Arizona Lakes

 

arizona lakes

 

Arizona lakes, more specifically warm water desert lakes are the focus of this page. Follow this link to a page for Arizona's cold water, high country lakes and streams... they are My Favorite Arizona Fishing Waters.

Arizona lakes are important to the people and wildlife of our state. Water storage, flood control, and recreation are primary purposes of these scenic bodies of water.

Alamo Lake is located in west-central Arizona. The Big Sandy Wash and the Santa Maria River join to form the Bill Williams River. Alamo Dam is located a few miles below the confluence and forms the lake. Alamo Lake is usually the first desert lake to offer late winter bass and crappie fishing.

 

 

 

Central Arizona lakes were created by placing one or more dams  along four rivers:

  • Salt River
  • Verde River
  • Agua Fria River
  • Gila River

Arizona lakes on the Salt River in central Arizona are convenient to most anglers in the Phoenix - Mesa area. These lakes are in the Tonto National Forest, east of Phoenix.

The lakes are:

  • Roosevelt
  • Apache
  • Canyon
  • Saguaro

Roosevelt is the largest and most popular fishing lake on the Salt River. This lake yields a variety of warm water fish, including large crappie, bass, catfish.  

 

 

 

central arizona lakes

 

Roosevelt Lake can be accessed from three directions:

  • By way of the Beeline Highway (State Route 87, north of Mesa, Arizona) and then south on State Route 188 to the Tonto Creek arm of the lake.
  • State Route 60 east of Mesa, then northwest on State Route 188 near Miami, Arizona, to the Salt River arm of the lake.
  • State Route 88 (Apache Trail northeast from Apache Junction) to the dam. This route takes you past Canyon and Apache Lakes. This road is gravel and is steep, narrow and winding once you get several miles beyond Canyon Lake.

 

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arizona lakes apache

 

Apache Lake sits below Roosevelt Lake and above Canyon Lake. This lake gets the least fishing pressure. Maybe it's because of the winding dirt road and infamous Fish Creek Hill, or possibly because you must pass another lake to get to Apache.

To reach Apache Lake you must go past Canyon or Roosevelt Lake.

People towing larger boats often reach Apache Lake by going past Roosevelt Lake and turning southwest onto State Route 88 at the dam.

 

arizona lakes fish creek hill

 

 

 

Apache Lake is popular with small mouth bass anglers and Desert Bighorn Sheep..

Canyon Lake sits between Apache and Saguaro Lakes. Canyon Lake is accessed by way of the Apache Trail. The lake yields large and small mouth bass, catfish, and a few trout.

Saguaro Lake is accessed from two directions.

  • From the Beeline (State Route 87 north from Mesa), then south on the Bush Highway.
  • By way of the Bush Highway, north of Mesa, along the Salt River.

The Salt River above Roosevelt Lake provides some good cat fishing.

The Salt River below Saguaro Lake can be a good trout water during the winter months. During hot weather "tubers" float this stretch of river.

Among the Arizona Lakes near Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is probably the most popular fishing... and boating, lake in the area. Lake Pleasant is on the Agua Fria River, northwest of Phoenix, It can be a pretty good bass, striper and crappie lake.

 

arizona lakes near phoenix

 

Lake Pleasant is reached by going:

  • North from Phoenix on I-17 (Black Canyon Highway), and then west on Carefree Highway (State Route 74).
  • For those in the Peoria / Sun City area, take 99th Avenue north to the Carefree Highway.

Arizona lakes on the Verde River are Bartlett and Horseshoe Lakes, northeast of Carefree, Arizona. Bartlett can offer good catfish and bass fishing.

 

 

 

The Verde River above Horseshoe Lake and below Bartlett Lake produces small mouth bass and catfish.

Arizona lakes include another productive body of water... or (sometimes) two I should mention. San Carlos Lake is on the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation east of Globe. This lake is fed by the Gila River. When this lake has enough water, it can produce hot bass fishing.

The Gila River is unique among Arizona's rivers. It flows east to west across the entire state. The Gila originates along the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, and joins the Colorado River above Yuma.

The sometimes lake is formed behind Painted Rock Dam in unusually wet years. Painted Rock is a flood control dam. It only allows a controlled amount of water to flow through. In flood years, water backs up behind the dam and forms a lake over fields that are usually farmed. While this lake has a sporadic and short life cycle, it can be very productive.

