellow bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass. The green sunfish are all well fed and there were quite a few large bluegills, not to mention a plethora of small ones.

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1657 ft, which is 95% full.
Two fishermen fished from 6am to 11am.  It was slow in the morning.  They caught a total of 7 and all were small.  Crankbait and jerkbait is what they fell for.  They caught a big bluegill on drop shot.  Topwater didn’t produce.

Another angler caught some on topwater in the afternoon.  Most the fish went for drop shot and jigs.  Most the fish were in 15 to 25 feet of water.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 91-percent full.

A trio of experienced anglers fished from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and caught 151 fish.  The majority of the fish were caught before 9 a.m.  They caught 80 yellow bass with a lot between 9 and 10 inches.  Sixty three largemouth bass and most were between 11 and 13 inches, and 8 bluegills were about 3-4 inches.  Water temp was 74 and the shad were busting the surface all over the lake until about 8:30 a.m.  The fish were suspended 10 to 15 feet deep over 72 feet of water.  Use KastMasters to their depth the jig a bit and they were after the lure.  Fish were also hanging on the ledges near drop offs but not as thick there.

Shore fishing at Butcher Jones is pretty good.  An angler caught a few bass using a Heddon  baby bass spook and roboworms.

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,780 ft, which is 75-percent full.  Reservoir release is 925 cfs. An angler fished from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and caught a few largemouth bass on crankbait and a couple more on drop shot.  The largest was 18 inches.  The water temp was 75-76 degrees and the water was clear by the dam and more stained as you went up river.

Some crappie fishermen caught about 80 using minnows.
HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1957 feet; no pool.  They are releasing water at 25 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle Creek is 141 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 925 cfs.

Where:On the Verde river, between horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake
When:08/22/09
Caught:15 lb Flathead and 8lb Channel
Technique:Worms and chicken liver
Comments:We caught most of our 25+ fish between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Released them all.
Name:Scott

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 110 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 110 cfs.  They are releasing 550 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.  .

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 550 cfs.  This stretch of river near Tempe and Mesa is scheduled to start getting its winter trout stockings on the first week of November, but it is still possible to catch bass and even some holdover trout in the deeper pools.
CREEKS
Terrestrials are fading fast, but wooly bugger and minnow streamers are doing pretty well for the wild browns.  Nymphs, hares ears and pheasant tails are also enticing the bite..

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

URBAN LAKES – Fish stocking of channel catfish resumed last week at all 20 Urban Fishing Program waters in the greater Phoenix and Tucson areas.  Over 14,000 pounds of 1.5 to 2 pound catfish were transported by our fish contractor all the way from Arkansas.

The farm-raised catfish have had a good summer growing season and most fish should be in the two pound plus range.  Anglers might want to put some fresh line on their reels since the larger, hard fighting cats can put equipment to the test and bust old line.

Game and Fish biologists accompanied each lake delivery to ensure that all stocking operations run smoothly and successfully, and that all fish pass our high inspection standards for excellent condition and health.  All lakes were recently checked for compliance with our water quality stocking guidelines and all lakes passed inspection.

The fall catfish stocking season includes a total of four stockings at two week intervals through early November.  Stockings will occur on random days during the designated stocking week (Mondays through Saturday).  This alternating week schedule will only change if fish delivery problems occur (we have a 99% “on-time” delivery success) or conditions at an individual lake are unsuitable for stocking (for example high pH levels).  Best baits for catfish are worms, stink/dough bait, shrimp or hot dogs.  Catfish bag limits are 4 fish at the Urban Lakes or 2 fish at the Urban Ponds.
Mornings and evenings are the best times as catfish prefer to feed under dim or dark conditions.  Fishing for bluegill is good along the shorelines in 4-8 feet of water.  Try mealworms under a small, thin bobber for great action.  As lake temperatures fall below 78 degrees, expect better action for largemouth bass, especially in the early morning periods.  Try finesse plastics rigged drop shot or Texas style for the bass and mix it up with small crankbaits, soft jerkbaits or spinnerbaits.  At Green Valley Lakes (Payson) fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie is fair and should improve by the end of September as lake temperatures cool and fish activity increases.  Fish stockings (trout only) at Green Valley will resume the week of October 19-24.  At all lakes remember to release any of the weed eating white amur right away so they can go back to munching on the nuisance water weeds.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Don’t forget about this lake, it’s convenient for both boaters and shore anglers.  For boaters try fishing around the bridge pillars and any overhanging vegetation.  The shore fishing areas can be productive.  Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625..

