Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 351 - 375 of 489
The boating season is upon us with the warm weather fast approaching. I know that we all want to hook up the boat, grab the family and run off to the lake to water recreation and good times. We also need to think about the safety of our friends and family. I see people every weekend with their boats broken down or their trailer parked alongside the road due to a lack of planning. I am seeing people at the lakes receiving hundreds of dollars in citations because they leave items at the house or... Full story
May is here and water temperature is in the 60s which means spring fishing is at its best. Cold fronts will still slow down catching for a day or two but on most days fishing will be excellent. Here is the room service menu for spring fishing in order of availability. Striped Bass Bait fishing along the canyon walls is good in the normal spots. Spots close to the marinas will provide good catches for those looking for a good, close fishing trip. But, the results are sometimes long awaited and ti...
Homolovi State Park is closed temporarily until May 28 for road construction and improvement work by Arizona State Parks. This roadwork was paid for by a $199,879 contract funded with Arizona Department of Transportation Roadside Development funds for Arizona State Parks to repair the main roads through the park. The contract was awarded to SJ Anderson with subcontractor Regional Paving saw cutting and removing existing road cracks up to 3 feet wide and putting in a new sub-base and paving.... Full story
May 26 Monday 7:30 am Take Your Walk to the Desert (moderate) Join park docent Coni for a moderate 3 to 5 mile hike (ability of hikers and weather will determine the length of hike). We might hike through riparian areas with seasonal water in Cave Creek or hike across the mesa tops in the upland Sonoran Desert vegetation. We may see wildlife, petroglyphs, and colorful wildflowers. You may learn about cochineal (wow, whats that?), agave, mesquite, prickly pear, and maybe even taste some... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Water enthusiasts should take serious precautions against cold temperatures and swift currents when in or near water this spring. Despite this year’s below-normal snowfall, the spring snowmelt can still result in swift and cold river flows that can create treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers, and even hikers cooling off at the water’s edge. Lower water levels can also expose hazards or make them closer to the surface... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - May 23, 2014) - Homolovi State Park will re-open on Friday, May 23, 2014 after road construction and improvement work forced the park closure last week. Homolovi State Park, just 5 miles northeast of Winslow in northern Arizona, provides a good alternative for camping for those that were planning to camp in the Sedona area for Memorial Day weekend but are unable due to the Slide Fire. Arizona State Parks will re-open the Park five days earlier than originally planned for the... Full story
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – On Friday, May 23, four fire starts were reported on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim of the park is currently at High fire danger and the South Rim is at Very High. A storm this afternoon produced rain and hail on the North Rim moderating fire behavior. Two fires are actively being suppressed; the first is located on Uncle Jim Point (east of the developed area) and is approximately 1/3 of an acre. The second fire is located on the Tail of the D... Full story
Grand Canyon, AZ - The twenty-fourth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 28, 2014 on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. This event is sponsored by the National Park Service, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim), with funding from Grand Canyon Association. Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their expertise. Free slide programs...
For something different, head to Lynx Lake, where some anglers reportedly are having some decent action catching brown trout. Here's the tip: Try fishing a No. 18 or 20 with wooly bugger about 4 feet under a float with a 4-pound test leader. THE REEL DEAL Hello, anglers, First, a quick fish story. On Tuesday, April 8, angler Jack Head of Phoenix was taking his wife and sister-in-law boating, fishing, and for a quick picnic. What he saw in the Agua Fria arm floating on the surface was a...
Boating safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including consistent life jacket wear each and every time boaters are on the water, during National Safe Boating Week, held from May 17-23, 2014. National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the... Full story
Lake level remains fairly constant with a slight drop to 3574 MSL. We hope spring runoff holds off for another few weeks as the Castle Rock Cut deepening project will continue until the last week of April. The best news is that the Cut will be deepened down to 3575 MSL, meaning that the lake only has to come up 5 feet or so from the present level to allow boats to take the shortcut. That will save much time, fuel and aggravation with rough water in the main channel detour. My guess is the cut... Full story
Residents of the desert should always remember one simple rule when the weather begins to warm: know where you are placing your hands and feet. "That one rule can help people avoid the majority of potentially dangerous encounters," said Tom Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "People shouldn't fear snakes and other reptiles, and only need to use caution and common sense to coexist with them." Critters such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and... Full story
Grand Canyon, Ariz. - The Arizona Department of Transportation will open Highway 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday, May 15 by 8:00 am; and Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, a Forever Resorts property, and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will commence their 2014 seasonal operations. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations include lodging, groceries, camper services, food services and a service station. All concessioner facilities will open at 10:00 am with the exception of the...
