The stars have aligned – rainbow trout are coming to a galaxy of waters close to home for millions of people, plus 2009 fishing licenses for state waters or the urban program lakes are now on sale for half price, say Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“It doesn’t get much better than this, especially during these tough economic times,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “Your family can get quality outdoor recreation and delicious trout for the table, all at half price.”

The 2009 annual state fishing license is now on sale for just $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents, but if you plan to catch trout in state waters, don’t forget your trout stamp.

The Urban Program Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for both residents and nonresidents alike.

“The month of November offers some of the best fishing available at Urban Program lakes,” said Eric Swanson, urban fishing program manager. “The lakes have been loaded with catfish all fall, stockings of bluegill sunfish took place in late October. and the first trout delivery begins November 16.”

This week (Wednesday, Nov. 4), the Lower Salt River near Phoenix is being stocked with feisty rainbow trout.

“This fishery is just minutes away from Tempe and Mesa and has become extremely popular with winter trout anglers. Where else can you catch trout in a scenic desert river adjacent to a major metropolitan area? The answer – only here,” Young said.

Trout are also being stocked this week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes in the Prescott area, Wet Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley, plus Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes in southern Arizona.

The following week, trout are being stocked in Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Francis Short Pond in Flagstaff, Oak Creek, the Verde River (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde), Cluff Pond and Roper Lake near Safford, and in Rose Canyon on Mount Lemon near Tucson.

The week of Nov. 16, trout will also be stocked in Canyon Lake and Tempe Town Lake. Be sure to mark Nov. 24 on your calendar – that is the Welcome Back the Trout Celebration at Tempe Town Lake with a fishing clinic starting at 3 p.m.

“This has become an annual tradition in Arizona to kick-off the holidays,” said Young. “So come fish with us and catch some holiday cheer.”

For the weekly fishing report, and to learn more about the great fishing opportunities in Arizona visit,www.azgfd.gov/fishing.

To report information on this incident, or any Game and Fish violation, call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700. Caller identities may remain confidential upon request. Callers are eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s) responsible for these crimes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department – with assistance from Prescott Flycasters, The Nature Conservancy, and other volunteers – are set to begin a native fish restoration effort at Stillman Lake.

The ‘lake’ is actually a large pool of the Upper Verde River, and will undergo restoration and enhancement of native fish, including the razorback sucker, roundtail chub, and other native species.

“The Verde River, including its assemblage of unusually adapted desert fish, is uniquely Arizona,” said Shaula Hedwall, FWS biologist. “Restoring a source population of Verde fish species is a milestone in making the river whole again and achieving species recovery.”

“This is an important step in future management of native species in the Verde River,” said Andy Clark, fisheries program manager for the Game and Fish Kingman office. “It’s exciting to be a part of this effort.

“The lake will provide a refuge for native fish following removal of non-native predators and serve as a source of native fish for downstream areas.”

Clark explained that through recurring flood events, larval and young native species will disperse downstream throughout their historical range.

“Stillman Lake currently harbors common carp and flathead catfish, which limit native species recruitment and survival. Once these species are removed, native fish will have a chance to grow and this ‘sanctuary’ will provide a better opportunity for survival downstream following high flows,” Clark said.

Stillman Lake, part of the Game and Fish Department’s Upper Verde River Wildlife Area and The Nature Conservancy’s Verde River Springs Preserve south of Paulden, does not attract many anglers in relation to other regional and statewide locations for sport fish recreation.

“It’s ideal for a restoration effort such as this,” Clark said. “Those who enjoy sport fishing aren’t going to be heavily impacted by this effort. In fact, those who use this area should be excited about the prospect of angling for roundtail chub, also known as Verde trout.”

Agency personnel and local angler volunteers will make an effort to salvage native and sport fish prior to chemically removing remaining non-natives. Salvaged native fish will be moved downstream from Stillman Lake while sport fish will be relocated.

Rotenone will be used to eliminate any remaining fish. The chemical is short lived and will not impact wildlife, human populations, or fish downstream from the lake.

“The mention of chemicals is often viewed negatively,” Clark stated. “However, rotenone is important in the removal of non-native fish. This project can’t be successful without the removal of non-native predatory fish, and this was determined to be the safest and most effective way to remove them.”

The lake will be closed during the treatment period, which will be about three days.

Reintroduction of native species will occur after monitoring efforts show the removal of non-native fish was successful.

