Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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As an advocate for all wildlife, I found the recent furor over the horse situation in the Salt River Recreation area to be tremendously sad because of the lack of education of the general public. From State legislator Kelly Townsend to all of the horse lovers of America, the very idea of removing SOME of the horses from the Salt River area was akin to mass murder. The reality of the situation is that horses do some things very well and that is where the problem arises. They eat, they poop and... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is working to save lives by preventing drownings at Lake Pleasant with the installation of new Life Jacket Loaner Stations at the lake's four- and 10-lane boat ramps. "Boaters needing a life jacket may borrow one from the station, head out onto the lake and return it before they leave," said AZGFD Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman. "We want people to have a safe, fun time on the water and having enough life jackets on board is one of the best... Full story
Riordan State Park - Memories In A Mansion - Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure - a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has 40 rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servants' quarters. The... Full story
Time on Arizona's many lakes can be fun for the entire family, but great memories can only be made if that fun is done safely and responsibly. The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters and water enthusiasts to constantly be mindful of their surroundings and possible dangers while on the water. "Time spent on our lakes and waterways should be a fun time for everyone," said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boat Safety Education coordinator. "Whether you're on a boat or in the water, everyone must... Full story
The wonderful thing about living in Arizona is that we have such a range of altitudes and ecosystems. When it's too cold up north, we can mess around in the desert, and when the desert is broiling, we can either keep cool at one of the desert reservoirs or head up to higher altitudes and enjoy cooler weather. We enjoyed an unseasonably cool and wonderful May, but now that June and July are here, the summer weather has fully set in. So here are my picks of the top ten ways to enjoy the summer out... Full story
Largemouth bass fishing is a great bet at Bartlett Lake, and the dropshot technique using plastic worms is usually the most reliable method of catching these fish. Before heading out, see a video shot at Bartlett Lake with local semiprofessional angler Gary Senft on how to fish a dropshot rig using Bobber Stoppers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ATjA3DL4g&feature=youtu.be THE REEL DEAL Let's get right to some recommended Fourth of July weekend fishing waters, starting with the high country:... Full story
(Morristown) – The Fourth of July is quickly approaching! Pack up the kids, neighbors and friends and make plans to witness one of the finest firework displays in the Valley at Lake Pleasant Regional Park on Friday, July 3rd! Better yet, make it a memorable day by adding activities such as boating, a refreshing dip in the lake or a picnic under a shaded ramada to your schedule. Later in the day, you can pick out a piece of prime real estate along the shoreline to view the one-of-a-kind l... Full story
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 10 have been conducting a variety of events for National Safe Boating Week. This week prior to the Memorial Day weekend is to heighten awareness of safe recreational boating. The events began May 16 and continue through May 22, the official dates of the 2015 North American Safe Boating Campaign. On May 16: Flotilla's of Division 10 provided - at no charge - Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) at Saguaro and Canyon Lakes, an informational booth with... Full story
Arizona's boating season is in full swing and the Arizona Game and Fish Department geared up for it with life-jacket exchange stations at four of the state's lakes on May 16. Boaters with tattered and worn ski-vest type III life jackets exchanged them for new ones at Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, and Lake Havasu. Accidents Happen "Accidents and incidents can happen to anyone at any time so it is absolutely critical everyone aboard a boat has a fully functional life jacket. It's also the law,"... Full story
Tip Of The Week Trout stocking in our mountain streams has begun and will continue every week until September. In the White Mountains region, big holdover trout have been caught at Big Lake, Luna Lake, Carnero Lake, and Becker Lake (there are special regulations at Carnero and Becker.) The Reel Deal The recent full moon helped trigger a heavy wave of spawn activity in the Phoenix/Tucson-area desert lakes. Although largemouth bass spawn through June, this will likely be the final such apex of... Full story
May 8, 2015 For the most updated fishing information from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, follow our Fish AZ blog at: http://fishazblog.com/ Here's the latest from the blog, an afternoon/nighttime striped bass trip Thursday, May 7, at Lake Pleasant with professional fishing guide Derrick Franks "The Striper Snatcher." LAKE PLEASANT -- For predators such as schooling striped bass, a recent hatch of shad means the groceries are in the 'fridge. Flying through the water column and chasing fry Thursday, May 7 at Lake Pleasant, these stripers... Full story
