WDSTK 3 HANDCRAFTED LURES

Problems With WA Discovery Pass

2012-01-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Spokesman-Review Posted By Jim Camden Jan. 26, 2012

OLYMPIA – Washington residents quickly discovered something they didn’t like about the Discover Pass when it was introduced last year to raise money for parks and other state lands: It was only good on one vehicle.

So if you drove your pickup to go hunting on state range lands but your SUV to take the family camping at a state park, you needed two of the $30 passes. Fly from Seattle to Spokane and rent a car for your outdoor excursion? Buy another pass…

..The Discover Pass, which is good for a year, and the $10 day pass were created by the Legislature in 2011 to help replace money cut from the Parks, Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resouces agencies. Those agencies sell passes at their offices, and online; sporting good stores and other dealers also sell them.
The driver of a vehicle parked on designated state lands for more than a short period without a pass faces a $99 fine, although they can get it reduced to $59 if they buy a pass within 15 days. Hundreds of citations have been written since the law went into effect last summer, state officials said.
A Senate committee has passed one proposal to allow a Discover Pass to cover two vehicles by having lines for two different license plates on the pass. It could come to a vote in the Senate as early as Friday.
The House General Government Oversight and Appropriations Committee considered five different proposals Thursday to expand the Discover Pass. Some would allow the pass to be used on two vehicles, like the Senate proposal; others would allow the passes to be used by people living at the same address, like passes for National Parks. State officials warned, however, that wouldn’t be as easy to enforce as license plate numbers written on the pass.
Parks officials said restricting the pass to a single vehicle probably hurts sales. And because revenue from the passes are the main source of revenue for those agencies, “it’s absolutely essential to move forward” with some modification, Peter Reid of the State Parks Commission said.

Spokane Tribal Hatchery

2012-01-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Spokane Tribal Hatchery annually produces kokanee salmon, which is a land-locked form of sockeye salmon, and rainbow trout for release into Lake Roosevelt, Banks Lake and reservation inland lakes. The hatchery was developed and constructed as partial mitigation for the loss of salmon, steelhead and habitat caused by hydroelectric power development on the Columbia River, namely Grand Coulee Dam. Partial mitigation is emphasized because there is no way to compensate the purposed extermination of the salmon the Tribe once utilized for subsistent and cultural purposes. Never the less, the hatchery is a key element of a comprehensive restoration and enhancement program for the Lake Roosevelt and Banks Lake fisheries, the two water bodies/reservoirs created by Grand Coulee Dam. Other components of this program include the Lake Roosevelt Monitoring Program also managed by the Spokane Tribe, the Sherman Creek Hatchery managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Rainbow Habitat Improvement Program managed by the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Lake Roosevelt Net Pen Program managed by the Lake Roosevelt Development Association. Goals and objectives of each project are coordinated between the respective management agencies. Each project receives its funding from the Bonneville Power Administration through direction by the Northwest Power Planning Councils Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program.

The overall goal of the hatchery is to aid in the restoration and enhancement of the Lake Roosevelt fisheries. The primary objective is to produce kokanee salmon and rainbow trout to create and sustain harvestable fisheries in this project area that includes waters within the boundaries of the Spokane Indian Reservation. To accomplish this, the hatchery produces up to 4.3 million kokanee salmon and 750,000 rainbow trout annually for release. The fish are released after the reservoir draw down period, approximately mid-May to June, to help alleviate the loss of fish by entrainment (flushing) through Grand Coulee Dam. Additionally, the hatchery raises up to 10,000 rainbow trout and 2,000 kokanee salmon, all catchable size, for reservation inland lakes. This includes 200 - 300 lunkers (up to 10 lbs ea.) raised for the spring and fall fishing derbies on McCoys and Turtle Lakes. A note on the fish released into the Reservation Lakes: at this time our lakes are managed as “put and take” fisheries so we want you to catch and keep 100% of them. The reason for this is adverse productivity factors such as low oxygen that limit the ability for the lakes to produce large numbers of large fish, as well as naturally producing populations. Enhancement measures such as oxygenation at Turtle Lake (the rock) and re-connection of creek to McCoys Lake are underway.

The hatchery is open to visitation from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. There are posters that chronologically cover the Tribes past fisheries and explaining the purpose of the hatchery program and also various artifacts, some of which were un-earthed at the hatchery site. The entrance is located approximately one mile south on the Martha Boardman Road. For safety purposes, an adult must accompany children under 16 years of age.

For more information about the hatchery call (509)258-7297 or (509)258-9601.

CCA Wenatchee Chapter Hosting a Salmon Derby On July 13-15.

2012-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Times Posted By Mark Yuasa Jan. 24, 2012

Here is the latest fishing report from Dave Graybill, longtime Eastern Washington outdoor radio host and angler:

The recent meeting of the local chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association was held in Wenatchee and had a different twist. Many local guides and other companies attended and shared information about their services prior to the meeting.

Brian Irwin, Washington Director of the CCA gave a brief presentation about the CCA and its success in the three years it has been in Washington.

The CCA was formed over 30 years ago in Texas and has an amazing track record for successfully countering over fishing of several species and returning them to health.