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,649 ft (47-percent full). Many anglers are saying the topwater bass bite in the early morning is not very good at all unless you find a boil. Buzzbaits near shore are working for many in the early morning. Drop shots are productive as well.

Where:lake pleasantWhen:09/13/09
Caught:same as last time a few large mouth small though
Technique:drop shot Robo worm try everything else but that’s about all live caught anything on this year
Name:andrew althaus

An angler fished Lake Pleasant and brought home 32 stripers and four catfish.  He used anchovies.  Mid-lake near the eastern shore was a good area, but it wasn’t the only good spot.  Fish were around 50 and 60 feet deep.  Other fishermen are still doing well near the tires, but you do have to sink your bait fast to avoid the little guys from nabbing the bait.

ROOSEVELT LAKE — Lake Elevation is 2,133 ft (78-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 123 cfs.

A couple anglers caught 12 crappie, many were two pounds with a three pounder breaking them off at the boat.  They were caught using minnows around 12 feet deep.  The bite is soft so keep a tight line.
Another couple anglers fished from 7am to 11am in the main lake.  They caught 18 largemouth bass and 1 three pound flathead.  Fish were falling for drop shot for the most part in 25 to 40 feet of water off points.

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,908 feet (93-percent full).

An angler decided to give Apache a try and fished 6 a.m. to noon and caught 20 largemouth.  Twelve were under the 13-16 inch slot, 4 were over and 4 were in the slot.  The ones below 13 inches were all pretty small and the large ones were over 3 pounds. Crankbaits were the ticket but they sure didn’t jump in the boat.  Water temp was 67 degrees in that deep lake.

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1657 ft, which is 95% full.
Two fishermen fished from 6am to 11am.  It was slow in the morning.  They caught a total of 7 and all were small.  Crankbait and jerkbait is what they fell for.  They caught a big bluegill on drop shot.  Topwater didn’t produce.

Another angler caught some on topwater in the afternoon.  Most the fish went for drop shot and jigs.  Most the fish were in 15 to 25 feet of water.

SAGUARO LAKE - Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 94-percent full.

Two experienced anglers fished from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and caught 60 fish. The breakdown was: 30 largemouth bass with 4 in the slot and quite a few unders, 25 yellow bass with a few keepers and 5 bluegill.  Most fish were just below 25 feet of water off ledges.  Fishing was slow in the morning but picked up as the day went on.  Drop shot worked well for the largemouth.  The yellow bass went after the kastmasters fished by dragging it on the bottom.

Angler comment:

Sept 24. Went to Saguaro and tied on a Rico top water around 7 a.m.
Wasfishing along the cliffs before you get to ship rock. Picked up 15 Large Mouth Bass in 45 minutes. All were either in the slot or just under. Great fishing…There were boils all over the place.

Dick Azzi

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1790 ft, which is 89% full.  Reservoir release is 625 cfs.

A couple anglers went out and drop shot produced 16 fish total at a couple different points.  Topwater worked well when a couple surface boils popped up.  The largest bass were shallow and went after crankbait.  Jigs produced a half dozen decent sized bass, but patience was a big factor.
Bartlett is kicking in for quite a few folks.

A couple anglers fished from about 2:30 to dark.  Fishing picked up after a little while using white spinnerbaits. They caught 26 fish with several over 16 inches and quite a few around 14 and 15 inches.  Drop shot worked okay.

Three fishermen caught 27 bass but nothing over 2 pounds.  Crankbait, jigs and the fairy wand were the big producers..

