TUCSON URBAN — Spring fishing is HOT! HOT! HOT! Fishing activity at Urban Fishing Program lakes is excellent with anglers reporting nice stringers of catfish, aggressive bluegill and hybrid sunfish, some nice bass and a few remaining trout. Fish have been stocked three weeks in a row, with channel catfish stockings starting March 21, followed by hybrid sunfish March 27-28 and more catfish coming the week of March 31-April 5.

On top of all the stockings of big fish, the lakes are producing good action for largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish as all three of these species are in spring spawning mode and moving close to shore. Stockings of the 1-3 pound catfish will continue every two weeks through June. So get out now during these cool spring days to enjoy fishing that is hot, hot, hot!
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 — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND — No recent reports of success. For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – No recent reports.

KEARNY LAKES — The golden algae is 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 diminishes, 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 marks 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. Bluegills 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 marks 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 ½-pound largemouth. Anglers are reporting success on swim baits. Sunfish are beginning to show up as well.

Where:
Patagonia Lake
When:
03/29/08
Caught:
Nothing
Technique:
Catfish - various Stink baits and worms
Comments:
One whole day, no bites, no action and didn’t see anyone else catching anything either - Depressing
Name:
Marina Jackson
PARKER CANYON — This lake is being stocked with rainbow trout this week. 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- to 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.

Where:
parker canyon lake
When:
03/25/08
Caught:
nothing
Technique:
corn and worms
Comments:
windy, a few people were catching fish in a different location
Name:
james hooper
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. Please contact the Forest Service for information on when the road will open.