Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 50
For many, Labor Day signaled the end of summer, but at Arizona State Parks, it's just the beginning of your family adventures. Get away from the hectic fall schedule and travel to some parks and nearby communities. Create moments to share while exploring the beautiful State of Arizona. Here are the top picks of some parks and nearby communities, events and fun things to do on a weekend. • Lyman Lake State Park (St. Johns) - Stay in a rustic camping cabin by the lake and enjoy activities i... Full story
A Summer Favorite One summer favorite for high country anglers is Bear Canyon Lake in the Mogollon Rim. This deep canyon lake has decent shoreline access, but don't expect to fish the bottom with your PowerBait. There is a steep drop-off along most of the shoreline. There is a slight hike into this lake, which keeps most people away. There's no store, no facilities (other than a bathroom in the parking lot), and it is only dispersed camping nearby - a good thing for minimalists. The Reel Deal... Full story
The State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for campers. Sue Black, executive director, said, "Come out and visit your State Parks ..., whether it's for a day trip or a weekend adventure." Although there are many things you can experience at a State Park, here is a list of some fun things to do with your family: • Waterskiing at Lyman Lake State Park (St. Johns) • Camping under the Stars at Alamo Lake State Park (Wenden) • Swimming at Slide Rock State Park (Sedona) • Cave Tours a... Full story
Tip Of The Week Alamo Lake has possibly the best crappie fishing in the state right now. Bartlett is also noteworthy. Mark Knapp from Alamo Lake State Park said these "specks" are fishing up by the north end of the buoy line. Anglers are using a road runner with a white jig head and minnow trailer. The fish are in approximately 25 to 30 feet of water. The Reel Deal Bass fishing in the desert regions could pick up in the next weeks, maybe a few days after the recent cold front has run away and... Full story
Tip Of The Week At Silver Creek, Cinda Howard of Fly Fish Arizona said fishing is good but has been getting tougher. Flies of choice have been bunny leeches in tan or black, Glo Bugs, San Juan worms and zebra midges. There also has been some top-water action, especially when the sun hits the water and generates midge hatches. Water temperatures are in the 40s. The Reel Deal We call them "incentive" trout for a reason: To get you out on the water and hopefully onto some big fish. The reports of... Full story
Tip Of The Week At Apache Lake, anglers have been catching a high number of largemouth bass in the 1-2-pound range on Lucky Craft rip baits. The Reel Deal Some reported hot spots have been Bartlett Lake for largemouth bass, Lake Pleasant for flathead catfish, and Kinnikinick Lake for brown and rainbow trout. Kudos to Rich Griner of Queen Creek, who caught this 26-inch, 8.6-pound rainbow trout from Canyon Creek on a worm in mid-November. Griner said his fish was caught upstream of the hatchery... Full story
Each year as part of its nationally-recognized and highly successful program to manage and conserve bald eagles in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department asks outdoor recreationists and aircraft pilots to help protect important eagle breeding areas by honoring the closure of 23 areas across the state. Various land and wildlife management agencies close the breeding areas for part of the year to protect the state's 55 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Some of the closure areas are located n... Full story
Tip Of The Week Try Apache Lake for something different. Here, crappie and walleye are other tasty options. Fish some of Apache's heavy breaks where shallow water quickly becomes deep. It has really become a tremendous largemouth bass fishery. There are also plentiful yellow bass, which are a lot of fun to catch on light tackle. Apache Lake also has a healthy herd of bighorns. So be sure to take a camera - this is one of our most photogenic lakes. The Reel Deal Summer is hot and sticky and... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions at all department wildlife areas on April 18. The restrictions are part of the restrictions issued by the Arizona State Forestry Division on state-owned and state-managed lands outside incorporated municipalities due to the increased risk of wildfire in the state. Stage 1 restrictions mean that no open fires are allowed - including campfires and wood or charcoal-burning stoves and barbecues. Smoking is prohibited except... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - May 21, 2014) - The State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for Memorial Day 2014 campers. If you have not already reserved your campsite, some campsites are already full. Some State Parks such as Lyman Lake near Springerville and Alamo Lake near Wenden will have campgrounds that may not fill to capacity. Day use and historic parks have plenty of room for daytrippers and Kartchner Caverns State Park always has 100 walk-up tickets each day and good camping opportunities... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions at all department wildlife areas on Friday, April 18. The restrictions are part of the restrictions issued by the Arizona State Forestry Division on state-owned and state-managed lands outside incorporated municipalities due to the increased risk of wildfire in the state. Stage 1 restrictions mean that no open fires are allowed -- including campfires and wood or charcoal-burning stoves and barbecues. Smoking is...
