The cold, windy storm front blasting through the state last weekend likely chilled down a lot of lakes, especially the desert ones. Whether this will cool down the hot bite at some of the lakes, such as Pleasant, Bartlett and Saguaro, remains to be seen.

However, there is a pretty good chance that the warmer weather this weekend could energize the predatory sport-fish in the desert lakes. Who knows, this may be the last hurrah for the good fall fishing, so don’t procrastinate.

Trout in the high elevation lakes may experience the same trend. Dramatic drops in water temperatures can either shut down the fall bite, or prompt the fish into frenzied feeding activities before winter conditions arrive. As with the warmwater fisheries, it is never certain what weather may be around the corner, so go while the opportunity exists.

Typically, larger deeper lakes like Willow Springs and Big Lake can be less affected by any single climatic event, so they will be the most likely to turn on this week. Bear Canyon is another good bet. Chevelon Canyon, which can be tough to access, might be worth it if the trout fishing gets going for bruiser browns. We haven’t heard much out of Knoll Lake along the Rim, but it is often a top autumn producer.

By the way, the Green Valley Lakes in Payson will be stocked with trout on Friday, Oct. 17 (probably in the late afternoon between 4-5 p.m.). Payson Mayor Kenny Evans will stock the first fish. This is turning into an informal “Welcome Back the Trout” celebration. Come out and join us. This fishery along Main Street is part of the Urban Fishing Program, so you will need the special urban license. This is a fun fishery that is very kid friendly.

This might also be a good time to try the lakes around the Williams area, such as Dogtown, Kaibab and Whitehorse. Dogtown does have some brown trout, and browns get into spawning behavior in the fall. Whitehorse is on the comeback trail after having low lake levels for about a decade. Whitehorse was going great guns for stockers a few weeks ago, but we haven’t heard much from anglers lately.

As a side note, it is likely tree squirrels that had hunkered down during the nasty weather this past weekend might be prompted to also feed more heavily this weekend with the expected warming trend, so consider a trout-and-squirrel adventure to the mountains.

Don’t forget that our winter trout stockings are slowly picking up speed, with Lynx, Fain, Beaver Creek, West Clear Creek and Mingus being stocked last week and Goldwater, Francis Short and Oak Creek being stocked this week. Next week, Parker Canyon in southern Arizona is added to the mix.

You might want to take note that the Gambel’s quail hunting (season is underway) is decent in southeastern Arizona and biologists expect one of our best Mearns’ quail hunting seasons (season opens Nov. 28). So take along your shotgun, mix in a little Gamble’s fun, and scout for Mearns’ while you visiting Parker Canyon or Patagonia lakes.

Anglers heading for Roosevelt may also want to take along a shotgun. The Tonto Basin is a Gambel’s quail hot spot, with lots of young birds being taken this year. In fact, there were lots of young quail around eight weeks old coming through our Tonto Basin check station on opening weekend. It’s been a strange year, but the upside is having some great quail hunting opportunities again. Don’t miss out.

For the first week of November, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Verde River will both be stocked with rainbow trout for the first time this season. These are great places to take the family fishing. Dead Horse also offers very easy access for most of those with disabilities.

Also during the first week of November, the popular Lower Salt River near Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe will be stocked with rainbow trout. During most winters, the flows come from the Verde side of the drainage equation, which means the stretch of river from the Phon D. Sutton Recreation area to the Granite Reef Division Dam is stocked. If I get a firm date for this stocking, I will try to share it with you. It has become a fun event.

Don’t forget that the urban program lakes will be stocked with feisty hybrid sunfish this coming week, so plan to get the kids out soon.

For all you catfish anglers, check out the recent fish survey results at Alamo Lake. There are significant number of channels in the 2 to 3-pound size range, as well as occasional individuals of 7 to 8 pounds, and larger. In fact, bass anglers often catch catfish surprises when working crankbaits here.

Enjoy the predicted milder weather this weekend. Maybe I’ll see you out there.