The agencies met with local angler groups and conducted a public meeting, and the FWS has completed an environmental assessment and approval for the project.

On-the-ground efforts can proceed following a 45-day appeal period that concludes 5 p.m., July 27, 2009.

Those wishing to view the restoration plan should visit the FWS Web site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/ or call (928) 226-0614, ext. 203. 

This is a great opportunity for kids to take their parents fishing, or for you to introduce a friend, neighbor or co-worker to this fun outdoor experience.

“With most of our lakes full for a second year in a row thanks to excellent winter rains and snow pack, this is a phenomenal time to get out fishing,” said Fishing Report Editor Rory Aikens. “It’s a great way for kids to make sure their parents don’t suffer from outdoor recreation deficiency.”

Check the Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov for the latest fishing report so you can best plan your fishing outing. Remember that bag limits and other regulations must be observed on Free Fishing Day.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will sponsor a number of Free Fishing Day clinics/events. Loaner fishing rods and bait are provided for free at most of these venues. Times and locations are:

• Saturday, June 6, Kaibab Lake (Williams), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available. For more information, contact Shelly Shepherd at (928) 214-1241.
• Saturday, June 13, Tempe Town Lake (on the north shore near the Mill Avenue Bridge, just south of Lake View Drive), 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Loaner fishing rods, bait and instruction will be available. For more information, call Pam Ostwinkle at (623) 236-7219.
• Saturday, June 13, Lynx Lake (near Prescott), call number below for time. This event is held in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest. Trout and catfish will be stocked before the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Deadhorse Ranch State Park (near Cottonwood), 8 a.m. to noon. This event is held in the middle lagoon in cooperation with the Prescott National Forest and Deadhorse Ranch State Park. Admission fees to the state park for event participants are waived (paid for by the U.S. Forest Service). Catfish will be stocked prior to event. Loaner fishing rods, some bait and instruction will be available. For more information, contact Dead Horse Ranch State Park at (928) 634-5283.
• Saturday, June 13, Francis Short Pond (near downtown Flagstaff), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available. For more information, contact Shelly Shepherd at (928) 214-1241.
• Saturday, June 13, Garrett Tank (outside Seligman), 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Garrett tank will be stocked with catfish prior to the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Yellow Pine Ranch Pond (outside Kingman, located on Blake Ranch road about 7 miles south of Interstate 40), 7 a.m. to noon. This event is held in cooperation with the Kingman Elks Lodge, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yellow Pine Ranch. Catfish will be stocked prior to the event. Loaner fishing rods and some bait will be available. For more information, contact Zen Mocarski at (928) 692-7700 x2301.
• Saturday, June 13, Riggs Flat Lake (on Mt. Graham near Safford), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come fish for trout in the cool pines. Loaner fishing rods and bait will be available. For more information, contact Joe Fagan at (520) 730-6398.

For more tips on how kids can take their parents fishing, see the next article (condensed) that appeared in the May-June 2008 edition of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon.

“The event is focused on individuals who haven’t experienced the thrill of catching their first fish,” said Zen Mocarski, information and education program manager with the Game and Fish Kingman office.

All the equipment and bait necessary to catch the first fish will be available to borrow. Individuals with their own gear are encouraged to bring it. In addition, Game and Fish personnel will be available to help teach people techniques that will enhance the experience.

“Many people have had this experience,” Mocarski said. “However, maybe these same folks have yet to take their children out. This is a great opportunity to provide that once-in-a-lifetime memory.”

Game and Fish will also bring a mobile viewing tank for close-up viewing.

The first event in May 2008 attracted 240 people looking to catch their first fish.

Goldwater Lake is located approximately three miles south of Prescott on Senator Highway.

Beginning with this stocking, nearly 14,000 pounds of Arkansas farm-raised catfish will be delivered and stocked into 20 Urban Fishing Program lakes every two weeks at rates ranging from 40 to 60 fish per acre.

“When we switch to stocking catfish instead of trout each spring, this is one of only two times each year when we announce the exact day of fish stockings to the general public,” says Urban Fishing Program Manager Eric Swanson. “The other time will be when we switch back to trout in late fall.”

Only the week of stockings is publicized when fish are added to urban lakes during the rest of the year.