Fishing the desert lakes in summer is usually done at night and first light. If you enjoy night fishing, here's an interesting article on glow in the dark fishing lures.

Look out for rattlesnakes in the vicinity of water... especially on warm nights. 

Arizona lakes also include some cool high country trout lakes South of Flagstaff. Come on up.

The map below shows the relative locations of the major (warm water) river lakes.

 

arizona river lakes

 

The map also illustrates the various river drainages, including the Little Colorado River system and the Verde / Salt / Gila River system.

Arizona lakes on the lower Colorado River are outside the scope of this page. Try a Google search using the keyword phrase Lake Havasu boating, Lake Mohave fishing, Lake Mead fishing, or Lake Powell fishing.

The Arizona Highways website offers several publications that anglers will find informative, interesting... and beautiful.

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Need to rent a boat or a jet ski in Arizona? Bullhead City Jet Ski Rentals provides towable jet ski rentals and boat rentals in Arizona and Nevada.

 

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Arizona Lakes News and Information

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May 19, 2013

AZGFD

 

Boat safely over the busy Memorial Day holiday

   

National Safe Boating Week ends May 24, but the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds watercraft operators that safe boating should be exercised year-round.

Wear_It_Boat_GA_web.JPG
The Memorial Day holiday next weekend means more boats are likely to be out on Arizona’s waterways. Here are some precautions you should take before heading out on the water to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience:
  • Make sure enough life jackets are on board the boat for everyone, and make sure they’re all the right size, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, and in good working order, free from holes. Wear your life jacket.
  • Know the “rules of the road.” The correct direction of travel on Arizona lakes is counterclockwise (shoreline off your right shoulder).
  • Check that your boat’s motor and propulsion system are working right.
  • Never operate a boat while intoxicated. Alcohol limits for boat operators are identical to those for motor vehicle drivers and you could be arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol if you exceed those limits.
  • Don’t crowd other boaters, and remember to maintain a safe distance when passing others.
  • Know the passenger and weight limits for your boat, so you can avoid overloading it.
  • Make sure your fire extinguishers work.
  • Put drain plugs back in your boat after winter storage.
Visit www.azgfd.gov/boating to view other helpful information.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends taking a boating education class. Statistics show knowledgeable boaters are safe boaters. Those interested in taking a Game and Fish boating safety class can call (623) 236-7219 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boat-ed for more information.

 

 

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May 17, 2013

BLM

 

BLM issues a Final Environmental Impact Statement for a Wind Farm in Northwestern Arizona

 

PHOENIX, AZ -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced the completion of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Mohave County Wind Farm proposal, outlining the preferred plan for siting and developing the project to mitigate potential environmental impact.

BP Wind Energy North America is proposing to construct up to 283 wind turbines on Federal lands managed by the BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation to generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity. The site is in Mohave County, about 40 miles northwest of Kingman. The proposal is for 38,099 acres of BLM land and 8,960 acres of Reclamation land.

“This renewable energy project reflects the Obama Administration's commitment to expand domestic energy production on our public lands and diversify our nation's energy portfolio,” Arizona State Director Ray Suazo said. “This is the largest wind energy project in Arizona, and BLM is elated to meet this project milestone for the country’s energy future and the public benefits it will provide.”

Today’s publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register initiates a 30-day availability period for the Final EIS, available at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/energy/wind/mohave.html.

The BLM is mandated by Federal law to study the potential effects to the public and to cultural and natural resources potentially resulting from a project proposed to be built on public lands. The EIS is the result of that study. The BLM considered BP Wind’s proposal, three alternatives and a “no action” alternative. In the Final EIS, the BLM announces its preferred alternative which is a combination of BP Wind’s proposal (Alternative A) and an alternative calling for a smaller footprint. The BLM preferred alternative will encompass 35,322 acres of BLM land and 2,781 acres of Bureau of Reclamation land.

Under the preferred alternative, BLM implemented standard avoidance, minimization and mitigation practices. In addition, BP Wind Energy is required to curtail operations (during limited times) within 4 square miles of the proposed wind farm for the protection of golden eagles. Additionally the proposed project was reduced by 12 square miles to avoid golden eagle habitat. An Eagle Conservation Plan was developed in coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor golden eagle activity in and around the project area.

