T_boy
06-30-2009, 03:34 PM
CHEVELON LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is full. All access roads are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.
This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BEAR CANYON LAKE - Stocked last week, fishing has been good. The lake level is down a little. There are also larger hold-over trout. This is a hike-in lake - short but steep walk in. There is decent shoreline access, but the sides are fairly steep.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
BLACK CANYON LAKE - Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout. All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
KNOLL LAKE - This lake is full. Stocked last week. Fishing was terrific following the stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats. The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.
Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
WOODS CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.
There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.
There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure - it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it's a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
White Mountain waters
All forest roads are open. State Highway 273 on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest is now open from Sunrise to Big Lake. State Highway 261 has been opened by ADOT and vehicles can now reach Big Lake and Crescent Lake.
BECKER LAKE- Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. Becker is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag limit. Try lures such as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), rainbow colored Z-Rays, and small spoons such as KastMasters.
Try flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers in brown, black or gray, semi-seal leeches, Prince Nymphs, Zug bugs, Pheasant tails, Hares ears, small scuds, and midges. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a fishing pier located on the northwest shoreline of the lake.
BIG LAKE - Fishing is good for rainbow trout but is fair to good for cutthroats and just fair for brook trout.
Some anglers are catching limits, others are catching-and-releasing impressive numbers of trout while using float tubes, kayaks or boats.
There are Apache trout in Big Lake, but no recent reports of anglers catching them. Rainbow trout should either be staging for the spawn, or exhibiting spawning behavior.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green.
The lake is ice-free and has come up approximately two feet from last fall, but still two feet below spill. from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake is also open.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open and has boats for rent.
Bring along your binoculars - anglers report seeing lots of wildlife right now. Wild turkey are in the rut, so you might even hear gobbling or see bearded gobblers sparing right now. It's a great time to be in the woods.
CARNERO LAKE - Fishing is good. Forest Roads 118 and 117A are open. Trout have survived through the winter, based on winter limnological surveys and netting surveys. Rainbow trout are 14-15 inches. Carnero is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag and possession limit.
Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin and Rooster Tail), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, scud patterns, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear nymphs, and peacock ladies. Also try small nymphs in black, brown, green or gray colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
CONCHO LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes.
The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, and small nymphs. Concho is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
CRESCENT LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville is open to vehicles. Highway 273 from Sunrise to Crescent is also open. The lake is ice-free and the lake level has come up significantly from last fall; it is now two feet below full. The lake has been liberally stocked with catchable size rainbow and brook trout. Anglers have been catching brook trout. Recent netting revealed 15-inch brook trout and no rainbow trout. The store is closed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE - Fishing is fair . The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The lake level is full and all boat ramps are usable. Anglers have been catching trout, channel catfish, and walleyes on lures and night crawlers. There are also largemouth and smallmouth bass in this lake.
Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons, rubber lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches. Try fishing off rocky areas and around fishing piers. Black crappies tend to congregate around the fishing piers during April and May. Try small crappie jigs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
GREER LAKES - Fishing is fair. All three Greer Reservoirs have been drawn down 10-15 feet for irrigation downstream. All of the Greer reservoirs will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout.
Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Bunch Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, Tunnel Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, and River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
Note: Hoyer Campground near Greer, AZ, a very popular site on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be closed for renovations the next couple of months. Construction activities are underway and the site could reopen by the first of July.
HULSEY LAKE - Fishing is good. Forest roads to the lake are open. The lake is full. Anglers are catching trout on yellow Power Bait, night crawlers, small spinners, and flies.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and wooly worms. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. There is a light green algae bloom present in the lake. The lake has been stocked in May with catchable size Apache trout. State Highways 261 and 273 are open. State Highways 261 and 273 are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), small spoons such as Super Dupers and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear, scud patterns, and wooly worms.
Lee Valley Lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, a two- trout bag and possession limit, and a 12 inch minimum length limit on all fish. No bait fishing is allowed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
LUNA LAKE - Fishing is fair. As water temperatures rise, fishing at first and last light for the best success, or try fishing at night.
Anglers have been catching a trout on night crawlers and Power Bait. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps spinners, small spoons like KastMasters and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Zug bugs, Prince Nymphs, and brown Montana stones.
