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| Reviewed
By: |
Gargoyle |
| Reviewed
On: |
20-May-05 |
| Overall
Rating: |
9 Stars out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
This is my favorite .308 WIN semi-auto platform.. (Verses the FN L1A1 and M1A1) I hunt wild hogs and this gun certainly keeps up with the action. I've yet to need more than 10 rounds in one encounter for hunting purposes. For combat applications, I would get the M14 conversion offered by Robarms. I am also fond of the rifle for its exotic charm. I've had many compliments on this rifle from many hunters. In fact, on my first hunt with this gun, my hunting partner stole it from me and used it for the rest of the trip. He now has his own .308 WIN VEPR. I gave this rifle 9 stars due to the fact I can't/won't reload for the gun, and because of the metal finish treatment. Though that really isn't a problem, because the rifle hardly needs cleaning and as long as your not a clean freak like me and try to use atomic cleaning solvents you will be fine. |
| Pros: |
A world renowned and proven combat chasis with a sporter barrel.
1. Light weight
2. 1 MOA capable with selected ammunition.
3. Ergonomic. Comfortable stock, giving great cheek weld.
4. Chrome lined barrel
5. Easy disasembly, maintanence and cleaning
6. Rifle costs over half as less than a M1A1 for a less bulky rifle, with better out of the box quality, durability and comparative accuracy.
7. Rifle comes with 5 magazines from the factory! Four 10 rounders and one 5 rounder.
8. Comes with leather sling from factory |
| Cons: |
1. Metal parts are painted and baked, rather than parkerized or anodized. Cannot use Gun Scrubber or solvents to clean the gun. Mil-spec CLP or Breakfree is recommended and does not harm the finish. (I used solvents the first few times cleanng the gun and noticed a purple run off in the sink. It was the paint from the bolt carrier group disolving)
2. No 20 rnd magazines available as of yet. (However, the 10 round mags extend in line with the stock, giving the gun good lines.)
3. Might as well not consider a scope for this gun. I bought a ghost ring rear sight from Ultimak that provides for a much quicker target aquisition and easier sight picture + sight alignment. Easy to install.
4. For handloaders, case life is reduced severly. My rifle dents the brass pretty badly while ejecting the spent cases. I switched from handloads to NATO surplus ammo for this reason and no longer handload.
5. The wood VEPRs are hard to get a hold of these days. |
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I gave $640 |
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| Reviewed
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| Reviewed
On: |
4/16/2005 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
I went on Friday night and I got four 8 ponder catfish and three more, but they were only 5 pounders. I had a good time with my family.
Thank you!!! |
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| Reviewed
By: |
TITO |
| Reviewed
On: |
4/10/2006 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Me and my buddy carlos went to this lake and we were using power bait and we fished all day for trout mainly by the big island and we saw people catchin trou all over the place and we didnt even get a bite so if u have any tips 4 us please let me know |
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| Reviewed
By: |
VIVIsectI |
| Reviewed
On: |
1/24/2005 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
It is legal to fish canals and canal ponds in the phoenix metro area, however, grass carp must be returned to the water. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
Joe the Fisher |
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
is it legal to fish the urban canals in the phoenix/tempe areas?? |
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| Reviewed
By: |
BUBBA SHEER |
| Reviewed
On: |
10/23/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
CAUGHT 3LM BASS IN ABOUT 1 HOUR USING A TITANIUM BUZZBAIT (BLACK W/RED TRAILER WORM) THEY WERE EXPLODING WITHIN FIVE REELS OF THE BAIT ONCE IT HIT THE WATER. CAUGHT THEM ALL ON THE BACK SIDE OF SMALL ISLAND. 0700-0900 IS THE HOT TIMES FOR BASS. GOOD LUCK. CAST AS CLOSE TO THE ISLAND AS POSSIBLE AND REEL IN JUST FAST ENOUGH TO GURGLE THE WATER. HANG ON |
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| Reviewed
By: |
Arizona Game and Fish Department |
| Reviewed
On: |
Sept. 17, 2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Scheduled to be stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout this week. Boat ramps are accessible but larger boats may have difficulty launching. The east side boat ramp is better than the northwest boat ramp. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies near structure such as rocks, tree stumps and weed beds. Trout should be active early in the morning and late in the day. Catfish are being caught on chicken livers. Fish early and late around rocky areas and tree stumps for largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and walleyes.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Kyle Waters |
| Reviewed
On: |
Sept. 3rd and 5th |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
We caught several tilapia and a 3 lb. and 5 lb. catfish, all on worms. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
Kyle Waters |
| Reviewed
On: |
8/2/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Caught a 1.5 and 1 lb. Tilapia using worms about 4 feet below a bobber. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
Arizona Game and Fish Department |
| Reviewed
On: |
7/27/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Boat ramps are accessible but larger boats may have difficulty launching. The eastside boat ramp is better than the northwest boat ramp. Fishing is fair. Try worms, Power Bait, lures, and flies near structure such as rocks, tree stumps, and weed beds. The lake is scheduled to be stocked with catchable size rainbow trout during the week of Aug. 2. Trout should be active early in the morning and late in the day. Catfish are being caught on chicken livers. Fish early and late around rocky areas and tree stumps for largemouth and smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and walleyes.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Arizona Game and Fish Department |
| Reviewed
On: |
7/27/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Fishing is poor to fair. Fish are likely to be more active early in the morning or just before dark. Also, fishing in deeper water where it is cooler should be more productive. Try using worms, Power Bait (green, yellow, or rainbow colored), lures, and flies off the dam and around the boat ramp area. The lake is weedy. Concho Lake contains some nice sized green sunfish so try fishing with night crawlers in the open water areas of the lake.
