Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Topock the first week in February.  Bass, crappie and catfish populations continue to do well.

You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty Read More]]> TOPOCK MARSH –Largemouth bass are still active.   Catfish should be doing well also.  No new reports.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Topock the first week in February.  Bass, crappie and catfish populations continue to do well.

You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – With water temperature in the in the low 70’s, the Topock Gorge is producing plenty of striper and smallmouth bass action. Stripers remain moderately abundant with sizes ranging between 2- and 5-pounds. They’re in 10 to 12 feet of water and are taking their favorite food, the little anchovy. As predicted, the smallmouth bass have resumed biting and can be taken on curly-tails worm rigged on a 4/0 hook with a split shot about a foot above it and on the other ever present and worthwhile bait, the night crawler. Work the structures and change your retrieve.

Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter.  The last scheduled stocking was March 16th. Stocking will resume in October.  The fish are stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.   Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught.  Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses.

Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

SOUTHWEST COLORADO RIVER

Angler report, Yuma Canals:

Name: Ronald Gayler

Memorial Day fishing results: Hi, I just wanted to let you know that my family and I went fishing in the local canals here. We had my nephew’s son with us. It was his first time fishing. He caught a 12 and 6lb carp. My daughter caught an 8lb carp. I managed to catch a 15 1/2lb carp on 6lb test. Overall we had a lot of fun.

HAVASU — With the moon in the last quarter this weekend, this is a good time to fish at night for striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish. For stipers and cat fish, try using frozen anchovies for stripers. Stripers like anchovies falling naturall down the water column — use little or no weight ahd chum. Catfish are bottom feeders, so rig up the anchovies on a slip sinker and treble hook. Add some corn to the chum.

This is post-spawn for everything from bass to shad. With the influx of nutrients down the Bill Williams River this year, productivity should have increased on Havasu, so it should be a good year.

This should be prime time for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bassm but we arent’ getting many angler reports.

There should be some early morning topwater action. This action will pick up as summer progresses and hit a crescendo this fall. Watch the seagull and grebe activity to key you in on active surface feeding locations.

ALAMO LAKE –  Fishing report courtesy Mark Knapp, Alamo Lake State Park. Well folks, it’s that time of year that there bouncing me all over the state like a ping pong ball, so I’m trying to keep you updated the best I can.  Bass fishing is pretty good.  A couple of friends of mine went out yesterday morning around 5ish a.m. and did really well throwing chug bugs. (top water)  The bite lasted till around 7ish and was done.   They caught 20 plus bass between the two of them.  All I could get out them was ” upper end of the lake and in the brush”.   Anglers are also doing good dropshotting with red worms.  Cat fishing is excellent.  One anger reported that his crew caught over 40 nice sized cats.  The bite started around 4 a.m. and again, lasted till around 7ish in the morning.   Minnows was the choice bait for them.   I have not heard any good reports on crappie fishing.  A few anglers have stated that they have caught 5 to 6 a day in the upper end of the lake trolling with minnows.    I’m very happy to say that it finally hit 110 out here.  I came out of my cave, stretched, felt my lower back pop back into place, saw my Shadow, and declared an extra 8 weeks of summer.  With that in mind you want to bring lots of sun block with you.  Drink lots of water.  The biting flies, and a few bugs that I’m not sure of, are out in force so bug spray is becoming a way of life out here for the next few months.  The lake level is at 1126ish with releases of 50cfs.  Both ramps are in operation at this time.  That’s all I got time for for now.  Mark

Spring Outlook 2010:

Alamo Lake:

Alamo Lake received significant runoff inflows in March, which brought the lake up to good levelsshould provide an influx of nutrients into the system, which is generally a good thing for reservoirs.  Unfortunately, some damage occurred to the Cholla Ramp because of wave action during the time of higher water elevations, and some repairs are going to have to be made to that ramp.  The Park thinks they can make the necessary repairs, but need to wait until the lake elevation recedes to evaluate/repair the damage.  They believe one side of the ramp may still be usable, regardless.  We expect the lake elevation to be maintained around the 1125-foot elevation through the spring, depending on how much additional spring runoff we get.  The main ramp is open.

Largemouth bass surveys conducted by AGFD in October indicate that bass are still very abundant, although a large proportion of the population remains in the protected slot.  More fish had grown beyond the slot, but not in large numbers.  Fish were generally in better condition than they were last spring, but are still in average condition for Alamo Lake.  The good runoff this spring may stimulate populations of forage fish in the lake, but we often see a lag of a year or so before the condition of bass responds notably.  We expect fishing to be good to excellent, as usual, into the summer.  Be aware that heavy runoff inflows can dump a lot of debris into the lake, which effects water clarity, and can turn off the bite.  There is also the chance of larger floating debris, which can present a boating hazard.  For bass, as the weather warms, shift from slowly working plastics in deeper water to crank baits, spinner baits, and top-water lures.

Fishing for channel catfish will be good to excellent this spring, and throughout the summer.  There is a very healthy population of channel catfish in Alamo Lake that are probably under-fished. AGFD conducted hoop-netting surveys this past June, and netted and released over 400 catfish, up to about 7 pounds, with plenty in the 2 to 4 pound size. The best concentrations of channel catfish seem to be found along the upper two thirds of the shoreline, on the western side of the lake. For channel catfish any of the prepared catfish baits will work, as well as chicken livers, or your own secret concoctions.  There are other fish present such as bluegill, redear sunfish and carp that are a lot of fun to catch.  When Alamo Lake was first formed, it was well known for its excellent pan-fishing.  Recent surveys have indicated that decent-sized sunfish are on the increase.  Increased harvest on these species would actually result in larger average sizes, and you cannot beat sunfish for edibility.  We have been seeing an abundance of decent-sized redear sunfish, up to a pound.  This species commonly reaches sizes of over two pounds, although we have not yet observed redear sunfish of this size in Alamo Lake.  All types of bait should work.  Large tilapia in the 5-6 pound range are abundant, and are an unexploited resource.

