Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Articles written by Rory Aikens


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  • From Rory Aikens

    Rory Aikens, Arizona Game & Fish Department|Oct 15, 2012

    After more than 22 years and 1,200-plus weeks of producing the weekly fishing report, this is my last one. I am retiring. I am truly blessed for having had such a superb readership. And such an interactive one. I truly appreciated all the e-mails and phone calls with tips and questions. It was also gratifying to meet so many of you on the lakes, at events, or in some cases, even places like the local super market. Being just an old small-town newspaper editor, I have always looked at all of you... Full story

  • Autumn Angling Gets Active In Arizona

    Rory Aikens AZGFD|Sep 15, 2012

    Even though each night is two minutes longer, the nighttime temperatures still remain in the upper 70s and 80s, so our larger desert impoundments are experiencing a slow cool down this season so far. However, in the high country the nights are into the 50s or cooler, so the transition to fall conditions will be more pronounced and the fish should be getting increasingly active. Transition Time This is really a transition time of year from summer to autumn conditions. As the water cools, the... Full story

  • Bring Your Rods To The Rim

    Rory Aikens|Aug 15, 2012

    Bring Your Rods To The Rim Arizona’s High Country Offers Excellent Angling Now By Rory Aikens AZGFD Monsoon rains have helped our high mountain lakes. For many getting ready to head back to school, it's time for one last summer fishing fling. So, here are some tips for a summer fling. Tough to beat the Mogollon Rim Country. You can fish Woods Canyon, Willow Springs Lake, Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Canyon Creek, Haigler Creek, and Bear Canyon all on the same trip — if you so desire. Tak... Full story

  • Fishing Arizona

    Rory Aikens AZGFD|May 15, 2012

    Hey, with temperatures in the deserts expected to soar into the triple digits, it might be time for a cool dose of scented pine air. Especially since we are getting great fishing reports from most of the mountain lakes. Woods Canyon Lake Big Lake and Woods Canyon Lake are both hot spots right now. Both of those waters have stores and boat rentals, making them even more attractive. I have been getting lots of reports of anglers catching limits of trout — even some larger holdover ones. Ironically... Full story

  • The Early Bird Gets The Fish!

    Rory Aikens Arizona Game and Fish|Feb 15, 2012

    According to Stew Kohnke, our Alamo Lake wildlife manager (and one of my favorite fishing partners when he doesn't outfish me too badly), some boats are catching 20-plus crappies in a day. Most boats are catching 10-15 in a day. Crappie have been ranging from ¾ lbs to 2 pounds. Jigs tipped with minnows in 14 to 20 feet have been working the best. Others are having some luck by the buoy lines in 25- to 30-feet. Bass Could Stage Soon Kohnke said that the water temperature is 54 to 56 in most... Full story

  • Good To Go

    Rory Aikens|Jan 15, 2012

    GOOD TO GO -- Arizona’s Official Fishing Guide by AZGFD's Rory Aikens is ready for purchase online from Arizona Highways Magazine , at Cosco stores, and at the first of the year, at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices as well.This “official” fishing guide for Arizona was a joint project between Arizona Highways and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The book not only describes the lakes, the fish you can catch and the facilities you can expect, but also provides fishing tips as we... Full story