LYMAN LAKE - Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms, hot dogs, and stink baits and bass on worms and lures during warm weather days. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), crankbaits, and Rapalas.
Try fishing lures along rocky areas for bass and walleye. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also cabins for rent. There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Region 1 Office at (928) 367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. The store is open.
NELSON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. The lake is full. The lake has a green algae bloom. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. No recent angler reports.
Fishing bag limits have changed back to the statewide bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Aug. 31. The boat ramps at the eastern part of the lake and at the dam are usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Mepps), small spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers, jigs, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Nelson Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
RAINBOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. The boat ramp is accessible. Two large northern pike, 1 27- incher and 1 30 - incher were caught on spinners in May. Bullheads are being caught off the fishing pier. The boat ramp is usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps) spoons (Super Dupers, Daredevils), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. Rainbow Lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
On May 18-19, Rainbow Lake was treated by a consultant working for private landowners with an EPA approved herbicide to control weeds. There are no restrictions for swimming, fishing or consuming fish caught by anglers. Do not drink the lake water for 21 days and do not use treated water for irrigation of agricultural or ornamental plants for 21 days. For more information call Ernie Modzelewski at 602-550-6009 or Jim Peterson at 480-773-5500.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching trout on corn and Power Bait. The lake is full and spilling.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince nymphs, and Zug bugs. Scott Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only.
SHOW LOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is usable. Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures.
Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, rubber lead head jigs, Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, prince nymphs, peacock ladies and brown Montana Stones. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The store is open.
WOODLAND LAKE - Fishing is god. The lake was stocked recently with rainbow trout. Fishing is should be fair to good. New regulations went into effect at Woodland Lake on Jan. 1, reducing the daily bag and possession limit to four trout. The The lake is full and the boat ramp is usable.
Anglers are doing well on night crawlers fished off the bottom near the dam, from the fishing pier, and on the north shoreline. Boat anglers are also doing well in the south cove, which is difficult to fish from the shore.
Try worms. Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince Nymphs, and Zug bugs. Woodland Lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
White Mountain streams
Streams are ice-free, clear and have moderate flows. All Forest roads are open.
WEST FORK BLACK RIVER - Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. This picturesque stream will be stocked weekly with native Apache trout from now through the end of summer.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small spinners such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martins, small spoons (KastMaster, Z-rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season is scheduled to begin in early May.
EAST FORK BLACK RIVER - Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. The stream will be stocked this week with catchable size Apache trout.
Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs through pools or casting small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May.
SHEEP'S CROSSING - Highway 273 is open to Sheeps Crossing. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, and small nymphs.
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER GREER - Fishing is poor to fair. The stream is clear and flows are moderate. Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs or casting small lures or flies through deep pools Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May.
SILVER CREEK - Fishing is fair. Silver Creek is stocked weekly through the summer months with catchable size Apache and rainbow trout. The creek is clear. The creek is clear. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is open to bait, lures or flies, with a bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing.
Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly-fishers may want to try wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. Also try fishing night crawlers off the bottom of pools or along undercut banks or vegetation.
Creeks below Mogollon Rim
HAIGLER CREEK is stocked weekly with rainbow trout near the campgrounds. These fish can be easily taken using bait, spinners and a variety of flies. The upper hike in section (from Fisherman's Point) has good numbers of wild rainbows and some large wild browns. Try attractor patterns and small beadhead nymphs like hares ear, copper john and prince nymphs.
CANYON CREEK - The upstream portion of Canyon Creek (above OW Bridge) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout and you can keep 4 trout of any size. Bait, spinners, and flies are very effective for the rainbows. The lower section below OW Bridge contains primarily wild brown trout and is catch and release only using artificial flies and lures. Please obey these regulations. This time of year terrestrials can provide some good action. Try using a grasshopper pattern and dropping a small beadhead nymph off of it. Don't be afraid to fish for the larger browns after dark. Try using wolly buggers, muddler minnows or even a floating mouse pattern. Fishing can be slow but you might be rewarded with a large brown trout.
CHRISTOPHER CREEK - Christopher Creek is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. The section of stream near the See Canyon trailhead contains a nice mix of stocked rainbow trout and wild browns. This is a really nice section of stream to fish. Try your typical trout arsenal.