In addition, the project boundary was reduced and set back from the National Park Service's Lake Mead National Recreation Area and from private land to avoid and reduce the visual intrusion. In conjunction with the project, an ethnographic study was developed with the Hualapai Tribe to gather information from tribal elders, which is part of ongoing tribal consultation.

If you have questions or would like to receive a copy of the Final EIS please contact:

  • Mail or other delivery service: Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office, Renewable Energy Coordination Office, Attention: Jackie Neckels, Environmental Coordinator, One North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.
  • Email: KFO_WindEnergy@blm.gov.

 

 

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May 17, 2013

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA MAY 18

 

BOULDER CITY, NEV. - The following events are happening at Lake Mead National Recreation Area May 18.

Lifejacket World Record Day May 18

Hundreds of visitors are expected to show up to Lake Mead National Recreation Area at 11 a.m. May 18 to put on their lifejackets in hopes of breaking last year's world record. Events will be held at Las Vegas Boat Harbor, Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove and Meadview. At Las Vegas Boat Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard will conduct free vessel inspections and Nevada Department of Wildlife will offer a free lifejacket exchange program. Information booths and interactive displays will also be set up at Las Vegas Boat Harbor, Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove until 1 p.m. Visitors who show up with lifejackets who plan to attend the event will be granted free entrance into the park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

LV10K Open Water National Championship May 18

Around 150 swimmers will compete in the LV10K Open Water Swim at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Boulder Beach May 18 during the U.S. Masters Swimming 2013 National 10K Open Water Championship swim race. Participants from 26 states will swim the 10K, 5K and 1 mile. The event is 8 a.m. to noon. For more information on this permitted event, visit http://www.lv10k.com/.

Re"Cycle" Life Charity Ride May 18

Around 100 people will cycle through Lake Mead National Recreation Area to raise awareness for organ donation during the first Nevada Donor Network Re"Cycle" Life Charity Ride May 18. The 40-mile ride begins at 8 a.m. in Saguaro Park in Henderson, Nev., and travels through Lake Las Vegas and the River Mountains Loop Trail within Lake Mead NRA. For more information on this permitted event, visit here 

Rocky Mountain Spearfishing Nationals May 18

Around 50 spear fisherman will compete in the 2013 Rocky Mountain Spearfishing Nationals at Lake Mead National Recreation Area May 18. Competitors will dive and fish throughout the lake from daybreak to 2 p.m. For more information on this permitted event, visit http://rockymountainspearfishing.org/wp/.

Props & Wheels Poker Run May 18

Around 100 boaters will participate in the Lake Mead Yacht Club 2013 Props & Wheels Poker Run at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Callville Bay May 18. For more information on this permitted event, visit http://thelakemeadyachtclub.com/.

Ultimate Bass Fishing Tournament May 18

Around 50 anglers will compete in an Ultimate Team Tour Fishing Tournament at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Callville Bay May 18. For more information on this permitted event, visit http://ultimatebassteams.com/divisions/nevada/.

24th Annual Firefighter Fishing Derby May 18

Around 75 people will compete in the 24th Annual Firefighting Fishing Derby at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's South Cove May 18. For more information on this permitted event, visit http://pffaz.org/24th-annual-firefighter-fishing-derby.

American Bass Association Fishing Tournament May 18

Around 50 anglers will compete in an American Bass Association Fishing Tournament May at Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Cottonwood Cove May 18. For more information on this permitted event, visit here 

 

 

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May 10, 2013

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

 

SOUTHERN NEVADA, LAKE MEAD NRA FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN MAY 11

 

Las Vegas - On May 11, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service are implementing fire restrictions in Southern Nevada.

Interagency fire restrictions prohibit:

  • building and/or using a campfire or charcoal stove (using portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel OK)
  • welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames (except by permit)
  • using any explosive (except by permit)
  • using fireworks or firing a tracer
  • operating an off-road vehicle without a spark arrestor

Agency specific exceptions and additional restrictions are also in place:

·Bureau of Land Management - steel jacket ammunition and explosive targets prohibited as they are known fire starters. Smoking is allowed in an enclosed vehicle only.

·Lake Mead National Recreation Area - wood or charcoal fires allowed in grills of developed picnic areas; wood or charcoal burning devices allowed on the shoreline where natural vegetation is at least 100 feet from the shoreline; barbecue grills allowed on private boats outside the harbors of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave; rental boats are authorized to use barbecues attached to vessel if allowed under rental boat agreement; all vessel barbecue fires must be at least 100 feet away from shoreline vegetation. Smoking is allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle in areas that are cleared of all flammable material for at least three feet. Cigarettes must be discarded in a car ashtray or an ashtray in a developed area.