Three fishermen caught 27 bass but nothing over 2 pounds.  Crankbait, jigs and the fairy wand were the big producers.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1951 feet; no pool.  They are releasing water at 150 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle Creek is 141 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 625 cfs.

Where:On the Verde river, between horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake
When:08/22/09
Caught:15 lb Flathead and 8lb Channel
Technique:Worms and chicken liver
Comments:We caught most of our 25+ fish between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Released them all.
Name:Scott

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 123 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 110 cfs.  They are releasing 950 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.  .

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 950 cfs. Did have once recent trout angler reporting good results floating the river and fishing for trout and bass in the deeper holes. This stretch of river has not been stocked with trout since last spring, so the fish caught were likely larger holdovers. The angler declined to share his sercret techniques.
CREEKS
The only Mogollon Rim creek still being stocked is Canyon Creek, although it is still possible to catch trout in all the creeks. Most creeks should be at their low autumn flows. But the when the creekside vegegation changes color, these riparian areas turn even more picturesque.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

Catfish bite well on worms, stink baits, shrimp or hot dogs fished on the bottom. Mornings and evenings are the best times as catfish prefer to feed under dim or dark conditions.

Fishing for bluegill is good along the shorelines in 4-8 feet of water.  Try mealworms under a small, thin bobber for great action.

As lake temperatures fall below 78 degrees, expect better action for largemouth bass, especially in the early morning periods. Try finesse plastics rigged drop shot or Texas style for the bass and mix it up with small crankbaits, soft jerkbaits or spinnerbaits.  At Green Valley Lakes (Payson) fishing for bass, bluegill and crappie is fair and should improve by the end of September as lake temperatures cool and fish activity increases.

Fish stockings (trout only) at Green Valley will resume the week of Oct. 19-24.  At all lakes remember to release any of the weed eating white amur right away so they can go back to munching on the nuisance water weeds.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – This lake is convenient for both boaters and shore anglers.  For boaters try fishing around the bridge pillars and any overhanging vegetation.  The shore fishing areas can be productive.  Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625..

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,649 feet (47-percent full). Striper fishermen are having good luck using combo white and green lights in deep water or the Aqua Fria. There are quite a few small ones but the bigger ones are lower.  One angler in the know report the best fishing is before sundown and around sun up.  Anchovies and shrimp work well.

An angler reported catching 30 fish at Pleasant, although they were not real big. No indication what they caught or what techniques were employed.

The wind and reduced night temperatures this week likely cooled down the lake some. This could be the catalyst for the good fall topwater bite, especially for striped bass. This would be a good time to go exploring for daytime striper boils. Quite often, the action will start in the coves at first light and then transition to the main lake. You might even find boils in open water well aware from shore. Take along binoculars to spot boils at the surface. Also watch for bird action — herons, gulls and migratng osprey swooping into the water can be a decent indication that there is a surface boil.

Where:lake pleasantWhen:09/13/09
Caught:same as last time a few large mouth small though
Technique:drop shot Robo worm try everything else but that’s about all live caught anything on this year
Name:andrew althaus

An angler fished Lake Pleasant and brought home 32 stripers and four catfish.  He used anchovies.  Mid-lake near the eastern shore was a good area, but it wasn’t the only good spot.  Fish were around 50 and 60 feet deep.  Other fishermen are still doing well near the tires, but you do have to sink your bait fast to avoid the little guys from nabbing the bait.

ROOSEVELT LAKE — Lake Elevation is 2,134 feet (80percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 219 cfs.

The windy weather this week and cooler night temperatures likely cooled the water down. This could prompt the predatory fish to feed more aggressively. Look for topwater action, or use spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for a reaction bite. Carry a pole rigged with a flutter-down lure such as a Senko or curly tail jig to cast if a bass strikes short.

Rip baits can also work well this time of year. Try any of the hard-plastic jerkbaits, but especially the ones with neutral buoyancy.