TONTO CREEK - Upper Tonto Creek (above Hwy 260) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Try the usual stuff. There are good numbers of wild rainbow and brown trout downstream of Bear Flat. The hiking is strenuous and you should be prepared to swim if you plan to fish very far.
Central Arizona waters
ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 97-percent full at elevation 2,149 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 191 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was recorded at 3 cfs.
Anglers are currently catching large numbers of bass, lots of overs lately. Topwater action is good when and where shad are boiling. Fishing off points in 10-25 feet of water has been effective as well as in areas of stick ups and brush. Live shad or minnows are also good baits either with bobbers or free-lined.
Crappie fishing has slowed some during the day, but should is good at night under submersible lights. Try the Windy Hill area and also the shore south of Cholla ramp. Minnows under slip bobbers and jigs 1/32-ounce cast into the brush will be the trick. Catfishing should be good for both flatheads and channels.
Fishing for smallmouth bass can be good; especially on windy days. Try areas where waves are stirring up the rocky shoreline. Use in-line spinners and crayfish imitations especially off rocky points and cliff walls and live night crawlers. Remember the slot is in place for smallmouth as well.
Bluegills are spawning: this is a great time to take the kids out. Try the backs of coves, especially around structure. Nice bluegills have been caught recently around Windy Hill and Salome.
Note: anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt. Bass between 13 to 16 inches must be released immediately. Also those bass below 13 inches and above 16 inches that are kept can only be gutted with the head and tail attached so the legal length can be determined. All other fish such as crappie, catfish and bluegill harvested from the lake must have a piece of skin attached to the fillets so species can be determined.
APACHE - Lake is 95-percent full at 1,909 feet. Fishing has been good for yellow bass. Yellow bass are hitting jigs and spoons. Fish for them around balls of shad in 20-60 feet of water. Cut bait also works well for them. Largemouth bass fishing is slow. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.
Game and Fish biologists sampled Apache Lake this spring and caught some nice largemouth bass, a whole lot of bluegills and a fair amount of catfish. We electro-fished and set nets and every time we e-fished near reeds, we would get some nice largemouth. The rocky sites were not as fruitful, although we did catch quite a few smallmouth bass in those areas.
The smallmouth we stocked in 2007 are now in the slot and doing real well. We caught quite a few green sunfish and every one of them looked like they just had a seven-course dinner. A couple hot spots for bass and sunfish are the Crabtree area, plus we caught a slew of catfish at Pine Cove. Another hot spot was the area around Burnt Corral. We picked up a few of the small 3-4 inch trout we recently stocked as a house cleaning effort for one of our hatcheries.
CANYON LAKE - Lake is 93-percent full at 1,656 feet. Bass fishing has transitioned to dawn/dusk and then good at night. For bass, drop shotting (fish slow, letting the worm rest on the bottom for a few seconds at a time) is still the method of choice. Senkos and Westy Worms have also been catching fish. Don't expect high catch rates, but it is always possible to catch a hawg here, especially for more skilled bass anglers.
Night fishing for bass is also good at this time. This is also a great lake for yellow bass; jig spoons in and around balls of shad. A few walleye are being caught trolling along cliffs. Shad imitation Rat-L-Traps can be effective for walleye here.
SAGUARO LAKE - Lake level is 1,524 feet (90-percent full).
Fishing is decent for largemouth bass. Some are being caught with drop-shot rigs as well as Texas and Carolina rigged worms.
Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons (quarter-ounce KastMaster) or cut bait. Recent reports of yellows are being caught in the Butcher Jones Cove area. Another good area for yellows is near Ship Rock and the no wake buoys in the channel. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them.
Catfishing is improving. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. There is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), and spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches.
This is a steep-sided canyon lake that is not shore angler friendly and is best fished from a float tube, canoe or kayak. There is hike-in lake with a steep, challenging trail.
