Top picks for the weekend are trout-stocked waters such as Rose Canyon Lake and Parker Canyon Lake in the Tucson area, Green Valley lakes in Payson, Lynx and Goldwater lakes in the Prescott area, Oak Creek and the Lower Salt River, which was stocked for the first time this fall on Monday.
The Lower Salt River is quite possibly the best winter fishin’ hole in the state. Just minutes from some of the Valley of the Sun’s population centers, it is stocked with trout throughout the winter and offers good shoreline fishing options as well. A Tonto Pass is required.
Top water time for bass
Good top-water action has been reported from Lake Havasu to Roosevelt Lake. Surface baits such as buzz-baits, walking baits, poppers and Ricos have been successful at Roosevelt.
Community updates: catfish to leave, trout to follow
Also try Community Fishing Program stocked catfish spots — the final catfish stockings are next week. Then it’s back to winter trout for the Phoenix/Tucson areas beginning the week of Nov. 16.
Greenfield Pond in Mesa to open Saturday, Nov. 4
Located just north of Water Ranch Lake in Gilbert, Greenfield will be stocked with catfish prior to its opening on Saturday, Nov. 4.
A Greenfield Pond Grand Opening event will be held 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the park on 4105 E. Diamond Ave. in Mesa. The event includes a free fishing clinic (no license required for those who register; bait and loaner rods provided).
Catch of the Week
Send your fishing reports and photos to BFishing@AZGFD.gov —
one will be selected as Catch of the Week.
Lake Havasu
Jim caught this monster flathead catfish Thursday, Oct. 19 at night from the shores of Cattail Cove State Park. Arizona State Parks officials said the battle lasted more than 45 minutes and unofficially the fish weighed 68 pounds. The fish made several runs of at least 300 feet, the officials reported, and Jimmy had some friends nearby to help haul the prized catch out of the water.
Fishing license reminder
Need a license? Or did it expire? Get one online, 24/7
Stocking reports
By Sunday, we’re scheduled to have stocked the following this week (sign up for I Support Wildlife for up-to-date and confirmed stocking reports):
Trout
Oak Creek, Rose Canyon Lake, Parker Canyon Lake, Green Valley Lakes (Payson), Lynx Lake, Show Low Creek, Patterson Ponds, Frances Short Pond.
Previous stockings
Rainbow trout
Week of Oct. 16 — Tonto Creek, Green Valley lakes, Show Low Creek, Patterson Ponds.
Catfish
Week of Oct. 16 — “Core” Community waters.
See all the stocking schedules
Family fishing events
At these free fishing clinics, loaner rods are provided, bait is free, and no license is required for those who register during event hours.
Saturday. Nov. 4
Chandler Safety Days Youth and Family Fishing. 8 a.m. – noon. Veterans Oasis Park 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler.
Greenfield Pond Grand Opening event, Mesa, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 4105 E. Diamond Ave., Mesa.