One report stated hitting the banks with spinner baits and pitching jigs into the trees produced 12 fish including a nice catfish.  They were all shallow between 5 and 12 feet deep.

A couple fishermen reported catching a few bass with chatterbaits way in the backs of coves in lots of cover.

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,907 feet (93-percent full). Anglers are catching catfish by marina and bass in family cove using worms. This is a good time of year to try for yellow bass using gold KastMasters or yellow spinners.

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 feet, which is 95-percent full. This lake typically has lower catch rates, but for larger bass. It is not always the best lake for novice anglers to learn, but then again one big bass can make a great trip for many.

Where: Canyon Lake
When: 09/15/09
Caught: Largemouth, Bluegill, Green Sunfish
Technique: Small jigs with 1″ twister tails for bluegill, roadrunner with 3″ twisters or plastic craws for the bass, the faster the retrieve the more interest in the offering!
Comments: Fished main lake shoreline rock outcroppings for bass and anywhere for the bluegill, especially the in the coves; 96 total with 26 bass- some of the bass were 6″ long but aggressive, saw lots of fingerling bass an encouraging sign of the future. All the bass were in the slot or unders.
Name: Jim Lindquist.

SAGUARO LAKE – Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 93-percent full. This lake should be cooling down, just like the others. Action should be picking up for largemouth and yellow bass.

An angler caught 15 fishing from 5:30 to 2 p.m.  Most were small with only one over 16 inches.  He caught them on cranks and dropshot and some on Texas rigged worms along the cliffs.

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,793 feet, which is 92-percent full. This was a fishing hot spot the past weekend, and fishing should be getting even better with the cooler nights dropping water temperatures. Reservoir release is 300 cfs.

A couple anglers went out and drop shot produced 16 fish total at a couple different points.

Topwater worked well when a couple surface boils popped up. The largest bass were shallow and went after crankbait. Jigs produced a half dozen decent sized bass, but patience was a big factor.
Bartlett is kicking in for quite a few folks.

A couple anglers fished from about 2:30 to dark.  Fishing picked up after a little while using white spinnerbaits.  They caught 26 fish with several over 16 inches and quite a few around 14 and 15 inches.  Drop shot worked okay.

Three fishermen caught 27 bass but nothing over 2 pounds.  Crankbait, jigs and the fairy wand were the big producers.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1951 feet; no pool.  They are releasing water at 150 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle Creek is 151 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 300 cfs.

Where:On the Verde river, between horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake
When:08/22/09
Caught:15 lb Flathead and 8lb Channel
Technique:Worms and chicken liver
Comments:We caught most of our 25+ fish between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Released them all.
Name:Scott

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 219 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 148 cfs.  They are releasing 1300 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.  .

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 1300 cfs
CREEKS
The only Mogollon Rim creek still being stocked is Canyon Creek, although it is still possible to catch trout in all the creeks. Most creeks should be at their low autumn flows. But the when the creekside vegegation changes color, these riparian areas turn even more picturesque.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked again last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked since July.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

Mealworms will still entice the bluegill fished under a bobber or off the bottom all day long.  Catfish in the system are a bit more wary now that they have been around the block a time or two.  Fish for them in the morning and evening hours and be innovative with your bait.  They have seen it all, so you need to trick them or give them something they can’t resist.  Try wrapping up some Canadian bacon on your hook if you have some in your fridge that is looking a bit peaked.

Where: papago park
When: 09/05/09
Caught: blue gill & talapia
Technique: wax worms
Comments: best day fishing with my son on our day out several nice blue gill and talapia the best was the bluegill over one pound and the two talapia over a pound
Name: harry bland

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Don’t forget about this lake, it’s convenient for both boaters and shore anglers.  For boaters try fishing around the bridge pillars and any overhanging vegetation.  The shore fishing areas can be productive.  Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

Don’t forget the current bag limit for largemouth bass at Town Lake is four fish per day with a 13-inch minimum length restriction.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625..

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,648 ft (46-percent full).