Catfish stockings will be coming back to the core Community Fishing Program lakes and ponds in Tucson and Phoenix on Friday. Here are the core lakes and ponds: (Phoenix area) Surprise, Rio Vista Pond, Pioneer, Desert West, Alvord, Cortez, Steele I.S. Pond, Encanto, Papago Ponds, E. Hallman Pond, Riverview, Desert Breeze, Veterans Oasis; (Tucson area) Lakeside, Sahuarita, Kennedy, Silverbell, Copper Sky, Kiwanis, Water Ranch, Red Mountain, Chaparral. Channel catfish are best caught using a hook... Full story
Hello, anglers, It's a good time to round up some swim baits and Roboworms and head to the Phoenix area (if you aren't already there) to do some bassin'. High temperatures are beginning to rise back into the 70s. We're stocking rainbow trout into Canyon Lake, land of the lunkers. Avoid Canyon Lake if you want great catch rates, but for something to hang on the wall, come here and throw some big swim baits (that represent the stocked trout). Plus, the scenery is exceptional. Apache Lake is a grea... Full story
Each year America's State Parks announces a national collaboration of all 50 State Park systems across America to sponsor guided "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day. Arizona State Parks will charge day-use entrance fees only for the First Day Hikes at 13 different parks on Jan. 1, 2014. According to State Parks Director Bryan Martyn, "We are committed to promoting outdoor recreation as a way to get families outside and unplugged from their video games and other electronic media. This is a great... Full story
Keep in mind that here in Arizona, there is plenty of year-round fishing. Bass and other sport fish may not be as active, but they are still catchable. In many cases; it's a matter of slowing down your presentation and going to smaller baits. Some pro anglers, on the other hand, have been known to not only slow down their presentations, but also upsize their offerings to make it worthwhile for big bass to dine. The Reel Deal It's winter trout and crappie time. First, The Trout There are rainbow... Full story
Many hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationists have been wondering how the current federal government shutdown, which began Oct. 1, will impact their upcoming outings. Despite closures by federal land management agencies of their administrative offices and some controlled access points and facilities, there are numerous opportunities available to Arizonans for outdoor recreation. Please keep in mind that, with regard to federal lands, official information on closures is the responsibilit... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - September 16, 2013) - Arizona State Parks Director Bryan Martyn will hold a Director Campout Series at several State Parks throughout Arizona from September through December 2013. The purpose of the campouts is to engage visitors, residents, campers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and other constituents in a conversation about State Parks. Director Bryan Martyn said, "This will be a unique opportunity for people to come out and talk to me personally and share their vision about... Full story
ANOTHER WAY -- to enjoy Arizona's waterways it to rent a boat suited to your style. Invert Sports provides rentals, watersport lessons, and charters at Powell, Mead, Havasu, Mohave, Pleasant, Alamo, Apache, Bartlett, Canyon, Upper Lake Mary, Lyman, Reservation, Roosevelt, Saguaro, San Carlos lakes, and the Colorado River, Parker. For more information, (888)205-7119/ info@invertsports.com/ www.invertsports.com. Tell them Arizona Boating & Watersports sent you.... Full story
Arizona State Parks' headquarters is now "Camping Central." Arizonans are welcome to stop by and pick up a bag of brochures, maps and information about all the facilities where you can camp, hike, fish, have reunions, weddings, special events and business retreats. There are more than 1,000 campsites, so whether you are a tent camper, RV camper or need a nice cozy camping cabin or yurt, our customer service representatives will help visitors find the best place to camp and give everyone a state... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - May 22, 2013) - Arizona State Parks' headquarters is now "Camping Central." Arizonans are welcome to stop by and pick up a bag of brochures, maps and information about all the facilities where you can camp, hike, fish, have reunions, weddings, special events and business retreats. There are more than 1,000 campsites so whether you are a tent camper, RV camper or need a nice cozy camping cabin or yurt, our customer service representatives will help visitors find the best place to... Full story
The Arizona State Parks Board approved 15 trails to the Arizona State Trails System at the March 20, 2013 Parks Board meeting. Arizona State Parks manages the Arizona State Trails System that has been established to recognize and promote non-motorized trails that are of special interest or significance to both Arizona's residents and visitors alike. Recreational trails in Arizona offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities. To provide for recognition of various types of trails, State... Full story
The Arizona State Parks Board authorized eight Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Fund projects totaling $778,563 at a recent 2013 Parks Board meeting. The statewide OHV Program uses funds from the state Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund and the federal Recreational Trails Program (motorized portion) to fund projects that meet the high priority needs identified in the 2010 State Trails Plan. The Arizona State Parks Board's volunteer advisory committees (Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (OH... Full story
The 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations are now available at all seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and at fishing license dealers throughout the state. They are also posted online at www.azgfd.gov/fishing. “Arizona’s diverse fisheries offer great opportunities all year round,” said Acting Fisheries Chief Eric Swanson. “If getting outdoors, staying healthy and spending quality time with family and friends are among your 2013 resolutions, fishing is a great way to meet your goals, have f... Full story
Each year as part of its highly successful program to manage and conserve bald eagles in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department asks outdoor recreationists to help protect important eagle breeding areas by honoring the closure of 21 areas across the state. Various land and wildlife management agencies close the breeding areas for part of the year, beginning in December, to protect the state’s 55 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Some of the closure areas are located near popular r... Full story
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