Lake Havasu & Topock Gorge:

Fishing for largemouth bass, as well as smallmouth bass, is expected to be good to excellent this spring. The size will range from 13 inches and up (there is a 13-inch minimum size limit for bass on the lower Colorado River), with an occasional fish greater than 5 pounds.  Smallmouth bass are becoming more and more common in Lake Havasu, and bags at bass tournaments are now showing close to a 50/50 mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass.  If you are unfamiliar with smallmouth bass, they are very aggressive and scrappy, and will give you a much more exciting battle than a similarly-sized largemouth.  Both bass species tend to be in very good condition in this water body.  Perhaps because of the exceptionally clear water in Lake Havasu, they are also some of the most strikingly colored fish in the Region.  The warmer weather should cause the bite to improve, making crankbaits and topwater lures a good choice as the water warms.

Striped bass fishing will likely continue to be fair to poor, with catch rates far below what have been experienced in past years.  Striped bass are very dependent on threadfin shad for forage.  Shad numbers appear to have increased from their low numbers last year, but all reports indicate that striper-fishing has not seen a dramatic comeback, nor do we have terribly high expectations that it will.

Remember, schools of shad move around, and populations tend to fluctuate, so spots that have been “hot” in the past may no longer be so if the shad have moved elsewhere, or are in lower numbers.

Historically, the majority of striped bass in Lake Havasu tend to be smaller fish of 1 to 2 pounds, with an occasional 20-30 pound fish.  It seems that the smaller fish are the ones that are currently becoming rarer, with the average size of striped bass actually being caught increasing. Although we do not have hard data to support it, we suspect that the quagga mussel infestation may be having an effect on the fish community in Lake Havasu, manifested by a reduced striped bass population.

Hopefully we will be proved wrong, and striped bass will rebound from current low levels, but it is possible that we are seeing a longer-term trend in the composition of the fish community, something over which we have very little control.

Angling for bluegill and redear sunfish will be good to excellent. Lake Havasu is well known for large (2-3 pound) redear sunfish, and with the proliferation of the quagga mussel in the lake, we are seeing large redears becoming more common.

Redear sunfish are also known as “shellcrackers,” due to their preference, and morphological adaptation, for eating clams and mussels, so they may actually benefit from the presence of the invasive quagga mussel.

Bluegills will also eat quagga mussels, although they are not as well adapted for capitalizing on this suddenly abundant food source.

A new record redear sunfish (4.14 pounds; see http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/where_fish_southwest.shtml, for a photo) was caught in Lake Havasu in February, and we expect that additional oversized individuals will become more common.

There have also been reports of crappie fishing picking up, a species that used to be sought after in the lake, but has declined in recent years.

Flathead catfish fishing should be fair at the lower end of the lake (Bill Williams River Arm) through the spring, although surveys in the fall indicated that they are taking up residence farther north in the lake than in the past. Flathead catfish can reach as high as 40 pounds or better in Lake Havasu. When fishing for them, select the interior points in the coves and the areas where artificial structure has been placed.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other waters by accident.  This invasive species certainly has profound effects on water delivery and control structures, boat engines, and likely on fish populations.  Quagga mussels are abundant and widely distributed in Lake Havasu, but are absent from many of our interior lakes, and lakes in California.  Help keep those lakes quagga-free.  Do the right thing, and make sure your boat and trailer are free of the mussels; drain all bilge and livewells before leaving the area, and most importantly, let your boat bake in the sun for 3-5 days in the sun before you launch it at another lake.

Colorado River (Parker Strip Area):

Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent.  In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes.

The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream.

The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or larger.

Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River.  Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies.

Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip.

Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.

Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.
Colorado River (between Palo Verde Diversion Dam and Walter’s Camp):

This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area.

Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River.  Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2- to 5-pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds.  Flathead catfish surveys last May yielded a handful of fish between 25 and 40 pounds in this section of the river, although the majority of fish were much smaller.

The time for fishing for both species of catfish will be late spring and throughout the summer.  Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing.

This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.  The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.
Colorado River (between Walter’s Camp and Picacho State Park):

This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end.

Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds.  The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better).

Backwaters are somewhat limited in this stretch of the river, but the few that are there will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill and redear).  Other species available in the main river are smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and striped bass.

The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river.  If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.  The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

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

(Picture of the BASS tournament is courtesy Russ Engel)
This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish.  Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds not uncommon, occasionally much larger.  There is definitely a state record or two lurking in these waters.  Only very heavy fishing tackle will suffice for the really large fish.

A couple of years ago, an flathead of almost 90 pounds was measured during a survey, and as far as we know, that fish is still out there.  Other sunfish such as bluegill and redear are also present in the various backwaters.  Occasional striped bass will be caught in the channels connecting backwaters and the main river channel.

The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river.  If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.  The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

Mittry Lake:

Mittry Lake reliably supports a stable population of largemouth bass, but fishing can be a little hit-or-miss.

We had one of our best surveys for largemouth bass this fall that we’ve ever had, possibly because of slightly better water clarity this year.

Mittry Lake is typically very turbid and doesn’t have a lot of freshwater flow-through.  There are a number of fishing jetties on the east side of the lake, but the lake is best fished from a boat.

The average size of bass in Mittry Lake is actually one of the highest in the southwest region, probably because it is such a stable system, not seeing boom and bust conditions resulting from seasonal flows that trigger unusually successful spawning. We reliably see fish in the 6-8 pound range during our surveys of Mittry Lake, but never see large numbers of fish.

Channel catfish are very numerous, mostly in the smaller size classes, but 10-pound fish are not uncommon.  There are also flathead catfish in Mittry Lake, up to and exceeding 30 pounds.  Sunfish and crappie are also abundant, but rarely reach large sizes.  During fall surveys, we noted an abundance of threadfin shad and small sunfish, so we expect the bass population to do very well over the next year.
Colorado River (between Laguna and Morelos dams):

This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released.  Usually shallow draft boats are a must.  The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area.  Be aware that some sections of the river are within Quechan tribal boundaries, and a tribal permit is required to fish there.  Boundaries are not well marked, so doing some research prior to fishing this section may prevent hassles while you are out there.

The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area. The last thing that we want to have happen is the movement of invasive species to other waters.

