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PHOENIX - Though conditions remain very dry and several major wildfires continue to burn in our state, some lakes remain open and many have been stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with trout or catfish for anglers to enjoy this weekend. Lakes that are currently accessible are: Show Low as well as Show Low Creek in the Pinetop/Show Low area Goldwater, Lynx, Granite Basin, Watson and Fain lakes in the Prescott area Mormon Lodge Pond south of Flagstaff and Frances Short Pond in... Full story
In addition to the thrill of having our Outdoors Editor inducted into the arizona outdoor hall of fame, we feel honored to have both Margie and John Anderson as loyal and valuable contributors to our publications. Of course we honor the other four inductees as well; our Wildlife benefits incredibly from their hard work, dedication, and commitment. Another reason to celebrate is the annual incredible fireworks display at Pleasant Harbor. We send a warm thank-you to them for honoring our... Full story
Celebrate America 2021 At Lake Pleasant Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant will host its annual Celebrate America fireworks show on Saturday, July 3. Located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, conveniently adjacent to the Phoenix Metro area, Pleasant Harbor hosts this annual firework show, as well as food trucks, free kids activities, including water slides, bounce houses and live music. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and activities running through 10:30 p.m.... Full story
As I began to gather material for this June issue, I was noticing that there is some optimism about scheduling and re-scheduling events. Is our long wait over? Can we really recreate again? So many events were cancelled last year and some will still need to be rescheduled, but overall, with caution and care, it appears the worst may be over. We hope so! Meanwhile, before the weather really heats up, it is an excellent time to go to our waterways. Lake Pleasant with all its amenities is a... Full story
I'll never forget the year the All Star Super Team Championship at Lake Pleasant was won with a Carolina rig, and Rob VanderKooi and Lynton Leslie also took second place using the rig. Both before and since that tournament, many others have been won on Pleasant using the same technique. Dean Farrell and Dave Deadman are two other anglers ...... Website
It goes without saying that water is probably our most important resource. It is, obviously, for the survival of all living things, and when we are threatened with extreme drought conditions - especially in the Southwest - the treasured commodity becomes even more precious. Besides the basic need of it for physical survival, water can probably be considered vital for our emotional survival as well - at least for many. We fish in it. We boat on it. We recreate around it. We meditate by it. We... Full story
It's more fun at the lake! forty five minutes from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun and a safe outing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Activities Abound Pleasant Harbor is open to the public 365 days a year, and features Dillon's Bayou restaurant, sailing, boat and Jet Ski rentals, kayaks, and paddle boards, fly boarding, slip rentals and storage, as well as a full-service RV resort with... Full story
Even if you have to brave the desert heat to fish, it pays to get out on your nearest lake this time of year. Warmer water means active fish, and active fish eat more. Even on the desert lakes, don't make the mistake of thinking that you have to use finesse baits in deep water to be successful – there are always some shallow fish to be had, especially early in the morning and just before dark. Fly Rods Ben Koller of www.thehookupoutfitters.com likes to go after all kinds of fish with a fly r... Website
The legend is that an angler eating lunch on the lake accidently dropped a spoon overboard. As he watched the silver spoon drift downward, sun glinting off the handle and bowl, he saw a fish dart out and try to eat it. A typical angler, this guy was inventive and always looking for a new bait, so he went home, sawed up some spoons, and put hooks and a place to tie the line on them. Voila! A new killer lure is born! All Designed To Do Same Thing Today's spoons are usually store-bought, and they... Full story
Peoria, AZ (October 9, 2020) – The Annual Haunted Harbor Trunk-N-Treat at Lake Pleasant will occur on Saturday, October 24 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The event includes a safe and fun environment to trick or treat, Halloween costume contest, a live Rockabilly band and food trucks. Although there is a $7.00 entry gate fee per carload, this charge is waived if children are dressed in Halloween costumes. All attendees must wear a mask and follow posted social distancing guidelines. Pleasant Har... Full story
10-Miles Across The Desert And Up Crown King adventure is waiting for you, Crown King, the top of the mountain, adventure, adventure, adventure.... Carol and I just returned from a few days in Crown King, Ariz. This was not our first trip but as always it was an adventure. And, not only an adventure because of the 28-miles of rough and winding road. Part of the adventure for us was in going just a few miles north west of the valley with its' several million people and finding this very small... Full story
Editor's Note: The following information was applicable as we went to press. For updates, call (602) 942-3000, or email customerservice@azgfd.gov The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is committed to staying connected with its customers and continuing to provide exceptional service. As updates related to the COVID-19 situation become available, AZGFD will share any new developments or changes to processes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is the Ben Avery Shooting Facility open? All r... Full story
