FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY —  Stocking for the year is done. This lake is almost dry and water temperatures are rising in the water that is remaining.
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Fishing is fair for northern pike, but some large ones up to 20 pounds have been harvested here this spring. It is also possible to cach walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish here.  There are no boat motor restrictions on this lake.
ASHURST LAKE —  Fishing is fair for trout on worms fished below a bobber. There are also some large pike in this lake that provide trout anglers an occasional surprise.
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked with trout and catfish. No reports from anglers.
KINNIKINICK LAKE — Only one recent report, and that anglers didn’t do well.
MARSHALL LAKE — There is very little open water left, but it may be possible to still catch some trout on fly fishing gear.
OAK CREEK — One angler indicated he couldn’t hardly catch a fish. Two others said the fishing was good. Fish at first light and try working various pools. Don’t let your shadow fall on the water and spook the fish.
There are a large number of cicadas emerging around the creek.  Fly anglers using cicada patterns are doing well and anglers catching live cicadas for bait are catching brown trout. Grashopper patters can also work.
LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good. Has been stocked.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.
BEAVER CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.
WEST CLEAR CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.
STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
Verde Valley
DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked on June 10; 1000 pounds were split evenly between the two lagoons. Fishing picked up immediately following the stocking.  Fishing in general has been okay.   Bass and Bluegill are moving around.  Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch.  Bass are biting on spinner baits.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite has been pretty good.  Look for catfish in eddy areas of large pools.  Bass should be biting as well.  One angler caught a very large round tail chub below thousand trails.
Prescott Area
FAIN LAKE — Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20.  Trout and catfish were stocked the week of June 15.  This was the final trout stocking for the summer.  Bluegill, trout and catfish are all biting.  Bluegills are easily caught, and many are being released.  Bluegills bite well on worms or meal worms.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.  Catfish should bite on night crawlers or anchovies in the morning and evening hours.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of July 13th.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day.
Both bass and catfish were stocked the week of June 22. Bass were stocked on June 10.  The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish.  Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lb and a 14 lb catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Granite Basin –Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegills have been biting well, but most are small.  Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½-pound.  Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled trout stocking for the year.  Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10.  Between the trout and the catfish, fishing success should be high for a while.  One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11.  The brookies were about 3 to the pound.  I have not heard if people are catching those brook trout.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.  Fishing for trout is best following the stockings.  The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.

MINGUS LAKE – Trout were last stocked the week of June 15.  This is the last scheduled stocking for the summer.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well.  Only about 13 percent of the anglers were successful on the June 20.  All anglers were fishing for trout.
Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!
WATSON – The fishing at Watson should be pretty good by now.  Bass and catfish should be active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.
Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Some anglers are reporting catching a few nice bass on spinner baits.  Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES

Note: Fishing has generally slowed due to warmer weather, but will typically pick up when thunderclouds are building and the barometer dips. It’s generally best to fish at first and last light, or even during the night. Some of the lakes, such as Willow Springs, Blue Ridge and Woods Canyon, also have bass.

WILLIAMS LAKES:

KAIBAB LAKE— Fishing was fair-good on powerbait and worms.

CATARACT LAKE — According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

CITY RESERVOIR—  No reports from anglers.

DOGTOWN LAKE — No reports from anglers.

JD DAM — No reports from anglers.

RUSSEL TANK – It was stocked mid to late June, so keep fishing.

SANTA FE — No reports from anglers.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Stocked mid to late June, so keep fishing.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY —  Stocking for the year is done. This lake is almost dry and water temperatures are rising in the water that is remaining.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Fishing is fair for northern pike, but some large ones up to 20 pounds have been harvested here this spring. It is also possible to cach walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish here.  There are no boat motor restrictions on this lake.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is almost full. Fishing is fair for trout on worms fished below a bobber. There are also some large pike in this lake that provide trout anglers an occasional surprise.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked with trout and catfish. No reports from anglers.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently.

MARSHALL LAKE — There is very little open water left, but it may be possible to still catch some trout on fly fishing gear.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair for rainbows poor for brown trout.   There are a large number of cicadas emerging around the creek.  Fly anglers using cicada patterns are doing well and anglers catching live cicadas for bait are catching brown trout.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good. Has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.

WEST CLEAR CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked on June 10; 1000 pounds were split evenly between the two lagoons. Fishing picked up immediately following the stocking.  Fishing in general has been okay.   Bass and Bluegill are moving around.  Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch.  Bass are biting on spinner baits.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite has been pretty good.  Look for catfish in eddy areas of large pools.  Bass should be biting as well.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20.  Trout and catfish were stocked the week of June 15.  This was the final trout stocking for the summer.  Bluegill, trout and catfish are all biting.  Bluegills are easily caught, and many are being released.  Bluegills bite well on worms or meal worms.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.  Catfish should bite on night crawlers or anchovies in the morning and evening hours.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of July 13th.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day.

Both bass and catfish were stocked the week of June 22. Bass were stocked on June 10.  The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish.  Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lb and a 14 lb catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegills have been biting well, but most are small.  Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½-pound.  Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled trout stocking for the year.  Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10.  Between the trout and the catfish, fishing success should be high for a while.  One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11.  The brookies were about 3 to the pound.  I have not heard if people are catching those brook trout.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.  Fishing for trout is best following the stockings.  The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.

MINGUS LAKE – Trout were last stocked  the week of June 15.  This is the last scheduled stocking for the summer.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well.  Only about 13 percent of the anglers were successful on the June 20.  All anglers were fishing for trout.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The fishing at Watson should be pretty good by now.  Bass and catfish should be active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Some anglers are reporting catching a few nice bass on spinner baits.  Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLIAMS LAKES:

KAIBAB LAKE— Fishing was fair-good on powerbait and worms.

CATARACT LAKE — No reports from anglers.

CITY RESERVOIR—  No reports from anglers.

DOGTOWN LAKE — No reports from anglers.

JD DAM — No reports from anglers.

RUSSEL TANK – No reports from anglers.

SANTA FE — No reports from anglers.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY —  Stocking for the year is done. This lake is almost dry and water temperatures are rising in the water that is remaining.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Fishing is fair for northern pike, but some large ones up to 20 pounds have been harvested here this spring. It is also possible to cach walleye, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish here.  There are no boat motor restrictions on this lake.

Where: upper lake mary

When: 06/21/09

Caught:  not a thing

Technique:  spinners and jerkbait my dad had a nice one on a silver panther martin but he got free by spill way

Comments:  fish for twenty minutes before having to return to morman lake for an archery shoot

Name: andrew althaus

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is almost full. Fishing is fair for trout on worms fished below a bobber. There are also some large pike in this lake that provide trout anglers an occasional surprise.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked with trout and catfish. No reports from anglers.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently.

Where: kinnikinick lake

When: 06/19/09

Caught: 4 rainbows

Technique: one on a fly rod the rest on yellow power bait fished the dam the next day but only got a bite on power bait fishing is good by the boat ramp

Comments: i was woundering if there is fish in the lake below kinnikinick

Name:  andrew althaus

MARSHALL LAKE — There is very little open water left, but it may be possible to still catch some trout on fly fishing gear.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair for rainbows poor for brown trout.   There are a large number of cicadas emerging around the creek.  Fly anglers using cicada patterns are doing well and anglers catching live cicadas for bait are catching brown trout.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.

Gordon Hall: Went up Friday with middle son. Got rained on and fishing was real slow until sun came out –limited out in about 1/2 hour on worms and eggs. Jonathan caight a premium trout (about 17 inches) on a crickethopper. Another great day not at work.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good. Has been stocked.
Anthony Baca: On June 29,2009 I caught two northern pike measuring 29 inches weighing
one 9 lbs other 8 lbs at long lake using a spoon wobbler near cabin boat dock. Pike are thick.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.
WEST CLEAR CREEK —   No report. Has not been stocked recently.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked on June 10;  1000 pounds were split evenly between the two lagoons. Fishing picked up immediately following the stocking.  Fishing in general has been okay.   Bass and Bluegill are moving around.  Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch.  Bass are biting on spinner baits.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite has been pretty good.  Look for catfish in eddy areas of large pools.  Bass should be biting as well.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Bluegill were stocked on June 15 and again the week of June 20.  Trout and catfish were stocked the week of June 15.  This was the final trout stocking for the summer.  Bluegill, trout and catfish are all biting.  Bluegills are easily caught, and many are being released.  Bluegills bite well on worms or meal worms.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.  Catfish should bite on night crawlers or anchovies in the morning and evening hours.
GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of June 22 and are scheduled to be stocked again the week of July 13.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of July13.

