Southeastern Waters

Arizona Game and Fish Department's Weekly Fishing Report

FISHING REPORT EDITOR:
Rory Aikens, (602) 789-3214

Regional editors:
Pinetop Region - Richard Dreyer, (928) 367-4281
Flagstaff Region - Chuck Benedict, (928) 774-5045
Kingman Region - Andy Clark, (928) 692-7700
Yuma Region - Brad Jacobsen (928) 342-4051
Tucson Region - Don Mitchell, (520) 388-4451
Mesa Region - Richard Wiggins, (481) 324-3544

October 21, 2009

URBAN WATERS - Catfishing at Urban lakes continues to be good to excellent with fall stockings well underway.  Not much change in the top baits for channel cats: shrimp, stink baits and hot dogs.  Activity is best in the evening and early morning with cooler temperatures making the cats active during mid-day periods as well. 

Bluegill and bass are biting well in the early mornings as they seek to fatten up before winter sets in.  The special fall stocking of bluegill is scheduled for the week of Oct. 26-31, so make sure to take the kids, grandkids or a friend.  Earthworms, mealworms or a piece of hot dog on a small hook under a small bobber will keep you and the youngsters busy catching bluegill. 

The Green Valley Lakes (Payson) received its first delivery of rainbow trout on Oct. 20, kicking off an eight month trout stocking season.  Fishing should be excellent for the 11-14 inch trout.  Best trout baits include Power Bait, small spinners and lures, and worms.  Green Valley anglers continue to have success catching bass, bluegill and crappie.

STOCKING SCHEDULE

• All UFP waters in Phoenix area and Tucson area - Last stocked catfish Oct. 9 (second of four fall stockings). Next stocking, catfish the week of Oct. 19-24 and sunfish the week of Oct. 26-31.
  
  

RIGGS FLAT - No recent reports.

CLUFF RANCH -  Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout. A new fishing pier has been installed which should provide a large increase in access for shore anglers.  For lake information call (928) 485-9430.

ROPER LAKE - No recent reports of success. The lake is down a bit due to problems with the pumps on the well.  For lake information call (928) 428-6760. Scheduled to be stocked with trout the second week of November.

DANKWORTH POND - Sunfish are biting in the early morning before the day begins to heat up. Aquatic vegetation continues to be a problem for anglers.  For lake information call (928) 428-6760.

FRYE MESA RESERVIOR - Anglers continue to have the best success when fishing the early hours around sunrise on small lures silver in color.  

KEARNY LAKES - This small lake remains fishless due to impacts of golden algae.

ARIVACA - The fishing remains good in the evenings and early mornings.  The lake continues to drop and launching of larger boats is impossible.  Anglers are asked to please be aware of your wake so as not to disrupt other anglers fishing from other boats and the shore.  Remember that all bass must be immediately released back to the water.

PENA BLANCA - Pena Blanca Lake remains closed.  The removal of the sediment has been completed and the lake is now beginning to re-fill as runoff from rain fall events allows.

PATAGONIA - Scheduled to be stocked with trour the first week of November. Fishing for warmwater species is good with fishing the best in the early mornings and late evenings.  Flipping in the cattails is still the most productive for larger bass.  Anglers wanting to catch flathead catfish should try live bluegills off the points and along the rock walls in Ash canyon.  Deep cove on the southwest side of the lake is also a good spot for flatheads.    

PARKER CANYON - Scheduled to be stocked this week with rainbow trout. The store has been re-opened at the lake. Information on the store and current conditions can be found at www.parkercanyonlake.com. The fishing is reported to be good for bass and sunfish with a few hold over trout being reported as well.

ROSE CANYON LAKE - The road is open and the lake has been stocked.  Anglers continue to have success with flies on the surface and Power Bait.

OTHER WAYS TO GET THE FISHING REPORT:
Fax-On-Request line (602) 530-2210, Document #4001
Internet Home Page www.azgfd.com
Recorded Public Call-In Line (602) 789-3701
1-800-ASK-FISH