With a new moon on Friday, Sept. 18, fishing at night using submersible lights, especially for stripers, should be a good technique. Use anchovies with little or no weight. Chumming can help keep a striper school in the target zone once one has been located. Try along the submerged creek channels in the northern part of the lake, or near the dam.

Where:lake pleasantWhen:09/13/09
Caught:same as last time a few large mouth small though
Technique:drop shot Robo worm try everything else but that’s about all live caught anything on this year
Name:andrew althaus

An angler fished Lake Pleasant and brought home 32 stripers and four catfish.  He used anchovies.  Mid-lake near the eastern shore was a good area, but it wasn’t the only good spot.  Fish were around 50 and 60 feet deep.  Other fishermen are still doing well near the tires, but you do have to sink your bait fast to avoid the little guys from nabbing the bait.

ROOSEVELT LAKE — Lake Elevation is 2,136 ft (82-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 2 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 136 cfs.

and topwater lures are good early morning tactics. Flipping worms in the brush is a good technique as long as you have plenty of patience when you have to extricate your “weedless” presentations. It also helps to fine tune your jerk bait methodology alongside submerged trees and other structure. A couple anglers caught 30 bass using these techniques.

A fisherman fished from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and caught 7 bass over the slot, a couple under the slot and a whole bunch in the slot. All were caught around 25 to 35 feet deep and he used Texas-rigged worms. His fishing suggestion is to go deep and green.

Another couple fishermen fished this last weekend and couldn’t buy a fish.

A good suggestion is since you’re out there anyway, take notes on water temp, weather patterns, barometric pressure (that’s a big one), not only the sun and moon phases but more importantly the sun/moon rises and sun/moon sets and what time of day you are catching your fish. Before you go fishing get the information on the sun/moon sets and rises, let that be one of your guides for a couple months, if only to test what I am saying.

With a new moon on Friday night, this might be a good weekend to try for crappie using submersible lights. Let us know how you do.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,906 ft (92-percent full). An angler reported catching some nice bass at Apache over the Labor Day weekend. This is a good time to load up on yellow bass — try gold KastMasters or mealworms.

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,658 feet, which is 96-percent full. Bass anglers don’t usually have high catch rates here, but the quality of the bass is often good.

A dad and son team fished from 4 to 8:30 a.m. and caught 11 largemouth and 1 smallmouth bass from 1.5 to 3 pounds.  All were caught on crankbaits 5 to 6 feet in depth.

Two other anglers fished in the evening from 4:30 to 9:30 and boated 8 largemouth bass.  Sounds like bite heated up while the moon came up. The fish were biting on Texas-rigged crawfish.  The bluegill liked the Robo worms.  Most the fish were caught in shallow water between 2 and 15 feet deep.  The bass were healthy and feisty with the biggest one a little over 3 pounds.

SAGUARO LAKE – Lake elevation 1,524 feet at 92-percent full. This lake is slowly coming back, but anglers are often pulling in nice mixed creels of largemouth bass and yellow bass. Channel catfish angling is usually good as well.

One angler fished from 5:30 till about 10:30 p.m.  Fishing started out kind of slow using spinners, jerkbaits and some drop-shots.  KastMasters were successful in luring catfish, yellow bass, bluegills and small largemouth bass.  Once it got dark Texas-rigged power worms became more effective as time went on.  The bass were caught mostly below 25 feet deep.  Release is 1,447 cfs..

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,793 feet, which is 93-percent full.  Reservoir release is 115cfs. The continuing high lake level bodes well for this lake as we head into the fall season. Expect the topwater action to be good at first and last light.

An angler caught bass steady all morning using Texas-rigged skirted grubs and drop shot Robo worms in boulder areas in the coves.  Most fish were between 1 and 2 pounds.

With a new moon on Friday night, this is a good time to fish at night for crappies using submersible lights. Try along the Yellow Cliffs or farther uplake where the channel narrows.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1950 feet. No pool.  They are releasing water at 250 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 268 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 115 cfs..

