LAKE HAVASU – The striper bite is fair to moderate with the best times being pre-dawn and mid morning and reports of night time fishing are revealing larger catches of stripers in the 10-15-pound range. These after dark hour fish are being caught on white or glow in the dark 5-inch Sassy Shads or 5-inch paddle tail Bass Assassins. To recharge your glow-in-the-dark baits, flash them with a high intensity flash light or flash from a camera. During the daytime hours, switch to slow-trolling anchovies in the 25- to 30-foot range. Reports of recent catches have been at Site Six, Three dunes (south end of the Lake) and at Havasu Landing. Try slow-trolling from Havasu landing to the mouth of the river on the California shoreline in 15-30 feet of water, or from Windsor North to the mouth of the River in the same depth.

The large and smallmouth bass fishing is fair right now, however the bite is getting better daily and is generally best in the early morning before the sun fully rises. Try using crankbaits in the early morning and switching to soft plastics when the suns up. These fish are beginning a transition process of their pre spawn stage and can be caught in 10 to 20 feet of water off rocky points with deep water nearby. Try baits that imitate the natural forage in the lake such as crawdad or shad colored lures.
If you’re fishing the backwaters up North in the river, jigs and Senkos are working well. The lake is very low right now so caution must be taken when entering these areas as the water fluctuates with the course of the day. Always bring a 100-foot tow rope or push pole in the event of getting stuck on sand bars.

Important notice: Quagga mussels have been found in Lake Havasu so proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please move to the parking lot, DRAIN your live-wells and bilge where the water does not return to the lake. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, INSPECT your watercraft and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

PARKER STRIP – Water levels have been restored on the strip for the most part. Local anglers report good fishing for sunfish using mealworms and a slip weight on the bottom. Bass fishing has been slow, but may start turning on in the next month or so depending on the weather. Catfish may start biting as well. Try live bait like bluegill or shad for flatheads. Channel cats will take night crawlers, chicken livers, and other stinky baits.

Beginning Feb. 9, Game and Fish will have stocked some nice rainbow trout in the ponds at La Paz County Park in support of the 29th annual Take a Kid Fishing event. Everyone is invited to participate with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and fishing from 11a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All bait and tackle will be available to borrow.

ALAMO LAKE – The Alamo Lake Cleanup is set up for Saturday, March 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. State Parks will waive camp fees for those that stay in the group use area. For all the details contact Stewart Kohnke, wildlife manager at (928) 684-3763 or (928) 342- 0091. Those who would like to donate items for the raffle should also contact Kohnke.

This report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park: Well folks, your not missing a lot out here as far as fishing goes. We had quiet a few folks out here for the three-day weekend and as far as I know, nobody caught any fish. It’s just a matter of time. They can’t stay on strike forever. The lake’s starting to settle and visibility is about a foot. The water temp is hitting 52, and 55 in the back of coves. Although we’re hitting 70 degrees out here, they are calling for rain later this week, and this could mess things up even longer. Now’s the time to change out the water pump impeller on your outboard. While you’re replacing the water pump impeller, change your lower unit oil. If nothing else, pull the prop off and look for fishing line wrapped up on the shaft. I did all the above last week and cringed when I pulled out about 20 yards of fishing line wrapped up in the shaft. All it takes is for the line to were through one of the seals and fill the lower unit with water and you’re in for some high dollar repairs. When you change your lower unit oil, look for water in the oil. If you see water in the oil there’s a good chance you ruined a seal caused by fishing line. Now that you’ve gotten this far, and are motivated so to speak, take a minute and squirt some grease into the trailer bearings. Check the trailer tires for dry rot. Check your spare and make sure it has air in it. If you decide to take on the engine repairs yourself, then by a manual. Most manuals can walk you through the simple things like changing plugs, fuel filters, etc. If you’re like me, I can tear anything apart but need pictures and cue cards to but it back together. The lake level is 1,124 with releases of 40 cfs. Both ramps are in operation. No word on when we will be moving into the new store. While writing this I had a guy stop in and say he caught two bass today throwing a brush hog in 10 ft of water. That’s it for now.

Spring Outlooks:

Alamo Lake:

The lake elevation continues to be good. Largemouth bass are present in all sizes and fishing is expected to be good to excellent throughout the spring. It looks like most of the bass are in the protected slot with a fair number over the slot. Exactly what is going on with the crappie is unknown. The bite has not developed as usual but we anticipate fishing to be fair to good throughout the spring.