The usual baits such as worms, stink baits, and shrimp should work well for catching “Mr. Whiskers.” Daily limits are four catfish per person at Urban Lakes or two catfish per person at Urban Ponds (note regulations and park signage for lake and pond designations).

An Urban Fishing license is required to fish urban program lakes and costs $18.50 for residents and nonresidents.

For more information on the Urban Fishing Program, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing and click on the “urban fishing” link.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department officials will use the public’s input as part of a draft environmental assessment process that is required to continue using federal funding for stocking activities in Arizona.

The deadline for submitting written comments is March 6. Written comments can be sent to either:

• David Weedman, Aquatic Habitat Program Coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. E-mail:  fishaz@azgfd.gov, or to
• Harold Namminga, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

Game and Fish has previously conducted three public open houses in Phoenix, Pinetop and Tucson, and collected 150 written comments. Previously submitted comments are being considered and need not be resent.

Once this latest comment period ends, the wildlife agencies will prepare a draft environmental assessment to evaluate the social, economic and environmental effects of stockings related to continue funding for the program through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks more than 3 million fish for anglers to catch in approximately 160 of Arizona’s lakes, rivers and streams – mostly rainbow, Apache, brook, and cutthroat trout, but some warmwater species such as largemouth bass and channel catfish as well.

The stocking program is supported with federal funds through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, along with state funds from the sale of licenses and trout stamps.

State wildlife officials pointed out that recreational angling in Arizona totaled 4,156,000 angling days in 2006, creating a statewide economic impact of more than $1.1 billion annually. Thanks to back-to-back years of excellent winter precipitation and snow pack, Arizona officials are expecting increased user days this year as anglers take advantage of the improved fishing conditions.

Arizona’s natural fish fauna historically consisted of 36 species of fish, few of which were traditionally sought by early American or present-day anglers.

Since the early 1900s, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other agencies have supplemented recreational angling opportunities by stocking state waters with sport fish species.

Although most of the trout species caught in Arizona likely come from fish hatcheries, most of the warmwater species in the state – especially those in the larger impoundments such as Roosevelt Lake – come from natural reproduction.

The federal funding apportioned to Arizona is authorized under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, commonly referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act. It provides federal aid to state wildlife agencies for management and restoration of sport fish.

These Sport Fish Restoration funds are derived from a federal excise tax at the manufacturing level on certain items of sport-fishing tackle, fishing equipment and motor boat fuel.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishea.

Salt River Project will be pulling water from Stewart Mountain Dam from now through the end of spring, allowing this stretch of river to be stocked with trout months earlier than normal.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials have jumped on this unexpected opportunity to provide anglers enhanced fishing opportunities along this distinctive desert river bordering the Valley of the Sun.

“The Lower Salt River is really a unique Arizona fishing experience. Anglers get to experience fishing for trout in a scenic desert river bordering a wilderness area, just minutes from some of the Valley of the Sun’s population centers. There’s nothing else quite like it,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

On Jan. 22 at around noon to 1 p.m., the Game and Fish Department will be stocking trout into the Lower Salt River at the Water Users and Blue Point areas that can be readily assessed by anglers via Bush Highway.

Be sure you have a current 2009 Arizona fishing license with trout fishing privileges. For those visiting the Valley, there is a special 4-month nonresident fishing license available at a bargain price.

Young added that this enhanced fishing opportunity along the Lower Salt River is just the leading edge of superb fishing opportunities anglers can expect this year.

“The stars have truly aligned this year and the potential is there for some phenomenal fishing opportunities,” Young said.

Young explained that record runoff in 2005 in central Arizona resulted in a tremendous age class of fish, especially largemouth bass, that are now large four-year-old, line-stripping fish. Last year’s abundant runoff that filled Arizona’s lakes resulted in terrific spawns for both sport-fish and forage fish.

“The bottom line is this year there will be lots of feisty yearling fish to enhance angler catch rates along with lots of larger fish that can make fishing even more exciting. This might indeed be the year anglers will be talking about fondly for years to come,” Young said.

The theme of this year’s fishing regulations also dovetail well with the seasonal spirit of the holidays: “Kids don’t remember their best day of watching television.”

“Whether it is from a child’s Christmas wish or your own New Year’s vow, take your children fishing this coming year. I guarantee the memories you make will outlast the video game he or she wants,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Don’t forget that the 2009 fishing licenses are also available – a license is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving all year long. There are even family licenses and youth combination licenses available. Just check them out in the easy-to-use regulation booklet.