Bass were stocked in Goldwater on June 10.  Both bass and catfish will be stocked the week of June 22.  The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish.  Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lb and a 14 lb catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin –Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegills have been biting well, but most are small.  Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½-pound.  Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of June 15. This is the last scheduled trout stocking for the year.  Five hundred pounds of catfish were stocked on June 10.  Between the trout and the catfish, fishing success should be high for a while.  One thousand six hundred brook trout were stocked on May 11.  The brookies were about 3 to the pound.  Have not heard if people are catching those brook trout.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.  Fishing for trout is best following the stockings.  The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were last stocked  the week of June 15.  This is the last scheduled stocking for the summer.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well.  Only about 13 percent of the anglers were successful on the June 20.  All anglers were fishing for trout.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The fishing at Watson should be pretty good by now.  Bass and catfish should be active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Some anglers are reporting catching a few nice bass on spinner baits.  Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is open.  Fishing was fair-good on Power Bait and worms while we conducted a free fishing day clinic on the lakes on Saturday. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

Angler reports:
Robert Bonnewell: 05-23-09, Fished from 9 a.m. till noon from the bank.  Caught 10 trout, 4 bluegills, and 1 largemouth bass.  Used Power Bait and worms.  Trout size ranged from 7-12 inches.

Garrett: After getting skunked at Kaibab Lake, went over to Cataract Lake, shore fishing next to the dam.  Hooked into three nice trout in 30 min….5/6/09

Darron Khan: Hit Kaibab today (5/9/09). Water temps are rising and the fish have turned on. Campgrounds are now open including the east end which provides good access to some nice bank fishing spots. Anglers are catching trout on Power Bait (all colors) and night crawlers under bobbers and on the bottom. Water clarity is still chocolate milk but the fish are still biting. Good luck all!

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are open.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.
Scheduled to be stocked this week.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open. Stocked last week.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -   Has been stocked.

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good. Stocked last week.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are open.  Stocked last week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Fishing is good for trout.  This lake was stocked liberally in late winter, but stocking has ceased for this year. Those stocked rainbows are not fat and feisty.

Fly anglers have been doing well in the evenings on dark colored surface flies.
This is a very shallow lake and water quality will deteriorate rapidly once summer conditions prevail, so fish it now.

R. Jenkins: My wife and I fished at Lower Lake Mary Saturday, May 9, and had no problems catching our limits, plus we were able to teach a couple kids fishing there how to catch the fish. They ended up with more fish than their parents.

Fishing 2-pound test line with the bait about 30 inches under a bobber got me limits within 20 minutes of arrival.  My wife fishes 4-pound test and the fish do not take it nearly as much.  She switched to 2-pound test to finish off her limit.  Fishing anything heavier than 4-pound test is a waste of time there.  The fishing is wide open with the right bait but night crawlers, Power Bait and corn is not it.
UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Anglers are catching some nice sized northern pike. Try spinners, crankbaits or swim baits.
Hey Rory, Upper Lake Mary is on Fire

6/6/2009 From a boat Mike and I got an early start in an attempt to beat the wind advisory forecast for the area.  Morning on the water is a special time. Everything worked in our favor as the first of many voracious Pike were caught and released. One highpoint of the day came when a super-sized Northern crushed a silver and black floating Rapala stick bait cast to shore. The Pike hit the lure with such vigor that I guessed the fish would have attacked nearly any lure thrown near it. This fish was bigger and stronger than any other I have landed so far this year. The fight was on. The Northern ripped off line in  powerful runs revealing surprising speed. My tackle was up to the battle and the big fish tired surrendering to the net. The Pike at first glance looked as long as a yardstick and surely weighed 10 pounds or more. No question, this was the nicest Northern so far this season. We snapped a few pics and had her back in the water in just a few short minutes.   The successful boating of the Pike epitomizes what has become an amazing season at Upper Lake Mary. Quantity and quality are possible at this fishery. Lots of fellow fishermen took advantage of the  “free fishing day” despite the wind and cool temps — Jeff Bierer

Robert Bonnewell: 05-25-09 — Fished from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Caught 15 northern pike all on silver spinners.  Caught one nice 6.2 pounder.  Big ones are starting to bite.

Mike Bright: My dad Gary, son Levi, daughter Ella and me were fishing Upper Lake Mary at dusk on May 15 and the morning of May 16 by the dam from shore.  We caught 1 largemouth bass, 4 Yellow Perch, 1 crappie, and 6 Northern Pike.  We used silver KastMasters for the Pike and worms with bobbers for the other fish. It was the best fishing I have had at that Lake and a beautiful mini trip out of the valley of heat.

Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 05/25/09
Caught:one small northern
Technique: Rapala jerkbait
Comments:people were catching them on just about everything here just had to find the right spot I guess
Name: Andrew Althaus

Dennis Stuhr: Fished from 1600 until dark again for Northerns 5/08/09. Caught a dozen little Northerns & 1 small Perch.  Largest Northern was 17″ long. An Osprey had pretty good luck plucking fish at the shore line. Did not see anybody else catch a single fish except for the Osprey.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full. The lake is full. Fishing was fair on worms fished below a bobber.  Scheduled to be stocked.Trout anglers sometimes hook into monster northern pike here this time of year.

Where: ashurst
When: 05/25/09
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: worms from bobber and one on yellow power bait
Comments: fishing was good till wind got strong
Name: Andrew Althaus
Where:Ashurst
When:05/25/09
Caught:4 rainbows
Technique:worms from bobber and one on yellow Power Bait
Comments:fishing was good till wind got strong
Name:Andrew Althaus
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout. Fishing was fair on hotdogs for catfish and worms for trout.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently. Scheduled to be stocked this week.
Hey Rory;
Last night at Kinnikinick Lake around 11 pm, I caught a 5 pounds brown trout and 17.5 inches long with a worm and on the shore. I got some pictures attached so you welcome to post it online. This fish was a beauty!!
Gary Pace

PS: Hey Rory,
I just had the fish verified by Game and Fish and it was only 2.04 pounds and 15.75 inches long (but it felt like a 5 pounds . Anyways it is the biggest trout I’ve seen.

I caught it close to shore so it wasn’t very hard but this fish was fighting hard all the way, I actually thought it was a catfish when I pulled it up.
Gary Pace

— Road is open and the lake has been stocked. This small lake will not be stocked again this year.

MARSHALL Lake — Road is open and the lake has been stocked.  Stocking for the year is done. Fishing was fair on Power Bait or midge patterns

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good. Has been stocked. Some nice sized trout are being caught at times.
Angler report:
Where: Long Lake
When: 05/31/09
Caught: First Pike EVER – lost about 8
Technique: Super light tackle and Rooster Tails.
Comments: Talk about not being prepared. I go out Sunday morning to catch a few trout, and end up finding a feeding frenzy of pike chasing minnows near shore. I had never caught a pike before but knew they were in the lake. I had about 6 bite my line and let go, and one monster grabbed my lure, rolled over and snapped my line like a twig. Due to the super light tackle, I couldnt set the hook like I needed, but best believe I’ll be better prepared next time. Any tips for an aspiring pike angler would be appreciated!
Name: Phil T

Jeff Matthiesen caught 4 trout in about 2 hours with Berkley Gulp at Long Lake.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been okay. Bass and Bluegill are moving around.  Most of the bluegill are small, but still fun for kids to catch.  Bass are biting on spinnerbaits.  Catfish will be stocked in time for free fishing day on June 13th.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite should be picking up now.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of June 1;  1,325 rainbow are stocked twice a month.  The final trout stocking for the summer is next week, the week of June 15.  Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.  Anglers had limited success over memorial day weekend.
Catfish will be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of June 22nd.
Catfish will be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13th.

Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin –Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegill have been biting well, but most are small.  Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½ pound.  Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of May 11, as well as 1,600 brook trout.  The brookies were about 3 to the pound.  Have not heard if people are catching those brook trout.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 15.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.  Fishing for trout is best following the stockings.  The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it.    Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.

Catfish are scheduled to be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13th.  Try using night crawlers anchovies or hot dogs to catch them.

MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked week of June 1.  The gate is open.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 15th.  The fishing picked up immediately following the stocking.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The fishing at Watson has been slow.  As the water begins to warm look for the warm water species to become more active.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Fishing has been slow.  Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  The bass should be spawning by now.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLIAMS LAKES:

KAIBAB LAKE — Campground is open.  Fishing was fair-good on Power Bait and worms while we conducted a free fishing day clinic on the lakes on Saturday. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

Angler reports:
Robert Bonnewell: 05-23-09, Fished from 9 a.m. till noon from the bank.  Caught 10 trout, 4 bluegills, and 1 largemouth bass.  Used Power Bait and worms.  Trout size ranged from 7-12 inches.

Garrett: After getting skunked at Kaibab Lake, went over to Cataract Lake, shore fishing next to the dam.  Hooked into three nice trout in 30 min….5/6/09

Darron Khan: Hit Kaibab today (5/9/09). Water temps are rising and the fish have turned on. Campgrounds are now open including the east end which provides good access to some nice bank fishing spots. Anglers are catching trout on Power Bait (all colors) and night crawlers under bobbers and on the bottom. Water clarity is still chocolate milk but the fish are still biting. Good luck all!

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are open.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.
Scheduled to be stocked this week.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open. Stocked last week.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -   Has been stocked.

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good. Stocked last week.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are open.  Stocked last week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Fishing is good for trout.  This lake was stocked liberally in late winter, but stocking has ceased for this year. Those stocked rainbows are not fat and feisty.

Fly anglers have been doing well in the evenings on dark colored surface flies.
This is a very shallow lake and water quality will deteriorate rapidly once summer conditions prevail, so fish it now.

R. Jenkins: My wife and I fished at Lower Lake Mary Saturday, May 9, and had no problems catching our limits, plus we were able to teach a couple kids fishing there how to catch the fish. They ended up with more fish than their parents.

Fishing 2-pound test line with the bait about 30 inches under a bobber got me limits within 20 minutes of arrival.  My wife fishes 4-pound test and the fish do not take it nearly as much.  She switched to 2-pound test to finish off her limit.  Fishing anything heavier than 4-pound test is a waste of time there.  The fishing is wide open with the right bait but night crawlers, Power Bait and corn is not it.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Anglers are catching some nice sized northern pike. Try spinners, crankbaits or swim baits.

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Hey Rory, Upper Lake Mary is on Fire

6/6/2009 From a boat Mike and I got an early start in an attempt to beat the wind advisory forecast for the area. Morning on the water is a special time. Everything worked in our favor as the first of many voracious Pike were caught and released. One highpoint of the day came when a super-sized Northern crushed a silver and black floating Rapala stick bait cast to shore. The Pike hit the lure with such vigor that I guessed the fish would have attacked nearly any lure thrown near it. This fish was bigger and stronger than any other I have landed so far this year. The fight was on. The Northern ripped off line in powerful runs revealing surprising speed. My tackle was up to the battle and the big fish tired surrendering to the net. The Pike at first glance looked as long as a yardstick and surely weighed 10 pounds or more. No question, this was the nicest Northern so far this season. We snapped a few pics and had her back in the water in just a few short minutes. The successful boating of the Pike epitomizes what has become an amazing season at Upper Lake Mary. Quantity and quality are possible at this fishery. Lots of fellow fishermen took advantage of the “free fishing day” despite the wind and cool temps — Jeff Bierer

Robert Bonnewell: 05-25-09 – Fished from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Caught 15 northern pike all on silver spinners.  Caught one nice 6.2 pounder.  Big ones are starting to bite.

Mike Bright: My dad Gary, son Levi, daughter Ella and me were fishing Upper Lake Mary at dusk on May 15 and the morning of May 16 by the dam from shore.  We caught 1 largemouth bass, 4 Yellow Perch, 1 crappie, and 6 Northern Pike.  We used silver KastMasters for the Pike and worms with bobbers for the other fish. It was the best fishing I have had at that Lake and a beautiful mini trip out of the valley of heat.

Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 05/25/09
Caught:one small northern
Technique: Rapala jerkbait
Comments:people were catching them on just about everything here just had to find the right spot I guess
Name: Andrew Althaus

Dennis Stuhr: Fished from 1600 until dark again for Northerns 5/08/09. Caught a dozen little Northerns & 1 small Perch.  Largest Northern was 17″ long. An Osprey had pretty good luck plucking fish at the shore line. Did not see anybody else catch a single fish except for the Osprey.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full. The lake is full. Fishing was fair on worms fished below a bobber.  Scheduled to be stocked.Trout anglers sometimes hook into monster northern pike here this time of year.

Where: ashurst
When: 05/25/09
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: worms from bobber and one on yellow power bait
Comments: fishing was good till wind got strong
Name: Andrew Althaus

Where:Ashurst
When:05/25/09
Caught:4 rainbows
Technique:worms from bobber and one on yellow Power Bait
Comments:fishing was good till wind got strong
Name:Andrew Althaus

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout. Fishing was fair on hotdogs for catfish and worms for trout.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  A 2lb brown trout was caught on a worm recently. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

Hey Rory;
Last night at Kinnikinick Lake around 11 pm, I caught a 5 pounds brown trout and 17.5 inches long with a worm and on the shore. I got some pictures attached so you welcome to post it online. This fish was a beauty!!
Gary Pace

PS: Hey Rory,
I just had the fish verified by Game and Fish and it was only 2.04 pounds and 15.75 inches long (but it felt like a 5 pounds . Anyways it is the biggest trout I’ve seen.

I caught it close to shore so it wasn’t very hard but this fish was fighting hard all the way, I actually thought it was a catfish when I pulled it up.
Gary Pace

— Road is open and the lake has been stocked. This small lake will not be stocked again this year.

MARSHALL Lake — Road is open and the lake has been stocked.  Stocking for the year is done. Fishing was fair on Power Bait or midge patterns

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good. Has been stocked. Some nice sized trout are being caught at times.

Angler report:

Where: Long Lake
When: 05/31/09
Caught: First Pike EVER – lost about 8
Technique: Super light tackle and Rooster Tails.
Comments: Talk about not being prepared. I go out Sunday morning to catch a few trout, and end up finding a feeding frenzy of pike chasing minnows near shore. I had never caught a pike before but knew they were in the lake. I had about 6 bite my line and let go, and one monster grabbed my lure, rolled over and snapped my line like a twig. Due to the super light tackle, I couldnt set the hook like I needed, but best believe I’ll be better prepared next time. Any tips for an aspiring pike angler would be appreciated!
Name: Phil T

Jeff Matthiesen caught 4 trout in about 2 hours with Berkley Gulp at Long Lake.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been okay. Bass and Bluegill are moving around. Most of the bluegill are small, but still fun for kids to catch. Bass are biting on spinnerbaits. Catfish will be stocked in time for free fishing day on June 13th.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –The catfish bite should be picking up now.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of June 1; 1,325 rainbow are stocked twice a month. The final trout stocking for the summer is next week, the week of June 15. Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait. Anglers had limited success over memorial day weekend.

Catfish will be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked last week. Power Bait usually works well for trout. If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters. Look for the trout to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon, but they can be caught all day. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of June 22nd.

Catfish will be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13th.

Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15. Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin –Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake. The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bluegill have been biting well, but most are small. Some anglers have reported catching limited numbers of bluegill that were close to a ½ pound. Bass are also biting, but not as good as the bluegill. If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of May 11, as well as 1,600 brook trout. The brookies were about 3 to the pound. Have not heard if people are catching those brook trout. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 15. If you are not having success fishing in one spot, then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner. Fishing for trout is best following the stockings. The bite drops off within a week, but they can still be caught if you work at it. Don’t be afraid to try different spots in the lake.

Catfish are scheduled to be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 13th. Try using night crawlers anchovies or hot dogs to catch them.

MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked week of June 1. The gate is open. The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 15th. The fishing picked up immediately following the stocking.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The fishing at Watson has been slow. As the water begins to warm look for the warm water species to become more active. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Fishing has been slow. Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful. Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick. The bass should be spawning by now. If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

KAIBAB LAKE — Has been stocked.  Fishing is good.

CATARACT LAKE — Fishing is good.

Where:cataract lake
When:05/01/09
Caught:not yet
Technique:will try it this weekend
Comments:just drove by the lake, the host is there and its open
Name:john merkel

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is Closed. Road is open.  Scheduled to be stocked this week. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

Where:Dogtown Lake
When:04/30/09
Caught:4 trout : 12 to 14 inches long
Technique:white floating bait 18 Inches off the bottom.
Comments: Very nice day, most activity from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wind came up in afternoon.
Name:Sam Scott and Dick Myers

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -   Scheduled to be stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.  Stocked last week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — This is a trout fishing hot spot. Fishing is good for trout.  Has been stocked

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Anglers are catching some nice sized northern pike.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full. The road is OPEN. Stocked last week. Fishing was fair Saturday on corn and worms. Trout anglers sometimes hook into monsters northern pike here this time of year.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing was fair on hotdogs for catfish and worms for trout.    Stocked with catfish and trout. Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  Has been stocked

MARSHALL LAKE — Road is open and the lake has been stocked.  Scheduled to be stocked again this week.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is good for rainbows fair for brown trout.   Scheduled to be stocked again this week.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been pretty good.  While some anglers are not having much success, others are limiting out easily and quickly.  It is not uncommon for anglers to report catching their limit in less than one hour or so.  If you are willing to fish all day you should be able to get a limit.  Trout were last stocked the week of April 6.  This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall, but rainbow trout are still abundant in the lakes.

Try using white Power Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners.  If you’re not catching anything you may want to try different bait or another location.  Some places in the lagoons are much better than others.  Don’t be afraid to move around if you are not having success. 
Bass and Bluegill are moving around.  Most of the bluegills are small, but still fun for kids to catch.  Some of the bass are on beds.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of March 16 at Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of Camp Verde.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked at the end of April. Try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout were stocked the week of April 20.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.

Catfish and bass were stocked last fall.  .

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater last fall and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Where:Goldwater Lake
When:05/01/09
Caught:Nothing
Technique:Worms, Power Bait, spinners, KastMasters, flies: used worms and Power Bait both on or close to the bottom and under bobbbers
Comments:Fishing from shore from 10 am to 3:30 p.m. and had one bite, which I missed. Even the cormorants weren’t finding fish. A good day in the sun watching ducks getting ready to mate and build nests. I can only guess but the low pressure front moving through probably had something to do with it. Enjoy the reports which I religiously copy for future reference. What works today on any body of water will most likely work any time in the future under the same conditions. Least ways they have for me for the past 70 years.
Name:William (Bill) Tracey

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should begin to pick up around then end of May or June as the water begins to warm.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of April 27.  Fishing for trout was good through the weekend following the stocking.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of May 11.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot then try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.

Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.   This lake also has catfish.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs.  Catfish will be stocked again sometime this June.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of April 20.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of May 4.  The gate is open.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Anglers often have success with flies and spinners as well.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The fishing at Watson has been slow. As the water begins to warm, look for the warm water species to become more active around the end of May or June. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  The bass should be moving up to spawn soon if they have not already.  Bass usually spawn in this lake as early as April.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Note:  Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short.  If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.  Stone Dam near Ashfork was stocked with catfish last week.
.
WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Has been stocked.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is Closed. Road is open.  Scheduled to be stocked this week. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -   Scheduled to be stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.  Stocked last week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — This is a trout fishing hot spot. Fishing is good for trout.  Has been stocked

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Anglers are catching some nice sized northern pike.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full. The road is OPEN. Stocked last week. Fishing was fair Saturday on corn and worms. Trout anglers sometimes hook into monsters northern pike here this time of year.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing was fair on hotdogs for catfish and worms for trout.    Stocked with catfish and trout. Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  Has been stocked

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road is open and the lake has been stocked.  Scheduled to be stocked again this week.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is good for rainbows fair for brown trout.   Scheduled to be stocked again this week.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK —   No report. Has been Stocked

WEST CLEAR CREEK —   No report. Has been stocked

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

VERDE VALLEY

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing is good.  Trout were last stocked the week of April 6.  This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall, but rainbow trout are still abundant in the lakes.  Try using white Power Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners. If you’re not catching anything you may want to try a different bait or the other lagoon.  It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the anglers at the other lagoon.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Trout were last stocked the week of March 16. Trout fishing could be a little slow.

PRESCOTT AREA

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked the week of April 27. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of May 4. Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  When the weather is cold, the bite may not pick up until 10 or 11.

Catfish and bass were stocked last fall.  Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.

If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should begin to pick up in the next month or so as the water begins to warm.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of April 20.  Fishing has been a little slow. If you are not having success fishing in one spot, try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures last year.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked last fall.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.
MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked the week of April 20.  The gate is still closed and will remain closed until the beginning of May.  While the gate is closed you can hike in.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: As the water begins to warm looks for the warm water species to become more active around the end of May or June.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR –Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  The bass should be moving up to spawn soon if they have not already.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Has been stocked.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk-in to fish. Has been stocked According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open, has been stocked. According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is closed. Road is open.  Has been stocked.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

JD DAM — Road is open.  No reports.

RUSSEL TANK -   Scheduled to be stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Has been stocked.  According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.  Stocked last week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Fishing is good for trout.  Has been stocked

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, The road is OPEN. Stocked last week, fishing was fair Saturday on corn and worms.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – fishing was fair on hotdogs for catfish and worms for trout.    Stocked with catfish and trout.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open.  Has been stocked

MARSHALL LAKE — Road is open and the lake has been stocked.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is good. Stocked last week. Scheduled to be stocked

LONG LAKE — Lake is open. Water level is good. Stocked last week.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK —   No report. Has been Stocked

WEST CLEAR CREEK —   No report. Has been stocked

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

VERDE VALLEY

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been very good.  It is not uncommon for  anglers to report catching their limit in less than 1 hour.  If you are willing to fish all day you should be able to get a limit.  Trout were last stocked the week of April 6th.  This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall, but rainbow trout are still abundant in the lakes.  Try using white PowerBait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners.    If you’re not catching anything you may want to try a different bait or the other lagoon.  It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the anglers at the other lagoon.

Catfish were last stocked on September 17th in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Verde River day festivities on September  27th  were a success with around 300 people attending.  As the water temperature continues to cool, the bass, bluegill and catfish become less active.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Trout were last stocked the week of March 16th.  2,400 rainbows will be stocked into all four sites.  Those sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Deadhorse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of Camp Verde.

PRESCOTT AREA

FAIN LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of April 20 with 1,325 rainbow trout.  Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of April 20.  Look for the fishing to really pick up following the stocking.  One angler reported doing well between 3 and 5 when the trout were hitting on a hatch of May flies.  Power Bait usually works well for trout.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  When the weather is cold, the bite may not pick up until 10 or 11.

Catfish and bass were stocked last fall.  Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.