·U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - campfires allowed in fire rings at Desert Pass Campground on Desert National Wildlife Refuge; grills in day use area of Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge may be used.

·U.S. Forest Service - campfires allowed in developed recreation sites; private property owners allowed approved cooking or heating devices in Mt. Charleston Area. Smoking is allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle in areas that are cleared of all flammable material for at least three feet.

The public is urged to contact the local U.S. Forest Service office at (702) 515-5400, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (702) 515-5450, National Park Service at (702) 293-8990, Bureau of Land Management at (702) 515-5000 or Nevada Division of Forestry at (702) 486-5123 if they have any questions or need clarification on the restrictions.

 

 

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May 10, 2013

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

 

May Mussel Update

 

The National Park Service (NPS) has identified over 150 adult quagga mussels attached to moored vessels and dock structures at the Wahweap and Antelope Point Marinas in Lake Powell over the last month. The individual adult mussels were not close enough together to successfully reproduce. As mussels are found, they are physically removed from the lake.

Mark Anderson, Glen Canyon Ecologist indicated that although there has been an increase in the number of adult mussels detected, there are still no indications of a reproducing population. "It's likely that the mussels were introduced via ballast or bilge water from a boat(s) that was not cleaned, drained, or dried."

Boats, docks, and cables in the Wahweap Bay and Antelope Point areas will continue to be assessed by the NPS and other dive teams.

Superintendent Todd Brindle remains hopeful that these latest results are not evidence of an established population of mussels. "With this early detection, the mussels are being physically removed from the lake, decreasing the potential for them to reproduce," said Brindle.

"Prevention is still the most effective way to fight invasive species, so we will continue the boat inspections that are currently in place," said Anderson. "Everyone needs to continue to clean, drain, and dry their boat and equipment after every use."

Additional monitoring information and updates are posted on the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area webpage at www.nps.gov/glca/parknews/musselupdate.htm.

 

 

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May 7, 2013

USFWS

 

*Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign Partnership Announces Bold Changes*

 

Fishing and boating season is just around the corner, and new communications tools and an enhanced partnership will make it easier than ever to learn how to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it is passing the “red stop sign” baton of this unique aquatic resource campaign to the Minnesota-based nonprofit conservation organization Wildlife Forever.

The Service will maintain ownership of the campaign’s trademark, but under the new arrangement Wildlife Forever will run day-to-day operations of the campaign, leverage its excellent relationship with the larger conservation community, and create a plan for growing the campaign by using a host of different media channels, including television, web, radio and social media.

“I’m proud the Service’s leadership is committed to expanding the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign in a time of increasing threats to our resources,” said Wildlife Forever President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Grann. “The partnership campaign is successful because state, federal and private organizations invest and work together to reach millions of Americans each year.”

 “Wildlife Forever brings many value-added tools to the table and will help to make invasive species prevention a key part of modern-day outdoor recreation and conservation,” said Mike Weimer, the Service’s division chief of Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation.

Eleven years ago, the conservation community was just beginning to understand the complex ramifications of aquatic nuisance species.  In April 2002, the federal government, led by the Service and under the umbrella of the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, stepped up efforts to address the threat by introducing a national partnership and behavior-change campaign known as Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers strategically targets specific audiences and empowers individuals to be part of the solution through best management practices.  By employing a partnership-focused, grassroots-driven branding strategy and hosting a dedicated website (www.protectyourwaters.net), Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!  is redefining  how to do outreach at a national level for complex, 21st century conservation issues.  The campaign has been so successful that it was written up as a case study example for branding in the *4th Edition of Social Marketing – Influencing Behaviors for Good*, a social marketing text book.

The campaign unites federal, state, local and Tribal governments and interests with businesses, national conservation and environmental organizations, regional, state and local organizations. Currently, 1,143 organizations participate in the campaign.   The campaign also has leveraged approximately $1.25 million in non-federal dollars and has been promoted outside the United States in the U.K. (England, Scotland and Ireland), New Zealand and Kenya all joining the campaign.  For more information about Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Forever or the aquatic invasive species issue and what you can do to help, please contact Joe Starinchak from the Fish and Wildlife Service at 703-358-2018 or Pat Conzemius from Wildlife Forever at 763-253-0222.