The lake is open to artificial lure and fly only. Trout between 10 to 14 may not be possessed The lake is open to electric trolling motors and /or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
BEAR CANYON LAKE - Stocked last week, fishing has been good. The lake level is down a little. There are also larger hold-over trout. This is a hike-in lake - short but steep walk in. There is decent shoreline access, but the sides are fairly steep.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays and Rapalas, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, wooly buggers, and small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
BLACK CANYON LAKE - Fishing is good. Has been stocked with rainbow trout. All Forest roads are open to the lake. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, Peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors only and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
KNOLL LAKE - This lake is full. Stocked last week. Fishing was terrific following the stocking. This spring-fed lake may be a little more difficult to get to (20-plus dirt road miles), but a dusty excursion along the FS 300 Road (Rim Road) can be a treat in itself for those who like spectacular vistas along steep escarpments.
Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, Super Dupers, and spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE - Will be stocked again this week with catchable size trout. Fishing has been very good for boat anglers, and fair to good for shore anglers. The best bite has been at first and last light, or when the storm clouds start pilling up. Fishing is good, with many anglers catching limits, especially those fishing from boats. The lake is full. Willow Springs also has plenty of larger holdover trout, plus smallmouth and largemouth bass. There are even some crappies here. Fish the stickups using 4-inch worms or lizards. Drop-shotted Robo worms can sometimes produce a bonanza of bass, trout and crappie.
Anglers are catching trout on worms. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as Z-Rays, spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
WOODS CANYON LAKE - Fishing is fair to good, with lots of anglers catching limits. This popular trout fishery is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Fishing is good for the stockers, with some larger hold-over trout still be caught at times.
There are nesting bald eagles here, so please do not discard fishing line. In fact, please pick up any line discarded by sloppy anglers.
There is a small area (well signed) on the eastern end of the lake is that closed due to nesting bald eagles. Please respect the closure - it should not interfere with your fishing. This also means that the nesting eagles are aggressively foraging for fish at Woods Canyon and at nearby Willow Springs, so take along your binoculars, it's a treat. You might even see an exciting wildlife drama unfold when a bald eagle tries to take a fish away from an osprey.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and KastMasters, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, small nymphs in black, brown or green. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
White Mountain waters
All forest roads are open. State Highway 273 on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest is now open from Sunrise to Big Lake. State Highway 261 has been opened by ADOT and vehicles can now reach Big Lake and Crescent Lake.
BECKER LAKE- Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. Becker is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag limit. Try lures such as Super Dupers, spinners (Panther Martin and Rooster Tails), rainbow colored Z-Rays, and small spoons such as KastMasters.
Try flies such as Peacock ladies, wooly worms and wooly buggers in brown, black or gray, semi-seal leeches, Prince Nymphs, Zug bugs, Pheasant tails, Hares ears, small scuds, and midges. The lake is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors. There is a fishing pier located on the northwest shoreline of the lake.
BIG LAKE - Fishing is good for rainbow trout but is fair to good for cutthroats and just fair for brook trout.
Some anglers are catching limits, others are catching-and-releasing impressive numbers of trout while using float tubes, kayaks or boats.
There are Apache trout in Big Lake, but no recent reports of anglers catching them. Rainbow trout should either be staging for the spawn, or exhibiting spawning behavior.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail, Panther Martin), Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and nymphs in black, brown, or green.
The lake is ice-free and has come up approximately two feet from last fall, but still two feet below spill. from the Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake is also open.
The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors. The store is open and has boats for rent.
Bring along your binoculars - anglers report seeing lots of wildlife right now. Wild turkey are in the rut, so you might even hear gobbling or see bearded gobblers sparing right now. It's a great time to be in the woods.
CARNERO LAKE - Fishing is good. Forest Roads 118 and 117A are open. Trout have survived through the winter, based on winter limnological surveys and netting surveys. Rainbow trout are 14-15 inches. Carnero is open to artificial lure and fly only, barbless hooks, and a 2 trout bag and possession limit.
Try small lures such as Super Dupers, Z-Rays, and spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin and Rooster Tail), and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, scud patterns, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear nymphs, and peacock ladies. Also try small nymphs in black, brown, green or gray colors. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
CONCHO LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes.