If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should begin to pick up in the next month or so as the water begins to warm.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of March 9  and are scheduled to be stocked again this week, the week of April 20.  The fishing seems to be a little slow, but a couple of anglers reported doing well on purple Power Bait and spinners with silver blades.  If you are not having success fishing in one spot, try walking the shore and throwing a small spinner.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures last year.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked last fall.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of April 6.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of April 20.  The gate is still closed and will remain closed until the beginning of May.  While the gate is closed you can hike in.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: As the water begins to warm looks for the warm water species to become more active around the end of May or June.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR –Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  The bass should be moving up to spawn soon if they have not already.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

KAIBAB LAKE — Lake is accessible. Campground area is closed.  Has been stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers have reported good fishing.

Angler report:

Darron: Hit Kaibab today (3/28/09). Great weather and no less than 75 people fishing the waters, mostly for trout. Not many catching anything today. Folks are using Powerbait (rainbow, yellow, etc.) Lures (super dupers, spoons, etc). Even the folks in boats aren’t getting any bites. I fish for bass and they’re still not moving. I suspect they’re holding up on the East end of the lake as they usually do until early May.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish. Has been stocked According to the few anglers I talked to fishing is good.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open, has been stocked.  Anglers say fishing is good.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is closed. Road is open.  Has been stocked.  Anglers say fishing is good.

JD DAM — Road is open.  No angler reports.

RUSSEL TANK -  No reports

SANTA FE — Lake is full. Has been stocked. Fishing is good.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish, but might be worth the hike.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Fishing is good for trout with many anglers reporting limits of small football-shaped fat trout .  Was liberally stocked in mid-winter.

Try any of the Power Baits, corn, small spinners, spoons, or Rapalas.

***image11***Thank you Rory, we just got back and had a wonderful time. We only
fished lower lake Mary and boy did my son knock them dead. In a day and
a half we caught 50 – 60 they were all stockers, we released all of
them for someone else to catch. Well we did keep two to go with our
venison tenderloin we had for dinner at camp. I have also included a
photo of my son’s first pike I think the photo tells it all. I did not
know if Game and Fish want pike in with the trout? So we did release
it back too. Let me know for the next time please.
Rick and Zack

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Some anglers have been doing well fishing for northern pike. Try spinners and spoons.

Angler reports:
Darron Khan: Fished Upper Lake Mary 3/31/09 from my boat (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Weather: 60 degrees and sunny. Water temps: 48-50 degrees. My buddy and I mostly fished the southern shoreline & coves (Newman cove, etc.) until 4 p.m. We had two bites. Switched to N. shoreline and started catching them in the shallows. Used: jointed crankbaits. Some folks bank fishing around the W. boat ramps were really nailing them using crankbaits. Caught: 3 pike, 16″ / 1.5-pound range.

Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 03/14/09
Caught: 5 Northern Pike
Technique: Long casts from shore today over a two hour period produced a few fat healthy Pike. Tossed shallow running Rapala stick baits across shallow rock and weed covered flats. Pike were working the wind blown shallows and ambushed a slow moving lure. Pike were in two feet of water or less when they hit. Big fish was 5.4 lbs. and very feisty.
Comments: Beautiful but cool blustery weather: even snowed on us a time or two. Fish came from the extreme southern end of the lake. Returned the fish to the lake to be caught again. Can’t wait to get back out there.
Name: Jeff Bierer

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, The road is closed for maintenance. The road may be open by the end of the week.  Scheduled to be stocked,

FRANCIS SHORT POND – fishing is good.    Stocked last week

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is closed.  Has been stocked

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road is open and the lake has been stocked.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

BEAVER CREEK —  Stocked with trout this week. Fishing should be good.

***image7***HI Rory,
We had a great time at Beaver Creek.  We caught 3 total and gave them away to local campers.  Here is a picture of the kids.
Thanks again for your help.   I really appreciate it.
Ryan

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been very good. If you are willing to fish all day you should be able to get a limit.  Trout were last stocked the week of March 9.  This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall, but rainbow trout are still abundant in the lakes.  Try using white Power Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners. If you’re not catching anything you may want to try a different bait or the other lagoon.  It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the anglers at the other lagoon.

Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners.    If you’re not catching anything you may want to try a different bait or the other lagoon.  It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the anglers at the other lagoon.

Catfish were last stocked on Sept. 17 in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Verde River day festivities on Sept. 27  were a success with around 300 people attending.  As the water temperature continues to cool, the bass, bluegill and catfish become less active.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is good.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of March 16;  2,400 rainbows were stocked into all four sites.  Those sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of Camp Verde.

WEST CLEAR CREEK —   Stocked this week. This is a good place for those who like to hike and fish. Access it off General Crook Highway or via the road into Beaver Creek.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE —Trout were stocked last the week of March 23rd.  1,325 rainbow trout will be stocked again the week of April, 13th.  Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.
Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout were last stocked the week of March 2nd, and are scheduled to be stocked again this week, the week of April 6th.  Look for the fishing to really pick up following the stocking.  Some anglers are having  limited success on worms and night crawlers.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  When the weather is cold, the bite may not pick up until 10 or 11.

Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15th.  Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on September 16th, 2008  and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Where:Goldwater lake
When:03/20/09
Caught:trout and bass
Technique:corn and panther martin
Comments:I fished Goldwater on 03-20 and caught the best limit of trout i ever caught. Fishing corn on the bottom I caught 2 12inchers,3 13inchers and one 17incher that weighed 21/4 lbs. I returned on 3-24 and caught 5 more trout and a 2lb bass. I caught 4 trout on corn again, one trout and the bass on a Panther Martin. Both my luck was best between 11am to 1pm.
Name:Ray Strom

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should be pretty slow all winter.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of March 9th  and are scheduled to be stocked again the week of April 13th.  The fishing has picked up following the stocking, as well angler use when the weather is nice.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on September 24th.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of October 20th.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked next week, the week of April 13th.  Last I heard, the gate was still closed and will remain closed until road conditions improve.  If the gate is closed you can hike in.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “woolly bugers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on September 17th, 2008  and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappie are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note:  Always check on road conditions before venturing afield.
Williams Lakes:   No new reports

KAIBAB LAKE — Lake is accessible. Campground area is closed.  Has been stocked with rainbow trout.

Angler report:

Darron: Hit Kaibab today (3/28/09). Great weather and no less than 75 people fishing the waters, mostly for trout. Not many catching anything today. Folks are using Powerbait (rainbow, yellow, etc.) Lures (super dupers, spoons, etc). Even the folks in boats aren’t getting any bites. I fish for bass and they’re still not moving. I suspect they’re holding up on the East end of the lake as they usually do until early May.
CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish. Has been stocked. Scheduled for stocking again the week of April 27.

CITY RESERVOIR —   Road is open. Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is closed. Road is open from the Perkinsville road side.  Scheduled to be stocked this week.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -  No reports.

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Has been stocked with rainbow trout.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish. Scheduled for stocking this week (if the truck can get in).

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — Between bouts of wind, anglers are doing well here with many catching their limits with little effort. Last fall, this was a large elk meadow. It was first stocked in February. The trout have grown so fast, many now look like small footballs.

Try any of the Power Baits, corn, small spinners, spoons, or Rapalas.

Thank you Roy, we just got back and had a wonderful time. We only
fished lower lake Mary and boy did my son knock them dead. In a day and
a half we caught 50 – 60 they were all stockers, we released all of
them for someone else to catch. Well we did keep two to go with our
venison tenderloin we had for dinner at camp. I have also included a
photo of my son’s first pike I think the photo tells it all. I did not
know if Game and Fish want pike in with the trout? So we did release
it back too. Let me know for the next time please.
Rick and Zack

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full. Some anglers have been doing well fishing for northern pike.