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| Reviewed
By: |
ferdinand Grady |
| Reviewed
On: |
7/4/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Mormon lake is dry and no fish will exist here for awhile. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
chris fox |
| Reviewed
On: |
6/4/2006 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
My father and i go to this lake often, and we each catch an average of 2-3 cats per trip. there are lots of small cats, (2-4 lbs)
but every once in a while you can find a good 10 lb cat. this lake is over populated at times, so fish dont have much of a chance to grow after stocking. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Urban Fishing Bulletin |
| Reviewed
On: |
May 23 – June 5, 2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Fishing for catfish is rated good to excellent at the various Urban Program lakes in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Top baits include stink baits, shrimp, hot dogs, and worms fished on the bottom. The catfish are biting best in the evenings and early morning periods. Sunfish are biting well at most lakes using small worms or meal worms. More sunfish will be stocked the week of May 24-29, just in time for the beginning of summer vacation for the kids. Fishing at Green Valley lakes (Payson) is fair for trout, with bass, bluegill and crappie action rated as good. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Urban Fishing Bulletin |
| Reviewed
On: |
May 23 – June 5, 2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Fishing for catfish is rated good to excellent at the various Urban Program lakes in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Top baits include stink baits, shrimp, hot dogs, and worms fished on the bottom. The catfish are biting best in the evenings and early morning periods. Sunfish are biting well at most lakes using small worms or meal worms. More sunfish will be stocked the week of May 24-29, just in time for the beginning of summer vacation for the kids. Fishing at Green Valley lakes (Payson) is fair for trout, with bass, bluegill and crappie action rated as good. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Urban Fishing Bulletin |
| Reviewed
On: |
May 23 – June 5, 2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Fishing for catfish is rated good to excellent at the various Urban Program lakes in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Top baits include stink baits, shrimp, hot dogs, and worms fished on the bottom. The catfish are biting best in the evenings and early morning periods. Sunfish are biting well at most lakes using small worms or meal worms. More sunfish will be stocked the week of May 24-29, just in time for the beginning of summer vacation for the kids. Fishing at Green Valley lakes (Payson) is fair for trout, with bass, bluegill and crappie action rated as good. |
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
11-Mar-05 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Good fishing times are here again: It's time to get out. It's busting loose out there and will only get better with each successive warm spring day. Also in the lower elevations, the wildflower bloom is spectacular, even around many of the lakes. Add a camera to your fishing gear. Lots of bass on beds or staging for the spawn at many central Arizona lakes right now and the trout fishing is getting great in many areas.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Tucson Bass Club Newsletter Feb 2005 |
| Reviewed
On: |
5-Feb |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The first thing that has to happen of course is a slow rise in water temp. As the water temp. Rises from winter lows the large females and the buck Bass start to move around in the anticipation of water temps conducive to spawning. The first thing you look for is water that is on the rise (temp.) as soon as the water starts to get into the low 50's bass will start to move towards spawning flats where they will go through the spring ritual of reproducing. Good spawning flats typically will be large flats with good cover and shallow water that is near deeper water, this is a real key as they will stage in these areas well before they spawn. As in the Fall Bass will feed heavily and on large prey at this time, both the females and the smaller male Bass will go for a while without feeding during the spawning process and will need to fatten up so as to retain some energy during this time. And as spawning takes its toll on their reserves, they often are not in the mood to chase prey for a while after the spawn. This is why you can gang up on the big Bass if you can find them.<br><br>
Now everyone knows that pre spawn Bass will eat jig & pig during this time, especially when they are in the shallows feeding on early spring crawfish. Look for brushy or stumpy areas in the flats and chunk that jig into the tightest cover you can find. I like Black and Blue in clear to slightly stained water, but as you know this time of the year off colored water is the rule more often than not, then I like a little orange or even chartreuse at this time. Sometimes these Bass will be very easy to catch, as they are in a feeding mode if the weather is nice. But: if the weather turns sour they can be very hard to catch. This is when you go back out to the first drop, "your creek channel" and throw a very large, fairly shallow crank bait slowly through the creek. A large Willow leaf spinnerbait will also be effective at this time when slow rolled through these suspended fish.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
2/3/2005 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
If your boat and tackle have been sitting idle this year, it's time to get them ready for action. This is shaping up to be a fishing year you won't want to miss, whether in the high country or the desert impoundments (and all points and waters in between). |
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
1/25/2005 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Expected storms this week could make fishing a challenge in many areas, so it might be good to focus on waters that participate in the department’s winter trout stocking program. Hopefully, those storms will increase our snow pack in the high country, keep soils saturated to ensure better runoff (and aquifer charging), and add to our lake levels. This is starting to look like a banner fishing year. Keep your fingers crossed.
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The top fishing spot right now is Lees Ferry in northern Arizona where the wild trout are entering the spawning mode. A big hook-jawed trout in spawning regalia is something to see. Another good fishing spot is the opposite direction: south to Parker Canyon Lake. A visit to Willow Beach (below Hoover Dam) might be worthwhile for trout. You might even see some desert bighorn sheep along the shore (or along the road leading down to the marina). A dark horse is fishing the Bullhead area for trout, but if the bite is off, you can put away your fishing poles and visit Casino Row.
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Those looking for a different warmwater fishing treat should try the Martinez Lake area, which is really a backwater of the Colorado River near Yuma. Some call that area “Arizona’s Everglades.” Anglers have been catching some decent-sized bass there, making it our bassin’ hot spot for this week.
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Even though fishing is slow at Saguaro and Canyon lakes near Phoenix, some anglers are still catching a few monster bass using swim baits.
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A visit to Lake Havasu might be worthwhile right now. Most Havasu anglers know a secret: there are some nice-sized smallmouth bass there. Also, take along your binoculars and watch the seagulls. When you see seagulls actively feeding, it’s probably because a school of striped bass is ambushing an even larger school of shad, and the shad are busting the surface. Try spoons and shad-like crankbaits.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
1/18/2005 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Warm weather should make ideal conditions to go fishing. The best fishing right now is for primarily for trout. The urban lakes were stocked late last week with incentive-sized trout. Trout have been stocked at Saguaro and Canyon Lakes. This is a great time to hit a southern triple: Parker Canyon, Pena Blanca or Arivaca lakes for trout. Near Prescott, try Goldwater or Lynx lakes. This is also the leading edge of the wild rainbow trout spawn at Lees Ferry.
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For warmwater fish, the best bet right now is Apache Lake for smallmouth bass. Apache is also in some prime quail habitat. Take along your shotgun just in case the smallies aren’t biting. Two other good bets are fishing either Canyon or Saguaro lakes using trout-like swim baits to catch monster largemouth bass.
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Use caution at most lakes: the runoff the past few weeks has resulted in lots of floating debris. Later in the season, that debris can become nutrients or habitat. Right now, it mostly constitutes a boating hazard.
Be sure to get your 2005 fishing license: thanks to rising lake levels, this ought to be a standout fishing year.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
1/5/2005 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The hot spot is Lees Ferry where wild rainbow trout are staging for the spawn. This is also a good area for hunting waterfowl. Daily high fluctuating releases from Glen Canyon Dam, as part of the Glen Canyon Dam experimental flows, started Jan. 2 and will continue through the first week of April, which is the tail end of the spawn. These high flows have proven to be great for anglers.
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Green Valley Lake, which is an urban program fishery in Payson, is receiving a stocking of "incentive" size trout this week, including many trout from 13-18 inches ranging from 1 to 2.5 pounds. All other urban lakes in Phoenix and Tucson will receive incentive fish the week of Jan. 10-15. In addition to larger fish, 10-percent more fish are being stocked in all the waters.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
12/30/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The midweek storm has brought rain and snow to the state and caused high flows in many of the streams and creeks. Check road and water conditions before venturing out.
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Trout fishing has been good in some of the stocked southeastern Arizona waters, particularly Pena Blanca, Patagonia and Parker Canyon lakes.
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To kick off the 2005 year, the Urban Fishing Program has scheduled an incentive trout stocking for all urban lakes. Incentive stockings include many trout from 13-18 inches, ranging from 1 to 2.5 pounds. On average, one in every four trout is a whopper over 13 inches, with the remaining fish ranging from 10-12 inches. Payson's Green Valley lakes will get the first delivery of incentive trout the week of Jan. 3-8. All other urban lakes in the Phoenix and Tucson areas will receive incentive stockings the week of Jan. 10-15. In addition to larger fish, an extra 10 percent more fish have been ordered.
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Don't forget to pick up the new 2005 Arizona Fishing Regulation booklet and the Urban Fishing Program brochure. Licenses can be purchased for yourself, a family member or a friend online at azgfd.gov, at any Game and Fish Department office, or at any one of 340 license dealers in Arizona
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
12/21/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Brighten up the holiday scene with a trout expedition. You can stay close to home or have a nice drive with a rainbow at the end. The urban lakes are stocked with trout. In fact, the stockers have been running much larger this year. Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt River are all stocked with trout. Further afield, try Goldwater Lake or Lynx Lake near Prescott, the Verde River or Deadhorse State Park in the Verde Valley, or head south for Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake or Casa Blanca Lake.
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Martinez Lake, which is really a backwater off the Colorado River near Yuma, appears to be the state's fishing hot spot, where they are pulling in large stripers and decent largemouth bass. One area of Martinez has a lot of docks. It's a hoot to skip baits under the docks, especially when the bait is attacked by a voracious bass lying in ambush. If you are looking for a little more exercise to work off your holiday overindulgence, try a cast-and-blast expedition. One of my favorites is Apache Lake for smallmouth bass, then working the uplands for quail. Bartlett Lake also offers plenty of opportunities. Try using drop shots for bass, then if the fishing is slow, exploring the uplands at the base of the Mazatzals for Gambel's. A duck-and-trout expedition to Lees Ferry can be a ball this time of year.