With approximately 10,000 surface acres of water, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is known as one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the valley. Each weekend, thousands of residents visit the park to camp, boat, fish, and hike. Recently, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began limiting capacity in the regional park system to allow for physical-distancing. However, the repetitive closures on the weekends at the lake became time-intensive for staff as they closely... Full story
Spring is bursting with great events for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you are a kid or a senior, as long as you enjoy outdoor activities, there is something wonderful ahead for you. The International Sportsmen's Expo comes again to West World of Scottsdale on March 13-15 with a plethora of free activities, adventure destinations, gear, and services. A sincere thank you to George Andrejko, AZGFD photographer, for the cover photo that illustrates the joy youngsters can experience at the family fr... Full story
Thousands of lanterns return to illuminate skies above Lake Pleasant. Soon after sundown, on Saturday, April 4th, friends, family and thousands of event goers will come together to share personal thoughts, wishes and goals as they set free lanterns on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant. A long-standing tradition, the lighting of (biodegradable) lanterns is a way of marking milestones, offering up wishes and goals, while celebrating in a festive, picturesque atmosphere. Drawing more than 10... Full story
Do you like boating? Want to meet new boating friends? Interested in developing better boating skills? Then you should attend our monthly general membership meetings and see what we’re all about. Lake Pleasant Sailing club is an active boating and sailing club and has been in existence for over 40 years with boating activities based around Lake Pleasant in Arizona. We welcome and seek new boaters of all types.... Website
Off-road vehicles, RVs, kayaks, motorcycles, lanterns, trucks: What do these all have in common? They are all coming to the Southwest in awesome expos and events ahead this spring. It's the time of year when the Southwest really comes alive -- on water and on land. Thank you, Bob Brown of Media Direction for the cover photo that represents the power and energy of the outdoor activities that begin at this time of the year. We recommend that you attend as many of these awesome events as you can... Full story
Children can interact with oversized vehicles. Kids, big and small, have the opportunity to interact with large vehicles such as fire trucks, earth movers, dump trucks, backhoes, and excavators at the Touch-A-Truck event being held at Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant on Saturday, Feb.15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event is free and affords kids the unique opportunity to climb on their favorite big vehicles, without parent reprimand. There is a $10 entrance fee... Full story
McMillan Stocks pro and Nitro State Team member Kevin Finley runs up to Lake Pleasant frequently – he lives close by, so he has become extremely familiar with this lake. Pleasant has a reputation as a tough lake to fish, but Kevin always manages to pull a few out of the water, and usually some big ones, even in January.... Website
Outdoor Recreationists, Pilots And Drone Operators Asked To Avoid Bald Eagle Nest Areas Arizona's bald eagles are back and they will soon be working on the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide. To assist with the state's continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state's 89 eagle breeding areas. As such, some... Full story
Lake Pleasant Will Again Host Annual Run Pleasant Harbor and Evofit will host the annual Dam Cancer Run/Walk at Lake Pleasant on Oct. 12, featuring a 5K, 10K, Obstacle Run and 5K Walk. All running events traverse the New Waddell Dam. Closed to the public throughout the year, this event provides runners a unique opportunity and vantage point of Lake Pleasant, 440 feet above the New Waddell Dam's foundation. In addition to the various running events, participants will receive swag bags and will... Full story
Canyon Lake We recently took a tour on Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake and it was great – in fact, it was even better than I expected. We met our best friends Ron and Debbie at the lake, and we brought our two college-aged granddaughters with us. The tour we chose was a special one: the Bighorn Sheep Tour. There were a bunch of Arizona Game and Fish experts on board with us, as well as several guys from the Arizona Bighorn Sheep Society. It was an amazing day. Over 50 Sheep! John and I have f... Full story
Finally cool weather is ahead and along with that are some great autumn events. Now is the transition time to fall and winter outdoor activities, including all that is available on local deserts, mountains, rivers and lakes. And, for women especially, the how to get the most out of the myriad of outdoor activities in the Southwest, is what "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" is all about. It's coming up soon - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 6-8 - at Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Sponsored by the... Full story
Pleasant Harbor, The City of Peoria, and Dillon's Restaurant will host the 1st Annual Peoria Country Music Fest on Saturday, Oct. 19, featuring live country music from four popular country bands,as well as food trucks, a beer garden serving a variety of "adult beverages," as well as a fan experience, including live bull riding, a cigar lounge and corn hole. The event runs from 2 p.m-11 p.m., with gates opening at 12 p.m. The event site features panoramic views of Lake Pleasant and easy access... Website
Almost thirty-five years ago, John and I and our American Brittany, Katie, went to Haigler Creek for the weekend. We camped in the woods right next to the creek and never saw anyone else the whole time we were there. Recently, John and I and our French Brittany, Mochi, went back to Haigler Creek just for a ride to get out of the heat. It makes for a great day trip, especially if you take the dirt roads down through Young afterwards and head north from there. Through Young The main road north... Full story