Angler reports:
Darron Khan: Fished Upper Lake Mary 3/31/09 from my boat (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Weather: 60 degrees and sunny. Water temps: 48-50 degrees. My buddy and I mostly fished the southern shoreline & coves (Newman cove, etc.) until 4 p.m. We had two bites. Switched to N. shoreline and started catching them in the shallows. Used: jointed crankbaits. Some folks bank fishing around the W. boat ramps were really nailing them using crankbaits. Caught: 3 pike, 16″ / 1.5-pound range.
Where: Upper Lake Mary
When: 03/14/09
Caught: 5 Northern Pike
Technique: Long casts from shore today over a two hour period produced a few fat healthy Pike. Tossed shallow running Rapala stick baits across shallow rock and weed covered flats. Pike were working the wind blown shallows and ambushed a slow moving lure. Pike were in two feet of water or less when they hit. Big fish was 5.4 lbs. and very feisty.
Comments: Beautiful but cool blustery weather: even snowed on us a time or two. Fish came from the extreme southern end of the lake. Returned the fish to the lake to be caught again. Can’t wait to get back out there.
Name: Jeff Bierer

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, The road is closed for maintenance.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Fishing is good.    Scheduled to be stocked this week

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is closed

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road is closed.  Scheduled for stocking the week of April 6 (if it is accessible).

OAK CREEK — Fishing is good for rainbows, fair for browns. Routinely stocked with rainbows.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake was stocked last season and anglers are catching a few very nice trout this season.

Angler report:
Tracy Sullivan: I was at Long Lake from 3/19-3/22, not a lot of action a few bites here and there. Friday I caught a 15 inch trout but on Saturday I caught a 21.5 inch trout. It was beautiful! I would imagine the fishing would have been a lot better if it was not as windy.
SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Has been stocked with rainbow trout. Some anglers have done well, while others have had difficulty catching fish. This is a great place to take the kids fishing.
HI Rory,
We had a great time at Beaver Creek.  We caught 3 total and gave them away to local campers.  Here is a picture of the kids.
Thanks again for your help.   I really appreciate it.
Ryan

Where: beaver creek
When: 03/15/09
Caught: 2 small rainbows
Technique: flyfishing ,adams, and San Juan worm
Comments: had to walk up stream to many people down below, i saw a lot of no trasping signs up there to whats up with that ,no place to go now ,except up stearm
Name: mike
WEST CLEAR CREEK —   Has been stocked with rainbow trout and anglers report doing well fly fishing.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — No reports.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been very good.  It is not uncommon for  anglers to report catching their limit in less than 1 hour.  If you are willing to fish all day you should be able to get a limit.  Trout were last stocked the week of March 9.  This is the last scheduled stocking until the fall, but rainbow trout are still abundant in the lakes.  Try using white Power Bait, homemade dough baits, flies or small spinners.  If you’re not catching anything you may want to try a different bait or the other lagoon.  It is not uncommon for the anglers at one lagoon to do better than the anglers at the other lagoon.
VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – The spring flows have subsided. Trout were last stocked the week of March 16 and are scheduled to be stocked again this week.  There were 2,400 rainbows stocked into all four sites: Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”; Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site; and the bridge out of Camp Verde.
Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE —Trout were stocked last week, the week of March 23rd.  1,325 rainbow trout will be stocked.  Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.
Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Stocked the first week of March. Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of April  6.  Some anglers are having success on worms and night crawlers.  If that does not work, you may want to try using KastMasters.  When the weather is cold, the bite may not pick up until 10 or 11.

Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008 and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Where:Goldwater lake
When:03/20/09
Caught:trout and bass
Technique:corn and panther martin
Comments:I fished Goldwater on 03-20 and caught the best limit of trout i ever caught. Fishing corn on the bottom I caught 2 12inchers,3 13inchers and one 17incher that weighed 21/4 lbs. I returned on 3-24 and caught 5 more trout and a 2lb bass. I caught 4 trout on corn again, one trout and the bass on a Panther Martin. Both my luck was best between 11am to 1pm.
Name:Ray Strom
Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should be pretty slow all winter.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked the week of March 9 and are scheduled to be stocked again the week of April 13.  The fishing has picked up following the stocking, as well angler use when the weather is nice. Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of Oct. 20 and is scheduled to be stocked the week of April 13.  This was the last scheduled stocking until spring.  The gate is closed and will remain closed until road conditions improve.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “wooly buggers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on Sept. 17, 2008  and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov

Williams Lakes:

KAIBAB LAKE —  Lake is accessible via four-wheel drive vehicles, and the lake is only half-covered with ice (as of last weekend), and the fishing was decent. These early season trout will sometimes readily gulp down delectable items they haven’t seen for some time, like wiggling night crawlers or meal worms.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish

CITY RESERVOIR — No report.

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is closed.

JD DAM — No reports.

RUSSEL TANK – No reports.

SANTA FE — Lake is full. No reports

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. No reports.
Flagstaff Lakes:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Dry, but with more precipitation, might fill again this coming season.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full but expect ice cover.

ASHURST LAKE — The lake is full. Access is apparently closed. Probably ice covered.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – No report. Likely ice covered.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Access conditions unknown.  Road is likely closed.

MARSHALL LAKE — Access conditions unknown.  Road is likely closed.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open but access may be questionable.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.  This lake was producing some nice trout and pike last fall, so might be worth a try this spring.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — No reports.

BEAVER CREEK — No report. Scheduled for stocking the week of March 9. It is possible to pick up some holdover trout in the creek well upstream from the crossing.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report. Was last stocked in the fall and won’t be stocked again until the week of March 9. However, this stream can have some nice holdover fish in the deeper pools upstream in the rugged canyon..

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Note: Snow and rain has made access difficult. Expect ice on the lakes, even if just around the rims.

Williams Lakes:

KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed. Must walk in to fish

CITY RESERVOIR — No report.

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is closed.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK – No reports.

SANTA FE — Lake is full.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.

Flagstaff Lakes:

LOWER LAKE MARY — Dry, but with more precipitation, might fill again this coming season.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.

ASHURST LAKE — The lake is full, the road is open.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Stocked last week.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Access conditions unknown.  Road is likely closed.

MARSHALL LAKE — Access conditions unknown.  Road is likely closed.

OAK CREEK — There might still be some turbidity. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies.  This may be the tail end of the brown trout spawn.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK —  No report. Has been stocked this season.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — No report.  Has been stocked this season.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley:

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been very good.  Some anglers are catching their limit in as little as 15 minutes.  Trout were stocked several times in December and are scheduled to be stocked again the week of January 12.

Catfish were last stocked on September 17th in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Verde River day festivities on September  27th  were a success with around 300 people attending.  As the water temperature continues to cool, the bass, bluegill and catfish become less active.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Trout were stocked last the week of December 8th.  They are scheduled to be stocked again the week of January 5th.  2,400 rainbows were stocked into our four sites.  Those sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Deadhorse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of Camp Verde.

Prescott Area:

FAIN LAKE — Trout were last stocked December 15th.   1,175 rainbow trout went in without a hitch.  Trout  are scheduled to be stocked again the week of January 5th.     Anglers targeting trout were successful. Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  Powerbait is usually the hot ticket.  Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.  Anglers are still having some limited success catching some of those catfish, but it is fairly slow.  Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms.  Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout were stocked on November 11th.  1,350 plus incentive sized trout were put in around the boat launch.  So some 1-2 pounders could be waiting for you at Goldwater.  This was the last scheduled stocking until the spring.  You may want to try using KastMasters.  If that does not work, try worms or Power Bait.  Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well. Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15th. Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.  While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.  Bluegills were stocked Feb 25. Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on September 16th, 2008  and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

GRANITE BASIN – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. The bite should be pretty slow all winter.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked November 4th.  This was the last scheduled stocking until the week of February 2nd.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on September 24th.  Some anglers were having luck in about 18-feet of water near the spillway at the dam using nightcrawlers.  Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are still showing up.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish. Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of October 20th.  This was the last scheduled stocking until spring.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers grass hoppers and flies have also reported doing well. Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “woolly bugers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm. Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on September 17th, 2008  and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappie are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Note:  Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short.  If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Fishing was fair over the weekend.

Where:Kaibab lake
When:10/12/08
Caught:4 trout
Technique:3 on spinners and 1 on Power Bait
Comments:landed one every 10 minutes. inline spinners. and red pb.
Name:bj

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish. Fishing was good over the weekend.  Stocked last week.   Stocked with catfish.