With the increase of border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend avoiding the Pilot Knob to Moreles Dam area, especially at night.
Regional Hot Spots:

Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon.  Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our Region for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish.  Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher.

The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower end.

Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam.  Expect many in the 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters.  Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds.

If you need any additional information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have.  A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website www.yumabassman.com.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

Note: We will be holding a free fishing day event June 12  from 9 a.m. to noon at Dogtown Lake.

Also remember Fossil Creek is now closed to fishing until October 2nd 2010.  High Winds made fishing tough over the weekend.

WILLIAMS LAKES:
KAIBAB LAKE —  Fish on the bottom with corn and worms. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

CATARACT LAKE — Stocked with catfish

CITY RESERVOIR —  Stocked with catfish  Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout.

DOGTOWN LAKE —Scheduled to be stocked this week with trout.  We will be holding a free fishing day event here on June 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

JD DAM — Road is open.

RUSSELL TANK -  Road is open but the lake is to shallow to stock.

SANTA FE — Lake is full.  Stocked with catfish. Scheduled to be stocked this week.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Scheduled to be stocked this week.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES:
LOWER LAKE MARY —  Fishing was excellent over the weekend on any kind of bait or lures.  Fish seem to be growing quickly with some larger fish (12-14 inch) being caught. It’s getting to football time.

UPPER LAKE MARY — Fishing was good for bluegill, crappie and yellow perch at the upper end of the lake in the weedy areas using worms.  Pike were also being caught on Anchovies. Remember, there are no boat motor restrictions on this lake.

ASHURST LAKE —  Has been stocked with trout, but the fishing is likely poor to fair for rainbows. We sampled the lake in mid April and caught mostly large (10+ Lbs) pike in our nets, only 1 trout was caught.  A 9 lb and a 18 lb northern pike were caught by a couple of anglers recently on rainbow trout-colored spoons.  The folks were fishing the south end of the lake from shore. Although some monster pike are being caught, lots of anglers report catching nothing  but rocks.

Angler report:

Hi Don,

This past weekend was another exciting trip to Ashurst!!

We started fishing Friday afternoon, it started off a bit slow at first then my dad caught a 2-pound Pike off a Rapala. Shortly there after the bite really picked up and I landed a MONSTER Northern Pike at 28 lb 44 inches. After a few hits and misses my dad landed a sweet 9 pounder.

Saturday we started fishing at 11 a.m., the bite was definitely slow until the afternoon again when my dad had another monster on and it ended up spitting the hook.  It wasn’t 5 minutes and he landed a 14- pound 36-inch.

Like others have stated, I believe this lake should be managed or left to be a Northern Pike lake.  I’m not sure if you have ever hooked into one of these fish but it is awesome! We really enjoy catching these monsters and sharing information and techniques with fellow anglers that have no idea that the pike exist or how big they get.

We have been fishing this lake and Mary for the last 6 years and practically gave up Bass fishing all together.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Anton Nowacki

FRANCIS SHORT POND –  Fishing has been excellent. Trout were being caught on corn near the inflow area and on the dam. Stocked last week. Stocked with catfish.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Road is open. This lake typically gets less pressure, but is best fished from a small boat, canoe, kayak or float tube. There are camp sites with tables and fire rings, but that’s about all. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out lake.

MARSHALL LAKE — No report. If you go, take plenty of insect repellent.

LONG LAKE — road is open, Stocked last week.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — road is open

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.
Verde Valley

BEAVER CREEK/WEST CLEAR CREEK — Fishing for trout is fair, and fair to poor for smallmouth bass. Try night crawlers for the trout and small crayfish-like lures on ultra lights for the smallmouth.

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were stocked the week of April 19 and will be stocked again for Free fishing day activities on June 12. Frozen anchovies or night crawlers should work best for them.

Bass and bluegill are also active.  If you would like your child to catch their first fish, Bluegill can be easily caught with a number 10 hook with a small pieces of worm under a bobber. These will not be large bluegill, but they can be a lot of fun for little ones to catch.

Trout stocking will resume in the fall.

OAK CREEK — Stocked weekly through the end of summer. Fishing was good for brown trout and rainbow trout.  Use flies for browns and bait for rainbows.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – I have not heard much for the area, but catfish should be biting. Try to locate eddy areas or large deep pools. Cut anchovies work well. Live bait can also be very effective, but make sure that if you are downstream of Tuzigoot Bridge, you are using legal baitfish collected from the fishing location. Always check your regulations before fishing.

Prescott Area
FAIN LAKE — Trout were stocked last week, the week of May 31st and are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 14th.  Fishing is best immediate following the stocking.  Bright colored Power Bait, worms lures and flies all seem to work well.  Fishing slows within in a few days of stocking.  Fishing in general at Fain seems to be slower this year.  Fain is scheduled to be stocked with both catfish and bluegill for free fishing day this weekend, June 12th.  The warm water stocking should give the fishing an added boost.

Bluegill were stocked April 7th.  Catfish and Bluegill are scheduled to be stocked in June.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Trout are scheduled to get stocked this week, the week of the week of June 7th.  Fishing success should improve following the stocking, but in general, fishing has not been as good this year as it was the last few years.

Trout have been schooled up.  If you can find the school, your success will be high, if not you may struggle.  Spinners, flies, and jigs have been working well.  The next scheduled stocking is for next week, the week of May 10th.

Game and Fish has been trying to boost the some of the warm water species in Goldwater.  Bass and catfish have been stocked three times over the last three years.   The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish.  Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 15, 2009 and found bass and catfish populations to be much improved over last year. The number of green sunfish was greatly reduced.  The bass had a successful spawn last year.   If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

Granite Basin –The bass and bluegill are starting to bite, but it is still slow.   If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
LYNX LAKE — Trout are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 14th.   Fishing should pick up following the stocking.  Trout can be caught on power bait, corn, or spinners.  Lynx can be difficult to fish, if you are not catching anything try moving to a new spot.  There are some good spots on the north end of the lake that don’t get fished as heavily as the south end does.
Catfish and Bluegill are scheduled to be stocked prior to free fishing day on June 12th.

Fingerling brook trout were stocked Sept. 17.