The balance of the meeting was devoted to announcements about the new salmon fishing derby in Wenatchee and others that will be coming up later this year.

The Wenatchee derby will take place July 13-15, and will be limited to 75 boats. Derby tickets will cost $100 and will include a membership in the CCA, the awards dinner and auction, and launch fee.

The big fish cash prize for the Wenatchee derby will be $2,000.00. There will several other cash prizes in the derby and raffles prizes handed out at the event as well.

For details or to get Graybill's weekly report visit Dave Graybill's website.

Warm Up to Ice Fishing At Hauser Lake, ID Event

2012-01-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Spokesman-Review Posted By Rich Landers Jan. 25, 2012

ICE FISHING — Nobody will be left out in the cold on Saturday during a free ice-fishing event at Hauser Lake, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by the Idaho Fish and Game Department.

The agency will loan free fishing gear from the Take Me Fishing trailer on the fishing access site at the south end of the lake off Hauser Lake Road.

Volunteers will drill holes in the ice for participants and help new anglers get started, said Phil Cooper, IFG spokesman. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served.

The parking area is scheduled to be plowed and the restrooms will be open.

Youths under 14 years never need a fishing license to wet a line in Idaho, but during the hours of the event, older anglers also can fish without a license, Cooper said.

”These events give their parents, older siblings and friends the opportunity to try fishing without purchasing a license,” he said, noting that the agency held 28 Take Me Fishing events across the state last spring. Saturday’s event will be the Panhandle Region’s first session on ice-fishing.

The Top 75 Fishing Blogs

2012-01-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

VeteransBenefitsGIBill.com

Presented by VeteransBenefitsGIBill.com, your guide to The Post 9/11 GI Bill.
For generations, fishing has been a favorite American pastime and one of our most well-loved sports. Perhaps one of the main reasons why fishing is so beloved by millions of Americans is due to its versatility.
Fishing can be as relaxing or as exhilarating as you want it to be. You can spend the day at a local lake or pond relaxing or enjoy an exciting day on a bass fishing boat. As long as there’s a body of water, be it a lake, stream, river or ocean, there’s fishing to be had.
However, any seasoned fisherman will tell you that fishing isn’t as easy as it looks. There are many techniques and strategies involved in catching fish (and especially big fish) and you’ll need the right tackle and equipment to get the most out of your fishing expeditions.
To help your efforts, our team has selected the top fishing blogs to bring to you the very best in tips and tricks on becoming a fishing pro. From learning how to tie knots, to the best local haunts, to what color lure you’ll need to reel in a monster, these blogs have all the bases covered.
We are happy to award badges to each of the bloggers that made the grade, and we encourage you to share our list of blogs with others who also enjoy this incredible sport.
Congratulations to the bloggers that made the list and happy fishing!

