Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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In Arizona, winter doesn't have to mean sending boats and rods and reels into hibernation. While outdoor recreation opportunities across many U.S. states shut down during the season of freeze, Arizona rolls on with trout stockings and water temperatures just warm enough to convince fish to bite during the holidays. Although fishing tends to slow a tad this time of the year, there are some spots that are winter-friendly. Here, then, in no particular order, are the Arizona Game and Fish Department... Full story
The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim is now closed to vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open for the 2016 season on Sunday May 15, 2016. The North Rim campground and yurt will still be available for winter camping and are accessible via inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or... Full story
The Visitor Center at Patagonia Lake State Park has opened for the season and will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. five days a week (Thursdays through Mondays) through March 2016. During the season, the Park offers programming that features boat tours and bird walks open to the public. Bird walks are held on Fridays at 9 a.m. and are held at the Birding Kiosk at the east end of the campground. Bird walks are free with the regular park entrance fee or an Arizona State Parks Annual Pass.... Full story
The State Parks in Arizona are offering guided hikes for New Years Day as part of a program called 1st Day Hikes. Guided hikes are great, even if you are an experienced hiker, because the guides will have lots of information about the area that you might not have known. The State Parks are great places to visit at any time, and the opportunity for a free guided hike is a bonus. Generally, the weather is cool on New Years Day, but at higher altitudes, you should add layers. Also, bring your own w... Full story
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced the temporary closure of selected public lands in La Paz County, for two days in January and February, in order to support the annual Parker Races. The closures will help ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary environmental degradation during these popular sporting events. The THR Motorsports Parker 250 Desert Race closure is scheduled from 2 p.m. (MST) on Friday, Jan. 8, through 6 p.m. (... Full story
Recent rain and snow storms bringing both snowpack up north and flooding across the west and mid-west have many thinking that water levels in surrounding lakes and rivers will be increasing as the year progresses. Add lower gas prices to the mix and boaters will be coming back to the water this spring in droves. Power boaters, sailors, paddlers - many will be ill prepared to deal with the problems of a sudden spring or summer storm that this record breaking El Nino season will be offering. If yo... Full story
In October, the Arizona Deer Association held a youth camp. I was privileged to be part of that event and it certainly proved to be eye opening for a lot of kids under the age of 18. Through the big-game-draw system here in Arizona there are tags that are allocated specifically for youths under the age of 18. In many instances, these are first-time hunters and in some instances, they do not have a mentor or knowledge of the area where the hunt is being held. Courtesy of a grant from Arizona... Full story
Throughout boating communities worldwide, parades of lights welcome the holiday season. There is nothing more spectacular than colored lights sparkling on boats as they ply the rivers and lakes and bays - truly beautiful gifts to all those who some to see and celebrate. Here are four of our Southwest favorites for you to put on your calendar in time to plan ahead for the one you hope to visit in 2015. Lake Havasu: 'Sparkle under the Stars' For the past 33 years the Annual Boat Parade of Lights... Full story
TTL TO BE CLOSED -- Replacing the current inflated rubber Tempe Town Lake dam with concrete and steel will shut down the lake - probably next spring - for a period the city estimates will be more than one month. The news came from Tempe Senior Boating Coordinator Alicia Jerger, saying the new concrete and steel dam will be finished in "February or March," depending on weather delays. At that point, the city will divert the TTL water and, she says, "It is anticipated that refilling of Town Lake,... Full story
The producers of Arizona Wildlife Views, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's television show, took home eight regional Emmy Awards in four different categories from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) this fall. The award recipients and categories were as follow: Environment – Program/Special Arizona Wildlife Views 2015 – Show #1 (https://youtu.be/v9BIvPCAppc). Producers: Carol Lynde, David Majure, Ben Avechuco. Segments in this... Full story
Each November we conduct our annual gillnet sampling to assess adult fish population strength, numbers and health. Since we will be on the lake for two weeks, this issue's fishing report will the last of the season. Sporadic reports will be sent out randomly when something unusual happens like a trophy fish being caught. For current fishing information during winter log on to Wayneswords.com. The next regular weekly report will be published the first week of March 2016. Stripers Late fall finds... Full story
Tip Of The Week Silver Creek near Show Low is a spring creek that comes out of the ground at a constant temperature and does not freeze in the winter. Catch-and-release fishing for big rainbow trout with artificial lure and flies, with single barbless hooks, will continue through the winter. The Reel Deal Fishing, hunting, football, campfires, and possible "cast-n-blast" adventures (it's quail season!) - this is our cool wave of fall perfection. It also signals the return of trout to our... Full story
Local Striper Guide Derrick Franks, aka "The Striper Snatcher," is going big with a line of lead jigs. It all started this season in San Diego aboard the Malihini sport fishing vessel, fishing ¾-day trips. Franks took a knife to the gun fight. Day one, freshwater bass jig rod vs. yellow fin tuna -yep, the tuna won the fight. Day two, re-armed with a tuna rod, Frank lands yellow fin tuna. During the process, we had conversation on air about using the same swim baits, spoons irons and jigs... Full story