Where:On the Verde river, between horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake
When:08/22/09
Caught:15 lb Flathead and 8lb Channel
Technique:Worms and chicken liver
Comments:We caught most of our 25+ fish between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Released them all.
Name:Scott

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 150 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 158 cfs.  They are releasing 1,447 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 1,447 cfs. No recent angler reports.

CREEKS
Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are getting the attention of trout.  The large trout seem to be interested in streamers and minnow imitations. Early October the trout will begin to bed so it would be nice to let them do their thing without too much interference.  It’s always nice to have the wild stock in there.

* Haigler Creek – Has not been stocked since July.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked last week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports. Has not been stocked since August.
* Christopher Creek – Has been stocked. Get there early.
* East Verde – No recent reports. Has not been stocked since July.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports. Has not bee stocked since May.

Mealworms will still entice the bluegill fished under a bobber or off the bottom all day long.  Catfish in the system are a bit more wary now that they have been around the block a time or two.  Fish for them in the morning and evening hours and be innovative with your bait.  They have seen it all, so you need to trick them or give them something they can’t resist.  Try wrapping up some Canadian bacon on your hook if you have some in your fridge that is looking a bit peaked.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Don’t forget about this lake, it’s convenient for both boaters and shore anglers.  For boaters try fishing around the bridge pillars and any overhanging vegetation.  The shore fishing areas can be productive.  Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.

Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.
There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,648 ft (46-percent full).
Where:Lake Pleasant
When:09/06/09
Caught:3 largemouth bass
Technique:drop shot Robo worm
Comments:fished for two or three hours and they were all keepers
Name: Andrew Althaus

An angler fished Lake Pleasant and brought home 32 stripers and four catfish.  He used anchovies. Mid-lake near the eastern shore was a good area, but it wasn’t the only good spot.  Fish were around 50 and 60 feet deep.  Other fishermen are still doing well near the tires, but you do have to sink your bait fast to avoid the little guys from nabbing the bait.
ROOSEVELT LAKE — Lake Elevation is 2,136 ft (82-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 2 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 136 cfs.

This lake is producing an abundance of fish for knowledgeable and novice anglers alike. Buzzbait and topwater lures are good early morning tactics. Flipping worms in the brush is a good technique as long as you have plenty of patience when you have to extricate your “weedless” presentations. It also helps to fine tune your jerk bait methodology alongside submerged trees and other structure. A couple anglers caught 30 bass using these techniques.

A fisherman fished from 7:30 a.m.  to 1 p.m. and caught 7 bass over the slot, a couple under the slot and a whole bunch in the slot. All were caught around 25 to 35 feet deep and he used Texas-rigged worms. His fishing suggestion is to go deep and green.

Another couple fishermen fished this last weekend and couldn’t buy a fish.

My suggestion is since you’re out there anyway take notes on water temp, weather patterns, barometric pressure (that’s a big one), not only the sun and moon phases but more importantly the sun/moon rises and sun/moon sets and what time of day you are catching your fish. Before you go fishing get the information on the sun/moon sets and rises, let that be one of your guides for a couple months, if only to test what I am saying.
APACHE - Lake elevation is 1907 ft (93-percent full). An angler reported catching some nice bass at Apache over the Labor Day weekend.

CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 feet, which is 94-percent full.
A dad and son team fished from 4 to 8:30 a.m. and caught 11 largemouth and 1 smallmouth bass from 1.5 to 3 pounds.  All were caught on crankbaits 5 to 6 feet in depth.
Two other anglers fished in the evening from 4:30 to 9:30 and boated 8 largemouth bass.  Sounds like bite heated up while the moon came up. The fish were biting on Texas-rigged crawfish.  The bluegill liked the Robo worms.  Most the fish were caught in shallow water between 2 and 15 feet deep.  The bass were healthy and feisty with the biggest one a little over 3 pounds.

SAGUARO LAKE – Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 92-percent full.