Keep Fishing
http://www.keep-fishing.com/
Fishin’ Topsail
http://fishintopsail.blogspot.com/
A Fish Blog
http://afishblog.com/
Xstreem Fishing
http://xstreemfishing.blogspot.com/
Colorado Casters
http://coloradocastersblog.blogspot.com/
She Loves to Fish
http://www.shelovestofish.com/
Rick Lee’s Adventures
http://ricksreeladventures.blogspot.com/
Northern California Trout
http://shoretroutfishing.blogspot.com/
Bow River Blog
http://www.bowriverblog.com/
Fishing Savusavu
http://savusavufishing.blogspot.com/
Cappy’s Pond
http://kirk-cappyspage.blogspot.com/
Bass Pundit
http://basspundit.blogspot.com/
Dark Art Caster
http://darkartcaster.blogspot.com/
Jeff’s Smallmouth Bass Fishing Blog
http://smallmouthfanatic.blogspot.com/
All Things Fish
http://allthingsfish.blogspot.com/
The Adventures of Stoney the Fisherman
http://bssphoto.blogspot.com/
From the Fisherbabe
http://www.fisherbabe.com/
Nicola Zingarelli : Fishing & Photography
http://nicolazingarelli.blogspot.com/
We are Anglers, not Fishermen
http://tbyrodney.blogspot.com/
Saltywater Tackle
http://saltywatertackle.blogspot.com/
Flowing Waters
http://wolfwaters.blogspot.com/
Sport Fisherman
http://jepp79.blogspot.com/
Bali Fishing
http://balisportfishing.blogspot.com/
The Average Joe Fisherman
http://averagejoefisherman.blogspot.com/
111 Degrees West
http://111degreeswest.blogspot.com/
A Bad Backcast
http://www.abadbackcast.com/
AJ Sutts Blog
http://ajsutts.blogspot.com/
Capt. Gordon’s Fishing Reports
http://captgordon.wordpress.com/
Catching My Fair Share
http://brandon722.blogspot.com/
Chi Wulff
http://chiwulff.com/
Creek Addict
http://creekaddict.com/
Deneki Outdoors
http://www.deneki.com/
The Fiberglass Manifesto
http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/
Fishbeer
http://fishbeer.com/
Fly Fish Addiction
http://www.flyfishaddiction.blogspot.com/
Gink & Gasoline Blog
http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/blog/
Glassy Waters
http://glassywaters.blogspot.com/
Headhunter: Missouri River Fly Fishing
http://www.headhuntersflyshop.com/wp/
Journeys Into the Mind of a Fly Fisher
http://mcfluffchucker.blogspot.com/
Michael Gracie’s Blog
http://michaelgracie.com/
Mike’s Gone Fishing
http://www.mikesgonefishing.com/
Moldy Chum
http://www.moldychum.com/
Mystic Waters Fly Fishing Blog
http://mysticwaters.com/
The Ozark Fly Fisher Journal
http://ozarkflyfisherjournal.wordpress.com/
Pike Fly Fishing Articles
http://pikeflyfishingarticles.blogspot.com/
Silk Lines and Paper Hulls
http://www.silklinesandpaperhulls.com/
Sipping Emergers
http://www.sippingemergers.com/
Strid Art
http://stridart.blogspot.com/
Oregon Fly Fishing Blog
http://oregonflyfishingblog.com/
Third Coast Fly
http://thirdcoastfly.com/
Trout Underground
http://troutunderground.com/
True North Trout
http://truenorthtrout.com/
Maine Fly Castings
http://maineflycastings.com/
Urban Fly Blog
http://www.urbanflyy.com/
The Urban Fly Fisher
http://urbanflyfisher.com/
Way Upstream
http://www.wayupstream.com/
Will Fish for Work
http://willfishforwork.com/
Yukon Goes Fishing
http://www.yukongoesfishing.com/
Baktao Heaven
http://baktao.blogspot.com/
Epic Blitz
http://www.epicblitz.com/
Just Keep Reeling
http://www.justkeepreeling.com/
Backwaters, Beaches, and Bays
http://www.b3fishing.com/
Compleat Thought
http://compleatthought.com/
First Light Gear
http://www.firstlightgear.com/team-blog/
Fly Fishilicious
http://www.flyfishilicious.com/
Fly Carpin’
http://www.flycarpin.com/
The Functioning Fishaholics
http://funcfish.com/
Lunker Hunt
http://lunkerhunt.blogspot.com/
Women on the Fly
http://www.wncwomenonthefly.com/index.html
Freshwater Girl
http://freshwatergirl.wordpress.com/
Nordic Angler
http://nordicangler.wordpress.com/
Something’s Fishy
http://www.somefishblog.com/
Tar Heel Fly Fishing
http://www.tarheelflyfishing.com/
Trout Lies
http://troutlies.wordpress.com/
Troutrageous!
http://www.troutrageous.com/

Spokane Boat Show Fishing Seminars

2012-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Seminar Schedules
at the 57th Annual Spokane Boat Show 2012 Seminars run from Saturday Jan. 28 through Sat. Feb. 4.

Seminar presentations by Bob Ploof, Seth Burrill, Elmer Hill and Anton Jones.

Spirit Lake, Id Kokanee Bonanza Going Untapped.

2012-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Spokesman-Review Posted By Rich Landers Jan. 24, 2012

WINTER FISHING — Ice anglers in North Idaho should be cleaning upon the record number of mature kokanee in Spirit Lake this winter – except they can’t get to the fish.

Idaho Fish and Game Department reports from August trawling surveys say “the most abundant year class of kokanee ever documented for this lake” is swimming around virtually unscathed.

“The strong year class of one year old kokanee last year is now a record high year class of two year old kokanee,” the report said, estimating there would be more than 382,000 kokanee averaging at least 8.25 inches waiting for anglers when the ice fishing opportunities began this winter.

That pencils out to about 260 catchable-sized fish for each acre of water, or about four times as many kokanee as last year!

But the ice-fishing hasn’t happened.

“It’s a shame for ice fishermen,” said Jim Fredericks, Idaho Fish and Game Department regional fisheries manager. “The east end of the lake has had enough ice for fishing on a couple of occasions, but that’s not really where the kokanee fishing is.”

The bulk of the lake has remained ice-free. Sure, the season’s open year-round and you could fish from a boat, except there’s just enough ice around the edges to thwart boat-launching.

“Maybe we still have a chance for a good cold snap to get ice fishermen out off Silver Beach or Bronze Bay – the best winter kokanee fishing places,” he said.

“If not, there will be a great kokanee fishery waiting for handliners and jiggers off the cliff at the east end this spring,” he said.

Spokesman-Review Fishing Report Jan. 20, 2012

2012-01-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Spokesman Review Posted By Alan Liere

Steelhead
The Clearwater River has been low and clear and fishing has been poor, but at Camp, Cabin and Home in Lewiston, Andy Alldredge said there were 8 inches of new snow Wednesday morning with rain projected for later on. Assuming the melt doesn’t come too quickly and dirty the water, steelhead fishing should improve.

The Grande Ronde River has produced few steelhead and it is unlikely to change soon as the river is still frozen. There should still be a lot of fish in the river come the February thaw.

The lower portion of the White Salmon River reopened to hatchery steelhead fishing Wednesday below the powerhouse, the first fishing allowed since Condit Dam was breached in October.