“Thanks to Arizona’s abundant snowpack and superb runoff that filled our lakes to overflowing last year, the fishing prognosis going into 2009 is very good. The recent winter storms also provide the hopeful promise of good things headed our way this coming year,” Young said.

Keep in mind that there are some regulation changes also heading your way for 2009-10.

The Game and Fish Department has instituted a protective slot limit at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes, where you may have six bass in possession (combination largemouth and smallmouth), of which no more than one  may be between 13 and 16 inches. The slot limit at Roosevelt is also the same as the ones at the other Salt River lakes – one bass between 13 and 16 inches may be possessed.

The Game and Fish Commission also took off the bag limits for bass (all species) and catfish (all species) at Mogollon Rim area trout waters, specifically Willow Springs, Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge), Knoll Lake and Long Tom Lake.

This coming year also you can experience something new in the state – the first-ever seasonal, blue ribbon roundtail chub fishery. A 4.5-mile segment of Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley will be a catch-and-release-only, artificial fly and lure only, single barbless hook fishery with a seven-month season commencing Oct. 3, 2009.

“We are excited about this unique fishery for one of our impressive native fish, the roundtail chub, which has historically been referred to as ‘Verde trout’ by many anglers,” Young said. “Keep an eye out for information on activities planned for opening day at Fossil Creek in October.”

This year, make it affordable and rewarding by considering one of the many unique gift ideas the Arizona Game and Fish Department has to offer.

“If you’re looking for an outdoors-oriented gift for family and friends, we have a number of reasonably priced items that they’ll enjoy,” said Information Branch Chief Bob Miles. “Purchase of these gifts will benefit wildlife as well.”

Buyers are sure to find something for everyone with a variety of gift ideas and prices, including:

• Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide – Arizona provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the nation, with more than 900 animal species and 50 million public acres of natural land to explore. This guide takes you on a magnificent journey through 128 unique sites and the wildlife found at them, accompanied by beautiful photographs of the sites and animals. Readers will enjoy tips for wildlife watching, a tiered rating system that highlights “can’t miss” locations, site features and driving directions. The book can be purchased for $14.95 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s seven offices statewide and through the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/publications.
• Arizona Wildlife Views magazine – Published bimonthly by the Game and Fish Department, the magazine offers a variety of articles on hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing and conservation in Arizona, as well as “Focus Wild” children’s articles. Subscriptions are $8.50 per year. Order at www.azgfd.gov/magazine.
• 2009 Arizona Wildlife Calendar – With spectacular photos of Arizona’s wildlife, the calendar will provide daily enjoyment, as well as note key wildlife events and approved hunting and fishing season dates. The photos this year were chosen from more than 1,200 images submitted by customers to the Game and Fish Department’s calendar contest. Calendars make perfect stocking stuffers at only $3 each. Purchase at any Game and Fish office or at www.azgfd.gov/artman/publish/article_978.shtml.
• Fishing licenses – Get outdoors and enjoy time off at the holidays with a half-price fishing license that will last you through the end of the year. 2008 general state fishing licenses may be purchased at any Arizona Game and Fish Department office for only $11.75. Or, get a jump on the 2009 season by buying a 2009 license now. Individual licenses cost $23.50 for Arizona residents or $70.25 for nonresidents. Trout stamps are $15.75 for residents or $57.75 for nonresidents. Urban fishing licenses are $18.50 for residents and nonresidents. There are many other license products available; visit http://www.azgfd.gov/eservices/licenses.shtml.
• Discount pass at Ben Avery Shooting Facility and gift certificates at Ben Avery Clay Target Center – The Ben Avery Shooting Facility offers an 11-visit “shooter’s pass” for $70 (normal fee for an all-day visit to the range is $7, so you get one day for free). The Ben Avery Clay Target Center offers gift certificates in any amount for trap, skeet and sporting clays shooting. Remember, an excise tax on the purchase of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment helps fund federal assistance to state wildlife agencies for wildlife conservation.
• Donation to Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center – The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s rehabilitation center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually and provides wildlife education to local schools. For more information on making tax-deductible donations to support wildlife rehabilitation, visit www.azwildlifecenter.org or call (623) 587-0139.

