TUCSON URBAN — Rainbow trout was stocked at all urban waters on Nov. 13 and will continue to be stocked every two weeks from November through March.  Fishing should be good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or small trout lures.  All lakes were recently stocked with bluegill and action is good for these feisty fighters.  Try mealworms, corn or dough balls fished below a small bobber for the best action. Catfish action is fair now that the fall stockings are over.  Trout fishing is good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson.  Best action for trout is coming on Power Bait, salmon eggs, worms and small spinners.

2008 Urban fishing licenses (Class U) is 50-percent off until the end of the year.  Some vendors may not know of the 50-percent off status.  Please remind them, and they can call Game and Fish to confirm.

We have some impressive entries so far in the Urban Fishing Program 2008 Big Fish-of-the-Year contest.  Topping the list as a 10.2-pound channel catfish caught by Shay Denniston from Lakeside Lake in Tucson.  A 5.25 pound incentive stocked rainbow trout was caught from Water Ranch Lake in January by Tony Morello.  Louis Hoeniger has been busy with three catch and release records all from Papago Ponds: a 25-inch catfish, 18-inch largemouth bass and an 8-inch bluegill.

With only two months to go, there are plenty of chances to report your big fish catches in either of two categories; kept or released. Application forms and instructions for the contest are in the current Urban Fishing Program brochure or AZ Fishing Regulation booklet.  Updates on the current leaders can be checked out on our website at www.azgfd.gov.  Each year’s winners receive a certificate, hat and other gifts.

Where:Silverbell lake
When:10/08/08
Caught:22-pound 9-ounce carp
Technique:chicken liver, slip sinker ten inches above hook
Comments:biggest fish I ever caught.
Name:Ryan Coop

RIGGS FLAT — The lake is closed for the winter.

CLUFF RANCH — No recent reports of success.  The lake was stocked with 1,750 trout plus incentive-size fish last week and the water temperature was 58 degrees.  A new fishing pier has been installed which should provide a large increase in access for shore anglers.  For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE — The lake was stocked with 2,250 rainbow trout last week and the water temperature was 60F.  For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

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

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR – The lake has been stocked but no reports of success have been received.  Early morning and late evenings should produce fish though.

KEARNY LAKES — The Department in cooperation with the Town of Kearny have completed treatment for golden algae and the lake will be stocked this week with catchable rainbow trout.

ARIVACA —Water is stained and an algal bloom is ongoing.  The lake level continues to drop however anglers are not reporting problems with launching.  Please use caution on the sides of the ramp.  Erosion has caused some problems and we are working to repair it as quickly as possible.  The fishing remains slow as water temps continue to cool.  Anglers are asked 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 – Pena Blanca Lake is closed.

PATAGONIA — The lake will be stocked with trout this week.  No reports of angler success have been received.  Warmwater species will continue to slow as cooler temperatures prevail.

PARKER CANYON — Has been stocked with rainbow trout. The store at Parker Canyon is closed and currently there are no plans by the Forest Service to re-open it.  Anglers needing a license will need to purchase that prior to arriving at the lake.
Where:Parker Canyon Lake
When:11/13/08
Caught:Rainbow Trout & Sunfish
Technique:Fly fishing from inflatable pontoon. Most success with a big flashy wooly-bugger trailing a tiny beadhead pheasant tail about 18 inches behind the bugger. All trout took the nymph.
Comments:Fished from sunrise to sunset. Kind of slow, but a beautiful day. Clear and little wind. Lots of risers, but they weren’t taking surface flies. Most bites came a few feet under the surface. Caught trout in phases right around noon and then around 4pm. Sunfish were feeding at the weedline and fought aggressively.
Name:Chris
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The lake is closed for the winter and anglers wishing to fish this lake will have to hike in.  Anglers are having some success catching trout.  Recent reports are that anglers are having success catching brown trout.

Where:Rose Canyon Lake
When:11/11/08
Caught:8 Rainbow Trout
Technique:Bottom Fishing with Power Bait and worms and then bobber with worms
Comments:The fishing was good in the morning on the bottom and then later in the day they came up and the bobber was getting some good hits and landed two nice size trout
Name:James Sorensen
Where:Rose Canyon Lake
When:11/06/08
Caught:Rainbow Trout
Technique:Power Bait on the bottom caught two fish. Nothing on small spinners. Fly fishing with drys, hoppers, Adams, etc. only 1 fish. Nyphm caught 1 fish.
Comments:Biked in since the gates are closed. Lake was quiet. Lots of fish rising to the surface. Saw dozens of fish but they were spooky and action was very slow. Talked to a few other fishermen & they had slow days. One guy said he caught several in a row all day last week of October.
Name:Chris