Steelhead anglers are catching a few fish keepers in The Dalles and John Day Pools. Some winter steelhead should be available from beaches on the lower Columbia.

Trout and kokanee
Rock Lake browns are hitting crankbaits trolled within 50 feet of the shoreline. Most are less than 17 inches. A few rainbows are also being taken.

Lake Roosevelt’s Spring Canyon yielded a few rainbow last week to anglers long-lining Rapalas. Fishing was mostly slow all over the reservoir. One report from the San Poil Arm indicated fishing was slow in the morning and excellent in the late afternoon. A Lenny’s Special perch fly tipped with nightcrawler took most of the fish along the sand banks.

Frank Whitney and Skipper Bill Bongers fished Roosevelt last week, again limiting on 18- to 21-inch kokanee. Bongers said the trick is to fish the top 11 feet at midlake and work the fish until they disappear. Cold water has them on the surface.

Rufus Woods triploid fishing can change drastically depending on water flow. Low flow generally makes for less action. Black jigs are generally productive near the net pens where trout are consistently running more than 3 pounds.

Fourth of July Lake has fished better than Hog Canyon recently, with most trout more than 14 inches. A variety of bait is most commonly used among ice anglers. Ice is good and the bite has been best before noon. Another winter lake, Hatch, has been excellent for ice anglers dunking Power Bait.

Sprague Lake is fishing again between the launch and the island. Large trout have been finicky.

Spiny ray
Perch at Eloika and Silver lakes are biting well at dusk and dawn … except when they’re not. On some days, it doesn’t seem to matter what time you go or what you use, the bite is fast. Other days, the same time and technique will yield nothing.

One angler was checked coming off the ice at Eloika with a 5-gallon bucket of perch. He said the bite was good all day. The day before, he said he caught six fish. Eloika ice is a solid 6-7 inches except at the public access where the creek runs in. On Silver Lake, the bay out from the launch was a solid 5 inches early in the week, but ice around the point was much thinner and there were a few small areas of open water. Silver Lake perch are generally larger than those at Eloika (8-9 inches), but Eloika also has a big population of largemouth. Eloika is easier to fish because the water is seldom more than 9 feet deep. At Silver, the best bite has been in 32 feet of water.

Newman Lake is ice-covered and anglers are catching small perch and sunfish near the public access.

Walleye anglers are putting in a lot of hours for a few fish on Lake Roosevelt. Most success has been in Porcupine Bay not too far from the launch.

Heads up

• Use caution if ice fishing at Silver Lake this week as the recent snow has covered some thin ice 100 yards toward midlake from the launch. I fished Silver in a high wind Tuesday before the snow, and the ice was so slick the wind blew my chair and bucket down and across the lake. The chair disappeared into a small patch of open water but the bucket (minus my ice skimmer) was later recovered on the far shore.

Ice anglers were testing the perch bite on Moses Lake north of the I-90 Bridge this week. The bays were not completely frozen early in the week, so use caution as the snow has covered spots of thin ice.

At Fins and Feathers in Coeur d’Alene, Jeff Smith said he fished Avondale recently and did well on bluegill. Smith also fished Fernan for perch on Thursday and said they are a decent size. His favorite offering is a Swedish Pimple with a weighted dropper that looks like a Glo Hook, a Ratso or a Ratfinky. Smith said to load the hook with maggots or put on a big wax worm.

Hauser Lake ice is also good to go and anglers are catching perch as well as trout. Some big pike are coming through 4 inches of ice on Chatcolet by anglers using herring or smelt under a tip-up. A 16-pounder was caught last week and the average size is much larger than those in the Chain Lakes.

Ice on Medicine and Cave lakes in the Coeur d’Alene chain wasn’t quite thick enough for safe fishing early in the week, but some anglers were trying it anyway. It may be better by the weekend.

Other species
Jigs and Robo-Worms are still putting burbot in the boat on Lake Roosevelt. Porcupine Bay near Buoy 5 has been a popular spot, but you’re likely to find burbot anywhere in deeper water where a creek enters the reservoir.

Sturgeon angling is good for boat anglers in the Bonneville Pool. A few are also coming from in The Dalles and John Day Pools.

Bill On Fishing Tackle Going Over Like Lead Balloon

2012-01-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review

January 19, 2012 - Updated: 9:34 a.m.

Sporting-goods retailers got a sinking feeling this week as the Washington Legislature turned attention to a bill that would ban the sale of fishing gear containing an ounce or less of lead.

Passage would affect a lunker share of the tackle sold year-round for use at inland waters, including split-shot sinkers and jigs as well as many spinners and plugs.

A hearing scheduled for today in the House Committee on Environment was postponed until sometime next week because of the blizzard that hit Olympia.

But lawmakers are likely to face another storm of protest from fishing retailers and sport anglers.

Calls have been coming in this week to the office of Rep. Luis Moscoso, D-Mountlake Terrace, one of the bill’s sponsors. Moscoso aide Michele Meaker Pin has been offering this background on the measure:

• House Bill 2241, introduced by request of a Moscoso constituent, restricts the sale of some products that contain mercury, as well as some lead fishing tackle.

