Flagstaff Fishing

  

flagstaff fishing

 

Flagstaff fishing has been pretty good lately... as usual. I'll post my (more or less) weekly fishing results near the end of this page, I'll also post excerpts from the Weekly Fishing Report published by Game & Fish. Use this link to jump to the Flagstaff fishing report below.

Before I get to that, I should discuss general conditions for the various Flagstaff fishing waters. As you know, Arizona high country water conditions can change dramatically from year to year.

Since most people like to lake fish, we'll discuss lake conditions before we talk about stream conditions.

 

 

In the local lakes, water quality and water levels had been declining, but these last two years brought lots of snow, and full, healthy lakes. The snowfall total for this past season was 81 inches... approximately the 25 year average.

These average to above-average wet winters will sustain the lakes for a few dryer years, but we hope for good snowfall every year to reduce stress on the lakes, the trees,  the land, and all the critters that live here.

When Lower Lake Mary has water in it, this is probably the most popular local lake. This year it it has some water..

It's popularity has a lot to do with it being the first lake you come to when traveling down Lake Mary Road from Flagstaff. It's often less windy here than some of the other lakes, but not always.

Lower Lake Mary gets stocked with trout, but may hold a variety of fish, including northern pike, that can arrive with an overflow from the upper lake..

Upper Lake Mary is beyond the lower lake. This lake always holds a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and trout. The largest inhabitants are northern pike. A friend fishes this lake near "The Narrows" using waterdogs. He catches 5 to 15 pound pike regularly.

Marshall Lake sits on top of Anderson Mesa, above the lakes Mary. The turn off of Lake Mary Road is well marked. This little lake is interesting. A very shallow lake (as illustrated in the photo at top), Marshall can be fun to fly fish.

Ashurst Lake is almost always windy, but it's yielding good fish also. Trout are the popular fish here. You may occasionally hook up with a northern pike in Ashurst, usually on a spoon or streamer fly. You may also catch a big catfish here.

 

 flagstaff fishing lakes

 

 

 

I hear that Kinnikinick Lake is coming back and producing also. I also hear that the road in is as rough as ever. I like this little lake a lot.

I don't consider Upper Lake Mary to be productive Flagstaff fishing waters, because we like to keep and eat a couple of my fish each week or so.

The bottom line is... I expect the local lakes to produce good fishing again this year.

 

 

flagstaff fishing

 

Our streams are flowing well, but will show reduced flows by mid summer. It happens almost every year.

The Upper Verde River, West Clear Creek, Oak Creek, and even Beaver Creek have been producing right along. Depending on where you fish, these streams can yield a mixed bag of trout, small mouth bass and catfish.

Because these streams are at lower elevations, fishing the streams in the winter and spring have several advantages:

  • Warmer weather, if not warmer water temperatures
  • You're usually all alone
  • You can practice your stream fishing techniques

Have you ever caught a large catfish on a streamer fly and a fly rod? I have been lucky enough to have that experience, and you just may also. In case you're wondering, I consider a 9 pound catfish to be large.

 

 

 

How I Did

 

Editor's Note: Health issues have kept me grounded all year.

 

November 23, 2009

I was able to make it out to Ashurst Lake today, although I didn't get out there until mid-morning... because it was cold! The thermometer on our back deck registered 12 degrees at 5:15 this morning.

I arrived at the lake about 10 a.m. It was warm(er) and sunny by then. It was also breezy, as is usual up on Anderson Mesa.

 

flagstaff Ashurst lake

 

Site Build It!

 

I seemed to have the lake to myself, except for some mud hens and several flights of unidentified ducks.

The fishing started slow. I switched lures several times and lost an old, gold Gypsy Queen spoon trying an extra-slow retrieve. This complete lack of interest on the part of every fish in the lake went on for more than an hour.

Magically, things changed before noon. As I worked a rocky point about 30 yards from my base (where my tackle box and other rods lay) I caught a chunky 12 inch rainbow. Then I caught another one 5 casts later.

As I worked my way back to my base, I caught 2 more, all on a white and silver RoosterTail. By then the lure was looking bedraggled. So I switched rods and began working along the shore on the other side of my base.

This rod had a gold KastMaster lure attached. I caught 3 more trout on this lure in less than 30 casts. Then the action stopped as suddenly as it had started.

In the middle of a cold and windy November day, the fish allowed me to catch and release 7 decent trout.

All in all, this was a another good day of fishing

 

City Fishing

Note: For those that have enquired, Francis Short Pond is located in West Flagstaff, between Mars Hill and downtown. It's at the north end of Aztec Street (several blocks northwest of the Flagstaff City Hall).