Desert Troon Companies, a Scottsdale-based real estate development and investment firm, is pleased to announce that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved the transfer of the Concessionaire Management Agreement for Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant Regional Park from Skipper Marine to Desert Troon Companies. The agreement names Desert Troon Companies as a concessionaire until 2040, and marks the next phase of development for the popular marina. "Scorpion Bay Marina is a distinc... Full story
Whether on a quiet lake, flowing estuary or shallow flats, Flover has boaters covered with its wide range of high-quality electric outboards. The company offers seven models, each with a broad selection of options. Flover's outboards range from 33–55 lbs. of thrust. Each lightweight unit features five forward and three reverse speeds, and runs on a standard 12-volt marine battery. Options include a fixed or telescoping tiller, LED battery gauge and a saltwater version for the larger models. A... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department swapped approximately 800 old and tattered life jackets with new ones during life jacket exchange events at area lakes this past summer. During the popular events, the public can swap old, less-effective life jackets for new ones. The department began the life jacket exchange program in 2008 to help save lives and to encourage watercraft users to remain safe on the water. "Wearing a life jacket is the most effective way to prevent against drowning," said... Full story
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim is now closed to vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open for the 2016 season on Sunday May 15, 2016. The North Rim campground and yurt will still be available for winter camping and are accessible via inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, c... Full story
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 9, 2015) – The most significant sailing performances of the year are being heralded by US Sailing with the announcement of the 12 men and six women who have been shortlisted for the 2015 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards. The nominees will be reviewed by a panel of noted sailing journalists who discuss the merits of each sailor’s racing results before voting to determine US Sailing's 2015 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year. The winners wil... Full story
North Rim operations began seasonal shut-down of most visitor services on Friday, Oct. 16. The North Rim will remain open to visitors, closing for winter on Tuesday, Dec. 1 or until snow closes State Highway 67 leading into the park. The Grand Canyon Lodge gift shop will remain open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 1. Self-service gas and diesel fuel will continue to be available in the park through Dec. 1 or until State Highway 67 closes Beginning Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, entrance fees are... Full story
Welcome to the 4th Annual Sand-Water-RV Expo in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of off-roading, RVing and boating. The 2015 Sand-Water-RV Expo captures the spirit and passion of these complementary outdoor recreation activities, providing motivated consumers the opportunity to browse, compare and shop for the latest and greatest in off-road vehicles, trucks, sand rails, ATVs, UTVs, 4x4s, buggies, golf carts, motorcycles, electric vehicles, RVs, toy haulers, travel... Full story
Throughout boating communities worldwide, parades of lights welcome the holiday season. There is nothing more spectacular than colored lights sparkling on boats as they ply the rivers and lakes and bays - truly beautiful gifts to all those who some to see and celebrate. Here are three of our Southwest favorites for you to put on your calendar in time to plan ahead for the one you hope to visit in 2015. Lake Havasu: 'Sparkle under the Stars" For the past 33 years the Annual Boat Parade of Lights... Full story
My last fish report expressed the hope that stripers would start boiling again, but to my dismay, no boils have been reported this week. Unforgettable boil action has occurred in August, September, and early October but each of these episodes has been interrupted by quiet periods when stripers stay deep despite a high abundance of forage. When boiling stripers do splash on top in big groups, it is easy to find and then catch them with surface lures. I hope that happens soon but, while waiting,... Full story
Seasonal reductions in services at some developed recreation sites on the Mesa Ranger District are now in effect through April 14, 2016. The reduction in services includes no vehicle access, trash pick-up, no available toilets, and no drinking water where water was previously provided. “The reduction in services will allow the recreation staff to consolidate use and more efficiently manage recreation on the district as visitation drops in the fall and winter,” stated Gary Hanna, Mesa Dis... Full story
Ed Huntsman took this shot six years ago walking up to Havasupai Falls from the Colorado River in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. He remembers, "It was awesome rafting from Lee's Ferry completely through the Canyon to South Cove on Lake Mead, but I can't begin to imagine transiting some of the rapids on that trip in a kayak! Brave souls everyone. BTW, the falls were great! Thanks to the Park Service for the opportunity for a joint patrol on some of the country's most challenging, and... Full story
Replacing the current inflated rubber Tempe Town Lake dam with concrete and steel will shut down the lake-probably next spring-for a period the city estimates will be more than one month, severely affecting activities for Arizona Yacht Club and the Arizona Sailing Foundation. The news came today in an email from Tempe Senior Boating Coordinator Alicia Jerger, saying the new concrete and steel dam will be finished in "February or March," depending on weather delays. At that point the city will... Full story