• The bill is a revision of a measure that failed several years ago. The major change: It would prohibit sale of the lead tackle, but not the use of it.

• The law would be enforced at the sales level by the Department of Ecology. The Department of Fish and Wildlife would have nothing to do with it in the field.

“No one would come after fishermen,” Meaker Pin said. “They could still use lead tackle.”

But retailers would feel the pinch.

Sporting-goods stores would not be allowed to sell the restricted lead tackle in Spokane, but local anglers could drive a short way east to a well-known outdoor retailer and buy the lead goods there.

“We already stock nontoxic weights and stuff for people who fish the lakes up north where lead is banned to protect the loons,” said John Kallas of the White Elephant Store in the Valley.

“But we sell a tremendous amount of lead gear under an ounce for fishing our local lakes. I’m sure (the lawmakers) want to do good for the environment, but I’m not sure this is necessary.”

Fishing industry representatives argued two years ago against a proposal to ban certain lead tackle at 13 lakes where loon nesting occurs. But they came on board with the Fish and Wildlife Commission’s decision to enact the restrictions last year to prevent lead poisoning in common loons at those critical lakes.

One lead sinker or jig left in a fish that breaks away from an angler is enough to kill a loon that ingests the fish.

Carl Burke, lobbyist for the National Sportfishing Industry Association, said manufacturers and retailers have seen no science that suggests they should support further restrictions on lead tackle.

“We’re trying to come up with solutions that protect wildlife without hurting the industry or the sport,” he said.

Proponents of the ban say it would create jobs for Washington manufacturers shifting to meet new demand for tackle made from nontoxic substances.

Burke disagrees. Moving from lead to nontoxic substitutes such as tungsten simply farms jobs and environmental havoc to China, he said. Compared with lead, tungsten requires far more heat – and fossil fuels – to melt into molds.

“It wouldn’t be a clean victory to ban lead,” he said.

Last year, a Washington law went into effect banning tire shops from using lead weights for balancing wheels.

Tire stores saw a change in their balance sheets. “The extra cost of steel over a year amounted to the cost of having another employee,” said Troy Alton of Troy’s Tires.

But few motorists noticed, since there’s no performance difference and the extra cost – steel weights are about twice as expensive as lead – is hidden.

Anglers, on the other hand, would be directly affected by HB 2241. They wouldn’t be able to buy their favorite tackle in the state, and the substitutes are different.

Tungsten, bismuth and tin are more expensive than lead. Tin is the most practical for manufacturers, but it’s about 25 percent less dense, so a bigger hunk of tin is needed to equal the same weight of lead.

“Most fishermen wouldn’t notice the difference too much in a lure up to about one-eighth ounce, but after that the size difference is more obvious,” said Buzz Ramsey of Yakima Bait Co.

Ramsey said his company sees the trend toward getting the lead out of the environment and has positioned itself for change by testing and adding nontoxic alternatives to its line of lures.

“Our Rooster Tail spinner makes up more than half of our company’s business and we already offer a tin alternative,” he said. “We just don’t sell many of them.”

He pointed out that lead in many lures, such as plugs, is encapsulated in plastic or durable coating and not a threat to wildlife.

“We’re as sensitive about the environment as anyone. The main thing we ask is that nothing be changed too quickly or rashly or it would be devastating to us.”

Meantime, you might want to rearrange the gold coins and jewelry in your household safe and make room for the sinkers, jigs and other tackle made from the emerging heavyweight of precious metals.

Contact Rich Landers at (509) 459-5508 or email richl@spokesman.com.

Hearing rescheduled

A hearing for HB 2241, which would ban the sale of lead fishing tackle weighing one ounce or less in Washington, as been rescheduled in the House Committee on Environment for Monday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. in House Hearing Room C on the 1st Floor of the John L. O’Brien Building in Olympia.

Congratulations Michelle R.!

2012-01-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

You just won the WDSTK3 Spinner Fly/Trolling Rig! Email me your snail mail address and I will get it on the way.

Thanks for entering!

Win A One-Of-A-Kind Spinner Fly/Trolling Rig

2012-01-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is a WDSTK 3 tandem trolling rig built with 3 orange 6mm crackle glass beads, 3 green 6mm crackle glass beads, and 1 gold/crystal 6mm rondelle spacer bead. A #3 plain nickel Ripple spinner blade leads the way. An orange #4 "Dog Nobbler" Streamer Fly from Miller's Fly Shop in Tyler, TX completes this rig. It's tied with 10# Stren Original line and is about 40" overall. This is a private stock item...I build them for my own use but they are a bit spendy to try to market. This is a one-of-a-kind giveaway with no referrer option.