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Even though the fishing has been terrible at Alamo Lake since it dramatically filled with water about a month ago, this lake should be very attractive for waterfowl coming down the Pacific flyway, and there are plenty of quail in the surrounding hills. This location might make a great getaway for a couple of days.
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For those fishing at Lake Pleasant, or along the Verde and Salt Rivers, it's the bald eagle nesting season. Please obey the closures.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
12/16/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
A portion of the Agua Fria arm of Lake Pleasant closes today, Dec. 15 for nesting bald eagles. You can access the upper end of the Agua Fria arm of the lake, past the closure, via Interstate 17 and get off at Table Mesa Road. I still have two guys calling saying they are catching lots of white bass fishing at night using submerged crappie lights and dangling live shad for bait along the submerged creek channels in the northern section of the lake. Sounds cold but fun.
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Other anglers have reported seeing plenty of fishermen out trying for big bass using swim baits at Saguaro and Canyon lakes. Now that really sounds like fun.
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For bass and other warmwater species, winter conditions have settled in. The best bet right now is going for winter trout. Try Tempe Town Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake and a long list of others.
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| Reviewed
By: |
AZGF Fishing Report |
| Reviewed
On: |
12/9/2004 |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The recent snowstorms closed the higher elevation trout lakes, such as Big Lake, Crescent, Lee Valley, Woods Canyon, Chevelon, Knoll, Black Canyon, Bear Canyon, and Blue Ridge. Trout anglers should switch their attention to the mid and low elevation lakes that are stocked with trout.
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Tempe Town Lake is stocked with rainbows, and once again is providing some decent catch rates. Canyon, Saguaro and the Lower Salt River close to the Valley of the Sun have all been stocked with trout. Some of the mid elevation lakes, such as Goldwater Lake and Lynx Lake near Prescott, can provide a great family outing this time of year.
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If you are looking for a different fishing adventure, try the Colorado River along Casino Row in Bullhead; 2,000 trout were recently stocked there. It's quite a treat to come off the water following the morning bite, go to one of the buffets for lunch, then catch a stage show, and finally hit the evening bite. It can spoil you.
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Most warmwater fishing has slowed. For big bass, try Saguaro or Canyon lakes using trout-like swim baits. Expect low catch rates, but you might catch your monster of a lifetime.
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This is also a good time to fish the urban lakes. They have been stocked twice with rainbow trout since the trout season began. This colder weather is just perfect for catching trout.
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AZGF Fishing Report |
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12/2/2004 |
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This is a good time of year to be trout fishing at urban lakes. A surprise delivery of large rainbows ranging in size from 11-14 inches kicked off the trout stocking season at the Phoenix area lakes two weeks ago. Game and Fish biologists weighed out fish from some of the tanks and found the trout averaged nearly 1 pound each. Stocking was also done that week for all lakes in the Tucson area. The feisty trout were stocked at rates of 70-80 fish per acre. Fish averaged just under one-half pound each, with some 12- to 15-inch trout mixed in.
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Fishing has been good on portions of the Colorado River and its lakes in the western part of the state. If you're heading up to the high country in northern and eastern Arizona, check road and weather conditions. Ice is starting to form on some of the high country lakes, particularly in the mornings. The ice is not safe for ice fishing.
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The new 2005 Urban Fishing brochure and 2005 Arizona Fishing Regulation booklet will be available in a couple of weeks. Copies can be picked up at any Game and Fish Department office or authorized license dealer after Dec. 15. Make sure to get your copy to keep up with changes in regulations, maps of new urban lakes, listings of Big Fish-of-the-Year winners, and plenty of additional information.
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AZGF Fishing Report |
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11/25/2004 |
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Walleye anglers might want to try one last trip to Show Low Lake or Fool Hollow near Show Low for a chance at a new state record.
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For those too full of turkey for a high country trout adventure, there are plenty of trout-catching opportunities close to home. Tempe Town Lake was stocked Nov. 23. Both Saguaro and Canyon lakes have been stocked with trout. The Lower Salt River has been stocked as well. The urban program lakes have also been stocked with trout.
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The heavy rain in some watersheds, such as the Verde River and above Alamo Lake, could make fishing a little challenging for bass and crappie. However, it could be worth a try to go after catfish.
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The Agua Fria River has had some decent flows recently: it hit around 1,000 cfs on Monday and was still flowing at around 750 cfs at noon Tuesday. It is likely that Castle Creek and Humbug Creek were flowing as well. Those fishing Lake Pleasant might want to head for the Agua Fria arm of the lake or other areas with inflows. Quite often, the best fishing is along the mud line. Live bait, such as minnows, might just be the trick to catch white bass, striped bass, black bass and possibly crappie and channel catfish as well. You might also consider trolling to locate active fish. Working drop shots along mud lines could also be a viable technique
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AZGF Fishing Report |
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11/18/2004 |
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10 Stars |
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This is the time to get out for winter trout.
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Tempe Town Lake is being stocked on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Come join the celebration for the return of the trout. Last year, Tempe Town Lake posted some of the best catch rates in the state for stocked rainbow trout. Remember, you do need a state fishing license (not an urban one) with a trout stamp.
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Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and the Lower Salt River have all been stocked with trout. The urban lakes were stocked with trout this week.
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A note of interest: Alamo Lake has now risen 47 feet, inundating lots of vegetation that had grown up in the exposed lake bed. That’s good news for the future of this bass and crappie fishery.
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AZGF Fishing Report 10-27-04 |
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Oct. 27, 2004 |
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Put it on your calendar or you day planner now: watch the spring and summer fishing reports for Alamo Lake. The Big Sandy was flowing at 34,000 cfs last week, making it Arizona’s largest river by more than triple. The last two storms raised the Alamo Lake level 21 feet (that’s vertical feet), submerging a lot of lush vegetation that had grown up in the lakebed during the drought. It doesn’t take a biological genius to predict great things for Alamo the next couple of years.<br><br> Hey, there is also great cat fishing there right now. Watch out for floating trees and debris.
Rain and snow might play havoc with some fisheries this week, but it makes for perfect smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. Apache and Canyon lakes are the top choices, although Roosevelt is a contender as well. Try chartreuse-colored Yamamoto grubs on a 1/8-ounce or less jig head, or fish the bottom with a heavier spider jib. Keep a shad-like crankbait handy.
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I am also hearing some great reports of using drop shots for smallies. Generally, pick the windiest, nastiest shoreline where crayfish and other food morsels are being swept out of the rocks. Or, try just around the corner on the lee side. If you see a shallow ledge with a steep drop-off adjacent, fish the edge of the drop-off for the larger bronzebacks and for walleye, especially at Apache Lake. Try putting a small piece of night crawler on your jig’s hook.
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Two smallmouth dark horses right now are Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip (just below Parker Dam). Anglers are also doing well for stripers at Havasu. Sounds like a good fall trip. You’ll be crossing a lot of good quail country to get there, so you might want to take along the shotgun as well. The desert-zone waterfowl season opened Oct. 22. Smallmouth fillets and duck breasts could provide a gourmet feeding opportunity.
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If you are headed to the high country, put on your woolies, but also expect to have some terrific fishing. It’s an adventure to fish for trout with fresh fluffy powdery stuff on the ground. Trout should be in their end-of-autumn feeding frenzies thanks to all these storms blasting through the state. Keep in mind that if there is a lot of runoff, turbidity can slow down the bite.
