Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 301 - 325 of 1214
Quality of life is measured by amount of time spent fishing. As I returned from vacation, we had an assignment to catch 60 striped bass for the annual disease re-certification, to ensure that Lake Powell fish do not have any viruses that might destabilize the fishery. We must collect the fish on the same day that they are certified. Hot weather had really slowed down fishing in August, but I checked recent fish reports and found that small stripers (8-12 inches) recently boiled in Warm Creek.... Full story
Apache Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, and because the road is not paved, Apache rarely gets crowded, even in summer. Fishing can be awesome here, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, yellow bass, catfish, carp, sunfish and crappies all represented. From the main marina west to Horse Mesa Dam the shoreline is mostly steep and rocky. Several good-sized coves cut into the shoreline, though, and provide plenty of good shallow-water fishing at this end, too. Right... Full story
New Teacher Workshop Just Announced Join educators from the Arizona Game and Fish Department as we explore the science, management and recreation of Arizona's aquatic communities. In this two-day workshop, which conveniently occurs during Fall Break for many teachers, you will learn how macroinvertebrates can be an indicator for stream health, visit a fish hatchery, try your hand at fly fishing and so much more. Participants will receive access to numerous resources and activities for their... Full story
If you go to the Mesa Bass Pro Shops bass seminars, you've probably seen Jerry Weston. If not, get out there and meet a bunch of Arizona bass pros! Jerry was kind enough to take us out to Bartlett Lake one morning and show us how he puts fish in the boat during these dog days. GOOD CATCH! - Ron Flewellen's kids show off their striper catch. The water temperature was in the high 80's right from the get-go, but it was cloudy and the barometer was falling, so Weston opted for a reaction bait first... Website
Sun sweats, triple-digit fidgets, dog days -- they seem to make most outdoors lovers crave cool times in the high country. Some of the best family camping and fishing options include waters with stocked or self-sustaining fish, quality camping amenities, and striking scenery. Those factors were used by AZGFD fishing report editors and regional staff to determine this list. Be sure to check the latest fire restrictions. It's a good idea to reserve a campground in advance if possible, but if... Full story
The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on proposed fee implementation at the Clint's Well and Kehl Springs campgrounds, and fee increases at Blue Ridge, Rock Crossing, Knoll Lake, Elks, Long Valley Work Center and Moqui campgrounds on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Based on increased use at campgrounds, a fee increase and fee implementation is needed to continue site improvements and will help ensure that people can continue using and enjoying our campgrounds. Fees have not... Full story
"LET THERE BE LIGHT" -- Did you know that Lake Havasu City has more lighthouses than any other city in America? It's strange for a city in a landlocked state to boast such a thing, but it's true! We have 27 replica lighthouses lining our shores.... Full story
This Is A Seriously Fun Trip Living in Phoenix means that it is too darn hot to ride around in the desert in the summer, at least for me – and I'm a native. So when the temperatures get into the hundreds, we take to the hills like a lot of folks in Arizona. A couple of weeks ago we took what we call a "truck trip" – that means a road trip that doesn't require the side by side, so if it involves dirt roads, they are usually pretty tame. This trip was one I really enjoyed because we saw a lot of c... Full story
WDFW will use drones to count spawning salmon nests. SPOKANE- Starting in September and going through November of 2019, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will partner with Washington State University (WSU) on a research project to use drone technology to advance conservation efforts for summer Chinook salmon. An unmanned aerial vehicle- also known as a drone- will be used to identify and inventory salmon spawning nests, called redds, in three areas of the Upper Wenatchee... Full story
Ever wonder what it would be like to see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? That certainly will be possible at Mormon Lake. During two sessions this opportunity is possible during the elk viewing workshop hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from Mormon Lake Lodge. Workshop presentations are scheduled for the morning on Saturday, Aug. 17. The workshop includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon Lake. “This is always a popular event; people w... Full story
Three-year-old eagle undergoes surgery to repair broken leg, released at Horseshoe Lake. After a graceful half-mile flight across Horseshoe Lake, the three-year-old bald eagle released back into the wild by Arizona Game and Fish Department and Liberty Wildlife was free once again. It was a fitting conclusion for the bird that was found in February at a Queen Creek dairy suffering from a shattered femur. Left untreated, the bird would have certainly died, yet four months later, a small group of... Full story
As Margie Anderson says in her article "Walks with Water" in "Land Cruising", " Summer is tough when you live in the Valley. However, if you're up for a casual stroll and you go very early or very late in the day, there are some great places in and around Phoenix where you can take a pretty flat walk and be near water the whole time." Her photo of Arizona Falls on this month's cover is just one example of that refreshing idea. It is a wonderful 20-foot waterfall on the canal right in town (56th... Full story
With only some fine tuning, including the installation of signage, the 6.4 miles of trails at Storm Ranch North (commonly referred to as the Storm Trails), just east of Peavine Trail, is now complete. The trails sit on the 160 acres purchased by the City of Prescott In January 2018. Trail construction began in early February 2018 and took Over the Hill Gang over 5,500 hours to complete. Noted for its variety, the trail system showcases narrow canyons, balanced rocks, boulder fields, and a... Full story