Giveaway ends on Jan 14 at 11:59 PM PST

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Arizona Weekly Fishing Report

2012-01-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Arizona Game And Fish Department

Jan 13, 2012

I was really excited about the Lower Salt River opportunities, but as it turns out, Salt River Project is not going to be taking water from Stewart Mountain Dam right now -- it's the Verde River as usual. Sorry folks.
It's rather embarrasing, and it looks like I misunderstood the good folks at SRP when I called them last week after their weekly report showed the flows had switched. Apparently that was an entry error from someone there. My apologies to all. However, I can tell you that we stocked a few netfulls of trout at the Water Users and there is a decent pool there. We put in more at the Blue Point Bridge, which is looking okay for water. However, most went to the Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area at the confluence of the Salt and Verde and at the Granite Reef Recreation Area. Two weeks ago, two kayakers reported catching both bass and trout at the large shallow lake-like area before the Granite Reef Dam.
Hey, but here's another piece of good news for this week -- it's super-trout time in the Urban Program Lakes. We're talking about bruisers up to 6 pounds on Friday the 13th. Now that I know I can fit fishing poles into my wife's Prius...

I heard from my good friend Stewart Kohnke, one of our veteran wildlife managers, who has Alamo Lake in his jurisdiction. Stew is one of the best crappie anglers I have ever fished with (don't tell him I said so though). He showed me a picture on his cell phone with enough plate-sized speckled beauties to make me salivate. I love eating winter crappie. I thint it's much better than spring crappie, which is itself delectable.
Well, Stew said the crappie haven't yet congregated into their huge winter schools -- the water temp at Alamo is still hanging around 58 degrees (almost bass spawning temps). Although the crappie are still rather dispersed over the flats in the eastern end of the lake (where the Bill Williams comes in), he was able to get some nice ones exploring in 15 to 18 feet of water.
That's similar to what I am hearing from Bartlett -- try the Yellow Cliffs area or upstream wherever there are submerged vegetation. I had message from two anglers who did well for crappie and catfish in Rattlesnake Cove as well.
Roosevelt is still a bit of a mystery. I still feel there is so much flooded wood there -- and crappie love wood -- that you really have to explore to find the sweet spots. I have heard from bass anglers at Rosey who said either they were skunked, or cleaned up. Somehow I think it is hit-or-miss there.
Saguaro on the other hand has once again been providing a good mixed bag of fish including largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish and rainbow trout. Saguaro will be stocked again Friday with 'bows, so get out the light tackle and/or the swim baits.
Be sure to check out the Lake Havasu fishing report from my old fishing buddy John Galbraith. Now last year at about this time a couple of anglers loaded up on 4- and 5-pound bass sunning themselves in the shallows on warm afternoons. Like Alamo, Havasu is a huge shallow solar bowl in the desert that readily heats up in the warm winter sun. It is absolutely one of my favorite winter fishin' holes.
By the way, if you want some great eating fish that rival winter crappie, go catch a bunch of the 2-pound redear at Lake Havasu and the Topock Gorge. Redear fish and chips will spoil you for any English pub food.
Last but not least, I talked with the good folks at Arizona Highways magazine this week. I kept getting calls throughout the holidays from anglers who were looking for the newly released "Official Arizona Fishing Guide" that was shipped to the Costco stores. Guess what? They sold out and had to reorder. Those orders have been sent. But that's not all. Barnes and Noble bookstores are now carrying the book.
I am going to add that to my resume -- I am now a Barnes and Noble author. I know, I know, it's only a fishing book and it's not like being a best selling author or anything. But I'll tell you what, I am just as proud of the honor even if it doesn't change the numbers in my bank account any. Some things far exceed monetary renumeration.
Also, our Bass Pro Shop in Mesa has been diligently working with their coporate office to add the fishing book to their sales racks. It looks like that should come together soon -- they have asked me to come do a book signing once they clear all the hurdles back there is Missouri land.
Hopefully, Cabelas will come on board as well.
Finally, sorry again about the bum tip on the Lower Salt. I just ate a huge chunk of humble pie this week. Hopefully you will all get out and catch some great memories anyway. With any luck and the price of gas doesn't rise, maybe I'll see you out there.

CENTRAL WATERS
URBAN FISHING -- Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or cheese. Small spinners such as Roostertails and Panther Martins, or spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers work well for trout.

Patience is the key, as the trout bite sporadically throughout the day and often move around in small schools. When the bite is on, anglers are catching limits in an hour.

The annual incentive trout stocking that includes many larger fish is scheduled the week of Jan. 9-14. Action for catfish, bass and bluegill has slowed due to colder water temperatures. Trout fishing is good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, worms and small spoons working best. Top flies for fly fishermen have been copper Johns, wooly buggers, simi seal leaches and pheasant tail nymphs. Don’t forget to buy your 2012 fishing license to be legal in the New Year.