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AZGF Fishing Report 11-3-04 |
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Nov. 3, 2004 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
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It’s amazing: Alamo Lake went from being drought starved to rising 37 feet in two weeks. All the brush and other vegetation that had grown up along its shore are now submerged. We are expecting some super angling opportunities here in the next several years.<br><br>
Don’t put away your trout rods now that winter is here. Now’s the time to get out for winter trout. Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt River starting at the Phon D. Sutton Recreation area are both being stocked this week. Oak Creek is also scheduled for stocking. The lagoons at Deadhorse State Park near Cottonwood were already stocked at the end of October, as were Fain Lake and Goldwater Lake near Prescott. Next week, Saguaro Lake will be stocked with trout. On Nov. 22, Tempe Town Lake will be stocked. To get more winter stocking information, visit azgfd.gov.
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This could be the last hurrah for the high country trout lakes: ice-out could occur any time as the nights kept getting colder and cold storms keep blasting through. If you are looking for big trout, now’s the time for a Big Lake visit. The Mogollon Rim lakes can be terrific producers right before ice-out; try Woods Canyon and Willow Springs. For big browns, try Chevelon or Blue Ridge.
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For the Urban Program lakes, the cooler weather is keeping things right on target to stock rainbow trout into urban lakes in both the Tucson and Phoenix areas the week of Nov. 15-20. With the colder temperatures at Payson’s Green Valley Lakes, trout stockings already started on Wednesday, Oct. 13 and will continue at three-week intervals into May.
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All these storms blasting through the state make it perfect for smallmouth bass fishing expeditions. The top smallmouth water is Apache Lake, but Canyon Lake can produce some huge ones at times. Roosevelt also has smallmouth bass, although anglers haven’t been providing us much in the way of reports. Two dark horses that can pay some fun dividends are Havasu Lake or along the Colorado River immediately below the Parker Dam.
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AZGF Fishing Report 10-19-04 |
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Oct. 19, 2004 |
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If you don’t already have a fishing license for this year, you can get a 2004 fishing license for half-price starting Nov. 1. It can be worth it just for the winter trout fishing opportunities in the next couple of months.<br><br>
Winter trout stockings have already occurred at Goldwater Lake, Fain Lake, Lynx Lake, Mingus Lake and Oak Creek. During the first week of November, the Lower Salt River and Canyon Lake will be stocked. On Nov. 15, Saguaro will get its first load of trout. For other waters, check out the stocking report at azgfd.gov.
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Trout fishing is still tremendous in the Mogollon Rim and White Mountain fisheries. Big Lake offers the most variety of trout – rainbows, cutthroat and brookies. The Mogollon Rim has plenty of hot fishing spots, including Woods Canyon, Willow Springs and Black Canyon. To escape the crowds, try Bear Canyon, Chevelon Canyon or Knoll lakes. A good bet for boat anglers is Blue Ridge Reservoir.
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In the desert impoundments, this next week or so may be the last opportunity to wade into large schools of crappie: these speckled beauties will soon disperse into their winter patterns and they can be tougher to find. Fishing at night under lights should be good until the moon gets full again. Try Bartlett, Roosevelt or Alamo lakes.
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Largemouth bass and striped bass fishing could also hit the fall crescendo during the next couple of weeks. This time of year, it can take one good storm to end the fall feeding frenzy and force the fish deep where they will feed more sporadically. For the tail end of the season, a favorite spot is Apache Lake where it is possible to catch smallmouth bass, walleye, largemouth bass and yellow bass. Both Apache and Roosevelt are in prime quail-hunting habitat as well.
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AZGF Fishing Report 10-13-04 |
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Oct. 13, 2004 |
| Overall
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The new moon is Wednesday, making this a good week to fish for crappie and bass using floating or submersible lights at night. The light will attract plankton. The plankton will attract shad. The shad will attack predators, such as crappie and bass. Try using small crappie jigs or live minnows on a slip bobber. <br><br>
There is good news for smallmouth bass anglers: Apache Lake really turned on last week when it was windy. Keep in mind that both Apache and Roosevelt Lakes are in prime quail country: quail season opened last week.<br><br>
The high-country autumn display may have hit its crescendo last weekend, so if you haven't gone, go soon. The trout fishing is terrific. Because brown trout spawn in the fall, salmon eggs can be a good bet. Use small slip sinkers.<br><br>
The top three desert impoundments are still Bartlett, Pleasant and Roosevelt. This is a great time to experience topwater action. For great catch rates on 1- to 2-pound bass, it's tough to beat Bartlett. Bartlett is also the place for flathead anglers, especially with some nice flows coming down from Horseshoe. Alamo has turned on for bass.<br><br>
Further afield, you can still find plenty of striped bass action at Powell, Mead, Mohave and Havasu. The crowds are gone. The fishing is great. The weather is nice. It's a pretty good combination.
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AZGF Fishing Report 10-8-04 |
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Oct. 8, 2004 |
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Rory’s Tips: Fall colors in the high country are spectacular: this is the time for a high country trout odyssey. Trout are biting well across the high country, so pick your favorite lake and go. For fall colors, it's tough to beat Big Lake in the White Mountains. Nelson Reservoir near Escudilla Mountain and Hulsey Lake on Escudilla are also places to see a good autumn color show. Willow Springs Lake on the Mogollon Rim can be another good place for fishing and fall colors. Go catch some fall memories.<br><br>
In the lower elevations, bass fishing for 1- to 2-pound bass remains hot at Bartlett, and the topwater bite is still phenomenal at Pleasant. For lunkers (but lower catch rates), try Canyon or Saguaro. Roosevelt is good for slot bass and crappie fishing has picked up there. Alamo is still a dark horse, but one that could pay off.
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For striped bass, try Powell, Mead, Mohave or Havasu. This is the time to find striper feeding frenzies on the surface. Watch the birds: actively feeding birds such as seagulls or great blue herons can often lead you to surface action.
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AZGF Fishing Report 9-29-04 |
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Sept. 29, 2004 |
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Trout anglers at Woods Canyon over the weekend were either getting limits, or having trouble getting bites, but all enjoyed watching a bald eagle and an osprey putting on aerial fish-catching demonstrations. Anglers are still hitting the high country lakes hard, and with good reason. The bite is on. The aspens on the Mogollon Rim are just starting to turn. Autumn colors could bust loose any time now, especially if there is a deep frost. This is also the season when you should be able to hear bull elk bugling in the forest: it’s the mating time. Anglers are Big Lake have reported some awesome fishing.
<br><br>For the warmwater lakes, Bartlett, Pleasant and Roosevelt are still the tops for good catch rates on bass, while Saguaro remains king of the lunkers. Although Canyon Lake can be tough to fish, knowledgeable anglers have been pulling in some monster largemouth and smallmouth bass — but don’t expect to catch many. Apache Lake can be either provide great catches or an empty livewell, but it’s a great place for a fall fishing expedition.
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An outside bet right now is Alamo Lake west of Wickenburg. It received so much inflow from rains in the watershed last week that the temporary launch ramp ended up becoming submerged fish structure. Alamo has been kind of quiet so far this season – expect that to change any time. The inflows could get the bass and crappie bite going. However, the catfish bite is tremendous.
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Another good bet this time of year is Lake Powell for stripers and smallmouth bass. In the fall, it’s always possible to have the fishing trip of a lifetime at Powell. Just down the river, Lees Ferry is still producing good action on large, wild trout.
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AZGF Fishing Report 9-21-04 |
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21-Sep-04 |
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Heavy rainfall and intense runoff in many drainages last weekend will change fishing conditions, but exactly how is uncertain. The influx of much-needed water and nutrients into our reservoirs – especially in central Arizona – will likely change fish activity patterns. Hopefully, the cool-down effect will prompt baitfish and predatory fish alike to get into the fall activity patterns. In the fall, fish get more active to put on body fat before winter conditions arrive.