MINGUS LAKE – Trout were stocked last week, the week of May 31st and are scheduled to be stocked again next week, the week of June 14th.  This will be the last scheduled stocking until September.  The gate is open.  The best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Fishing can be really good at times, because angler use is lower than other lakes in the area.  This lake is more remote than the other Prescott area lakes and not very big.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago.  These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low.  If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – No new reports- The fishing should be picking up by now, but I have not heard of many anglers fishing Watson.  Both Bass and catfish should be active by now.  Large numbers of small crappie are in Watson, but I have not heard about people catching them.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last fall and found the bass,  sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR – The fishing has picked up.  Anglers continue to have success catching bass.   Plastics seem to be working the best for now.

If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at mchmiel@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

White Mountains and Rim Lakes

Woods Canyon and Willow Springs lakes on the rim have been heavily stocked and the fishing is very good.

Bear Canyon is often more secluded. Fool Hollow and Show Low lakes in the Pinetop-Lakeside/Show Low area have been heavily stocked in the last couple weeks, including supercatchable size rainbow trout at Fool Hollow Lake in addition to the regular catchable size trout.

There have also been 1- to1.5-pound channel catfish stocked at Fool Hollow Lake, Scott Reservoir, and Woodland Lake.

In the higher elevation, Big Lake is doing very well for large carryover rainbow and cutthroat trout, Crescent, Lee Valley and Hulsey lakes have been heavily restocked after a winterkill, and Nelson Reservoir has been heavily stocked recently.

TROUT STOCKINGS
Scheduled for May 31-June 4

• Crescent Lake – 3,500 rainbow trout
• Hulsey Lake – 5,000 rainbow trout
• Lee Valley Lake - 2,000 Apache trout
• Nelson Reservoir - 4,000 rainbow trout
• Show Low Lake - 2,970 rainbow trout
• Willow Springs Lake – 3,465 rainbow trout
• Woods Canyon Lake-5047 rainbow trout
• East Fork Black River – 1,400 Apache trout
• LCR – Greer - 400 rainbow, 400 Apache trout
• Sheeps Crossing – 500 Apache trout
• Silver Creek - 1,000 rainbow trout
• West Fork Black River - 600 Apache trout

Scheduled for June 7-11

Bunch Reservoir- 1,500 rainbow trout
Nelson Reservoir - 4,000 rainbow trout
River Reservoir-2500 rainbow trout
Show Low Lake - 2,980 rainbow trout
Tunnel Reservoir-2160 rainbow trout
Willow Springs Lake – 3,465 rainbow trout
East Fork Black River – 1,400 Apache trout
LCR – Greer - 400 rainbow, 400 Apache trout
Sheeps Crossing – 500 Apache trout
Silver Creek - 1,000 rainbow trout
West Fork Black River - 600 Apache trout
MOGOLLON RIM
Note: All lakes are accessible and full.  Boat ramps are all accessible, except at Bear Canyon and Chevelon Canyon lakes where there are no traditional boat ramps.  For more information, call the Pinetop Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (928) 367-4281.

BEAR CANYON LAKE — Fishing is good for carryover and stocked trout.  Anglers are catching fish on Power Bait and night crawlers. The lake was stocked heavily 2 weeks ago.

BLACK CANYON LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for carryover and stocked trout. Anglers are catching trout on Power Bait and night crawlers. The lake was stocked several weeks ago with catchable size rainbow trout.

BLUE RIDGE — Fishing has been a little slow. This lake is best fished from a boat, canoe, kayak or float tube. Because it is in a steep canyon, there is limited shoreline fishing opportunities.

CHEVELON LAKE — Fishing is good at this hike-in lake. Float tube anglers are reporting catches of many small and a few 12-14 inch rainbow trout, and 16-19 inch brown trout. The lake is open to artificial lures and flies only and trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed. The daily bag and possession limit is 6 trout. It is illegal to use bait here.

KNOLL LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for rainbow trout. The best fishing is at first and last light. Try rainbow-colored Power Bait, night crawlers, Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and Mepps spinners.

WILLOW SPRINGS – Fishing is good. The lake has been stocked heavily. Anglers have been catching these trout on Power Bait, night crawlers, and small lures. This lake also has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and crappie — please catch and keep all you can of these warmwater species, there is no limit on them.

WOODS CANYON LAKE — Fishing is  good for stocked trout and some holdover trout. The lake was heavily stocked last week and will be stocked nearly every week through the summer.

A recent report indicated that trout were biting well on slowly trolled small Rebel crankbaits, Crickhoppers, spinners, and cowbells with an attached worm or fly.  Trolling Super Dupers or cow bells is popular here. The store is open and boat rentals are available. Be aware of a bald eagle nesting closure on the southwest side of the lake.

Streams below the Mogollon Rim

This is the tail end of the better stream fishing. Try night crawlers, small spinners, Power Bait, Crickhoppers and 1/8-ounce KastMasters.

*Tonto Creek, has been stocked with rainbow trout;
*Christopher Creek, has been stocked with rainbow trout;
*Haigler Creek, has been stocked with rainbow trout;
*East Verde River, has been stocked with rainbow trout;
*Canyon Creek, has been stocked. Also has some larger holdover trout. There are two sections of the creek, and one requires catch-and-release-only, so pay attention to the signs.

WHITE MOUNTAINS
Note: All lakes are accessible and most are full. Boat ramps are accessible at all lakes, however, use caution while launching at Concho Lake. For more information, call the Pinetop Office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (928) 367-4281.

BECKER LAKE — Fishing is fair to good for large rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching rainbows on wooly buggers, nymphs, and small midges. The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a two-trout bag and possession limit.

BIG LAKE — Fishing is good to excellent. The lake is full, which hasn’t happened for over 15 years. Anglers are catching  trout, some up to 5 pounds, on just about anything. Rooster Tail spinners and wooly bugger flies in bright green are working good, and the usual night crawlers, Power Bait, and salmon eggs are working particularly well.

Boat anglers trolling cowbells and red Panther Martin spinners tipped with a night crawler has also been working well. Trolling 60-70 feet off the shoreline in 10 feet of water has been most productive lately.