The 2012 Urban Fishing Program Guidebooks are now available at over 320 license dealers and Game and Fish offices. The free Guidebooks are chock full of helpful tips and information on urban fishing. There are no changes in urban or statewide license costs or fishing regulations for 2012.
Game and Fish biologists have confirmed that quagga mussels have been found in Red Mountain Park Lake in Mesa. These invasive mussels often grow to massive colonies that can block water intakes, affect municipal water delivery, and modify lake ecology. Quagga mussels are listed as an aquatic invasive species in Arizona and are known to exist within the CAP canal system, which supplies water to Red Mountain Lake. Monitoring efforts for this mussel have been in place for both the canal system and the lake. These thumbnail-size mussels do not pose any health risks to humans or wildlife. The City of Mesa and AGFD are asking anglers to avoid transporting water or wet objects from one body of water to another. This will assist in preventing the accidental introduction of invasive mussels to another body of water. The best prevention is to always clean, drain and dry all equipment before use in another lake so you “Don’t Move a Mussel”. For more information about quagga mussels, an unwanted invasive species, visit www.azgfd.gov/ais
An angler caught a 9 ¾ inch rainbow trout in Red Mountain Park using a hot dog.
TEMPE TOWN LAKE – Rainbow trout will be stocked again this week. You can try the usual methods for the rainbows (baits like powerbait, nightcrawlers, mealworms or try spinners and spoons such as panther martins, kastmasters…) Remember no gas motors are allowed (electric trolling motors are) and you must have a boating permit, which can be obtained at the Town Lake operations center.

LAKE PLEASANT - Water level is at 1,675 feet (71-percent full) and rising. I haven’t heard too many reports on Pleasant recently. As far as stripers go, sounds like the shad boils have subsided for the most part but guys are still having luck catching striper spooning in deeper water (40 – 60ft). Largemouth are also being caught using this method.

ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 66-percent full at elevation 2,121 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 191 cfs Monday morning and Tonto Creek was flowing at 54 cfs. Largemouth bass fishing is good but fish but this is the transition time to winter activity levels. Some of the better fishing right now is in the 20- to 30-foot range, especially off points. Drop-shotting and wired worms are the baits of choice. Crappie fishing is not bad trolling in the Tonto or Salt arms of the lake. Anglers have not been catching large numbers of crappie but the ones that they have been catching have been good size. Use John Deere grubs or black-blue-chartreuse (BBC) grubs on a 1/16-ounce jighead in about 25 feet of water or try fathead minnows under a slip bobber. Catfishing for both flatheads and channels has been somewhat slow. 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.

APACHE - Lake is 96-percent full at 1,910 feet. No recent reports but fishing should be good for yellow bass down by the dam. Yellow bass should hit jigs and spoons. Fish for them around balls of shad in 20-60 feet of water. Cut bait also works well for them. Remember, as of January 1, you are only allowed to possess one fish between 13 and 16 inches and all bass harvested must be gutted only 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.

CANYON - Lake is 96-percent full at 1,658 feet. Bass fishing has been slow by most reports. Guys seem to be having the best luck spooning. Canyon was stocked with trout last week. Try fishing in Boulder Cove with panther martins, kastmasters, or bait. A rainbow trout colored swim bait can usually produce a few largemouth after a stocking. You should be able to catch yellow bass spooning this time of year. Try points and drop offs in 30 – 60ft of water.

SAGUARO - Lake level is 1,525 feet (94-percent full). Saguaro is scheduled for a trout stocking this week. No recent reports, but like most lakes the bass fishing has been slow and hit or miss. Yellow bass fishing can be good, try using a silver and blue kastmaster or similar.

BARTLETT – Lake level is at 1,754 feet (46-percent full). Like most other lakes bass fishing has been reported to be slow. Try crawdad imitations and worm rigs (drop shots and Texas-rigs) for largemouth bass. A few weeks back crappie fishing was reported to be picking up, although most of the crappie being caught were small. I have not heard any recent reports on crappie.
HORSESHOE - Lake is empty.

VERDE RIVER – Fishing is poor for largemouth, smallmouth and catfish. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). This morning flow was 297 cfs at Tangle Creek station above Horseshoe Lake.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) –The Lower Salt River is flowing at 8 cfs from Stewart Mountain Dam and the Verde River is flowing at 187 cfs out of Bartlett Dam this morning. Trout were stocked again this week at Blue Point Bridge, Phon D Sutton and Granite Reef recreation areas. The flows were not ramped up this week at Water Users, although we did put a few netfuls of trout in there. It looks like the flows will stay this way into February unless precipitation in the watershed changes the outlook.
Power Bait, inline spinners and corn will work. Fly fishermen may have luck using nymphs or wooly buggers. However, enterprising anglers might try fishing the deeper pools for largemouth bass and other fish along the Salt River between Stewart Mountain and Phon D. Sutton.

CREEKS – This is a great time of year to try some of the streams along the Mogollon Rim. The crowds are gone and you could have an entire stream to yourself. The gate to the catch and release section of Canyon Creek has been closed for the winter so you will have to hike in to this section. Access may be difficult to due to snow. Warmer days can produce a good midge hatch. If there is no surface activity try dead drifting nymphs and wooly buggers.

COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?” at bfishing@azgfd.gov

LAKE POWELL – Last report for the winter was By Wayne Gustaveson, Lake Powell Fish Report on Nov. 21, 2011

Shad remain in shallow water when temperature is close to 60 and retreat into deep water when temperature is near 55.