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On Monday morning, Tonto Creek running into Roosevelt Lake hit a high of about 6,000 cfs while the Salt River increased to slightly more than 2,000 cfs. The Agua Fria River flowing into Pleasant punched up to past 2,000 and quickly faded on Monday morning. The Big Sandy, which feeds Alamo, kicked up to more than 2,000 cfs on Sunday: hopefully that will help a lowering water level there.
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As of Monday morning, the upper Verde was flowing at 15,000-plus cfs near Clarkdale, which is about three times as much flow as the current Colorado River flow through Marble Canyon. In the lower reaches of the Verde, a lot of the runoff could be ash-laden. Bartlett Lake will be interesting to watch. It has been a hot spot for months for 1- to 2-pound bass. For the past two winters, it has been a little slow for crappie. This nutrient loading may set it up for some better grow outs.
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Turbidity at some high country lakes could slow the trout bite down some, at least for this week until everything settles down. The top trout pick for this week is Lees Ferry. For those creeks and lakes with brown trout, the increased flows might impact the spawn. High turbidity could slow down the spawn, while higher flows without high turbidity could prompt browns to be more active.
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Scott |
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4-Oct |
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When fishing with a trolling motor, set it as low as possible and drift into the school of fish, don't make any sudden movements and wear polarized sunglasses |
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Tim, Geogetown, TX |
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4-Oct |
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To get rid of the fish smell on your hands, take some toohpaste or a citrus soda like Mountain Dew and clean those smelly hands. It works great, try it |
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AZGF Fishing Report 9-17-04 |
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Sept. 17, 2004 |
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The top fishing pick for this week is Lake Powell. Stripers are actively boiling. The best bite has shifted down lake; so launch at Wahweap or Antelope Point. Once you catch stripers in boils on topwater, you’ll get hooked as well. It’s spectacular. Remember to catch and keep all the stripers you can. When the striper bite slows, the smallmouth can more than make up for any lapse in action. Try casting shad-like lures along major points and reefs where they may be sitting in ambush. Sometimes you will catch largemouth bass and walleye that way as well.<br><br>
Despite the unseasonably hot weather, the days are getting shorter and the nights are becoming longer, which equates to declining water temperatures. Even in the hot weather, these conditions can prompt increased fish feeding activities in the high country and in the desert lakes.<br><br>
In the desert lakes, a good tactic is covering large amounts of water to find actively feeding fish. Crankbaits, topwater lures, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be good locater lures. Once you find active fish, then you can switch to slower methods, such as drop shotting, worming, jigging or spooning. Keep your eyes open for shad boils. Binoculars can help you spot them. So can birds; watch for gulls, cormorants, grebes and herons actively feeding on baitfish.<br><br>
In the desert lakes, Bartlett and Roosevelt are best for high catch rates while Saguaro and Canyon are the top producers for bruisers. Pleasant is an outside choice, but fishing at night for whites and stripers can be terrific at times along the submerged creek channels in the northern end of the lake. Alamo is starting to come on, finally.<br><br>
For those fishing the high country lakes, try using in-line spinners, such as Mepps or Yellow Jackets, or lures such as rainbow-colored Rapalas, as active fish locaters. When you find active fish, switch to bait such as Power Bait, salmon eggs or worms. Or better yet, get a two-pole stamp and try both at the same time. When in the high country, don’t forget to listen for bull elk calling in the forest: the rut is underway. Good choices right now are Big Lake, Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Knoll and Blue Ridge.
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For walleye anglers, try Show Low Lake or Fools Hollow; both are within the city limits of Show Low. In years past, we have had state records broken this time of year. Walleye are light sensitive, so the best time is often first and last light. There are some walleye anglers, however, who spend the night on the water. Be sure to take a warm coat.
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AZGF Fishing Report 9-8-04 |
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9/8/2004 |
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Chilly nights in the high country should cause increased trout activity levels. During autumn, fish are trying to put as much fat on as possible before winter conditions arrive. Expect trout to be actively feeding periodically throughout the day.
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This is a great time to be afield. You might even hear elk calling in the forest: it’s mating time. Desert dwellers should remember to get their jackets out of mothballs before going. Watch the weather reports: broad-leafed trees will start displaying autumn colors after the first good frost.
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In the desert lakes, the expected increase in topwater action this past weekend appeared to be sporadic at most waters, although there were some decent reports from Roosevelt and Bartlett. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass can all be chasing shad at the surface periodically. Take binoculars to spot boils, or watch bird activity. Seagulls, great blue herons, osprey and even bald eagles can all provide telltales of surface feeding activity.
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If you want some spectacular fall fishing, head to upper end of Lake Powell in the Hall’s Crossing/Bullfrog area (go to Kayenta, then turn right and go through Monument Valley). Stripers are “chasing shad with a vengeance” but it is also an area to catch feisty smallmouth bass and fat walleyes as well. If you have good timing, it can be the fishing trip of a lifetime. The action should continue through October.
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Apache Lake is starting to come on for smallmouth bass. Smallmouth can feed on shad and crayfish, so a good technique to use is to locate smallies is using crayfish-colored crankbaits around submerged boulders and rock piles. Also work main lake points. Also try small spoons, such as KastMasters, for the abundant yellow bass. Try just inside coves. It can be great action for young anglers.
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AZGF Fishing Report 8-24-04 |
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Aug. 24, 2004 |
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Cooler days (and nights) have dropped water temperatures, prompting predatory fish to become more active during these autumn-like conditions. Bartlett and Roosevelt have been hotter than a July firecracker for lots of smaller bass. Pleasant has been producing good results as well for topwater anglers during the day. Saguaro and Canyon have also turned on to a lesser degree, but these two lakes offer opportunities for much larger bass. There are been reports from anglers at both Roosevelt and Bartlett who have caught-and-released up to 100 bass in a day, mostly on topwater. It’s also a good idea to rig one pole with a small spoon – the bruiser bass will often sit on the lake bottom gobbling up dying shad, or shad parts, from the frenzied action above.
<br><br>This cooler spat of weather is a great time for a trout fishing expedition to the high country lakes along the Mogollon Rim or in the White Mountains. Willow Springs, Woods Canyon, and Knoll lakes offer lots of good fishing opportunities along the rim. This is a good time to go after pre-spawn brown trout in places like Chevelon Canyon, which is great for float tubers but tough on shore anglers. Big Lake and Becker Lake are two of the more productive waters in the White Mountains, but this is also an excellent time of year to fish the small streams.
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If you are looking for trophy trout in spectacular scenery, try Lees Ferry between Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon. This is also a good time to escape the crowds. It’s the off-season for people, but is the right season for catching. These milder days add to the Marble Canyon big trout allure.
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We have received good reports lately of youngsters under age 10 having good success for bass and trout. This is an excellent time to get them out for a taste of fishing success. Remember, size doesn’t matter, but catching can. Go catch a memory or two.
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July 2004 Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
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4-Jul |
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10 Stars |
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On a lot of lakes there are a lot of skiers and boats out on the lake during the day. To escape all the noise and havoc a lot of fishermen like to fish at night. Bass are usually shallow during the night. They are also in a more aggressive feeding mode. There is one bad thing about fishing at night; the fish can be very spooky. So you should tried to avoid bumping your trolling motor and dropping things in the boat. Gravel points and midlake humps can be some of the best places to fish at night. Try fishing these areas with a plastic worm, jig-and-pig, or a dark colored spinnerbait. If you fish any lure like a spinnerbait, crankbait, or any topwater you need to use dark colors so it will silhouette of the surface. |
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Weekly Fishing Report |
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27-Jul-04 |
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10 Stars |
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It’s that time: sweating to the hot summer’s topwater during the daytime, especially with a waxing full moon coming. This is not for the faint of heart. Those with pacemakers or anyone who routinely has to run from the car’s air conditioner to the air conditioning in a building should probably stay at home. There can be topwater action at Lake Pleasant and other lakes off-and-on throughout the heat of the day, primarily for black bass.