 

 

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May 2, 2013

Arizona State Parks

 

Alamo Lake Volunteer Opportunities

 

Alamo Lake State Park is a remote location that is 45 miles from the nearest town, and 85 miles from the nearest medical facility. The park does not have access to internet, and has spotty cell phone reception. However, full hook-up sites are available. Volunteers are asked to donate 20 hours per week per host. Visitor Services volunteers who assist in the park store must be available all four months from January 1st through April 30th. Campground hosts and Maintenance service volunteers should be available between November and May. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator with any questions or concerns.

Read more

 

 

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April 15, 2013  

AZGFD

 

Bald eagle breeding closure areas lifted on some Arizona lakes and rivers

 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department and its partners are lifting some of the closures at lakes and rivers statewide that are put into place annually to help bald eagles during the breeding season.

2012_LunaLake_adult_perched_GA_web.JPG
The closures at the following four sites have been removed, effective immediately, because the bald eagles in these areas failed to produce young and will not breed this late in the spring.

 

  • Lake Pleasant
  • Verde River near Chasm Creek
  • Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake
  • Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch

All other previously announced closures remain in effect because bald eagle breeding activities are still continuing in those areas. The public should contact the local land management agency to ensure the area they are visiting is open for recreational use.

Each year, land and wildlife management agencies close bald eagle breeding areas for part of the year, beginning in December, to protect the state’s bald eagles. Outdoor recreationists are asked to help protect these important breeding areas by honoring the closures.

Bald eagles are particularly sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season and public cooperation with the closures is an important part of helping to conserve the species. Human activity near active bald eagle nests can cause a breeding pair to leave its eggs uncovered, leading to a failed breeding attempt. Human presence can also cause a young bird to prematurely leave the nest.

For more information on Arizona’s bald eagles, visit www.azgfd.gov/baldeagle or www.swbemc.org .

 

 

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April 3, 2013  

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

 

Wahweap Fish Cleaning Station Closed for Repair

 

The Wahweap Fish Cleaning Station experienced a waterline break in the early morning of April 2, 2013 and will be closed until further notice. The water from the break caused extensive damage to the electrical system. An attempt was made to turn on the station after it had dried completely, but the panel was not operable. Replacement parts have been ordered and the station will be reopened as soon as possible.

 

 

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April 1, 2013  

AZGFD

 

Lake Powell mussel discovery is a reminder to boaters: Clean, drain and dry

PAGE, Ariz. - The recent discovery of 14 adult quagga mussels at Lake Powell is a crucial reminder to boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats after every use to help prevent the spread of these destructive invasive species.

According to a March 27 National Park Service (NPS) mussel monitoring update, the NPS identified 14 adult quagga mussels attached to moored vessels and dock structures at the Wahweap Marina in Lake Powell over the last week. None of the adult mussels were close enough together to mate for successful reproduction. All of the mussels were physically removed from the lake.

“At this point, these monitoring results aren’t evidence of an established, reproducing population of mussels,” says Tom McMahon, invasive species program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “NPS dive teams are continuing to check boats, docks and cables, and biologists are continuing to gather and assess information. In the meantime, boaters need to remember to clean, drain and dry their boat and equipment after every use.”

According to the NPS mussel monitoring update, the first four mussels were found when a local marine service business noticed the small shells on a boat that had been pulled for maintenance and then notified the NPS.

“We really appreciate the report of this finding since it will help in the removal of the adult mussels before they can reproduce,” said Mark Anderson, Glen Canyon ecologist, in the news release. “It’s likely that the mussels were introduced via ballast or bilge water from a boat(s) that was not cleaned, drained, or dried.”

Additional monitoring information and updates are posted on the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area webpage at www.nps.gov/glca.

McMahon emphasized that, under Arizona law, boaters who take their boats out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (this includes Lake Pleasant, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu) must take the following steps when leaving:

  • CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, and trailer.
  • DRAIN. Remove the plug and drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s).
  • DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance are allowed to dry completely.
  • If you are using your boat again in less than five days from the previous use, replace the bilge drain plug and disinfect the bilge by pouring in not less than one gallon of vinegar; the vinegar can be drained from the bilge upon arrival at home (vinegar can be reused several times).
  • If you’re taking your boat out of a lake where it has been moored more than five days, refer to the boat cleaning protocols for long-term users (view boat cleaning protocols in Director’s Order #3).