You Can Rent A Ramada For Small Or Large Groups Ramadas in city parks can be reserved for small or large groups, for an entire day or less. A reservation ensures your group of exclusive use of the ramada, and allows staff advance notice so that we can prepare for your group’s arrival. (We offer a 25 percent discount to City of Prescott residents.) • Ceremonial Pad Large Ramadas: Half Day (four hours or less) $150 Full Day (open to close) $300 • Medium Ramadas: Half Day (four hours or less)... Full story
We went to Bullfrog recently to complete a work assignment, which was to collect 200 surface-feeding striped bass. These captured fish are destined to be brood fish used to create hybrid stripers. We chose the date months ago, based on previous fish reports, which indicated slurping stripers would begin feeding on the surface during the first week of June. The report strategy worked great as we caught 100 surface-feeding (slurping) stripers from dawn until 10 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday.... Full story
CONGRATULATIONS! -- Jim Salscheider, former Lake Havasu Marine Association (LHMA) CEO and president (still chairman) was recently honored as Lake Havasu's Citizen of the Year. In addition to the award, a first-ever for the LHMA, Salscheider received a special commendation from Arizona Congressman Hon.Paul Gosar... Full story
As much as we all enjoy the Southwest and much of the year in Arizona, we do have to endure the soaring temperatures of summer for a few months. There are out-of-state "escape routes" such as San Diego, of course, but some of us choose to cool off in Arizona's high country instead. Places such as Flagstaff, Payson, Show Low, and Prescott are four examples of cooler places to visit at this time of year. The ultimate outdoors woman, Margie Anderson, suggests two hikes that offer a respite from the... Full story
Video: How To Prepare Boat Shrink Wrap For Recycling In Six Easy Steps Ohio Clean Marinas Program shows how anyone can recycle their boat's winter shrink wrap. With recreational boats now waking up from their long winter's nap and their protective shrink wrap covers coming off prior to spring launch, a new video from the Ohio Clean Marinas Program shows boaters everywhere how to prepare boat shrink wrap for recycling in six easy steps. Essentially plastic, shrink wrap is an effective winter... Full story
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban at the first of May. “Given the abundance of rain we’ve received this year, we’ve had an outstanding wildflower season. Unfortunately, as the blooms and brush die off and dry out, the parks are left with dangerous levels of fuel loads on the ground that can ignite a wildfire with just a small spark. As a land manager, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather than later is the responsible thing to do to... Full story
The gate at the entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park opened on May 15.. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides have also commenced their 2019 seasonal operations. Other businesses on the Kaibab Plateau, from Jacob Lake to the park boundary, are also open. Services Now Available All services provided by the National Park Service, including the Visitor Center, Backcountry Information Office, and campground, as well as the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore, are now... Full story
Ceremonial Pads at Watson and Goldwater Lakes For many years, some engaged couples have chosen to hold their wedding ceremonies and receptions at one of Prescott's lakes. To facilitate these and other ceremonies and various celebrations, the City has built two ceremonial pads, at Goldwater and Watson Lakes. In 2014, the first ceremonial pad (capacity 100) was built at Goldwater Lake0. Located in Prescott National Forest, this facility sits between two ramadas, Lakeview and Pinetop (capacity 100... Full story
Nesting Efforts End At Lake Pleasant Eagles' nest is now empty after four attempts to produce hatchling. For the past four months, viewers have been treated to round-the-clock glimpses of a pair of nesting bald eagles through a live-streaming camera installed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Now there's not much to see but an empty nest made of twisted twigs and branches on the side of a sheer cliff above Lake Pleasant, a disappointing sign that any hope of the birds producing a... Full story
The Northern Arizona Shooting Range has announced all ranges have been opened to the public although winter hours will remain in effect until May. The rifle and pistol ranges, as well as stations for trap, skeet, sporting clays and five-stand, will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday. All shooters must arrive by 2 p.m. The rifle and pistol ranges also are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. The 160-acre range, located about 20 miles east of Flagstaff, is owned by the Arizona Game an... Full story
Publisher's Note - Margie mentions Wide World of Maps later in this article. Wide World of Maps has maintained a mini-store at Lookout Mountain Outdoors. With the retirement of the owner of Lookout Mountain, Wide World of Maps will expand at this location. You may visit https://maps4u.com/, or call 602/279-2323 for information. Please tell them Jim and Carol sent you. Thank you. A Change In Plans Turns Into A Great Road Trip Sometimes plans don't work out. We had planned to go on an ROV ride wit... Full story
Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being in the outdoors! 2019 Spring Dates • May 11-12 - River Island State Park – Parker • May 18-19 - Dead Horse Ranch State Park – Cottonwood 2019 Fall Dates • September 14-15 - Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Payson • September 21-22 - Slide Rock State Park – Sedona • October 5-6 - Cattail Cove State Park – Lake Havasu • October 12-13 - Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson • October 26-27 - Roper Lak... Full story