URBAN — LAST STOCKING OF SPRING CATFISH SEASON JUNE 23-28. The last of eight, every-other-week spring catfish stockings will take place the week of June 23-28. With lake temperatures climbing rapidly towards 90 degrees and air temperatures well above 100, it becomes impractical to haul live fish into Arizona’s Urban lakes. No fish stockings will be scheduled during July, August and the first half of September.  Fall catfish stockings will resume in mid-September after lake and weather conditions improve enough to safely transport and stock catfish once again.  Anglers can still fish for catfish, bass and bluegill at urban waters throughout the summer, but the action is generally slower.

Angler reports:

Rory,

The urban fishing here in Tucson had been excellent this year.  Erick Swanson , has done a very good job with our 4 lakes & with the stocking program.

The fish are the best that I have seen. THEY ARRIVE HERE HEALTHY, really good color & very active. I have fished AZ & Tucson for 35 years , ( just got my  Senior’s license.)

They have a very good taste, when fried golden brown in beerbatter, along with Hush-puppies and a tall cool drink, after an enjoyable day of fishing. I will attach a photo, taken today (see above).

The cats were biting stink bait , 3 feet under a float, in about 20 feet of water.

Good fishing
Don Lawing

Where: TUCSON -LAKESIDE
When: 06/22/08
Caught: CAT FISH
Technique: Casting from the bank, using a =float= with the stink bait set at about 2 feet down.
Comments: I fish early, before sun -up. The catfish are very active at this time. I catch 4 nice big ones in less than 30 minutes. I usually release all but one. I eat only fresh fish. I will send you pictures of my recent catches, they are very healthy, fight hard & taste delicious. I have fished LAKESIDE 32 YEARS, THIS IS THE BEST YEAR EVER. I THINK THAT MR.SWANSON FINALLY GOT THE URBAN FISHING PROGRAM “RIGHT”. Thank you Glenn Lawing
Name: glenn Lawing

Where: lakeside
When: 06/16/08
Caught: 1 catfish, 2 sunfish and 1 goldfish??????
Technique: catfish and sunfish were caught on worm using a bobber. the??goldfish?? was caught on the bottom with chicken liver,
Comments: I was fishing on the bottom using chicken liver and reeled in a pan sized goldfish. what’s up with that?? very interesting
Name: Donald Pieper

Where:Sahurita Lake
When:06/03/08
Caught:Largemouth Bass
Technique:Topwater Spook
Comments:I was told that no one has caught a bass in lake for several months I caught 3 in one area using topwater baits
Name:Danneal Castillo

Where:Silverbell Lake
When:06/01/08
Caught:1catfish, 1 Amur
Technique:fished bottom with Ultra Light, 6 Lb test, bait unknown
Comments:I saw this guy fight a “Carp” for about a half an hour. After drawing a crowd, he finally landed it and tangled with the 8 lb Amur was a 2 lb Catfish. He gave the fish away and quit for the day, a very satisfied individual. It was fun to watch. I caught 3 catfish myself bottom fishing with night crawlers. Name:Skip Strauss

RIGGS FLAT — Fishing is slow but a few fish are being caught.  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 – A few fish are being caught in the very early morning and late evenings.

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 redear’s 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 marked a change in the motor restrictions at this lake.  Motors 10 horsepower or less are legal for use at Arivaca.

Anglers are encouraged to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore.

Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water.

PENA BLANCA – Be aware that the lake will be drained and renovated late this summer to remove mercury contaminated sediment form the lake bottom. Anglers wishing to comment on the proposed dredging of this lake should contact the U.S. Forest Service at (520) 281-2296.

The fishing is slow. Aquatic vegetation is becoming a problem.  Recent storms have filled the lake and there should be no problem launching please be aware of debris floating in the lake and use caution.

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 — The catfishing is doing well using everything from worms to commercial baits for channels. Smaller ones in the 12-14 inch range are being caught all day and larger ones at night.

Flatheads are biting on rigged live bluegill and red ear mostly in the dark hours. Bass fishing is fair to good using almost any crank baits or worms. There are lots of bluegill and red ear being caught on any bait. Most are pretty small but great fun for kids.

PARKER CANYON —Warm water fish are biting in the early a.m. and late p.m. including bluegill and bass, it seems the later in the morning the deeper you need to fish near the weed lines. Worms seem to be the best bait for the bluegills, and deep water lures for the bass. Bass at night is better with top water lures and buzz baits.  Trout are very slow, in deep water only.

PICACHO RESERVOIR — No Report at this time.

ROSE CANYON LAKE —  The fishing continues to be outstanding and anglers are encouraged to get up there and try their luck.