The boat ramp is usable for small boats or float tubes. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, and flies such as peacock ladies, wooly worms, and small nymphs. Concho is open to electric trolling motors or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
CRESCENT LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. State Highway 261 from Eager/Springerville is open to vehicles. Highway 273 from Sunrise to Crescent is also open. The lake is ice-free and the lake level has come up significantly from last fall; it is now two feet below full. The lake has been liberally stocked with catchable size rainbow and brook trout. Anglers have been catching brook trout. Recent netting revealed 15-inch brook trout and no rainbow trout. The store is closed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE - Fishing is fair . The lake has been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The lake level is full and all boat ramps are usable. Anglers have been catching trout, channel catfish, and walleyes on lures and night crawlers. There are also largemouth and smallmouth bass in this lake.
Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, spoons, rubber lead head jigs, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, and semi-seal leeches. Try fishing off rocky areas and around fishing piers. Black crappies tend to congregate around the fishing piers during April and May. Try small crappie jigs. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
GREER LAKES - Fishing is fair. All three Greer Reservoirs have been drawn down 10-15 feet for irrigation downstream. All of the Greer reservoirs will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout.
Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners, Z-Rays, spoons, and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, and small nymphs.
Bunch Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, Tunnel Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only, and River Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp. gas motors.
Note: Hoyer Campground near Greer, AZ, a very popular site on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be closed for renovations the next couple of months. Construction activities are underway and the site could reopen by the first of July.
HULSEY LAKE - Fishing is good. Forest roads to the lake are open. The lake is full. Anglers are catching trout on yellow Power Bait, night crawlers, small spinners, and flies.
Try worms, Power Bait, salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, and Rooster Tail), small spoons such as Super Dupers, KastMasters, and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, and wooly worms. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
LEE VALLEY RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. There is a light green algae bloom present in the lake. The lake has been stocked in May with catchable size Apache trout. State Highways 261 and 273 are open. State Highways 261 and 273 are open.
Try lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), small spoons such as Super Dupers and Z-Rays, and flies such as peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, hares ear, scud patterns, and wooly worms.
Lee Valley Lake is open to artificial lure and fly only, a two- trout bag and possession limit, and a 12 inch minimum length limit on all fish. No bait fishing is allowed. The lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
LUNA LAKE - Fishing is fair. As water temperatures rise, fishing at first and last light for the best success, or try fishing at night.
Anglers have been catching a trout on night crawlers and Power Bait. Try worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait, lures such as Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps spinners, small spoons like KastMasters and Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms and wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Zug bugs, Prince Nymphs, and brown Montana stones.
LYMAN LAKE - Fishing is fair. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on worms, hot dogs, and stink baits and bass on worms and lures during warm weather days. Try worms, Power Bait, catfish stink baits, and lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), crankbaits, and Rapalas.
Try fishing lures along rocky areas for bass and walleye. The Lyman Lake recreation area is managed by Lyman Lake State Park and camping is available. There are also cabins for rent. There is fish consumption advisory here, so check with the State Parks Office at the lake for details. Also contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Region 1 Office at (928) 367-4281. There are no motor restrictions on Lyman Lake. The store is open.
NELSON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. The lake is full. The lake has a green algae bloom. The lake was stocked in May with catchable size rainbow trout. No recent angler reports.
Fishing bag limits have changed back to the statewide bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Aug. 31. The boat ramps at the eastern part of the lake and at the dam are usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, Mepps), small spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers, jigs, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, and zug bugs. Nelson Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
RAINBOW LAKE - Fishing is fair. The lake is nearly full. The boat ramp is accessible. Two large northern pike, 1 27- incher and 1 30 - incher were caught on spinners in May. Bullheads are being caught off the fishing pier. The boat ramp is usable. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps) spoons (Super Dupers, Daredevils), and Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, and peacock ladies. Rainbow Lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors.
On May 18-19, Rainbow Lake was treated by a consultant working for private landowners with an EPA approved herbicide to control weeds. There are no restrictions for swimming, fishing or consuming fish caught by anglers. Do not drink the lake water for 21 days and do not use treated water for irrigation of agricultural or ornamental plants for 21 days. For more information call Ernie Modzelewski at 602-550-6009 or Jim Peterson at 480-773-5500.