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The key to daytime topwater action is looking for a breeze rippling the surface: follow the breeze. Or watch the birds. Seagulls and great blue herons actively feeding are telltale signs of fish action. Right now, downsize: there are a lot of 6- to 8-inch bass feeding on thumbnail sizes threadfin shad. Use small top water lures, such as Zara Puppies or even a Zara Pooch. Cut some of the smaller soft plastic jerkbaits in half and even use a trailer hook off the exposed shank (the bass are often slapping at the shad and lures). Try casting small spoons, such as the smallest KastMasters into those petite fish boils. The lunkers are often sitting on the bottom feeding on dying shad below the small fish boils.
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Drink plenty of liquids. Take a swim in the water to cool down from time to time. If there is no breeze, there is typically no bite: that’s a good signal to get off the lake. The monsoon cloud build up can also get things going during the day, but watch out for those big storms hitting. It can get dangerous on the water at such times. |
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter June 2004 |
| Reviewed
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4-Jun |
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10 Stars |
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When the “Dog Days” of summer arrive, all you want to do is lie around in the shade and keep cool like an old dog. Water temperature during this time can have a bigger effect on species like bass than most anglers realize.
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As water temperature rises above 80 degrees, activity and feeding tend to drop off. Bass will hold in deep water during the heat of the day, return to the shallows at night and remain there through the early morning hours.
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You can still catch fish during the day. Just remember to try cooler areas where fish will tend to congregate, like sink holes, underwater springs, rapid drop-offs and deep holes that provide temperature protection.
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However, there is no point in looking for fish deeper that the depth at which the oxygen level drops off, which is usually just below the thermocline. Dress for the heat, drink plenty of liquids, adjust your tactics and enjoy “Dog Days” fishing
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AZGF Fishing Report 6-17-04 |
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6/17/2004 |
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10 Stars |
| Review: |
For most desert waters, it’s time to transition to night fishing. During the dark of the moon through the half moon, try using floating or submersible crappie lights for crappie, bass and even catfish. Live bait, such as minors or shad, can be terrific.
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The night hot spot is Bartlett Lake near Phoenix, although any of the desert lakes can produce. The night crappie bite at Bartlett is doing well. There have also been good reports of Lake Pleasant anglers catching white bass using live minnows and shad along the submerged creek channels in the northern part of the lake.
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Fore shore anglers, it’s prime catfishing time using stink baits. Catfish will cruise the shallows off-and-on throughout the night. Try chumming (throwing bait into the water) to attract cats. I like using canned corn. Then put a piece of corn onto the hook with whatever other bait you might be using, such as chicken liver or hot dogs.
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In the high country, the best fishing success will come at first and last light. Generally, expect to find trout in deeper water now that conditions are warming up. Light tackle and slip sinkers or slip bobbers are good bets. This is often when the commercially prepared baits, such as Power Bait, will be the ticket.
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If you want some good walleye, striper and smallmouth fishing, head to Lake Powell. Be sure to get a Lake Powell stamp to affix to your fishing license. Be sure to grab your favorite Zara Spooks to take along: the striper topwater bite has begun.
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At Lees Ferry, expect warm weather and lots of dry fly action: the midge bite is going big time for big wild rainbows. Some guides are catching fish all day long off the same sandbar.
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8-Jun-04 |
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out of
10 Stars |
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It’s time to go catch a memory, for free. Free fishing day is Saturday, June 12 on all public waters, including urban ones. The hot bass spots are Bartlett, Roosevelt and Pleasant. High country trout fishing has slowed in the Flagstaff area, but is still going strong at the lakes along the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains.
Powell and Mead are both coming on strong. Lees Ferry is on fire with a great midge bite. Mead and Havasu have good striper action.
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Night fishing for catfish is taking off at all the lakes: this is the time for a hook-and-line tussle with Mr. Whiskers.
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For youngsters, get some small hooks – like size 10 or 12, and some mealworms, then fish any rocky shoreline at any lake for sunfish.
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This is also a great time to start harvesting crayfish, aka crawfish or mud bugs. These voracious crustaceans are not native to Arizona, but they taste great. A small piece of meat, such as bacon fat, on a hook, or just tied on a string, will work fine. Kids love catching them.
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AZGF Fishing Report 6-1-04 |
| Reviewed
On: |
6/1/2004 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
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The high-country trout bite is slowing in the Flagstaff and Williams areas, but not on the Mogollon Rim or White Mountains. With triple-digit heat in the Valley, this is sure a good time to be in the cool pines wetting a line. With things warming up, I favor the deeper mountain waters, such as Big Lake, Willow Springs, Blue Ridge and Chevelon for the best action.
This is also a good time of year for cool water fish, such as walleye, in Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow, Upper Lake Mary, Apache and Powell. A secret for walleye is using a piece of night crawler on your lures, unless of course you are using a whole worm on a night-crawler harness.
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The advent of hot weather makes night fishing more attractive, but the full moon can mean night catching isn’t as viable, at least not using floating or submersible lights to attract fish. However, predatory fish can be quite active chasing shad, especially in the shallows. Try setting up on the points at night using live bait. Slip bobbers can be very effective. Catfishing can also be tremendous on these full moon nights. Even if catching slows, full moon nights can provide quite the fishing experience. I also like using black-colored poppers with a Marabou (feather) tail. Quite often, a full moon does result in a late morning bite on many warmwater lakes.
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As for the hot spots, Bartlett, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Alamo are tops for good catch rates and Saguaro and Canyon are best for lunkers. At Pleasant, another good technique to try for white bass, striped bass and largemouth bass is slowly trolling deep-running crankbaits or live shad. If you graph large schools of fish, especially over stream channels, they are probably whites: drop some jigging spoons down to them or straight line some live bait, such as minnows or shad.
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For catfish, my top picks are Saguaro, Alamo, Roosevelt and Bartlett. However, catfish are under utilized at all our desert impoundments. That translates into lots of great cat fishing opportunities at all the lakes. The best technique is using slip sinkers and small trebles with aromatic baits (such as stink bait, liver and hot dogs). Also remember that it is legal to chum in Arizona.
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Night fishing for sunfish from the fishing piers at Canyon and Saguaro lakes can be just the ticket for youngsters, especially at twilight. Use mealworms, night crawlers or corn fished under a slip bobber and a small hook (No. 10 or 12). Another great sunfish water is Goldwater Lake near Prescott.
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AZGF Fishing Report 5-26-04 |
| Reviewed
On: |
26-May-04 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The weather will be near perfect this holiday weekend for a fishing trip somewhere, whether high country or low country. Some trout waters are receiving bonus stockings of trout this week: Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Oak Creek and Ashurst. Lees Ferry will have constant experimental flows of 8,000 cfs probably through Monday for aerial photography purposes: go catch a big one for your photography purposes.<br><br>
If gas prices are making you think twice, there are lots of good opportunities close to home. The Lower Salt River (about 20 minutes from Mesa) is being stocked again this week: it should be providing some terrific action, especially at first and last light. Tempe Town Lake has been great for largemouth bass using soft plastic worms fished on the bottom. There’s also lots of sunfish for the kids there: try mealworms or night crawlers fished under a bobber. Another good bet close to home is fishing Bartlett or Pleasant. Pleasant even offers lots of shore fishing opportunities for those fishing for catfish at night. Give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the number of stars. Take along some binoculars just to watch the night sky in between catching fish.
