AZGFD Fishing Report Excerpts

The Reel Deel

Bass Action

Look for the bass action to get even better at some our pristine lakes in the desert. Apache, Canyon and Saguaro all have been stocked with rainbow trout throughout the winter, so throwing some trout-imitation swim baits can produce some trophy bass.

With an onset of warmer-than-average temperatures, more bass have ventured into shallower waters in a pre-spawn mode (certainly at Roosevelt and likely Saguaro, too) and are willing to chase crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatter baits as they feed actively before their spawn.

Catfish Are Coming Back

At our Community lakes and ponds, the final trout stocking of the winter season has taken place. The next stocking will be in late April - catfish are coming back.

Bill Luke Bass Days

Bill Luke Bass Days is this month. Come out to Pleasant Harbor Marina in north Phoenix March 18-20. For everyone, there will be a day and nighttime festival featuring a cornhole tournament, carnival rides, vendors, food, wildlife exhibits and live music. Read more about this exciting, annual event on page 1 of this issue.

Buy Your License Online

Although this is the time many anglers renew their licenses, our licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Buy your license online and fish our great state for a year (and help conserve all species of wildlife while doing so.)

Latest From The Fish AZ Blog

"Is the 'Alabama Rig' legal in Arizona?" The Alabama rig is a rig with several lures (five or more) joined by stiff wires, similar to umbrella rigs used for trolling. Alabama rigs with more than two lures would not be legal for angling in Arizona. Such a "rig" would be legal if it had no more than two lures.

Angler Reports

Send reports and pictures to BFishing@AZGFD.gov; we want to hear from you (and share your success).

Sport Fish Restoration Program

Arizona fishing opportunities wouldn't be possible without the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It was created through the Dingell-Johnson Act of 1950 (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) and the Wallop-Breaux amendments of 1984.

Through a federal excise tax paid by manufacturers on fishing gear and motorboat fuels, it provides grant funds for fishery conservation, boating access, and aquatic education.

Tip

It's generally a good idea to target structures. Shelter for fish might be underwater trees, deep water, ledges, rocks, weedbeds, reef balls, and boat docks. Cast around these areas.