Quagga mussels colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin boat motors and clog water intake structures, such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

For more information on quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species, including links to the Director’s Orders that list the species, the Arizona waters that have them, and the boat transport protocols from those waters, visit www.azgfd.gov/ais.

 

 

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March 28, 2013

AZGFD

 

Arrival of boating season brings safety reminders

 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to remind all boaters, anglers, and personal watercraft users that this year’s boating season has arrived and to please exercise safe, responsible practices when on the water.

Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is also here as a resource for education and training when it comes to water sports, including all paddle sports.

Arizona had its first fatal boating accident in early March, when an experienced kayaker traversing a remote area on the East Verde River drowned during a tragic accident on March 9. The incident is a reminder that weather and water conditions can present challenging circumstances for even the most experienced kayakers or paddleboaters. Visit www.americancanoe.org/?page=Top_10 for a list of helpful safety tips.

Game and Fish also reminds boaters to not drink and operate a boat. The department will be conducting sobriety checkpoints at various lakes and waterways throughout Arizona over the next several months.

“Impaired boat operators have been proven to increase the risk to those who want to enjoy safe boating and watercraft recreation. 42 percent of all fatal boating accidents since 1993 involve alcohol,” stated Kevin Bergersen, AZGFD Boating Law Administrator. “Although our boating officers and other agencies’ boating officers have seen an increase in the number of designated operators around the state, they also arrested 53% more impaired boat operators in 2012 than 2011..”

Bergersen said that multi-agency sobriety checkpoints and on-the-water saturation patrol efforts are planned for this summer and will include high-traffic waterways such as Lake Pleasant and the Colorado River and its reservoirs. “Removing impaired boaters from the waterways is critical in creating a safe, enjoyable recreational environment,” he said.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages boaters to take part in a boating education class. Interested parties can look for available classes on the department website,

 

 

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June 18, 2012

AZGFD

 

Citations issued for quagga contaminated boats

 

Invasive mussels discovered at Lake Powell decontamination station

 

Clean your boat anchor!

PHOENIX – Arizona Game and Fish officers have recently issued citations to two individuals who brought quagga mussel contaminated boats to Lake Powell, and citations are pending in a third case.

“Fortunately, in these instances the quagga mussels on the boats were discovered at Lake Powell’s decontamination station prior to launching,” said Tom McMahon, the invasive species coordinator for the Game and Fish Department.

One of the vessels had mussels on its anchor, which many people forget to clean, and the boat owner neglected to remove the plug before leaving Lake Pleasant, which is another violation.

“About a quarter of the boats showing up at Lake Powell with quagga mussels have been in violation due to mussels being attached to the anchor,” McMahon said.

McMahon added that these two incidents demonstrate why boaters coming from lakes such as Pleasant, Mead, Mohave, and Havasu that are infested with quagga mussels need to be conscientious about taking legally required proper precautions so they don’t move these invasive mollusks to an unaffected water, such as Powell or Bartlett Lake.

“It’s essential that boaters clean, drain and dry their boats each and every time they go boating anywhere, any time. Unfortunately, there are lots of aquatic invasive species that might hitchhike to another water on your boat or trailer,” McMahon said.

However, he added, those boating in waters listed as having aquatic invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, by law must follow the prescribed decontamination procedures.

“Quite simply it is against the law in Arizona to transport quagga or zebra mussels and those found doing so can and probably will be cited,” McMahon pointed out.

For the most part, those legally required procedures are simple and straightforward.

Before leaving the vicinity of an aquatic invasive species listed water, such as Pleasant, Mead, Mohave or Havasu, the law requires that you:

Step 1: Clean and remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from anchor, boat, motor and trailer.

Step 2: Pull your plug and drain the water from the bilge, livewell and any other compartments that could hold water. Also be sure to drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system.

Step 3: Ensure your watercraft and equipment are allowed to dry completely and out of the water for a minimum of seven days.

For more detailed information, check out www.azgfd.gov/ais.

“We’ve been asking boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats for years. It’s just a good practice to not only protect our precious water resources, but to protect your own boating investment. Most boaters have been pretty understanding and cooperative,” McMahon said.

Now when they boat at waters listed as having aquatic invasive species, such as Mead, Mohave, Havasu, and Pleasant, it is required by law. As McMahon tells everyone he contacts to remember, “Don’t Move a Mussel – Now it’s the Law”.

 

 

 

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