Francis Short Pond is probably about the size of a football field. Reeds in the pond and shoreline growth limit fishing access, as shown in the photo below. The dam and a few openings around the pond allow fishing access to the waters of this urban impoundment.

 

  

 


 

DON’T MOVE A MUSSEL

Clean, drain, and dry your boat

Prevent the spread of quagga mussels

 

 

March 24, 2010 News Release

Arizona Game and
Fish Department

Don’t move a mussel – now it’s the law

 

New regulations for boaters go into effect

 

“Don’t move a mussel” – NOW it’s the LAW for boaters in Arizona for waters infested with invasive quagga mussels.

"Our boaters have done a good job so far of voluntarily practicing “clean, drain and dry” as a part of responsible boating. Now Arizona has regulations in effect requiring boaters to follow those practices at lakes known to have quagga mussels,” said Tom McMahon, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s invasive species coordinator.

Quagga mussels were first discovered in Arizona waters in Lake Mead in January of 2007. A single adult quagga mussel can produce a half-million larvae in a single year. Since being introduced at Mead, likely from being accidentally transported on a boat put into the lake, these prolific invaders have spread rapidly.

Waters in Arizona officially designated as having aquatic invasive quagga/zebra mussels include:

  • Lake Pleasant

  • Lake Mead

  • Lake Mohave

  • Lake Havasu

  • Lower Colorado River below Havasu to the international boundary with Mexico

"I can’t stress enough the important role boaters and anglers have voluntarily played in helping prevent the continued spread of these unwanted invasive species,” McMahon said. “For those who have been complying, thank you. You did the right thing for the right reasons.”

Now there are new regulations, called “Director’s Orders”, in effect. The measures were authorized by the Aquatic Invasive Species Interdiction Act passed last July by the Arizona Legislature. Those boaters who don’t follow the procedures outlined in the newly-created regulations can actually be cited by law enforcement officers. To view the Director's Orders, visit the Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/mussels.

These new regulations require day-use boaters to follow four simple steps. Before leaving the vicinity of a water officially listed as having quagga and/or zebra mussels:

  1. Remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from anchor, boat, motor and trailer (CLEAN).

  2. Remove the plug (if applicable) and drain the water from the bilge, live-well, and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain water from the engine and engine cooling systems (DRAIN).

  3. Ensure watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance are allowed to dry completely (DRY).

  4. Before launching your watercraft someplace else, wait at least five days – this waiting period is essential to kill residual larvae not eradicated by the above three steps. If you use a 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).

There are also new regulations being implemented for long-term users (includes moored boats). These are boats that have been in the water for more than five days and are at the highest risk of harboring attached invasive mussels.

“Watercraft, boats, vehicles, equipment or conveyances that have been moored for five days or longer in waters that are infested with quagga mussels will likely be heavily contaminated with larval and adult mussels,” McMahon said. “Watercraft moored longer than a few weeks or months in those waters will most certainly be contaminated with adult mussels.”

There are mandatory decontamination procedures for the long-term moored boats that include:

  1. Remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from anchor, boat, motor, equipment and trailer (CLEAN).

  2. Remove the plug (if applicable) and drain the water from the bilge, live-well, and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain water from the engine and engine cooling systems (DRAIN).

  3. Physically remove all visible attached mussels from boat surfaces, motors, impellers, outdrives, rudders, anchors and through-hull fittings (CLEAN, again).

  4. Flush engine and cooling system and any other through-hull fittings with hot water that is exiting those areas at 140 F for 10 to 30 seconds.

  5. Keep the boat out of water (DRY) and ensure all areas of the boat are dry, including bilge, through-hull fittings and engine, for a minimum of eighteen (18) consecutive days during the months of November through April and seven (7) consecutive days from May through October.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department held a series of public meetings and a webcast in January to present the proposed Director’s Orders and solicit comment. The final regulations became effective this month.

“It is critical for anyone who uses watercraft, or has a business reliant on watercraft, to understand the essential nature of this aquatic invasive species containment effort,” McMahon said. “The spread of quagga mussels has far-reaching impacts, both financial and ecological, that can touch virtually every resident of the state.”

States throughout the West have been gearing up to combat the quagga and zebra mussels. Arizona boaters taking their boats to other states will want to first explore what those states are currently requiring – some even have mandatory boat inspections. A good starting point is the 100th Meridian organization at http://100thmeridian.org/Video/DMAM2008_WM.asp.

 


Subscribe to the...

