High Country Trout

Stocking live, healthy fish for anglers to enjoy can be challenging, but the Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) is up to the task, even in this time of widespread drought.

While AZGFD places a high priority on meeting its stocking schedule found on the department's website (azgfd.com/fishing/stockschedule), all scheduled stockings are subject to change based on weather, water quality, or road conditions.

With warmer water temperatures and lower water levels affecting many of the state's lakes and streams, changes to the stocking schedule may become more frequent. To that point, AZGFD will begin a renewed effort to inform anglers about these changes on a weekly basis, hopefully before they head to their favorite fishing places.

As of Thursday (July 15), no stocking took place at either the East Verde River or Haigler Creek due to poor water quality. Both streams recorded temperatures that were above 76 degrees when hatchery trucks arrived this week. On Christopher Creek, stocking only took place at the See Canyon trailhead location. The water at the Christopher Creek campground location is too warm to stock.

The water quality at Tonto and Canyon creeks remains good, and stocking is continuing at both locations. Additionally, Tonto Creek is now receiving 500 trout per week instead of the usual 350, providing additional opportunity for anglers.

Meanwhile, stockings have been halted at Fool Hollow Lake in Show Low due to high pH readings.