Tempe Welcomes Back The Trout

The trout have made their annual Thanksgiving comeback to Tempe Town Lake.

The City of Tempe and Arizona Game And Fish Department hosted the annual Welcome Back the Trout Celebration Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the SRP Tempe Town Lake Marina.

Families and community members were invited to come down and watch as thousands of rainbow trout from the Department's Page Springs Hatchery are released into Town Lake.

"'Welcome Back the Trout' is an annual tradition in Tempe that the city is proud to present with Arizona Game and Fish," said Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. "Every year, it is great to see this activity come back to our city and see even more families and community members enjoying the lake."

Arizona Game and Fish conducted a fishing clinic and provided anglers of all ages with loaner rods, reels and bait, as well as the tips and advice they need to try their hand at the sport.

"Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced fishing pro, this is [annually] a great event to come out and fish," said Scott Gurtin, manager of Game and Fish's Community Fishing Program. "Catching trout in the heart of a major metropolitan area is possible because of partnerships with cities like Tempe. The Community Fishing Program is now established in 19 communities across the state - and it continues to grow."

The November event was the first of five monthly Arizona Game and Fish scheduled trout stockings. The trout, in addition to the abundant bass, bluegill, catfish and carp found in Town Lake, will provide fun angling opportunities for all.