Where: Cataract Lake
When: 10/23/08
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: Bobber, live grasshoppers, salmon eggs
Comments: Fished from 12:30 to 06:00. Every time I plopped a grasshopper in the water they would take it. From 4:30 to 6:00 I switched to salmon eggs. Again the bobber would go a bobbin. It was just a matter of hooking them. The two other groups of people that were there caught their limit.
Name: Chris Nyhart

CITY RESERVOIR — Stocked with catfish.

DOGTOWN LAKE — Campground area is Closed. Lots of folks are catching crayfish.   Some browns are being caught on lures.

Where:Dogtown lake
When:10/12/08
Caught:9 trout
Technique:Power Bait any color
Comments:We landed 1 every 15 minutes; it was a good time. Try next to boat ramp.
Name:bj
JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK – Has been stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch.  Stocked with catfish

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred.  There may not be any fish left.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Some Pike are being caught on anchovies.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, the road is open.

Where:Ashurst
When:11/02/08
Caught:Trout
Technique:Bobber with worm 5 feet from the bank
Comments:Between the two of us we caught 9 in two hours. Went back on Monday and caught 9 more.
Name:Andy
FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open.  Some large brown trout and one large Rainbow were stocked in the lake.

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road Open.

LONG LAKE — Anglers are catching trout up to four pounds, along with some pike. Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Scheduled for stocking this week with 900 rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

OAK CREEK — Stocked with 1,350 trout (including incentive size fish) and the water temperature ranged from 47 to 58 F degrees. Fishing is good for rainbows and poor for browns.

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been fair to good.  Trout are scheduled this week (Nov.17th).  There were 3,033 rainbow trout were split between the lower and middle lagoons on Nov. 4.  Look for the fishing to be good following the stocking.  Try using Power Bait or small spinners.

Catfish were last stocked on Sept. 17 in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover for bass.  The catfish bite has been good in the evening.   Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.
Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small.  This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish.  Try using a No. 12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success.  While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small.  Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Stockings are scheduled for this week.  Rainbow Trout were stocked two weeks ago. There were 2,400 rainbows stocked into our four sites, which are: Tuzigoot Bridge; just down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”; Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site; and the bridge out of Camp Verde (General Crook Trail).   Channel catfish action has been fair in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk.  Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked on Nov. 4; 1,000 rainbow trout went in without a hitch. Anglers targeting trout were successful. Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  Power Bait is usually the hot ticket.  The next stockings are scheduled for the week of Dec. 1.

Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.  Anglers are still having some limited success catching some of those catfish, but it is fairly slow.  Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms.  Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish.

GOLDWATER LAKE — There were 1,350 trout plus incentive-size fished stocked around the boat launch.  So some 1-2 pounders could be waiting for you at Goldwater.

Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Trout seem to be biting pretty good, as well as some of the catfish and bass.  You may want to try using KastMasters.  If that does not work, try worms or Power Bait.

Night crawlers are the ticket for the catfish, the trick is to float the night crawler off the bottom a little so the crayfish don’t get it.  You can either inflate your night crawler or you can use marshmallows.  Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well.

Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.  While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.  Bluegills were stocked Feb 25.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. Try floating a worm on a bobber to catch the bluegills.  This may result in some bass being caught as well.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked Nov. 4.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on Sept. 24.  The trout fishing picked up a little following the last stocking.  Salmon colored Power Bait was working for some.  Trout were seen cruising near the surface and jumping, so you may want to fish under a bobber or with spinners near the surface.  Most anglers are having success on worms.  Some anglers were having luck in about 18-feet of water near the spillway at the dam using night crawlers.

Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are still showing up.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.

Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of Oct. 20.  This was the last scheduled stocking until spring.  Fishing has been good following the stocking.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers grass hoppers and flies have also reported doing well.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “wooly buggers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on Sept. 17 and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – NO NEW REPORTS: Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullheads are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Note:  Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short.  If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Fishing was fair over the weekend.

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish. Fishing was good over the weekend.  Stocked last week.   Stocked with catfish.

CITY RESERVOIR —     Stocked with catfish.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is Closed. Lots of folks are catching crayfish.   Some browns are being caught on lures.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -  Has been stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch.  Stocked with catfish

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred.  There may not be any fish left.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Some Pike are being caught on anchovies.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, the road is open.

Where:Ashurst
When:11/02/08
Caught:Trout
Technique:Bobber with worm 5 feet from the bank
Comments:Between the two of us we caught 9 in two hours. Went back on Monday and caught 9 more.
Name:Andy

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open.  Some large brown trout and one large Rainbow were stocked in the lake.

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road Open.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies.

LONG LAKE — Anglers are catching trout up to four pounds, along with some pike. Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Scheduled for stocking this week with 900 rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been fair to good.  Trout were stocked last week, the week of Nov. 7.  The 3,033 rainbow trout were split between the lower and middle lagoons.  Look for the fishing to be good following the stocking.  Try using Power Bait or small spinners.  Catfish were last stocked on Sept. 17 in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover for bass.  The catfish bite has been good in the evening.   Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.

Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small.  This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish.  Try using a No. 12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success.  While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small.  Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) –Rainbow Trout were stocked last week.  2,400 rainbows were stocked into our four sites.  Those sites are Tuzigoot Bridge, just down from the Dead Horse Bridge or “Jacks”, Bignotti Beach or the Thousand Trails site, and the bridge out of Camp Verde. Channel catfish action has been fair in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk.  Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked last week. 1,000 rainbow trout went in without a hitch. Anglers targeting trout were successful. Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking.  Power Bait is usually the hot ticket.  Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.  Anglers are still having some limited success catching some of those catfish, but it is fairly slow.  Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms.  Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week (Nov. 10) Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Trout seem to be biting pretty good, as well as some of the catfish and bass.  You may want to try using KastMasters.  If that does not work, try worms or Power Bait.  Night crawlers are the ticket for the catfish, the trick is to float the night crawler off the bottom a little so the crayfish don’t get it.  You can either inflate your night crawler or you can use marshmallows.  Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well.

Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March.  On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hot dog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.  While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.  Bluegills were stocked Feb 25.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16,  and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. Try floating a worm on a bobber to catch the bluegills.  This may result in some bass being caught as well.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were stocked last week.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on Sept. 24.  The trout fishing picked up a little following the last stocking.  Trout were seen cruising near the surface and jumping, so you may want to fish under a bobber or with spinners near the surface.  Most anglers are having success on worms. Avoid going over 20 feet deep.  Some anglers were having luck in about 18-feet of water near the spillway at the dam using night crawlers.  Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are still showing up.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of Oct. 20.  This was the last scheduled stocking until spring.  Fishing has been good following the stocking.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers grass hoppers and flies have also reported doing well.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “woolly bugers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on Sept. 17, and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful. Crappies are also doing well. Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Note:  Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short.  If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Fishing was fair over the weekend.

Where:kaibab lake
When:10/12/08
Caught:4 trout
Technique:3 on spinners and 1 on Power Bait
Comments:landed one every 10 minutes. inline spinners. and red pb.
Name:bj

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish. Fishing was good over the weekend.  Stocked last week.   Stocked with catfish.

Where: Cataract Lake
When: 10/23/08
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: Bobber, live grasshoppers, salmon eggs
Comments: Fished from 12:30 to 06:00. Every time I plopped a grasshopper in the water they would take it. From 4:30 to 6:00 I switched to salmon eggs. Again the bobber would go a bobbin. It was just a matter of hooking them. The two other groups of people that were there caught their limit.
Name: Chris Nyhart

CITY RESERVOIR —     Stocked with catfish.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is Closed. Lots of folks are catching crayfish.   Some browns are being caught on lures.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -  Has been stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch.  Stocked with catfish

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred.  There may not be any fish left.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Some Pike are being caught on anchovies.

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, the road is open.  .

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open.  Some large brown trout and one large Rainbow were stocked in the lake.

