Arizona Fishing

TROUT SEASON OFF TO GREAT START All 20 lakes were successfully stocked with rainbow trout on the season opening date of November 15. Lake temperatures ranged from 65-70 degrees and pH levels were well within stocking requirements at all waters. Trout sizes averaged 11-12 inches with some fish in the 14-16 inch range. Anglers have reported fair to excellent fishing for the recently stocked trout. At some waters, the trout were ready to bite soon after stocking, while at other waters it took a couple days for the fish to get used to their new surroundings and start to bite well. The winter trout stocking season will continue at all lakes through early March.

FISHING LICENSES AND BIG FISH-OF-THE-YEAR If you still want to get in on some of the great fishing at Urban Fishing Program waters and haven’t purchased your 2007 Urban Fishing license yet, you can take advantage of a 50% off sale now. When you purchase a 2007 Class U Urban Fishing License from November 1 through December 31, 2007, you pay only $9.25, instead of $18.50. Make sure to specify to the store clerk that you want the 2007 half price license. All 2008 fishing licenses are now available for sale if you want to purchase them ahead of time or as a gift for someone. Licenses may be purchased from Game and Fish offices or any of over 340 license dealers statewide including many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers and convenience stores. The Class U Urban Fishing License or the Class L Super Fishing Combo license is good for the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.

As the 2007 year comes to a close, so does your chance to get one of your big fish into the record books. The 2007 Urban Fishing Program Big Fish-of-the-Year contest has one month to go. Some big fish have been reported already such as an 8.0 pound catfish, a 9.6 pound bass and a 3.9 pound trout. There is also a category for catch and release fish that requires only a picture and the total length of the fish. Some of the more remarkable catch and release entries for 2007 include a 26-inch catfish and a 35-inch white amur. Some fish species have no entries so far including: bluegill, tilapia, carp or crappie. To enter the contest, use forms found in the Urban or Arizona fishing regulations. Check out big fish entry status and information at www.azgfd.gov.

GAME AND FISH HEADQUARTERS OFFICE MOVES Starting Tuesday, November 13 the Arizona Game and Fish Department began operating from its new headquarters. The new address is 5000 W. Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. The new facility is located 1.5 miles west of the I-17 and Carefree Highway interchange, adjacent to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The main phone number will remain (602) 942-3000. All other direct phone numbers and extensions will change for employees. New phone numbers for Eric Swanson, Urban Fishing Program Manager, and Joann Hill, Urban Fishing Program Specialist have changed and are listed in the header above.

URBAN FISHING REPORT Rainbow trout stockings have now started at all Urban Fishing Program waters at two week intervals. Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or small trout lures. Trout stockings will continue every two weeks from November to March. All lakes were stocked the end of October with bluegill and action is good for these feisty fighters. Try mealworms, corn or doughballs fished below a small bobber for the best action. Action for catfish and bass has slowed due to colder water temperatures. Trout fishing is good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, worms and small spinners working best.

 Stocking Update
Lakes Last Stocking Week of Next Stocking

Phoenix Area Lakes November 15 trout
 Trout the week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 1
 
Tucson Lakes November 15 trout
 Trout the week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 1
 
Green Valley Lakes (Payson) November 15 trout
 Trout the week of Nov. 26 – Dec. 1
 

Remember the Web www.azgfd.gov for updated stocking schedules, fishing clinics, public events, and other great fishing information! Also check out the web for new information on the Urban Fishing Program, Weekly Fishing Reports, to get your own copy of this Urban Fishing Bulletin, or submit your email address to get your name on our bi-weekly email distribution list.

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