 Official Blog of the Arizona Game and Fish Department

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

 

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New Links Related To Fossil Creek!

2009-10 Fishing Regulations are now available Should make superb ... A 4.5-mile segment of Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley will be a catch-and- release-only, artificial fly and lure only, single barbless hook fishery with a ...

Commission creates first-ever blue ribbon roundtail chub fishery ... “Plus the unique history of Fossil Creek itself makes this a ... “One concern being voiced is that some stretches of Fossil Creek have been

 

SBI! Monthly Billing Option

 

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AZGFD Weekly Fishing Report

Here is a portion of the latest Weekly Fishing Report issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. You can access the entire fishing report here.

Game and Fish now has a new interactive online fishing hole map of Arizona.

 

Jan 26, 2012 - Updated

 

Fishing Report

 

Rory's Tips:

The fishing report this week begins on a very sad note. Rory’s wife of 33 years, Cindy Joy Winters, passed away Saturday night after a valiant six month battle with spinal cancer. Her memorial service was last night and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Rory and their son Josh in this sad time.

Talking with Rory last night he said, “Cindy wouldn’t want us to dwell on the sad, so let’s talk fishing.” So Rory, here we go.

I’m hearing that the fish are practically jumping out of the water up near Lee’s Ferry. Trout limits are being caught on an almost daily basis, so get moving before all the good action is gone. Beautiful scenery, good food at the local restaurants and top notch fishing, you sure can’t beat a trip to the Vermillion Cliffs area!

Speaking of trout, they were stocked into Watson Lake near Prescott last week. Depending on the weather, Granite Dells on the northern edge of Prescott would be a nice place to try for some of these new lake residents.

Trout have been stocked all winter in Tempe Town Lake, so there is still a possibility to hook into a large trout in that lake. Being shallow, and with the recent sun, the water will be warmer than the breeze, so this should make for some good fishing. You can also try for bass in the shadows of the Mill Avenue bridges. Work the edges of the shadows pulling from dark into light and see how that works. Hard to believe a little over a year ago we weren’t sure if we’d ever be able to fish this lake again.

Crappie should be schooling in Alamo Lake west of Wickenburg. This is a very popular winter fishing spot, but it still might be sluggish for a week or two. I hear that anglers are catching crappie, but it’s been hit or miss depending on the day. Come February, if we can keep these warmer temps we’ve been seeing, bass might begin to spawn early in this lake and that could lead to some really good sight-fishing for those critters. Nothing like dropping your line in and actually watching the fish take it and run. Man, do I need to get out there!

All along the Colorado River and into Lake Havasu lie all types of possibilities. Small mouth in the lake or stripers out in the river, good fishing awaits. Wouldn’t it be fun to catch a record, take a picture and send it back to your friends in Iowa who are snowed in right now? Plate-sized redear, up to two pounds or so, are being caught at Havasu, and just upriver in the picturesque Topock Gorge.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to go fishing! While you’re out there don’t forget to take a moment and just look around. Enjoy the sights, smells and feeling of being out in nature. Say a small prayer for Cindy, Rory and Josh, then cast out your line and reel in a memory. I hope to see you out there.

 

 

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS

 

WILLIAMS LAKES:  

KAIBAB LAKE — An angler reported that this lake is iced over. The road is open, but the campground is closed.

CATARACT LAKE — Not accessible. Lake is iced over.

CITY RESERVOIR — No reports.

DOGTOWN LAKE — No recent reports, but likely iced over like the other area lakes.

JD DAM — No report.

RUSSELL TANK -   The lake is too shallow to stock.

SANTA FE — No Report.

WHITEHORSE LAKE — Not accessible.

 

FLAGSTAFF LAKES:

LOWER LAKE MARY — No recent reports.

UPPER LAKE MARY — No recent reports. Lake is iced over. 

ASHURST LAKE — No recent reports. Check with the Forest Service on road conditions before going.

FRANCIS SHORT POND – No reports.

KINNIKINICK LAKE — Not accessible.

MARSHALL LAKE —  Not accessible.

LONG LAKE — Not accessible.

SOLDIERS & SOLDIERS ANNEX — Not accessible.

STONEMAN LAKE — NO FISH.

 


Verde Valley

DEAD HORSE STATE PARK – Catfish were last stocked for the Verde River Days event.  Trout were last stocked the week of January 9th.  The next stocking is scheduled for this week, the week of January 23rd.  The catfish and largemouth bite has been fair.  Catfish are still being caught on nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stinkbait.   The bass are being caught on small plastic worms and Gitzit-type plastic grubs, bounced slowly along the bottom.  Sunfish have been doing well on worms, salmon eggs, or small piece of Powerbait under a bobber. They bite best in the early morning hours and the evening.