Bank anglers should cast out to 70 feet from the shoreline.

The store is open and boat rentals are available.

CARNERO LAKE — Fishing is fair for stocked rainbow trout. The lake winter-killed but has been restocked with 2,350 large catchable (11-inch) and 6,935 sub-catcatchable (6-inch) rainbow trout three weeks ago. This lake is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak.

CLEAR CREEK RESERVOIR —Fishing is fair to good for catchable rainbow trout. Try night crawlers and spinners for trout, and night crawlers on the bottom for bullheads,  sunfish, and bass.

CONCHO LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked several weeks ago with catchable rainbow trout. Anglers should try worms, Power Bait, or small lures. Use caution when launching a boat because the water level is at the very bottom of the boat ramp.

CRESCENT LAKE — Fishing is fair. The lake winter-killed but has been heavily restocked with 5,000 catchable size brook trout, and 4,949 catchable and 7,457 sub-catchable rainbow trout since mid-May. Anglers are catching these fish on night crawlers. The store is currently closed.

FOOL HOLLOW LAKE — Fishing is good to excellent. Larger sized trout, in the 11-15 inch range, have been stocked along with the regular catchable size trout to increase angler satisfaction. Anglers are catching these trout on night crawlers, Power Bait, and lures.

There were 1-1.5 pound channel catfish stocked on May 19. Anglers are catching catfish on yellow Power Bait and night crawlers. Sunfish and crappie are being caught on night crawlers and small jigs off the west side fishing piers.  One fishing pier on the east side  is closed for repairs.

GREER LAKES — All three reservoirs (Bunch, Tunnel and River) are full and have been stocked. Fishing is fair to good at all Greer lakes. A 4.5-pound rainbow trout was recently caught at River Reservoir on orange glitter Power Bait. Bunch, Tunnel,  and River will be stocked again this week. Anglers should use Power Bait, night crawlers or small lures and spinners.

Angler report:

Hi Don,

Over the holiday my family and I spent the weekend in Greer with friends at their cabin. For the most part the fishing was slow. We had some luck trolling with yellow crickethoppers. Monday morning we fished River Reservoir. We weren’t having much luck while trolling so pulled aside to the shore mid-lake and stuck on some orange glitter Power Bait and pulled in the rainbow you see pictured. When measured and weighed back at the cabin using a Rapala scale. She was just a tad over 20 inches and weighed 4.5 lbs. Biggest thing any of us had personally seen come out of the Greer lakes!

Sean Hatch
HULSEY LAKE — Fishing is excellent. The lake was stocked heavily last week with catchable size rainbow trout.  Trout are being caught on Power Bait and night crawlers. There is a very short hike down to this small lake.

LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good. The lake winter-killed but has been restocked with 4,000 catchable size Apache trout and 3,000 arctic grayling (7”) in the last several weeks. Apache trout are biting well on bead head nymphs and zug bugs. Lee Valley Lake is open to lures and flies only with a 2-trout bag and possession limit, and a minimum size of 12 inches.

LUNA LAKE — Fishing is fair. It is a little slow, but some large trout are being caught on night crawlers, Power Bait, and salmon eggs. The concession store is under new management and will be opening soon.

LYMAN LAKE — Lyman Lake State Park is now open for the summer. Anglers should try night crawlers and chicken livers for catfish. Largemouth bass, sunfish and some walleye are also present in the lake. The Park has many campsites and other amenities.

NELSON RESERVOIR — Fishing is good. The lake was stocked with 8,000 catchable rainbow trout in the last couple weeks and will be stocked with another 4,000 trout this week. Try worms, Power Bait, and salmon eggs.

RAINBOW LAKE — Fishing is fair.  The lake has been stocked well in the last several weeks with catchable size rainbow trout and larger size trout, 11- to 15-inches long. But an algae bloom is starting to develop, driving the pH levels up, and the fishing is beginning to slow down. A few trout and bullheads are being caught off the fishing pier.

SCOTT RESERVOIR — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked two weeks ago with catchable size rainbow trout. 1-1.5-pound channel catfish were also stocked on May 19. Anglers are catching trout and catfish on night crawlers and Power Bait.

SHOW LOW LAKE — Fishing is fair to good. The lake was stocked well in the last several weeks and will be stocked again this week with catchable size rainbow trout. Anglers are catching trout on night crawlers. Channel catfish were also stocked on May 19. Anglers have also been catching smallmouth bass, sunfish, and a few walleye on leadhead jigs with chartreuse mister twister rubber worms off the dam.

WOODLAND LAKE — Fishing has been fair for trout and catfish. There were 1-1.5-pound channel catfish stocked on May 19. Anglers are catching trout and catfish on night crawlers, Power Bait, and spinners. The daily bag and possession limit at Woodland Lake is 4 trout.

WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
Note: All main Forest roads are open and clear. All regular stocking sites will be stocked weekly through the summer.

EAST FORK BLACK RIVER – Fishing is fair to good. Apache trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week. Try drifting worms through pools. Also try spinners, Rapalas or streamers for the resident brown trout.

LITTLE COLORADO RIVER-GREER – Fishing is fair to good. The stream is still running a little high, at 50 cfs, but the water is clear. Catchable size Apache and rainbow trout were stocked last week and will be stocked again this week. Wild brown trout are also present.

SHEEPS CROSSING- Highway 273 is open and fishing is fair. The stream is still running a little high, but is clear. Apache trout were stocked last week and will be stocked weekly through the summer. Anglers are catching trout on night crawlers.

SILVER CREEK – Fishing is good. The stream has been stocked weekly since early May and will be stocked again this week. Silver Creek is currently open to lures, flies and bait; with a daily bag and possession limit of 6 trout from April 1 through Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing at this time. Try nightcrawlers or Power Bait, or small spinners or spoons in the deeper pools.

WEST FORK BLACK RIVER campground – Fishing is fair. The stream is still running a little high with snowmelt runoff.  Try drifting worms through pools. Try worms, spinners, Rapalas or streamers for resident brown trout. The lower river near the campground is open to statewide regulations, but the upper reaches are open to catch and release fishing only, with artificial lure and fly.
SOUTHERN WATERS

Please send me your fishing reports!  Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.