Get ready for lots of angling action because one hundred thousand rainbow trout will grace the Urban Fishing Program waters in the Valley of the Sun and Tucson areas this winter season.

The first trout stocking of the season took place Nov. 13. From now through mid March, about 12,000 trout from Colorado will be stocked every two weeks in the department’s designated 21 Urban Fishing Program lakes.

“In these challenging economic times, it’s terrific to have enjoyable fishing close to home that also provides healthy low calorie meals – rainbow trout,” said Eric Swanson, Urban Fisheries Program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The urban lakes have also been recently stocked with channel catfish, feisty hybrid sunfish and largemouth bass. “This is the time of year when you can catch almost anything; trout, catfish, sunfish and bass, possibly all on the same day in the urban program waters,” Swanson said.

Youth under age 14 can fish for free, but those 14 and older must have an urban fishing license. Information on licenses, where to fish and other aspects of the Urban Fishing Program can be found at www.azgfd.gov/urbanfishing.

You can also get a great deal right now for the remaining six weeks of this year – the 2008 urban licenses are half price ($9.25) during November and December for both residents and nonresidents alike.

“The urban fishing license is especially good deal for winter visitors – they get the same price as resident anglers,” Swanson noted.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are seeking public comments on issues associated with all the sport-fish stockings in the state as part of a draft environmental assessment process that is required to continue using federal funding for stocking activities in Arizona.

Public input is being sought to determine the extent and variety of issues that should be addressed by the draft environmental assessment.

Written comments can be sent to either:

All comments must be submitted in writing no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 19.

There are also two remaining open houses (one was already held in Pinetop on Nov. 17) that will give the public the opportunity to ask questions and submit written comment. The open houses are scheduled for:

• Tucson, Monday, Nov. 24, 6:30 p.m., Arizona Game and Fish Department Region V office, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
  
  
• Phoenix, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m., Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

Once the comment period ends, the wildlife agencies will prepare a draft environmental assessment to evaluate the social, economic and environmental effects of stockings related to continue funding for the program through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Arizona’s natural fish fauna historically consisted of 36 species of fish, only a few of which were traditionally sought by early Americans for sport fishing, which is a trend that continues today.

Since the early 1900s, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other agencies have supplemented recreational angling opportunities by stocking state waters with sport fish species.

“Fish stockings have evolved over the past 100 years or so to meet growing needs of anglers in Arizona,” says Dave Weedman, aquatic habitat program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Now we consider a wide range of factors when determining where and when to stock fish, including biology, angler use, partnership commitments and needs, native fish impacts and social demands.”

The stocking program in Arizona is supported with federal funds through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, along with state funds from the sale of licenses and trout stamps.

Recreational angling in Arizona totaled 4,156,000 angling days in 2006, creating a statewide economic impact of more than $1.1 billion annually.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishea.

If you are looking to reel in a great deal during these tough economic times, Arizona’s 2008 general and urban fishing licenses are both on sale for half price during November and December, said Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“This is a sweet deal each year following Halloween,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “With the winter trout stockings picking up steam, this is a terrific time to catch this half-price fishing deal.”

The 2008 General Fishing License (Class A) is on sale in November and December for $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents. The 2008 Class U (urban) Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for residents and nonresidents alike.

This week, the popular Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake is being stocked with trout, as are Dead Horse Ranch State Park near Cottonwood, the Verde River between Camp Verde and Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes near Prescott, plus Patagonia and Parker Canyon lakes in southern Arizona.

The popular urban lakes in the Valley of the Sun and the Tucson area will be stocked with trout on Nov. 13.

Saguaro Lake will be stocked the second week of November, and Canyon Lake will be stocked the week of Nov. 17. As usual again this year, the ever-popular Tempe Town Lake will be stocked with trout the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) – come join us to welcome back the trout.

“With the unseasonably mild weather right now,” Young said, “Anglers have a wide range for good fishing opportunities from bass, crappie and catfish in the larger desert impoundments to trout in the high country, plus the winter stocking program.”

Did you know that the feisty rainbow trout dancing on the end of your fishing line was most likely hatchery raised?

Each year, the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks more than 3 million fish for anglers to catch in approximately 160 of Arizona’s lakes, rivers and streams – mostly rainbow, Apache, brook, and cutthroat trout, but some warmwater species such as largemouth bass and channel catfish as well.

