All 20 of the Phoenix and Tucson area Urban Fishing Program lakes are scheduled for catfish stockings the week of May 16-21. They were all stocked two weeks ago as well.
Trout stocking season ends on High Note
at Green Valley Lakes in Payson
The May 6 final trout stocking of the season at Payson’s Green Valley Lakes included a double load of 11- to 15-inch rainbow trout.
The Mogollon Sporting Association together with the Game and Fish Department’s Sport Fish Education and Urban Fishing Programs kicked in the extra funds to provide 800 pounds of beautiful trout for the annual Payson Wildlife Fair that was held May 7
Fishing is good for trout and will last through May. With rising lake temperatures and pH levels, there will be no further stockings of trout over the summer. However, anglers are starting to enjoy good fishing for the abundant largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish found in all three Green Valley Lakes. Action for these warm water species will be good all summer long. Try worms and curly tail grubs.
Arizona Free Fishing Days on June 4 and June 11
Arizona’s annual free fishing days are celebrated on June 4 and 11 as part of National Fishing and Boating Week.
On these Saturdays, no fishing licenses are required for persons fishing any of the Urban Fishing Program lakes or other statewide public waters in Arizona. This is a great chance to grab some poles, gather up some friends and family members, and head out to your nearest urban lake or head up to the cooler country to fish a lake or stream.
Many waters are scheduled for fish stockings, especially in the high pines. Check the Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov for the latest fishing report and fishing clinic information so you can prepare for your outing.
Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed on Free Fishing Day.
Also keep in mind that youngsters under the age of 14 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption day means that the older kids and parents get a free pass for the day.
Try fishing, you’ll like it!
Golden Algae Update
Overall, water quality conditions at the Urban Lakes have been very good this spring with no incidences of golden algae blooms. This is great news for anglers and the fish populations.
Urban Fishing Program staff and parks personnel continue to monitor Urban Program lakes for signs of the microscopic golden algae. The department and cities’ active monitoring program has helped to keep the toxic alga in check before it causes harm to the resident bass, bluegill and catfish populations.
Anglers are reminded to take precautions not to move any water, live fish or wet objects from lake to lake. Remember to clean, drain and dry all items that come in contact with the lake water before moving to another lake location. For more information on golden alga, go to www.azgfd.gov.
Urban Fishing Report
The every other week catfish stockings are in full swing with another delivery scheduled for the week of May 16-21.
Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using worms, stink baits, or shrimp fished on the bottom. If you want to use bobbers, rig up a slip bobber and fish 8 to 12 feet deep.
Catfish will bite throughout the day, but are more active when the sun goes down. The last load of catfish included many hefty fish in the 3- to 6-pound range.
Bluegill fishing has been consistently good in recent weeks for anglers using worms and mealworms fished under a small bobber in 3-6 foot depths.
Action for largemouth bass is fair with the best baits finesse plastics fished in the early morning hours.
At Green Valley lakes (Payson) fishing is good for trout. A double stocking of trout on May 6 means there will be good fishing at Green Valley through May. There will be no further trout stockings at Green Valley Lakes until fall.
Action for bass and crappie is really picking up at Green Valley. Anglers using worms and meal worms under a small bobber are enjoying plenty of action. Also try small jigs and plastic worms.
Stocking Schedule
"¢ All Urban Fishing Program waters in Phoenix and Tucson areas - Last stocked catfish May 4. Next stocking, catfish the week of May 16-21.
"¢ Green Valley Lakes (Payson) - Last stocked trout May 6 (final trout load of season, a double stocking). Trout stockings will resume in the fall.