Channel catfish will be good to excellent this spring and throughout the summer. There are other fish present such as bluegill, redear sunfish and carp that are a lot of fun to catch. All types of bait should work.

As the weather warms, shift from slowly working plastics in deeper water to crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures for bass.

For channel catfish any of the prepared catfish baits as well as chicken livers, shrimp, and anything else you can think of should work.

Both of the boat ramps are useable at this time and the store at the lake is still closed so you need to bring everything with you. If you run short of anything you might be able to pick it up at the Wayside Inn or in Wenden. The certified scale that was located at the store is now located at the Alamo State Park Office and the park office also has live bait for the crappie fishermen.

Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:

Largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass are expected to be good to excellent this spring. The size will range from 13 inches and up with an occasional fish greater than 5 pounds. Striped bass will continue to be excellent for small fish (12-18 inches) with occasional fish over 3 pounds. The lake is also full of smaller striper that will make it challenging to catch the larger fish. Channel catfish as well as bluegill and redear sunfish will be good to excellent. Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (Bill Williams River Arm) through the spring. Sizes of flathead catfish can reach as high as 40 pounds. When fishing for them select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure has been placed.

The warmer weather causes the bite to increase making crankbaits and topwater lures a good choice. Also, spinner baits, jigs, cut fish, live shad, etc. should work depending on the species you are looking for.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.

Colorado River (Parker Strip Area):

It is expected to be good to excellent for smallmouth bass with fish over two pounds this spring. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good to excellent in the pound plus sizes. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.

Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter’s Camp):

This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area. Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2 to 5 pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. The time for fishing for both species of catfish will be late spring and throughout the summer. Generally speaking, when fishing for catfish the hotter the weather the better the fishing.

This section of the Colorado River all the way down to Yuma is where invasive species known as Giant Salvinia is located as well as quagga mussels. If using a boat make, sure the boat, live wells, engines, and trailer is clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

Colorado River (between Walter’s Camp and Picacho State Park):

This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). The various backwaters will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill and redear). Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.

This section of the Colorado River all the way down to Yuma is where invasive species known as Giant Salvinia is located as well as quagga mussels. If using a boat make, sure the boat, live wells, engines, and trailer is clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

Colorado River (between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam):

This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds. Other sunfish such as bluegill and redear are also present in the various backwaters as well as an occasional striped bass will be caught in the backwaters and main river channel.

This section of the Colorado River all the way down to Yuma is where invasive species known as Giant Salvinia is located as well as quagga mussels. If using a boat make, sure the boat, live wells, engines, and trailer is clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):

This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds is common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds is a good bet. In this area accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and the larger boat will be able to get on the river in that area.

This section of the Colorado River all the way down to Yuma is where invasive species known as Giant Salvinia is located as well as quagga mussels. If using a boat make, sure the boat, live wells, engines, and trailer is clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this area I would away from that area (Pilot Knob to Moreles Dam).

Regional Hot Spots:

Alamo Lake will be the hot spot for largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish. Since there appears to be more fish in the lake at the present time, I recommend keeping as many of the smaller bass as you can legally possess in order to try and reduce the population a little.

Next choice would be Lake Havasu for striped bass, Parker Strip for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp for flathead catfish.

If you need any additional information or additional don’t hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 341-4051 and I will be happy to accommodate you.

Note: Most higher elevation lakes are ice covered. There is lots of snow pack. Most lakes should fill and spill.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE — Campground area is closed. Main parking lot and boat launch open for day use only.

CATARACT LAKE — Campground is closed.

CITY RESERVOIR — No reports.

DOGTOWN LAKE — No reports.

JD DAM — No reports.

RUSSEL TANK - No reports.

SANTA FE — No reports.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — No report from anglers. Campground is closed.

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY — This lake now has some water again. Plus, Upper Lake Mary is all the way up to the spillway, even before the runoff season. This lake should catch some decent water this year and will most likely be stocked.

UPPER LAKE MARY — Lake is full, but iced over. No reports.

ASHURST LAKE — No reports.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – No reports.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — No reports.

MARSHALL LAKE — No reports.

OAK CREEK — Has not been stocked recently. Could be some decent fishing if you find the right spot.

LONG LAKE — No reports.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — No reports.

BEAVER CREEK — No recent reports.

WEST CLEAR CREEK — No reports.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

MINGUS LAKE –Trout were stocked last on the week of Oct 15. Try bright-colored Power Bait like chartreuse, salmon eggs, or various spinners. The gate is closed until the spring, but you can walk in and fish.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline. Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK –Fishing should be very good. Try using small spinners, worms, or Power Bait. Some anglers have reported catching limits, while others have not done as well.