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My top pick for Memorial Day weekend, however, is Lake Powell. It’s a dream for anyone with a boat and a few days to spend fishing: it’s tough to beat catching lots of smallmouth bass, striped bass, largemouth bass and walleye in some of the most magnificent sceneries in the world. Expected mild temperatures make it even more attractive. My number two pick is Lake Mead, for many of the same reasons, and for some quality desert solitaire on the water.
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| Reviewed
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter may 2004 |
| Reviewed
On: |
4-May |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Some of the hottest action of the year occurs immediately after the spawn by targeting pods of bass fry. In the first stages of post-spawn, check pockets where the bass have been bedding and search the bank or holes in the grass beds for small schools of fry. Anytime you see the fry, there will always be a buck bass nearby, protecting the young from panfish and other threats. During this time, these male bass are easy to catch with a soft-plastic jerkbaits tossed near the fry. |
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18-May-04 |
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out of
10 Stars |
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The hot spot in the state is Lake Powell where stripers are spawning. In addition, it is possible to catch stripers, smallmouth, largemouth, bluegill and catfish if you hit the right area – it’s a fishing smorgasbord. In the upper lake (Hall’s Crossing to Hite), it is also possible to catch lots of delectable walleye. The lake is rising, so launching problems should disappear shortly.
In the high country, trout fishing should be reaching its spring crescendo – this is a great time to go when desert temperatures are popping into the triple digits and double-digit trout are hitting. Big Lake is providing terrific action for wild rainbows, cutthroat and brook trout. Crescent is great for recently stocked rainbows and brookies (20,500 trout have been stocked). All the cold mountain lakes along the Mogollon Rim are providing decent trout action, including Woods Canyon, Black Canyon, Bear Canyon, Blue Ridge, Chevelon and Knoll.
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In the desert lakes, Bartlett has been taking top honors for one- to two-pound bass, but Roosevelt and Alamo are also top contenders. Despite a recent shad die off, Saguaro is still lunker city and Canyon is still THE place to stick the hawgs if you don’t mind slow catch rates.
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With a new moon this week, it is time to start transitioning from the day bite to the night bass bite. For crappie, fishing under lights is the absolute best way to go.
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Catfish anglers can still expect to catch cats during the day, but should also be transitioning to fishing at night. Catfishing is a shore-angling special. Go to any desert lack, take along some hot dogs, corn, and beef or chicken liver, and fish them along the bottom with a slip sinker. Remember, chumming is legal in Arizona. You might also consider putting on two baits per pole, and getting a two-pole stamp.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Rory Aikens |
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On: |
12-May-04 |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
The Lower Salt River near Phoenix has been stocked with trout: it offers great trout fishing close to home. However, if you have a little more time to spend, reports from the high country trout lakes indicate one thing: go now. The bite is hot, the weather is cool and the experience is priceless.
Ashurst and Lower Lake Mary near Flagstaff have been stocked with trout as well as channel catfish. The Mogollon Rim lakes are all providing consistently good trout fishing action, including Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, Bear Canyon, Black Canyon, and Knoll. Blue Ridge Reservoir and Chevelon Lake are good bets as well, especially for larger holdover fish.
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You can take your pick of the trout fisheries in the White Mountains and expect to do well, although Big Lake is providing the most consistent angling opportunities. An 8-pound trout was caught at Big Lake last weekend. Some anglers have been catching rainbows up to 20 inches long at Becker Lake near Springerville. One young angler caught 30-plus trout at Crescent Lake while fly-fishing. Also received a great report – along with a picture of a small boy with a BIG smallmouth bass – from the Black River.
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In the desert lakes, Bartlett has surged into the spotlight as the bass post-spawn hotspot, but Pleasant, Roosevelt and Alamo are all providing some terrific angling opportunities. Look for action off the main points, islands and reefs, although you might also find bass chasing shad in the coves at first light. This is also the time to start transitioning tonight fishing for bass, especially for the big ones. For crappie anglers, the best fishing is at night. We’re getting good reports are from Roosevelt and Alamo, although Bartlett is providing decent action. The moon is waning, which means the action should be getting better. An outside bet is the Agua Fria Arm of Lake Pleasant off Table Mesa Road.
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Further afield, Lake Powell is providing awesome action for smallmouth and largemouth bass, but the stripers are entering the spawn: when you find them, it is possible to catch one fish after another. Lake Havasu is also turning on for stripers. Don’t ignore Lees Ferry – anglers are catching lots of wild trout there. This is a great time of year for a Marble Canyon fishing adventure.
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| Reviewed
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-May |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
With the end of another spawning season almost complete, a lot of our attention and efforts will be focused on getting the finicky post-spawn bass to strike. There is a lot of literature that states that many bass become aggressive feeders after the spawn because they want to replenish malnourishment gained from the tireless efforts of spawning. No matter what the time of year there is always a tough day on the lake even for the best anglers. If that time comes for you and it’s during the post-spawn here are some tips that may help you have a productive day on the lake. <br><br>
1. Probably the biggest key with catching post-spawn fish is knowing the right time of day to fish. This is
very important during the post-spawn because bass become finicky to eating and sometimes the best
way to catch these fish is top water. There isn’t a better time to get on good top water bite than early
morning at daybreak. The most productive top water baits for post-spawn bass are the walking baits like
the Spook or Sammy. <br><br>
2. Know where the fish move to during the day. Focus on main lake points and follow the wind.
Post-spawn bass like to gather on main lake points waiting for baitfish to come by. If you can find lakes
with current; focus on fishing these areas. Current makes bass become more aggressive and also
moves the baitfish so bass can obtain an easy meal. <br><br>
3. Use the proper baits and cover water. The most consumed meal for the bass during the post-spawn is
is the shad. Crank baits and spinner baits are the most productive presentations to use during this time
of year. Use a crank that dives for 8 to 10 feet and focus on main lake points. You can also use a
spinner bait to cover water and imitate shad. A ¾ ounce will enable you to fish deeper and will also allow
you to make longer casts in windy situations.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-Jun |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Well with the brutal rising temperature of Arizona it’s time for anglers to retreat to the solitude and uncertainty of night fishing. With our next several tournaments a long night battle here are some tips to help produce enjoyable time for your next night fishing adventure. <br><br>
1. Safety-probably the most crucial part of night fishing is angler safety. Familiarize yourself with body water that you will be fishing. Always try to fish with a buddy and if you’re not able to, make sure someone knows where you are. Make sure you utilize life jackets and lighting to identify your boat. Use a high-powered spotlight for shore and obstacle identification. <br><br>
2. Know the feeding habits of the bass-during hot summer month’s bass tend to resort to deep water during daytime conditions and will roam dedicatedly to ambush an easy meal when nightfall approaches. Fish can almost see as well during nighttime as they can at day and they can detect up to 4 million more shades of color than you can. They rely heavily on movement and vibration and can detect prey from very large distances away. The can also smell chemical odors in the water about 1 million times fainter than you can smell in the air. Add rocket fast reactions and good camouflage, and bass are an extremely formidable enemy at night if you happen to be a minnow. <br><br>
3. Know places to fish-bass remain in the general vicinity year round. Smallmouth bass, especially, are proven stay-at-homes. As the summer wears on, the bass tend to move deeper and won’t come up shallow, even at night, in many lakes. Night fishing is productive when the bass are within the 20 feet zone. Utilize points with deep-water access, underwater roadbeds or other man-made structure in reservoirs, gravel or rock banks where crawfish are abundant, and lighted boat docks. <br><br>
4. Use proper tackle-hair jigs and pork rind, rubber jigs and pork rind, spinnerbaits with pork rind, plastic worms, and topwater lures. A night light with fluorescent line may be very productive for your nighttime escapade.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-Jul |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Though not usually the number lure choice for most tournament fisherman, the crankbait can be a highly effective and completely versatile method of fishing. It targets fish at so many depths along with causing fish to strike by pure reaction when they are really not feeding. So many people think there isn’t much to crankbait fishing but instead of just chucking and reeling here are some tips that may improve your catch. <br><br>
1. Vary retrieves-they are several different methods to fish a crankbait but here the most
common. Burn It-probably the most popular method-utilize a fast steady retrieve and cover a lot
of water. Many pros use method and call it “locating”. It allows you to make a lot of casts in a
short period of time and improves your chances of finding fish. Once you catch a fish stay in that
location and work more. Utilize a high-speed reel for using this method.<br><br>
Stop and Go-When reeling your crankbait stop the reel about every 4-5 revolutions allowing your
crankbait to suspend or float simulating an injured baitfish. This great method to fish when fishing structure like logs or docks. Always be prepared on that pause because fish will often
times strike at this time. <br><br>
Yo-Yo-an up and down presentation that proves very effective for deep-water crankbait fishing.