SCOTTS RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. Anglers have been catching trout on corn and Power Bait. The lake is full and spilling.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince nymphs, and Zug bugs. Scott Reservoir is open to electric trolling motors only.
SHOW LOW LAKE - Fishing is fair to good. The lake is full. The lake will be stocked this week with catchable size rainbow trout. The boat ramp is usable. Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures.
Anglers have been catching rainbow trout on worms. A few bass are being caught on lures. Try worms, Power Bait, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, rubber lead head jigs, Rapalas, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, prince nymphs, peacock ladies and brown Montana Stones. The lake is open to electric trolling motors and/or up to 10 hp gas motors. The store is open.
WOODLAND LAKE - Fishing is god. The lake was stocked recently with rainbow trout. Fishing is should be fair to good. New regulations went into effect at Woodland Lake on Jan. 1, reducing the daily bag and possession limit to four trout. The The lake is full and the boat ramp is usable.
Anglers are doing well on night crawlers fished off the bottom near the dam, from the fishing pier, and on the north shoreline. Boat anglers are also doing well in the south cove, which is difficult to fish from the shore.
Try worms. Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, lures such as spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail, and Mepps), spoons such as Super Dupers, and flies such as wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, Prince Nymphs, and Zug bugs. Woodland Lake is open to electric trolling motors only.
White Mountain streams
Streams are ice-free, clear and have moderate flows. All Forest roads are open.
WEST FORK BLACK RIVER - Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. This picturesque stream will be stocked weekly with native Apache trout from now through the end of summer.
Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small spinners such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martins, small spoons (KastMaster, Z-rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season is scheduled to begin in early May.
EAST FORK BLACK RIVER - Fishing is fair to good. All Forest roads are open to the Black River. The stream is clear and has moderate flows. The stream will be stocked this week with catchable size Apache trout.
Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs through pools or casting small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May.
SHEEP'S CROSSING - Highway 273 is open to Sheeps Crossing. Fishing is fair to good. Try worms, corn, salmon eggs, and Power Bait, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Rooster tail, and Panther Martin), and flies such as wooly worms, and small nymphs.
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER GREER - Fishing is poor to fair. The stream is clear and flows are moderate. Try drifting worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs or casting small lures or flies through deep pools Try worms, Power Bait, corn, and salmon eggs, small lures such as spinners (Mepps, Panther Martin, Rooster Tail), small spoons (KastMaster, Z-Rays, and Super Dupers), Rapalas and flies such as wooly worms or wooly buggers and small weighted nymphs. The stocking season will begin in early May.
SILVER CREEK - Fishing is fair. Silver Creek is stocked weekly through the summer months with catchable size Apache and rainbow trout. The creek is clear. The creek is clear. Silver Creek on the Arizona Game and Fish Department property is open to bait, lures or flies, with a bag and possession limit of six trout from April 1 through Sept. 30. The upper section is closed to fishing.
Try small lures such as Mepps, Rooster Tails, and Panther Martin spinners. Fly-fishers may want to try wooly worms, wooly buggers, peacock ladies, prince nymphs, zug bugs, shrimp patterns, midge patterns, and small bead head nymphs. Also try fishing night crawlers off the bottom of pools or along undercut banks or vegetation.
Creeks below Mogollon Rim
HAIGLER CREEK is stocked weekly with rainbow trout near the campgrounds. These fish can be easily taken using bait, spinners and a variety of flies. The upper hike in section (from Fisherman's Point) has good numbers of wild rainbows and some large wild browns. Try attractor patterns and small beadhead nymphs like hares ear, copper john and prince nymphs.
CANYON CREEK - The upstream portion of Canyon Creek (above OW Bridge) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout and you can keep 4 trout of any size. Bait, spinners, and flies are very effective for the rainbows. The lower section below OW Bridge contains primarily wild brown trout and is catch and release only using artificial flies and lures. Please obey these regulations. This time of year terrestrials can provide some good action. Try using a grasshopper pattern and dropping a small beadhead nymph off of it. Don't be afraid to fish for the larger browns after dark. Try using wolly buggers, muddler minnows or even a floating mouse pattern. Fishing can be slow but you might be rewarded with a large brown trout.