The stocking program is supported with federal funds through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, along with state funds from the sale of licenses and trout stamps.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are seeking public comments on issues associated with all the sport-fish stockings in the state as part of a draft environmental assessment process that is required to continue using federal funding for stocking activities in Arizona.

“Public input is being sought to determine the extent and variety of issues that should be addressed by the draft environmental assessment,” says Dave Weedman, aquatic habitat program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The comment period will continue through 5 p.m. on Dec. 19.”

An overview of the NEPA scoping process, a list of stocking locations, and maps showing the locations can be found at www.azgfd.gov/fishea.

Written comments can be sent to either:

David Weedman, Aquatic Habitat Program Coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. E-mail: fishaz@azgfd.gov.

Harold Namminga, Sport Fish Restoration Grant Administrator, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2008.

Once the comment period ends, the wildlife agencies will prepare a draft environmental assessment to evaluate the social, economic and environmental effects of stockings related to continued funding for the program through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

As part of the scoping process, the following three public open houses are being held to answer questions and gather public input on the stocking program issues:

• Pinetop, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 1 office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tucson, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 5 office, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
• Phoenix, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 25, at Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters, 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

“While agency personnel will be at the open houses to provide background information and answer questions, all comments to be formally considered must be made in writing,” said Weedman.

Weedman pointed out that recreational angling in Arizona totaled 4,156,000 angling days in 2006, creating a statewide economic impact of more than $1.1 billion annually.

Arizona’s natural fish fauna historically consisted of 36 species of fish, only a few of which were traditionally sought by early Americans for sport fishing, which is a trend that continues today.

Since the early 1900s, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other agencies have supplemented recreational angling opportunities by stocking state waters with sport fish species.

“Fish stockings have evolved over the past 100 years or so to meet the growing needs of anglers in Arizona,” Weedman said. “Now we consider a wide range of factors when determining where and when to stock fish, including biology, angler use, partnership commitments and needs, native fish impacts and social demands.”

Although most of the trout species caught in Arizona likely come from fish hatcheries, most of the warmwater species in the state – especially those in the larger impoundments such as Roosevelt Lake – come from natural reproduction.

The federal funding apportioned to Arizona is authorized under the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act. It provides federal aid to state wildlife agencies for management and restoration of sport fish.

These Sport Fish Restoration funds are derived from a federal excise tax at the manufacturing level on certain items of sport-fishing tackle, fishing equipment and motor boat fuel.

Flashes of golden Apache trout returning to Silver Creek near Show Low in the White Mountains was a recent harbinger of the great fall-winter trout fishing opportunities anglers can experience in Arizona this year.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s catch-and-release Apache trout fishery along Silver Creek near Show Low is certainly a one-of-a-kind winter fishing opportunity you can’t find anywhere else. The opening of this fishery each Oct. 1 has become a holiday-like event for dedicated Apache trout anglers,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

However, Young added that most anglers are often amazed at the plethora of unique winter trout fishing opportunities Arizona offers, from an improbable desert river fishery near Phoenix and gas-tank-friendly urban waters to a renowned tail-water trout fishery that draws anglers from around the world. There is even a lesser-known fun stretch of river within casting distance from major gambling casinos.

“We even stock winter trout in two popular warm water fisheries – Saguaro and Canyon lakes,” Young pointed out. “Do you want a fairly solitary winter hiking adventure where you can fish shaded canyon pools for feisty rainbow trout? Just try Beaver Creek or West Clear Creek in the Verde Valley.”

But it’s tough to top the artificial lure and fly, catch-and-release-only golden trout experience at Silver Creek (barbless hooks only please).

This year, the hard-working Silver Creek Hatchery crew outdid themselves – prior to opening day they stocked a couple of dozen Apache trout tipping the scales at around 3 pounds or so. It was line-stripping fun for anglers on opening morning even before the annual stocking took place later that day.

“It felt like Christmas morning when I was a kid,” said one beaming fly angler who had the pleasure of fighting and then landing at least two of the trophy-sized golden beauties.

The early-bird anglers even got another treat at first light – a majestic bull elk was waiting for them as an unofficial greeter at the end of their hike through the dewy grass to the upper pool on the Game and Fish Department’s Silver Creek property.

But it wasn’t all pure action, fun and golden adventure. A hard-working crew from Cabela’s in Phoenix plunged into the hatchery ponds and helped to net, load, and then distribute the Apache trout and rainbows along this meandering creek barely one puddle-jump away from the Show Low Airport.