With warming water temps anglers should begin to see increased activity of the warm water species. Night crawlers and meal worms are good choices for sunfish during this time of year. Largemouth bass are preparing to spawn if they have not started already and this species will tough to catch during the spawn.  For summer trout fishing opportunities anglers can travel to Rose Canyon Lake or Riggs Flat lake. Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link:  2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.

URBAN LAKES — Fishing has been excellent for catfish at all lakes following a series of good stockings. Anglers report catching cats throughout the day on just about everything: worms, stink bait, shrimp, liver and even hot dogs. Catfish are averaging just below two pounds, but some larger fish in the four pound range are making for some exciting moments.

Bluegill fishing is very good at all lakes for anglers using worms or mealworms fished under a small bobber in 3-6 foot depths. Some nice largemouth bass have been coming from Urban lakes lately, with a 6.9 lb whopper caught in April from Kennedy Lake in Tucson on a worm, and a 4.5 pounder coming from Kiwanis Lake in Tempe on a plastic yellow grub.

RIGGS FLAT —The road to Riggs Flat is now open and it has been stocked. No reports of success.  Check the departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link: 2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.

Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona!  Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov.  These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.

With warming water temps anglers should begin to see increased activity of the warm water species.  Night crawlers and meal worms are good choices for sunfish during this time of year.  Largemouth bass should be done spawning and anglers should find their feeding activity picking up.  For summer trout fishing opportunities anglers can travel to Rose Canyon Lake or Riggs Flat lake.  Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link:  2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.

RIGGS FLAT —The road to Riggs Flat is now open and it has been stocked.  No reports of success.  Check the Departments website for the stocking schedule at the following link:  2010 Spring and Summer Stocking Schedule.

CLUFF RANCH —  Warm water species are becoming increasingly active.  The pond is full and there are no issues with boat launching.  For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE —  For lake information and status of the park call (928) 428-6760.

DANKWORTH POND — Aquatic vegetation continues to be a problem for anglers and because of this the lake is not being stocked.  For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR –As temperatures get increasingly warmer anglers should fish deeper in this small lake to find resident trout.  Try a small fly in the early mornings and late evenings.  Bait anglers should try Power Bait and worms. Although this small lake is not stocked on a regular basis it does provide some pretty good trout fishing.

KEARNY LAKES — This small lake remains fishless due to impacts of golden algae.

ARIVACA —Anglers should have no problems launching boats. The lake is experiencing a blue/green algal bloom. No recent reports. Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water. Anglers are asked to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore.

PENA BLANCA – Construction of the new boat ramp and facilities continues. Please respect all closures of the area associated with this construction. Knowledgeable anglers are still catching trout using very light line and Power Bait. Because trout is the only species of fish currently in the lake anglers must have a trout stamp to fish. Currently there are no boat launching facilities available for launching boats. Small boats that can be carried to the lake shore and float tubes are possible and those wanting to use such watercraft should use caution as there is a lot of debris floating in the lake. Shoreline anglers should have no trouble finding a place to fish.

PATAGONIA —  Anglers are reporting success with spinner baits and flipping the cattails for bass.  One angler was having success catching crappie on white jigs fished under a bobber. Anglers are also reporting that the sunfish have become active and are being caught using worms, meal worms and dry flies at the surface.

PARKER CANYON — Aquatic vegetation is getting bad along the shoreline. The department is planning to begin cutting it in the next couple of weeks. Fishing for sunfish has been good recently. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be slow. The store at the lake is open and information on the store and current conditions can be found at www.parkercanyonlake.com.

ROSE CANYON LAKE —Fishing remains good with lots of anglers reporting limits.

Some caddisflies and blue-winged olives are hatching on the Connecticut River. There are some caddis on the Swift Read More]]> In Northern New Hampshire, the Department of Fish and Game report that the rain has helped cool things off a little, but the river water levels are still very low. They recommend fishing in the early morning or evening.

Some caddisflies and blue-winged olives are hatching on the Connecticut River. There are some caddis on the Swift Diamond River, too, and lots of little brookies jumping out of the water to get them.

Stocked ponds are still warm on the surface, so be careful to not play the fish  too long. That stress can be magnified in warmer waters.

In the White Mountains region, the division is reporting that the tropical summer continues. In Winnisquam Lake, anglers are catching bass  in water 30-40 feet deep with regularity (granted on a south wind).

Those snorkeling the lakes’ shorelines has revealed very few fish, mostly a scattering of pumpkinseeds. The same old story applies once again: fish deep!

Ben Nugent, a Fish and Game biologist recently trolled Winnisquam and had good luck on some very dark-colored lake trout. Small Mooselook wobbler spoons were the trick. Anglers running downriggers around 35 feet catch laker trout.

Along the coast, the division is reporting that the  blues are here for sure. Stripers seem to be more available these days as well, plenty of reports of them in the river, bay and outside of the harbors. Anglers are doing well with cut and live bait.

Recently the baitfish are biting first thing in the morning, so get out there early. Groundfishing has picked up as well, so it looks like we have passed the summer lull.

Julie indicated that many fish are ranging between 60 and 80-pounds. Cobia continue to transition Read More]]> Dr. Julie Ball checked in and said that the decent weather continues to provide anglers with good opportunities. She said that the top species this week continues to be cobia, with the biggest fish of the season now hitting the docks.

Julie indicated that many fish are ranging between 60 and 80-pounds. Cobia continue to transition into their late summer trend of grouping into large schools and cruising on the surface near the mouth of the Bay and along the ocean front.

Julie also said that more cobia are now beginning to hold on structure, including bridge pilings and buoys. This late season movement is providing a new approach for many cobia hunters. She said that many anglers are now getting in on the sightcasting action, and they are having great results.

Virginia Beach Flounder Continue to Produce

Julie said that the flounder action continues to be strong. Dozens of doormats to 12-pounds are hitting the scales on a regular basis. Julie indicated that big flatfish are striking jigs and live bait presented along varying bottom structures in the lower part of the Bay.

When asked about the best places to fish, Julie said that the Cell, the CBBT, and lower Bay wrecks are just a few of the best flounder hotspots.