One angler fished from 5:30 pm till about 10:30 pm.  Fishing started out kind of slow using spinners, jerkbaits and some drop shots.  KastMasters were successful in luring catfish, yellow bass, bluegills and small largemouth bass.  Once it got dark Texas rigged power worms became more effective as time went on.  The bass were caught mostly below 25 feet deep.
BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,793 feet, which is 92-percent full.  Reservoir release is 115cfs.
An angler caught bass steady all morning using Texas rigged skirted grubs and drop shot Robo worms in boulder areas in the coves.  Most fish were between 1 and 2 pounds.

HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1950 feet. No pool.  They are releasing water at 250 cfs.

VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is 268 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 115 cfs.

Where:On the Verde river, between horseshoe lake and Bartlett lake
When:08/22/09
Caught:15 lb Flathead and 8lb Channel
Technique:Worms and chicken liver
Comments:We caught most of our 25+ fish between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Released them all.
Name:Scott

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 136 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 138 cfs.  They are releasing 1,300 cfs out of Stewart Mountain Dam from Saguaro.

LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 1,300 cfs. No recent angler reports.

CREEKS
Terrestrials such as hoppers and ants are getting the attention of trout.  The large trout seem to be interested in streamers and minnow imitations. Early October the trout will begin to bed so it would be nice to let them do their thing without too much interference.  It’s always nice to have the wild stock in there.

* Haigler Creek – The recent fish sampling didn’t shed light on any dark deep secrets.  Basically the same as what the anglers know already.  There were a lot of small pools with mostly rainbows and some browns hanging.  The rain helped replenish some of those small pools with some fresh water and added room for more stockers this week.
* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Stocked this week with 180 rainbow trout.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports.
* Christopher Creek –No recent reports. Get there early.
* East Verde – No recent reports.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports.

Fishing activity will begin to pick up as soon as nighttime temperatures dip into the 70s and lake temperatures reach the low 80s. Fishing has been good all summer for the plentiful bluegill that frequent the shoreline areas in search of food.

Mealworms fished on the bottom or a few feet under a bobber will catch sunfish throughout the day, especially if anglers use smaller bobbers and light line in the 2-4 pound range.  Some catfish and bass are being caught, but it takes persistence and some good timing in the early morning and evening hours.

At Green Valley lakes in Payson, anglers are having some success for crappie, bluegill and bass.  Smaller night crawlers (dillies) and mealworms are working 4-6 feet under the surface.  At all lakes remember to release any of the weed eating white amur right away so they can go back out and munch on the weeds.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Don’t forget about this lake, it’s convenient for both boaters and shore anglers.  For boaters try fishing around the bridge pillars and any overhanging vegetation.  The shore fishing areas can be productive.  Mealworms or earthworms usually will get you bass, catfish or redear if fished off the bottom with a weighted leader of about 18 inches.  Bluegill will take mealworms or worm pieces fished under a bobber.  Try crayfish imitations both the soft plastics and crankbait as an alternative.

There are also no gas powered boats allowed on the lake and Tempe Town Lake permits are available at the City of Tempe Town Lake Operations Center, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 350-8625.

LAKE PLEASANT - Lake elevation 1,648 ft (47-percent full). Striper fishing is real good. An angler caught over 100 stripers along with 4 channel catfish -  one was 7 pounds.  The best action was in the early morning.  Anchovies work well at night under lights.  Crawfish imitations are effective as well.

Largemouth can be caught off the points using jerkbaits in the early morning.  Largemouth bass stack up along the cliff walls between 15 and 30 feet deep.  Crankbaits, especially those that look a little like crawdads work well in this situation.  If you like using worms try bouncing your Robo Worms or Senkos along the cliff walls or drop shots.
ROOSEVELT LAKE — Lake Elevation is 2,137 ft (83-percent full).  Tonto Creek runoff is 0 cfs while inflow from the Salt River is at 127 cfs.

A couple anglers found the crappie bite using lights in the evening in the School House area.  The fish were around 20 feet deep and they caught over 100 one night. The next night they caught a little over 50.