CHRISTOPHER CREEK - Christopher Creek is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. The section of stream near the See Canyon trailhead contains a nice mix of stocked rainbow trout and wild browns. This is a really nice section of stream to fish. Try your typical trout arsenal.
TONTO CREEK - Upper Tonto Creek (above Hwy 260) is stocked weekly with rainbow trout. Try the usual stuff. There are good numbers of wild rainbow and brown trout downstream of Bear Flat. The hiking is strenuous and you should be prepared to swim if you plan to fish very far.
Central Arizona waters
ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 97-percent full at elevation 2,149 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 191 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was recorded at 3 cfs.
Anglers are currently catching large numbers of bass, lots of overs lately. Topwater action is good when and where shad are boiling. Fishing off points in 10-25 feet of water has been effective as well as in areas of stick ups and brush. Live shad or minnows are also good baits either with bobbers or free-lined.
Crappie fishing has slowed some during the day, but should is good at night under submersible lights. Try the Windy Hill area and also the shore south of Cholla ramp. Minnows under slip bobbers and jigs 1/32-ounce cast into the brush will be the trick. Catfishing should be good for both flatheads and channels.
Fishing for smallmouth bass can be good; especially on windy days. Try areas where waves are stirring up the rocky shoreline. Use in-line spinners and crayfish imitations especially off rocky points and cliff walls and live night crawlers. Remember the slot is in place for smallmouth as well.
Bluegills are spawning: this is a great time to take the kids out. Try the backs of coves, especially around structure. Nice bluegills have been caught recently around Windy Hill and Salome.
Note: anglers are reminded of the slot bass size limit that remains in effect at Roosevelt. Bass between 13 to 16 inches must be released immediately. Also those bass below 13 inches and above 16 inches that are kept can only be gutted with the head and tail attached so the legal length can be determined. All other fish such as crappie, catfish and bluegill harvested from the lake must have a piece of skin attached to the fillets so species can be determined.
APACHE - Lake is 95-percent full at 1,909 feet. Fishing has been good for yellow bass. Yellow bass are hitting jigs and spoons. Fish for them around balls of shad in 20-60 feet of water. Cut bait also works well for them. Largemouth bass fishing is slow. There is a certified scale at the marina boathouse.
Game and Fish biologists sampled Apache Lake this spring and caught some nice largemouth bass, a whole lot of bluegills and a fair amount of catfish. We electro-fished and set nets and every time we e-fished near reeds, we would get some nice largemouth. The rocky sites were not as fruitful, although we did catch quite a few smallmouth bass in those areas.
The smallmouth we stocked in 2007 are now in the slot and doing real well. We caught quite a few green sunfish and every one of them looked like they just had a seven-course dinner. A couple hot spots for bass and sunfish are the Crabtree area, plus we caught a slew of catfish at Pine Cove. Another hot spot was the area around Burnt Corral. We picked up a few of the small 3-4 inch trout we recently stocked as a house cleaning effort for one of our hatcheries.
CANYON LAKE - Lake is 93-percent full at 1,656 feet. Bass fishing has transitioned to dawn/dusk and then good at night. For bass, drop shotting (fish slow, letting the worm rest on the bottom for a few seconds at a time) is still the method of choice. Senkos and Westy Worms have also been catching fish. Don't expect high catch rates, but it is always possible to catch a hawg here, especially for more skilled bass anglers.
Night fishing for bass is also good at this time. This is also a great lake for yellow bass; jig spoons in and around balls of shad. A few walleye are being caught trolling along cliffs. Shad imitation Rat-L-Traps can be effective for walleye here.
SAGUARO LAKE - Lake level is 1,524 feet (90-percent full).
Fishing is decent for largemouth bass. Some are being caught with drop-shot rigs as well as Texas and Carolina rigged worms.
Yellow bass can be caught jigging spoons (quarter-ounce KastMaster) or cut bait. Recent reports of yellows are being caught in the Butcher Jones Cove area. Another good area for yellows is near Ship Rock and the no wake buoys in the channel. Try to locate shad in 40-60 feet of water and jig through them.
Catfishing is improving. Try stink baits, hotdogs or shrimp. There is a certified scale at the marina to get an official weight and still release your catch. Two witnesses are needed for the weight to be official.