Virginia Beach Red Drum, Jack Crevelle Action Good

Julie indicated that red drum are still roaming around the lower Bay, especially near the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT. Reds are also beginning to frequent the coastal waters off Virginia Beach. Schools of jack Crevelle were still spotted roaming the lower Bay this week. Black drum are still meandering around the artificial islands of the Bridge Tunnel, but expect the blacks to begin moving off the islands soon.

Good puppy drum action is still going on within Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets, according to Julie. These young reds will hit a variety of baits, with fresh cut mullet and Gulp mullets the top choices lately.

Shark Action off Virginia Beach Continues

With a good number of sharks showing in local waters, Julie said that the sharks are becoming a top targeted species lately. Several varieties of sharks such as sand tigers, hammerheads, black tips, and spinners are sniffing out chum slicks along the coastal and lower Bay waters. Some of these fish are pushing to over 8-feet.

Interest in spadefish is waning, but smallish fish are still available along the northern span of the CBBT, the four artificial islands, and many inshore structures. Sheepshead have also been cooperating lately. Crab, clam, and fiddlers presented along the pilings and tubes of the CBBT can entice a sheepshead bite. Triggerfish are everywhere on lower Bay structures and inshore wrecks. These fiesty fish will take most any offering.

Croaker are everywhere, and the bigger hardheads are now moving into lower Bay waters. The larger fish are coming from the deeper areas north of the 3rd island of the CBBT, the MMBT, Back River Reef, and the Cell. Many fish are ranging over a pound. Anglers fishing Oyster are still filling coolers from the back waters. Spot are hitting within Rudee, Lynnhaven, and Little Creek Inlets on bloodworms, with some fish still coming from off the concrete ships. Nice sized sea mullet are still available near the concrete ships and Fisherman’s Island Inlet.

Amberjack are providing good opportunities on offshore wrecks and at the Southern Towers. Some boats are even bringing home AJ’s home to try. Deep dropping is good off Virginia. According to Captain Steve Wray, skipper of the Ocean Pearl out of Lynnhaven Inlet, catches of big blueline tilefish, black bellied rosefish, and seabass are common lately.

Offshore, billfish action is still heating up, with a decent number of white marlin releases, along with a smattering of blue marlin, sails, and spearfish. The bite is spread out from the 400 to the 900-line, in anywhere from 40 to 100 fathoms, with a few caught in the deep. Tuna are scattered, but those hitting the docks are in the 60 to 70-pound class, and there are still a few dolphin around, along with some wahoo.

As its name indicates, this reel is meant for saltwater fishing, through and through. It can handle salty situations and will remain smooth regardless. Keep it clean as any reel will eventually succumb to the elements, but this is one for the hard core.

With its rugged, full metal jacket all-metal construction and rigid, one-piece aluminum Read More]]>

As its name indicates, this reel is meant for saltwater fishing, through and through. It can handle salty situations and will remain smooth regardless. Keep it clean as any reel will eventually succumb to the elements, but this is one for the hard core.

With its rugged, full metal jacket all-metal construction and rigid, one-piece aluminum frame, the Daiwa Saltist Saltwater Conventional Reel is a must-have for any serious saltwater fisherman. The Saltist has:

• four ball bearings and a roller bearing;
  
• powerful, high-strength alloy gears;
  
• dual anti-reverse systems;
  
• dual-position power handle
• aluminum rod clamp for superior performance.
  

Special CRBB anti-corrosion spool bearings are shielded to keep grit and abrasives out and last up to 12 times longer in a saltwater environment. The Saltist also has stainless grease-impregnated fiber washers for smooth drag with up to 22% greater drag than similar reels. Saltist gears are machined from Daiwa’s  high-strength alloy stock.

With a powerful ratio and rigid support, the saltist delivers up to 30% more winding power than similar reels. Line recovery in inches per handle turn.

Features:

• Rugged, all-metal construction with rigid, one-piece aluminum frame
  
• Four ball bearings and roller bearing
  
• CRBB shielded, corrosion-resistant spool bearings
  
• High-strength alloy gears
  
• Up to 30% greater winding power
  
• Super Drag Dual anti-reverse systems
  
• Dual-position power handle
  
• Aluminum rod clamp

This reel was built for the surf, where the challenge lies not in hooking Read More]]>

If you’ve never seen a Van Staal spinning reel, you’ve got to see one to even believe it. The fine workmanship combined with its smoothness and amazing feel is like no other. You don’t get much better than a Van Staal reel. This reel was built for the surf, where the challenge lies not in hooking giant fish, but in taming them. When you’re wading a heavy surf, chunking metal into the breakers and fighting off an icy breeze, it’s good to know your gear can handle whatever comes. As the folks at Van Staal like to say, no challenge is too extreme for the world’s toughest spinning reel. Every model is overbuilt – no die-cast aluminum or plastic here. This is aircraft-grade construction, light and strong, a blend of fine steel and titanium to ensure trouble-free performance at every turn. Completely sealed and watertight, with stainless steel bearings and a rugged hardened stainless main gear – the industry’s largest, with never a slip or miss even under heavy pressure. 100% torque-free; incredible drag system.

Gear up for the record books with this incredible double drag lever reel that boasts up to 40 lbs. Max Drag on the Strike setting, plus freespool capability. The preset drag feature eliminates any chance of error, while the exclusive Avet cast control system helps prevent backlashes Read More]]>

Avet Reels Pro EXW 30/2 Lever Drag Reels Gear up for the record books with this incredible double drag lever reel that boasts up to 40 lbs. Max Drag on the Strike setting, plus freespool capability. The preset drag feature eliminates any chance of error, while the exclusive Avet cast control system helps prevent backlashes and also works as an adjustable-tension line-out control for live bait fishing. Built on a corrosion-resistant, 100% machined- and anodized-aluminum frame, with stainless steel ball bearings and components. AveDrag dual-caliper drag washers with brake disk; oversized handle; harness lugs.

Inshore, she said that it’s still worthwhile to fish for Read More]]> Dr. Julie Ball dropped us a line and reported that the action is so good in the Virginia Beach area that you don’t know what to fish for. She said that it’s difficult to decide what to fish for now, since so many species are available.