Some evening/night fishermen did pretty good catching about 17 largemouth bass around Windy Hill near shore using 7- and 10-inch Texas-rigged worms and a few on drop shots.

Anglers reeled in bass using buzz baits with light colored skirts.  Reel them in nice and slow off the main lake points near submerged trees.

One angler reported fish are busting the surface after minnows and flies.

An angler fished the Tonto end in the evening and had a good Texas rig bite going.  He fished till 10:30 at night and caught 34 fish, which included 4 largemouth bass over 16 inches.

APACHE - Lake elevation is 1,907 ft (92-percent full).  This lake is receiving little angling pressure, yet the fishing should be good for yellow bass, largemouth bass and bottom dwellers like catfish, carp and buffalofish.

The marina is still a good place to catch catfish and Turtle Island is holding largemouth bass.  The points near drop-offs are good spots for yellow bass.  Fish between 8 and 25 feet deep for the yellow bass.

An angler caught a 23 pound buffalo fish in the shallows using worms.  Worms are also enticing the largemouth and yellow bass as well as channel catfish.

There is camping available at Burnt Corral.
CANYON LAKE – Lake elevation is 1,657 ft, which is 95-percent full.
Angers are singing the praises of Canyon and catching some nice sized largemouth bass.  Texas and Carolina rigs are productive.  Yellow bass are going after kastmasters and fishermen noted a lot of small bass under 2 inches swimming along the banks and some big shad schools.

Where: Canyon Lake
When: 08/26/09
Caught: Largemouth, bluegill, green sunfish
Technique: jig with mini craw, 1″ grub or roadrunner.
Comments: Main lake channel for bass and in the coves for the bluegill- caught 23 mostly unders with 8 in the slot. 2 of us fished from 9 till 4 and boated 116 total. Another great day on the water although it was a bit warm.
Name: Jim Lindquist
SAGUARO LAKE – Lake elevation 1,525 feet at 93-percent full.
One angler fished from 5:30 pm till about 10:30 pm.  Fishing started out kind of slow using spinners, jerkbaits and some drop shots.  KastMasters were successful in luring catfish, yellow bass, bluegills and small largemouth bass.  Once it got dark Texas rigged power worms became more effective as time went on.  The bass were caught mostly below 25 feet deep.

BARTLETT – Lake elevation is 1,793 ft, which is 92-percent full.  Reservoir release is 140 cfs.
The night bite is pretty good at Bartlett. One angler caught 15 largemouth bass between 12 and 14 inches on Texas-rigged Power Worms.  He mentioned the bite was sporadic and the fish were between 10 and 15 feet deep.
HORSESHOE – Lake elevation is at 1950 feet, No pool.  They are releasing water at 75 cfs.
VERDE RIVER – Verde River flow at Tangle is97 cubic feet per second.  Release from Bartlett Lake is 140 cfs.

SALT RIVER – Salt River into Roosevelt is 127 cfs, and Salt River Canyon is 103 cfs.  They are releasing 1625 cfs out of Stewart Mountain dam from Saguaro.
LOWER SALT RIVER — Stewart Mtn. Dam (below Saguaro Lake) release is 1,375 cfs. An angler two weeks ago reported catching some nice bass and one surprise rainbow trout.
CREEKS

The best rig is to use hoppers with a dry fly droppers of copper johns, and pheasant tail nymphs.  Early morning and evening is still the best time. Use spinners in the deeper pools if you have no luck with the flies, especially at night.  Fuzzy Mepps can be productive.  Super dupers attract trout as well.

* Haigler Creek – The recent fish sampling didn’t shed light on any dark deep secrets.  Basically the same as what the anglers know already.  There were a lot of small pools with mostly rainbows and some browns hanging.  The rain helped replenish some of those small pools with some fresh water and added room for more stockers this week.

* Canyon Creek – No recent reports.  Get there early.
* Tonto Creek –   No recent reports.

* Christopher Creek –No recent reports. Get there early.
* East Verde – No recent reports.
* Workman Creek – No recent reports.