Catfish were stocked the week of Sept. 24, for Verde River Days festivities. Several largemouth bass, including a 10-plus pounder have been caught this summer in the middle lagoon. In-line spinners, plastic grubs, and small crankbaits have been the ticket. The bluegill fishing has been good using a salmon egg or small worm on a small bait hook below a bobber. The bluegills are plentiful in both the middle and lower lagoons, so between trout and catfish stockings try your luck with the bluegill.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout are scheduled to be stocked with 3,600 rainbow trout this week, the week of March. 3. There is a fishing clinic for kids at the white Bridge on Saturday the March 9.

The river flows had increased significantly recently but have diminished considerably. Stocking sites are at Tuzigoot Bridge outside of Clarkdale, the bridge that leads to the Dead Horse State Park, at Dead Horse State Parks access point called the Jacks, at the White Bridge in Camp Verde, and at Bignotti Beach. The department stocks trout in these waters from November through March, when the water temperature can support a trout fishery. Cold winter water temperatures keep the other game fish fairly inactive until about mid-March.

Tuzigoot Bridge (leading to Tuzigoot National Monument) has decent rainbow trout fishing early and late in the day. Most fishermen concentrate near the bridge, but the pools and currents downstream within 300 yards of the bridge hold lots of trout and do not see much fishing pressure. Small spoons such as Z-rays, Mepps and Panther Martin spinners, and Power Bait all work well.

Fly-fishermen seem to prefer fishing the Verde River between Riverfront Park and Dead Horse Ranch State Park in the town of Cottonwood. The trout aren’t too fussy about the type of fly/lure or presentation. The best success here has been first thing in the morning until about 10 a.m.

Bignotti Beach (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, near Thousand Trails RV Park) has had decent fishing as well. Anglers tossing in-line spinners, small spoons, or fly-fishing with dark, gold-bead nymphs are doing best during mid-day, while fly-fishermen floating a variety of dry flies are having good success early and late in the day.

The White Bridge in Camp Verde (Highway 260 bridge over the Verde River) is an under-utilized trout fishery. A U.S. Forest Service picnic area above the river provides convenient parking and a short walk to the Verde River. Try fishing the riffles and pools upstream of the bridge. Mepps in-line spinners, small KastMaster spoons, and bright-colored Power Bait (fished on a treble hook above a sliding egg-sinker) have been the most productive offerings.

LYNX LAKE — Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of Feb. 11. The lake was frozen over, but the fish were still stocked. Some 7-inch brook trout were stocked last week (Feb 25). Look for the fishing to be fair to good following the stocking and the ice melting. Rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked next week (March 10).

Game and Fish Biologists installed PVC fish structures on Jan. 3. These structures should protect small fishes from predation.

Brook trout were stocked in September. The brooks were in the 5-inch range, but hopefully they will be catchable size for the fishing in the spring. Game and Fish stocked catfish the week of June 4. There were 200 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. Game and Fish biologists surveyed Lynx in May and found that the brook trout stocked in September 2006 were still present.

FAIN LAKE —Fain lake was stocked with both rainbow trout and brook trout on Feb. 25 The fishing should be very good following the stocking. Rainbows are scheduled to be stocked again next week. Use spinners or bright colored power bait. Shore fishing area may be limited as sediment deposits have resulted from the rains.

Prescott Valley Parks and Recreation held the annual Gold Fever Days at Fain Lake in mid October, were nearly all of the kids that participated in the fishing clinic caught fish. Five-inch brook trout were stocked in Sept. 24 and rainbows were stocked Oct. 12 & 15. Rainbows are scheduled to be stocked again the week of Dec 3. Catfish were stocked on June 4. There were 150 pounds of bluegill stocked on March 29. These fish were hand-sized and should be easily caught. Try using worms or mealworms on a bobber. Small spinners may work as well.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout were stocked the week of Feb. 11. Look for the fishing to pick up almost immediately following the stocking. Try using spinners, jigs, worms or rainbow Power Bait. Bluegills were stocked last week (Feb. 25). Rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked again the week of March 17.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater during the middle of May last year and found the trout and sunfish plentiful. While the number of catfish and bass was low, the quality was exceptional. One 16-pound catfish was sampled and released. The bass averaged about 3.5 pounds. On March 29, 2007, there were 400 pounds of bluegill stocked. These fish were hand-sized and should be easily caught. Try using worms or mealworms on a bobber. Small spinners may work as well. If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.