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road Open.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Scheduled for stocking this week with 900 rainbow trout. Fishing should be good.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Fishing in general has been fair to good.  Trout are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of Nov. 3.  Look for the fishing to be good following the stocking. Try using Power Bait or small spinners.  Catfish were last stocked on Sept. 17 in both the middle and lower lagoons. Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover for bass.  The catfish bite has been good in the evening.   Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.
Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small.  This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish.  Try using a No. 12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success.  While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small.  Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Channel catfish action has been fair in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk.  Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout are scheduled to get stocked this week, the week of Nov.3.  Anglers targeting trout were successful. Trout fishing is best immediately following the stocking. Power Bait is usually the hot ticket. Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.  Anglers are still having some limited success catching some of those catfish, but it is fairly slow. Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms. Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish. For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout were stocked the week of Oct. 13 and are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of Nov. 10.  Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Trout seem to be biting pretty good, as well as some of the catfish and bass. You may want to try using KastMasters.  If that does not work, try worms or Power Bait. Night crawlers are the ticket for the catfish, the trick is to float the night crawler off the bottom a little so the crayfish don’t get it.  You can either inflate your night crawler or you can use marshmallows. Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well.

Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hot dog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.  While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.  Bluegills were stocked Feb 25.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, 2008  and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19 lbs and a 14 lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. Try floating a worm on a bobber to catch the bluegills.  This may result in some bass being caught as well.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of Oct.  6 and are scheduled to be stocked this week, the week of Nov. 3.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on Sept. 24.  The trout fishing picked up a little following the last stocking.  Trout were seen cruising near the surface and jumping, so you may want to fish under a bobber or with spinners near the surface.  Most anglers are having success on worms. Avoid going over 20 feet deep.  Some anglers may be having success with spinners early in the morning.  Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are still showing up.  Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish.  Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of Oct. 20.  This was the last scheduled stocking until spring.  Fishing has been good following the stocking.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers grass hoppers and flies have also reported doing well.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Another angler reported catching 3-8 nice bass per evening on green or chartreuse “wooly bugers.”  As the water begins to cool this will slow, so get them while you can. Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on Sept. 17,  and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful. Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Note:  Northern Pike have been illegally stocked in Francis Short.  If you catch a Northern Pike at Francis Short Pond please REMOVE IT FROM THE POND.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed.  Fishing was fair over the weekend.

Where:kaibab lake
When:10/12/08
Caught:4 trout
Technique:3 on spinners and 1 on Power Bait
Comments:landed one every 10 minutes. inline spinners. and red pb.
Name:bj

CATARACT LAKE — Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish. Fishing was good over the weekend.  Stocked last week.   Stocked with catfish.

Where: Cataract Lake
When: 10/23/08
Caught: 4 rainbows
Technique: Bobber, live grasshoppers, salmon eggs
Comments: Fished from 12:30 to 06:00. Every time I plopped a grasshopper in the water they would take it. From 4:30 to 6:00 I switched to salmon eggs. Again the bobber would go a bobbin. It was just a matter of hooking them. The two other groups of people that were there caught their limit.
Name: Chris Nyhart

CITY RESERVOIR —     Stocked with catfish.

DOGTOWN LAKE —. Campground area is Closed. Lots of folks are catching crayfish.   Some browns are being caught on lures.

Where:Dogtown lake
When:10/12/08
Caught:9 trout
Technique:Power Bait any color
Comments:We landed 1 every 15 minutes; it was a good time. Try next to boat ramp.
Name:bj
JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSEL TANK -  Has been stocked

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Anglers are catching trout and yellow perch.  Stocked with catfish

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers.  Campgrounds are closed.  Must walk in to fish.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — A fish kill has occurred.  There may not be any fish left.

UPPER LAKE MARY — The lake is full.  Some Pike are being caught on anchovies.

Where:Upper Lake Mary
When:10/05/08
Caught:Northern Pike
Technique:Large KastMasters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons
Comments:Total of 15 pike ranging from 12 inches to about 25 inches; water was like glass only boat on the lake perfect setting and elk bugling all morning
Name:Beau Schmeckpeper, Robert Pickens, Eric Keefe

ASHURST LAKE —  The lake is full, the road is open.  .

FRANCIS SHORT POND – Scheduled to be stocked this week.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road Open.  Some large brown trout and one large Rainbow were stocked in the lake.

MARSHALL LAKE —  Road Open.

OAK CREEK — Fishing is fair. A few small rainbow trout are being caught on flies.

LONG LAKE — Lake is open.  Water level is good.  Lake has been stocked.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Lakes are open. No report.

BEAVER CREEK — Stocked last week with rainbow trout and will be stocked again this coming week. Fishing should be good.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Scheduled for the first trout stocking of the year the first week of November – get ready.

Fishing in general has been fair to good. Catfish were stocked on Sept. 17 in both the middle and lower lagoons.  Try using small plastic jigs, plastic worms, or small spinnerbaits near deeper cover for bass.  The catfish bite has been good in the evening.   Some angler’s are having limited success in the day.
Bluegills are very abundant, but most are small.  This is a great opportunity to teach kids how to fish.  Try using a No. 12 hook with a small piece of worm under a bobber and you should have success.  While the crappie numbers are up a little, most are small.  Look for the crappie fishing to be good late this year or next year.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – The area between Camp Verde and Cottonwood is scheduled for the first trout stockings of the season during the opening week of November – look for bridges.

Channel catfish action has been fair in the Verde Valley. Most success on catfish is by using night crawlers and chicken liver after dusk.  Look for the bass to be biting early morning and in the evening.

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — Trout are scheduled to get stocked this week, the week of Oct. 20.  Anglers targeting trout were successful. Catfish and sunfish were stocked the week of June 23.  Anglers are still having some limited success catching some of those catfish, but it is fairly slow.  Try using night crawlers for the catfish. The sunfish will bite on meal worms or small worms.  Panther Martins are working well for the sunfish.  For trout try using spinners or bright colored Power Bait.

GOLDWATER LAKE —Trout were stocked the week of Oct. 13.  Catfish and bass were stocked the week of Sept. 15.  Trout seem to be biting pretty good, as well as some of the catfish and bass. You may want to try using KastMasters. If that does not work, try worms or Power Bait. Night crawlers are the ticket for the catfish, the trick is to float the night crawler off the bottom a little so the crayfish don’t get it. You can either inflate your night crawler or you can use marshmallows. Some days the fishing seems to be better than other days as well.

Game and Fish biologists weighed a 22-pound channel catfish that was caught at Goldwater in March. On July 11, a 26-pound catfish was caught on a hotdog and an 11-pound catfish was caught since then.  While the number of catfish is low, the quality is exceptional.  Bluegills were stocked Feb 25.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 16, and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish was low, the quality was exceptional. One 19lbs and a 14lbs catfish was sampled and released. No bass were sampled this year. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin – Bluegill and bass are plentiful in this lake.  The aquatic vegetation has not been bad this year making fishing this lake easier than normal. Try floating a worm on a bobber to catch the bluegills.  This may result in some bass being caught as well.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of Oct.  6.  Sub-catchable brook trout were stocked on Sept. 24.  The trout fishing picked up a little following the last stocking.  Trout were seen cruising near the surface and jumping, so you may want to fish under a bobber or with spinners near the surface. Most anglers are having success on worms. Avoid going over 20 feet deep. Some anglers may be having success with spinners early in the morning.  Some of the brook trout that were stocked in February are still showing up. Try using chartreuse Power Bait on the bottom for these pretty little fish. Catfish were stocked June 9 and again on June 25.  Try using night crawlers or hot dogs for the catfish.

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3.  These structures should protect small fishes from predation.  Some 7-inch brook trout were in February and 5-inchers in September. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

MINGUS LAKE – Mingus was stocked the week of Oct. 6 and is scheduled to be stocked again this week, the week of Oct. 20.  Fishing has been good following the stocking.  The best bait has been orange or pink Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker. Fishermen using night crawlers grass hoppers and flies have also reported doing well.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – Bass, Bluegill and catfish are common in this lake. One angler reported seeing several 5lb catfish recently.  Crappies are found in low numbers. Bullheads are easily caught using a small piece of worm.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson on Sept. 17, 2008  and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies are also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – Bass, bluegill, and bullhead are plentiful.  Most of the bluegills are on the small side, but the bullhead are thick.  If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.