VERDE RIVER (throughout Verde Valley) – Trout were last stocked the week of January 9th.  The next scheduled stocking is this week, the week of January 23rd.  Carp fishing has been good using corn or dough baits.  Always check your regulations before fishing this area with live bait.  Game and Fish Commission Rule requires anglers to only use live bait that has been caught in the river.  No transporting of live baitfish or crayfish is allowed. 

WET BEAVER CREEK -- Has not been stocked since mid October. Scheduled to be stocked again the first week of March. However, with this milder weather this stream might be worth some exploring upstream along the deeper pools where you might find some holdover trout. It's a rugged area and you need to dress appropriately, including sturdy footwear.

WEST CLEAR CREEK -- Has not been stocked since mid October. Scheduled to be stocked again the first week of March. However, with this milder weather this stream might be worth some exploring upstream along the deeper pools where you might find some holdover trout. It's a rugged area and you need to dress appropriately, including sturdy footwear.

We have released Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep into this area, so it is always possible to see some bighorns in the steeper potions of the West Clear Creek Wilderness.

 

Prescott Area

FAIN LAKE — The last stocking was the week of December 19th.  The next scheduled stocking will be the week of February 6th.  The reports from regulars at the lake say the trout are biting, but the morning bite is the best.  Anglers are having luck throughout the day using power bait and Berkley Gulp.  Rainbow and yellow seem to be the popular colors.  Not many fish were caught at the Cops and Bobbers event so the lake should be holding lots of good size rainbow trout.

GOLDWATER LAKE — Many anglers have reported doing well.  Power Bait is probably your best bet, although spinners and flies can do well also.  Jimmy C. caught his limit on light colored power bait and reported he gilled them the same day and they were delicious.  Like most fishing areas, one day the bite is great and the next it’s slow.   The last scheduled stocking was the week of November 7th.  The next scheduled stocking will be the week of February 13th.  

Game and Fish has been trying to boost the some of the warm water species in Goldwater.  Bass and catfish have been stocked three times over the last four years.   The bass are being stocked to give a boost to a dwindling population in the lake and to reduce the excessive number of crayfish.  Please practice catch and release with the bass, while the population gets re-established.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Goldwater on Sept. 15, 2009 and found bass and catfish populations to be much improved over last year. The number of green sunfish was greatly reduced.  The bass had a successful spawn last year.   If you fish Goldwater and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

GRANITE BASIN LAKE –Fishing should be slow for the winter.  If you fish Granite Basin and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

LYNX LAKE –Rainbow trout were last stocked the week of November 14th.  The next scheduled stocking will be the week of February 13th.The cold has slowed the bite down for all species except trout.   

Cut anchovies, night crawlers or hot dog are your best bet for catfish. Lynx also can be an exciting place to fish for carp.  Common carp are very strong fighters and will provide an excellent table fair. A quick search on the internet will produce tasty recipes for these robust fish. Corn and an assortment of other baits will attract these fish. Lynx can be difficult to fish, if you are not catching anything try moving to a new spot. There are some good spots on the north end of the lake that don’t get fished as heavily as the south end does.

MINGUS LAKE – The last stocking was scheduled for the week of October 17th.  This should change the trout bite.  Yellow bullhead catfish are active and easy to catch with nightcrawlers on the bottom. For trout the best bait is usually orange, pink, or white Power Bait, fished on the bottom with a treble hook and an egg sinker.  Fishing can be really good at times, because angler use is lower than other lakes in the area.  This lake is more remote than the other Prescott area lakes and not very big.  The lake is open as weather permits.  Forest Road 104 is relatively impassable when wet.  The lake is still open to foot traffic.

Someone illegally stocked yellow bullhead into Mingus several years ago. These fish compete directly with the trout and keep growth rates very low. If you witness anyone, anywhere, moving fish like bass, bluegill, catfish and stocking them, please report it to our Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-352-0700.  Illegal stockings cost YOU money!

WATSON – The last trout stocking was the week of January 16th. The next scheduled stocking will be the week of February 13th.  I have not heard much from anglers about the fishing.

Game and Fish Biologists surveyed Watson last week and found the bass, sunfish, and bullhead to be plentiful.  Crappies were also doing well.  Look for the crappie fishing to pick up in a year or two. If you fish Watson and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR –   The fishing should be slow until the water warms up I the spring. 
If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.


 

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