Inshore, she said that it’s still worthwhile to fish for summer flounder, but finding keepers is more difficult.  The best action  is still coming from live bait offerings and jigs tipped with strips near the high rise section of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, and the usual places near the 3^rd and 4^th islands.

Drifters are faring a little better near the Cell, Buoy 42, and Back River Reef, but the inlets are tougher this week. She said that that the best bite is coming an hour before high tide lately.

Anglers are catching 1 to 3-pound spadefish along the high rise and islands of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Cell, and Plantation Light, but the action is slow. The Chesapeake Light Tower spade show slowed up with the jelly fish moving through right now.

Sheepshead are faring well according to Julie, with most of these structure-oriented fish coming from the Bay Bridge Tunnel proper, but many of these fish are on the smaller side. Clams and fiddler crabs are working well. A few sheepshead hovering around the 9-pound mark were landed this week at the Seagull Fishing Pier at the 1^st island of the CBBT.

Tautog are also available in these same areas, along with lots of aggressive triggerfish. Many anglers are also finding puppy drum to over 30-inches around the islands of the Bridge Tunnel.

The cobia are still around in lower Bay waters, but more fish are hanging around the Ocean Front and the mouth of the Bay this week. Chummers are finding decent action on the Latimer and the Nine-Foot Shoal areas.

Anglers are also hooking red drum in these same areas, as well as off Fisherman’s Island. Harry Hindmarsh of Norfolk released four reds measuring over 46-inches while fishing with crab near Fisherman’s Island this week.  Black drum are continuing to offer results to casters targeting these massive fish around all four islands of the CBBT, but this bite has slowed.

Croaker are biting around the CBBT, the HRBT, the Hampton Bar, and the Cell. The croaker bite out of Oyster was picking up, but it slowed this week. Nice spot finally made a showing in local waters. These popular fish are hitting well off lower Bay piers, the oceanfront piers, the Small Boat Channel near the 1^st island, as well as Rudee Inlet.

<h3>Tarpon Caught on Eastern Shore</h3>

Virginia tarpon made another showing this week on the Eastern Shore, with reports indicating that several fish were jumped off, and a few released.

Deep droppers are still pulling in tilefish, rosefish and grouper, along with a smattering of seabass and hake. Amberjack are ready for action on the local wrecks and at the South Tower. Jigs and live bait work well for these powerful fighters.

<h3>Bluefin Dominate Offshore Scene</h3>

Offshore, Julie said that the bite remains good. A few large yellowfin tuna to 70-pounds are now showing up at the docks, but the main catch is still revolving around nice bluefin tuna ranging to close to 100-pounds. Most boats are also encountering big gaffer dolphin, king mackerel, as well as some Wahoo. Action is scattered from the Norfolk Canyon to the Cigar in anywhere from 100 to 500 fathoms. A few billfish are also available.

Lake Greenwood:

That’s right, anglers love telling fish stories, and now, the Missouri will pay anglers for their fish stories.

In its continuing effort to put catfish management on a firm scientific footing, the Missouri Department Read More]]> If you fish in Missiouri, you can earn money for catching fish. NO, not bass or any other trophy fish. Cash for catfish.

That’s right, anglers love telling fish stories, and now, the Missouri will pay anglers for their fish stories.

In its continuing effort to put catfish management on a firm scientific footing, the Missouri Department of Conservation has tagged thousands of blue and flathead catfish in lakes and streams throughout the state. In years past, those tags carried rewards ranging from $25 to $50 for anglers who reported catching tagged catfish. More recently, the agency upped the ante, offering as much as $150 for some tagged catfish.

<h3>Tagged Catfish Helps Data Gathering</h3>

Fisheries biologists have long used tagging studies to learn how long fish live, how fast they grow, where they  move and other  information that is useful in setting fishing seasons and creel limits. However, tagging accomplishes nothing unless anglers report catching tagged fish.

Each time an angler finds a tag and reports it by calling the phone number printed on the tag, fisheries managers get a clearer picture of fish population dynamics. The more data  that is gathered, the clearer the picture becomes.

The percentage of tagged fish reported by anglers helps biologists estimate  what percentage of the overall fish population is caught by anglers each year. Such estimates are helpful when establishing fishing regulations.

Tag returns from anglers can underestimate the actual harvest, however. Some anglers are glad to report tagged fish in return for information they receive about the fish they caught. For others, however, even a $25 reward is not enough to make a phone call.

So the department put its money where its mouth is. Congratulations Missouri. Determining non-returns is a key part of every fish tagging study. So is estimating the number of non-returns accurately.

To get a better handle on the number of non-returns, the Conservation Department offers a $150 reward for some tags. The assumption is that almost every angler will return a tag for that amount. Comparing the rate of return on $25 and $150 tags will give researchers a good idea what percentage of fish with $25 tags are not reported when anglers catch them.

Conservation Department workers have tagged more than 7,000 flathead and blue catfish that are 12 inches and larger in recent years. The “dangler” reward tags are small plastic ovals attached just under the dorsal fin on the tops of fishes’ backs.

Most of the tags have rewards of $25. The reward amount and the phone number for the angler to call are printed on the tags. Anglers also are asked to report when, where and how they caught each fish, along with its length and whether they kept or released the fish.

Tagged catfish are swimming in parts of the Fabius, Gasconade, Grand, Lamine, Marmaton, Platte, South Grand rivers, the upper Mississippi River near Hannibal and the Missouri River around the mouths of the Platte, Grand, Lamine and Gasconade rivers.

“Anglers don’t have to keep a fish to get the reward,” said Resource Scientist Zach Ford, who oversees the catfish harvest evaluation project. “If they catch a tagged flathead or blue catfish and choose to release it, all they have to do is clip off the tag, call the phone number printed on the tag and mail it in. They will get the reward amount marked on the tag, along with a letter describing when and where the fish was originally tagged. They get the tag back, too. Some people like to have them for keepsakes.”

To learn more about the Conservation Department’s catfish management work, visit mdc.mo.gov/7228, and click on “How we manage them.”