Ed Huntsman is the Recreational Boating Safety Program Manager, United States Coast Guard, Eighth Coast Guard District. As spring approaches, temperatures rise, and ice melts, paddlesports enthusiasts begin to contemplate their first paddle-trip. But, before grabbing the canoe, kayak or SUP for that first trip, Eighth Coast Guard District boating-safety program manager Ed Huntsman wants to offer a few tips to ensure your safe return after an enjoyable trip. Know Basic Safety Skills How to... Full story
Since the 1990s the number of students enrolling in sailing schools has more than doubled. The number of schools accredited by the largest certification organization American Sailing Association (ASA), based in California, has close to 200 schools. This recent boom has turned the mom-and-pop sailing instruction business into an industry. It's also creating a smart new way of sailing without all the hassles of boat ownership. A sailboat, it is often said, is a hole in the water into which one... Full story
The Reel Deal Spring fishing is here in all its bedding-bass, crisp-morning glory. Yet the vernal equinox, or the first day of spring when the Earth is neither inclined toward, nor away, from the sun, isn't until Friday, March 20. And the summer trout stocking schedule just came out. Read all about where trout are being stocked in a lake near you. This week's full moon has coincided with consistent, warm weather. The result? Springtime spawning conditions for largemouth bass have graced the... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival – to be held March 13, 14, 15 at Lake Pleasant. This year's is sure to be one of our biggest events! For the fishermen, there are over $50,000 in cash prizes. For everyone, there are a day and night time festival featuring a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, vendors, food, wildlife exhibits and live music.... Full story
This year will mark the 17th annual BILL LUKE BASS DAYS event with significant changes being made in the event format. The event is focused on the family values of fishing and other outdoor activities. Not unlike other years the event still focuses on a 3-day fishing tournament, however, other venue events for family values entertainment and fun are scheduled. Over 20,000 visitors are expected over the course of the three day event. The event dates are March 13th, 14th and 15th at Pleasant... Full story
BASS DAYS ARE BIG -- Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival – to be held March 13, 14, 15 at Lake Pleasant. This year's is sure to be one of our biggest events! For the fishermen, we are featuring over $50,000 in cash prizes. For everyone, we will have a day and night time festival featuring a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, vendors, food, wildlife exhibits and live music. For more information, visit http://www.billlukebassd... Full story
Join us Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Jan.16-17-18, 2015 for the AYC Birthday Regatta and 15th Leukemia Cup! Three days of racing, cruising and Desert Hospitality! The Arizona Yacht Club Birthday Regatta has been raced continuously for 55 years, held each year on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. It's Arizona Yacht Club's premier event. Expected classes include the following: Capri 14.2, Laser, Buccaneer, Portsmouth, Thistle, Catalina 22, Viper 640, Merit 25, Montgomery 17, Santana 20, PHRF... 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
Your oasis awaits you! Just a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeast shores of Lake Pleasant, is the premiere destination for those seeking year-round fun. Open daily to the public, Pleasant Harbor affords amazing views of Lake Pleasant and a full array of lakeside activities. Pleasant Harbor Marina includes boat and Jet Ski rental, a daily passenger cruise, slip rentals, boat repair and storage, kayak and paddle boards, sailing, as well as fishing guides.... Full story
Arizona Yacht Club members are urged to register now for the 2014 Governor's Cup Regatta, scheduled for two laps around Lake Pleasant. It starts Saturday morning, Dec. 6. The first boat will be signaled to start at 11 am. The actual start time will depend on one's PHRF rating, with all competitors rated to finish at exactly the same time. First across the finish line wins. The event organizer is Cruising Captain Tom Errickson, who's opting for a simple format this year: Start near the dam, sail... Full story
Join local astronomy experts, Tony and Carole La Conte, from Stargazing for Everyone, on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant as they bring the universe to you! Learn about the constellations, planets, star clusters and nebulas as you peer through large telescopes and binoculars and enjoy stories about the night sky. The two-hour stargazing event is a great way to learn about the galaxy while taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Halloween... Full story
Forty-five minutes from Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun for Phoenix-area residents. And for many Phoenicians, it's also the closest opportunity to escape city life and be at a lake in just minutes. Pleasant Harbor is open to the public 365 days a year and features a lakeside restaurant, boat, sailing and Jet Ski rentals, kayak and paddle boards, fishing guides, slip rentals and storage, as well... Full story
Lake levels at the Salt River chain lakes did not rise as much as some anglers might expect, but there was enough rain to cool the water temperatures. Many anglers are reporting the bite at desert lakes had been slowing considerably after the sun comes up -- get out early. If you do brave the high sun, find the depth the fish are at, then see what color is hot. Be persistent when finding the right color - a simple change from a morning dawn Powerworm to a red crawler, for example, can make a... Full story