Using your rod tip allow the lure to rise and fall over structure. This great method for fishing suspending bass on points. Give yourself plenty of time to work both sides of the point and yo-yo lure from 5-15 feet if fishing a depth of 20 feet. Cover a huge strikezone.<br><br>
2. Utilize proper tackle-Use a high speed reel with a rod that has a flexible tip that prevents ripping
the bait out of the fish’s mouth. Don’t overpower your bait with heavy line-10 pound test is
Probably the most utilized line to allow a crankbait to run true. Always change your hooks.
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| Reviewed
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-Aug |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
With 8 pound plus monsters being brought to scales, not to mention the pure rush it is fish a buzzbait, buzzbaits sometimes become a lost art of many tournament fishermen. Once you gain confidence, buzzbait fishing is truly a very desirable way to fish. Here are some tips that may improve your upcoming trips to the lake and you want to try buzzbait fishing.<br><br>
1. Probably the most crucial tip to improve your buzzbait production of fish is utilize the proper
tackle. Reels are a big key to successful buzzbait fishing. An angler just doesn’t get the same
response are of a buzzbait by fishing it with a spin cast reel that a person fishing a baitcast reel.
A speed reel lined with 15 pound test for 1/8 ounce and 20-30 pound test line for anything larger.
A larger line provides stability and also assists the buzzbait with floating.
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2. Vary your retrieve. A lot of anglers fish the buzzbait so fast it lessens the reaction time of the
bass. This may work many times but a lot of times you may notice that bass are short striking,
missing the bait. Try lifting your rod tip to slightly above the waist and try slowing down your
to allow the bass more time to react.
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3. Experiment with your bait. Don’t always be set on fishing the buzzbait in early morning or dusk
hours. A buzzbait will often times produce bass all day long especially if it remains overcast.
Try fishing a buzzbait in open water. There doesn’t always have to be structure for a bass to hit
a buzzbait.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-Sep |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
One of the most difficult things to learn as a bass fisherman is to become absolutely confident in a lure presentation that produces so well for other anglers. More and more on tournament circuits throughout the nation the jig and pig is become the money bait of bass fishing but until this bait produces large bags of fish for you it’s left out of the attack for more many bass anglers. Here are some tips that may prove helpful to you when fishing a jig and pig.
<br><br>
1. Provide the right lure presentation to fish for the right time of season. Like many of you know
the main purpose of this lure is to imitate a crawfish and to do this we all add trailers to our jig
presentation to intensify this look. The plastic trailer is more suited for warmer water situations
when fish are more aggressive and eager to feed while the actual pork trailer should be used
during winter months. The pork allows the bait to have a bulkier image, allows it fall slower, and
provides maximum movement to the jigs trailer. <br><br>
2. Providing the proper tackle is continually a key to any fishing presentation. The jig in most
circumstance should be fished with a very stout rod that ensures little give to the fish when
horsing them out of heavy cover. Along with a heavy rod, heavy line is crucial. Not only
does heavy line reduce the number of fish lost in heavy cover but it also slows the fall of the
jig for when the bite is less productive. <br><br>
3. Obtain confidence in throwing this bait. Probably the best way to do this is when you’re using
your most productive flipping worm presentation and you start to catch fish switch over to the
jig and pig and experiment with it and learn how fish react to this bait. You never know you
could just land that 10-pounder you’ve been looking for.
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| Reviewed
By: |
Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
On: |
3-Nov |
| Overall
Rating: |
out of
10 Stars |
| Review: |
Though Arizona is not considered to have four seasons, it’s still quite evident that the bass of this desert react similar to other areas that have all four seasons. One thing is for certain, bass haven’t eaten well over the summer due to the blistering heats and they’re ready to gorge themselves for the upcoming winter months and cooler temperatures. Here are some tips that help you to turn in a productive day while fishing fall or pre-winter months.
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1. Fish the proper area-Fall resembles the spring time feeding nature of bass in many ways. Creek
channels provide a definite collection area for thousands of baitfish and along with the baitfish
bass will soon follow. The baitfish collect to these areas to find cooler water and once they
collect in these creek channels (which always end somewhere) they become a easy meal for the
hungry predator. Creek channels are somewhat difficult to find in Arizona lakes due to the
decreased water levels so, be sure and utilize your lake maps and prepare yourself to put
yourself in the right place at the right time.
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2. Throw the proper bait-with shad in such an abundance in so many lakes it’s almost imperative
that you rig your rods with something that imitates the baitfish. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerk
baits are crucial baits to use during this time. With the cooling water temperatures, bass
become more active and more active bass allows these baits to become more effective because
you can cover so much water and entice these predators to attack even if they are already
engorged off the baitfish. Grip it and rip it-the bass will come!!!!!!!!!
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
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4-Jan |
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One of the most productive ways to excite bass into action is to hook and play one fish. Even in the coldest water of
winter, other bass cannot resist chasing a hooked one. It may take a painstakingly slow-moving presentation to get
that first fish to bite. Once that has been accomplished, a second angler should throw a faster-moving reaction bait
like a crankbait behind the path being traversed by the hooked fish. Even if a chaser bass was not seen, one is
often there and highly motivated to bite during the chase sequence. A team of anglers deliberately working in concert
like this can often turn solo winter bass into double hook-ups.
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| Reviewed
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Tucson Bass Club Newsletter |
| Reviewed
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4-Feb |
| Overall
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out of
10 Stars |
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Nothing ruins the occasional fishing trip more than driving a long distance to your favorite spot, only to find out it’s been raining for the last few weeks and the water is the color of Chocolate milk! There are many times when a creek arm, or a certain portion of the lake or river, isn’t as muddy, or there is a transition zone where it goes from muddy to stained, which can be a good area, but, even if there is no clearer water, there are many things you can do. Most game fish react the same way to muddy water, they go shallow and they move closer to structure. This could mean a lot of different types of structure, such as brush piles, lay downs, rocks, stump fields, pads on shallow flats, anything! When the bass are holding tight to cover, because of low visibility, the lure presentations sometimes need to be precise, such as when flipping a log or tree roots with a jig. Here are some baits you might want to consider having tied when fishing muddy water. Vibrating Rattlers: such as the Rat-L-Trap are excellent choices for probing different depths of muddy water, and where muddy changes to stained. The noise and vibrations of these baits, along with a realistic shad shape, make these great baits and stained to muddy water. Spinnerbaits: The bass will be using their lateral line more in the muddy water, so a spinnerbait with a heavy pulse such as the Terminator night bait, with a black skirt, and Colorado blade, is a perfect choice. You could even add rattles to this bait. Crankbaits: Real fat bodied crankbaits in muddy water, with a wide wobble, and sometimes rattles. Stay with darker colors with red in muddy water. These colors with a wide wobble are easier for bass to find. |
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