“There’s no fishery quite like this,” said Tim McGough, a Phoenix architect who comes to help out and fish on opening day each year. “This spring-fed creek is fishable all winter long. It’s an amazing place to fish.”

For those who aren’t aware, the native Apache trout is Arizona’s state fish. Although it is listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, anglers can fish for it in certain areas, such as Silver Creek, the Little Colorado River in the Greer Valley, plus the East and West Forks of Black River.

In fact, the White Mountains of Arizona is the only place on this blue planet where you can readily angle for pure-strain Apache trout.

Apache trout are also on the brink of making history – they may become the first native fish in the United States to come off the endangered species list, thanks to a model cooperative recovery effort involving the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and a long list of dedicated angling groups.

History notes notwithstanding, the anglers present on opening morning at Silver Creek did have one request – don’t tell anyone. Oops, the trout’s out of the stocking net as it were. So go catch some golden memories at Silver Creek, Greer or the East and West Forks. Don’t forget about the classic Apache trout fisheries on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

But as the season progresses, snow storms visit and higher elevation lakes ice-up, the spring-fed waters of Silver Creek will still be a viable Apache trout fishery worth experiencing.

This is also the leading edge of the Game and Fish Department’s ambitious winter trout stocking program. For a list of what water is stocked when, visit www.azgfd.gov/fish and click on the “Stocking Schedule” link.

Other winter trout fisheries (most are stocked, some are not) include:

• The Lower Salt River near Phoenix (start stocking the first week of November);
• Saguaro Lake (scheduled for the second week of November);
• Canyon Lake (scheduled for the third week of November);
• Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley (being stocked this week);
• West Clear Creek in the Verde Valley (being stocked this week);
• Verde River between Camp Verde and Cottonwood (starting the first week of November);
• Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood (the first week of November);
• Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake and Fain Lake near Prescott (have already been stocked);
• Tempe Town Lake (first stocking the Tuesday before Thanksgiving);
• Lees Ferry in northern Arizona (the wild trout spawn typically starts in January);
• Bullhead area of the Colorado River along Casino Row (already being stocked);
• Willow Beach, the tail-water fishery in Arizona between Hoover Dam and Lake Mohave (already being stocked);
• Oak Creek Canyon (already being stocked);
• Urban Program lakes in greater Phoenix and Tucson areas (start stocking with trout the second week in November);
• Green Valley Lake (an Urban Program water) in Payson, first trout stocking the second week of October;
• Cluff Pond, Dankworth Pond, Frye Mesa, and Kearny Lake in southeastern Arizona (stockings start in November);
• Patagonia, Parker Canyon and Roper Lake in southern Arizona (stockings mostly start in November);
• Fortuna Pond in Yuma (stockings start in mid December).

“Those anglers who hang up their trout fishing gear in winter are missing some of the most unique and exciting fishing adventures of the year,” Young said. “Don’t miss out on Arizona’s winter trout.”

If so, you’ll want to come to CAMP TROUT, which is a unique trout fishing program being conducted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in conjunction with the White Mountains Fly Fishing Club at Becker Lake in the White Mountains on Saturday, Oct. 4. The 3½-hour program will feature one-on-one instruction on the use of lures and artificial flies to improve angling success.

“Participants will be able to choose from and rotate between a slate of learning activities, each led by an experienced instructor,” says Bruce Sitko, spokesman in the department’s Pinetop regional office. “There will be two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a 20-person limit per session. So don’t delay in signing up.”

Training will be offered in fly-fishing techniques, proper use of trout lures and presentation, use of casting bubbles with flies and trolling techniques. There will be demonstrations on fly tying and methods of cooking and smoking fish. Resource materials and handouts will be provided, as well.

“Attendees are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but we’ll have plenty of specialized gear for folks to try out,” adds Sitko. “This program is about hands-on learning, asking questions, and being with others who are also interested in fishing in Arizona.”

The program cost is $10, and interested parties must pre-register through the Pinetop office. Becker Lake is located adjacent to Springerville in the White Mountains, immediately south of U.S. Highway 60. For more information on the workshop, call the Pinetop office at (928) 367-4281.

With the water levels up at most mountain trout waters, this is an excellent time to refine your trout fishing skills. Don’t miss out.