Boaters can get frustrated when a repair or upgrade takes a long time, but delays are often a simple result of supply and demand. "Spring and summer can be the most challenging times to get work done on a boat because everyone else wants their work at the same time," said BoatUS Director of Consumer Affairs Charles Fort. But, with a little foresight boaters can get the services they need - sometimes at a better price - now. And, some things on a "to do now" list don't require outside help. Here... Full story
Weather is warming and trees are budding in the high desert. It s time to start thinking about fishing and what to expect from Lake Powell in 2014. The lake has dipped to the lowest point since 2005 leaving brushy cover high and dry on the shoreline. Fortunately, there has been modest precipitation in the Colorado River drainage. When runoff starts, the lake should rise from the currently level of 3575 MSL back to 3600 MSL or perhaps a bit more. Also fortunately, the Castle Rock Cut is being... Full story
Tip Of The Week Spring bass fishing can be excellent, and there's one technique that can turn average bass days into exceptional ones. During the pre-spawn (generally water temperatures of less than 55 degrees), when targeting big, transitioning bass in the shallows, try dyeing your soft plastic bass lures orange. Water clarity is generally limited in our warm-water fisheries right now, and an orange tail can help trigger bass feeding on crawfish. During a spawn (when water temperatures are at... Full story
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (March 31, 2014) – One of Mexico’s most popular boat expos is returning to Cabo San Lucas for its fifth consecutive year May 15–17, 2014, and the Bahia Hotel & Beach Club is proud to participate as a sponsoring hotel. Cabo Marine Show attendees and participants are encouraged to take advantage of special lodging rates for the dates of the expo. Additionally, in conjunction with the Los Cabos Tourism Board, the hotel will host visiting journalists covering the event. Mexic...
SPOKANE -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is conducting controlled burns on parts of two wildlife areas in northeast Washington to reduce wildfire risks and enhance wildlife habitat. WDFW crews have already begun a controlled burn in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in Okanogan County. Depending on weather conditions, controlled burns also could be conducted as soon as April 1 in the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area in Ferry County. Recent wildfires demonstrate the importance of... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival - held March 14, 15, 16 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. Tournament Prize List The prizes for this year's Bass Days Tournament are spectacular. This year's... Full story
There's a lot to be said for owning small runabouts, center consoles or bow riders. While they are affordable, easy to store, and can keep everyone in the family happy, they have their limits, though, if you want to venture into coastal waters and big lakes. But these journeys can still be done, with the right ten pieces of equipment. Here's what Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends should be aboard every boat 20 feet or smaller: Paddles If your engine quits, paddles... Full story
I started fishing off Cape Town, South Africa, when I was six years old, and haven't quit since. Emigrating to the United States in 1977, I was delighted to discover the excellent boating and fishing in Southern Calif. I presently reside in North San Diego County, which I consider "God's country" for weather, boating and fishing. I purchased Reel Busy new in 2007 and covered approximately 11,000 miles with 1,600 engine hours. (Suzuki's engines are good for 5,000-7,000 trouble-free hours, with pr... Full story
Bill Luke Bass Days is the Southwest's largest family fishing tournament and festival - held March 14, 15, 16 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. Tournament Prize List The prizes for this year's Bass Days Tournament are spectacular. This year's... Full story
By Nick Walter, AZGFD Hello, anglers, Get ready for more winter trout stockings; they began Jan. 13 in the Verde River (Clarkdale to Camp Verde), Fain Lake, the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Patagonia Lake, Pena Blanca Lake, Fortuna Pond and Redondo Pond. See our nifty Fish&Boat Arizona map for finding the state's best fishing and boating spots. In addition to an incredible turnout for the kickoff fishing clinic and trout stocking at Pioneer Lake in Peoria, we received some great anglers... Full story
Grand Canyon National Park will be joining national park units across the country in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with fee-free entry into the park on Monday, Jan. 20. Park visitors are reminded that fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours, or use of concessions. Park entrance stations will have the Interagency Senior and Annual Passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Visitors who plan to spend time in the... Full story
PINETOP, Ariz. – Would you like to know more about one of our great symbols of national pride – the bald eagle? Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists will conduct their annual educational seminar for the public on bald eagle natural history at the department's Pinetop office on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. The program is free to the public and will consist of a classroom presentation about bald eagle life history, identification, behavior patterns and current status in Arizona and Nor... Full story
