The ample winter rains and snow fall have kept all the regional lakes full. This combined with a large spawn last year should lead to great year of fishing. Water temperatures will warm up soon putting fish into pre-spawn mode causing them to feed voraciously; many personal bests could be beaten this year.

If the summer rains come again like last year, look for easy access at all you favorite southern Arizona lakes, keeping the experience enjoyable. As always, we recommend that lake conditions be checked before heading out to find your lunker

TUCSON URBAN — Channel catfish were stocked last week for the first time. There should still be some trout left to catch as well. Worms, stink baits, and shrimp fished on the bottom with a sinker attached about a foot above the baited hook should work well for catching catfish.

Where:
Silverbell Lake (Urban)
When:
03/22/08
Caught:
2 Channel Catfish-17 and 19 inches (2 got away, one was over 20 inches)
Technique:
Stink bait and earthworm with a 3/4 ounce weight on the bottom on a tight-line rig
Comments:
Used 6 lb. Berkley line; broke with big fish. The cats really biting from 8 AM to 10 AM, then it slowed.
Name:
Todd Hout

RIGGS FLAT — Lake is closed for the season.

CLUFF RANCH — For lake information call (928) 485-9430. Stocked on March 18 with 1,500 trout and the water temperature was 60F.

Angler report
Where:
Cluff Ranch
When:
03/13/08
Caught:
bass and crappie
Technique:
Small Gitzit reeled slow along weed beds worked well for crappie all day and worms about mid-depth for bass
Comments:
I caught 1 bass between 5 and 6 pounds on worms and four more between 3 and 5 pounds
Name:
andy wells

ROPER LAKE — Stocked on March 18 with 500 rainbow trout. The water temperature was 60F. Fishing should be good. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

Angler report
Where:
Roper Lake
When:
03/20/08
Caught:
bass
Technique:
rubber crawdads along the shore line proved very successful for spawning bass
Comments:
I caught between 8 and 12 bass in a 4-hour period
Name:
andy wells
DANKWORTH POND — Stocked with 500 rainbow trout on March 18 and the water temperature was 58 F. Fishing should be good. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – Has been stocked recently.
Angler report

Where:
Frye Mesa
When:
03/01/08
Caught:
trout
Technique:
half a worm fished on the bottom next to the creek feeding
Comments:
caught a lot of trout this way
Name:
andy wells
.

KEARNY LAKES — The golden algae are blooming and the test fish we placed in the lake died almost immediately. The department has no further plans at this time to try and restock the lake. Later this year once temperatures begin to warm and the threat form golden algae diminish the department will re-evaluate the situation.

ARIVACA — Bass fishing is slowly picking up. Anglers are reporting some fish being caught on plastics. Fish are reportedly in 4 to 10 feet of water. Jan. 1 marked a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be legal for use at Arivaca. Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water.

PENA BLANCA – Fishing for trout is still good using flies on the surface and some using Power Bait. Blue gills are picking up using worms and some bull heads are being caught with worms on the bottom. Bass are beginning to get ready for the spawn and are on their beds. Be aware that the lake will be drained and renovated late this summer to remove mercury. There is still a mercury warning for all fish in the lake except trout.

The lake now has a 10 HP limit but be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other people fishing in boats or on shore. The mercury advisory for all warm water fish is in effect. Bass less than 13 inches long must be immediately released. The daily bag limit for bass is four. Jan. 1 marked a change in the motor restrictions at this lake. Motors 10 horsepower or less will now be legal for use at Pena Blanca.

PATAGONIA — Tournament anglers had another great weekend. The three-fish limit in the latest weekend tournament tipped the scale at over 18 pounds and the big fish award for the tournament was a 9 1/2 pound largemouth.

PARKER CANYON — Water conditions at Parker Canyon Lake remain high, with the algae bloom that has been present over the past two years appearing to be receding. Trout fishing is fair to good with limits of 10-12 inch fat rainbows being taken. All bait types, including live worms, Power Baits, salmon eggs, and lures, are producing fish. The water temperature is approximately 55 degrees, so pre-spawn should begin within the next week or so, depending on daily temperatures. With the water level being high, spawning areas will not be limited as in past years when the level was down. April through the end of May is a great period for anglers to catch a variety of cold and warm water species.

Angler reports:

Where: Parker Canyon Lake
When: 03/20/08
Caught: trout, bluegill, bass
Technique: spinners cast from shore
Comments: fishing was a little slow, most likely from the cold front that blew in last week. Lake was very crowded. Water still really cold.
Name: Yosh Packard

Where: Parker Canyon Lake
When: 03/19/08
Caught: Trout
Technique: Panther Martin spinner, Mepps spinner
Where: Parker Canyon Lake
When: 03/15/08
Caught: trout
Technique: ultra light gear. power bait yellow corn and rainbow
Comments: all caught limit within 2 hours, then enjoyed the scenery.
Name: Ben Reyna

PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report.

ROSE CANYON LAKE — The access road is now closed for the season. Anglers can still access the lake by walking in.