Southern Arizona Fishing Outlook
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 — 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.
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:Sahuarita
When:04/05/08
Caught:limit of catfish 15″-20″
Technique:standard slip sinker
Comments:I noticed when i was filletiong the fish that a 19″ catfish had the dorsal and pectoral fins from another catfish ion its stomach. They were approximately the same length as the fins on the catfish that must have eaten them. I thought it was interesting that this fish must have eaten at least part of another catfish but i cant figure out how it ate another catfish of similar size. any ideas on how that may have happended? there is no way the fish i filleted could have eaten another catfish of that size. So i am wondering if during the 40hr drive there may have been a dead fish in the tanker and was eaten by the transported fish?? I just thought it is interesting.
Name:Steve
RIGGS FLAT — The lake open and there should be plenty of trout left over from last year to keep anglers busy. Anglers reported having success over the weekend. Due high pH levels the lake will not be stocked until these values come down.
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 lake remains fishless due to golden algae problems.
ARIVACA — Anglers wanting to catch some trophy sized redear sunfish should definitely visit this lake. Recent surveys show outstanding numbers of large redears at this lake. A few bass are being caught in shallow water using swim baits. The lake level has a dropped a bit but launching is not a problem and the aquatic vegetation is not a factor. 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 – Anglers wishing to comment on the proposed dredging of this lake should contact the U.S. Forest Service at (520) 281-2296. The fishing remains fair. 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 — Bass fishing remains slow as the spawn continues. Anglers are still reporting success with bass by flipping jigs in the cattails. Cat fishing is doing well especially at night on flatheads. Some nice ones are coming in by using live bluegill or redear that are caught easily in the lake. Hook them up with a hook under the dorsal and a slip weight. Some trout are still being caught in the deeper water near the dam.
PARKER CANYON —Trout fishing remains fair to good with limits of 10-12 inch rainbows still being taken. All bait types, including live worms, power baits, salmon eggs, and lures, are producing fish. 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.
PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report but it is reported that the lake is full. AZGFD has no plans to stock this lake or try and manage it for a fishery at this time.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The access road is now open for the season. The fishing has been outstanding. Due to the cost of fuel, the lake will only be stocked once a month this summer however the same number of fish will be stocked as we will be bringing larger numbers of fish in each single load instead of two smaller loads. The next scheduled trout stocking will be near the end of May.