Knowing that makes it an easy decision when launching at Hite where fishing is best now. In warm water, head up stream where water is shallow and murky. Fish in the brush for bass and stripers. When water cools into the low 50s then head downstream and fish deeper water for striper schools resting on the bottom.
Great success has been found recently fishing with plastic baits like walleye assassins in salt and pepper color. An offset worm hook can be turned into the plastic, instead of exposed, to allow it to fish weedless in the treetops. The assassin is heavy enough to cast without adding extra weight. Move steadily along the shoreline until a striper is caught and then concentrate on that spot to catch more striped school mates as they feed in the brush on shad and sunfish. When a striper is hooked and brought to the boat, school mates often follow, hoping for a feeding opportunity. As your buddy is reeling in a fish, don’t grab the net. Instead drop a spoon under the boat to catch another striper.
This same pattern works lakewide with some modifications. Fishing is hot for bass and stripers in the tree line surrounding the lake during the last hour of daylight. Again work steadily along the brushy shoreline in water less than 20 feet deep until a striper is caught. Then concentrate on that location casting rattletraps, flat-raps and/or walleye assassins. The lure is not as important as the timing. As the suns sets, fish feed voraciously for the last hour of the day.
During the day trolling along the edge of the brush line in water 15-20 feet deep results in a steady (not fast) catch of stripers along with a few bass. Rattletraps, X-raps, Bomber flat raps, and other medium divers that hit tree tops without snagging result in an average of 2 fish per hour in the main lake. Fishing is much faster at Hite upstream from the ramp.
Crappie can be caught very well now in the San Juan arm and from Good Hope to Hite. Walleye fishing is prime for those slow trolling a night crawler harness behind a bottom bouncer. The trick is to find a brush free bottom near the brush zone where the walleye rig can be used without hanging up. Look mid channel where water depth is 20 to 40. Check the graph to look for a flat bottom without brush for best results.
Enjoy the late season fishing and wonderful warm days when storm fronts are not forecast. Air and water temperatures near 60 make a delightful time for fishing at Lake Powell.

LEES FERRY -- Dec. 12, 2011 by Lees Ferry Anglers
Fly Fishing Upriver: The flows are currently running around a constant 20,750cfs until Dec. 26. Beginning around the 26th of December we will have daily fluctuating flows with a peak around 18,400 cfs and a low around 11,800 cfs.

The water temperature has been in the fifties, but is dropping and we expect Lake Powell to turn over anytime. With the lake turning over our water temperatures should be back around forty-six to forty-eight degrees. With these cooler water temperatures the trout should become more active.

The upriver rating is 6 out of 10. Fishing upriver has been good, but is becoming tougher. We are entering a transition period where the fish are beginning to stage for the spawn making it more difficult to locate them. If you have any doubts about how to read the water or need a little extra confidence about where to be fishing, don’t hesitate to inquire about hiring a guide.

The high water conditions are very conducive to drifting. Also, these higher flows are stirring up the food source. San Juan Worms and Scuds have been highly productive. With the trout staging to spawn another option would be to try a Glo- Bug below a San Juan Worm or Scud. We are still nymphing but we are using longer leaders from twelve to fifteen feet with more weight. The midge fishing has slowed down until this upcoming spring.

Another consideration is fishing a streamer or wooly bugger either dead drifting below an indicator or stripping. This particular method may produce some larger fish. When streamer fishing, we highly recommend a Teeny 200 grain sinking tip or a similar line. The reason for the Teeny is that the sinking tip is twenty feet which allows the streamer to get down effectively through the water column with a slow swing on the bottom. Do not forget to add some action and vary the action to the fly on the retrieve. Many times the fish will the wooly bugger on the pause.

A five- to 10-foot sink tip is just not adequate because will not get down through the water column before coming back up toward the surface on the swing. You can use a floating line but, lengthen one’s leader with lots of split shot.

If you’re contemplating a trip to Lees Ferry, I would say go for it. Fishing has been good. The weather has gotten colder and can vary, however the crowds have virtually disappeared for the season. We have rooms available and have gone to our winter rates. If you have any questions please give us a call at 1-800-962-9755.

Fly Fishing WALK-IN: With the higher flows the walk in is more difficult to fish. The fish tend to move in closer to shore lying on the inside of the seams in the quiet water, but the back cast may face more obstacles. Fishing is fairly consistent. Nymphing with San Juan Worms, Glo-Bugs and Scuds has been effective. Another great option is fishing a woolly bugger like a streamer using a Teeny T-130 or a T-200 sink tip. Dead drifting a bugger with a dropper below an indicator on a floating line may also produce some good fishing.

Please keep in mind with these higher flows wading can be a little tricky. There is no need to wade past your waist not only is it dangerous but, the fish tend to hold fairly close to shore amongst the boulders and off the drop offs.Stop by the Fly Shop for more tips and to pick up some local fly patterns. We’ll see you then.

Spin Fishing: Spin fishing is good! It’s all about bouncing glo bugs off the bottom. You can also try fishing with gold KastMasters or black and gold Panther Martins. Also definitely don’t forget about the marabou jig, this one has been working great and has been very reliable.

Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powell – During November 2011the unregulated inflow volume to Lake Powell was 570 kaf (108% of average). This was very close to the forecast volume issued by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center on November 1, 2011. The forecast volume was 600 kaf (110% of average). Releases from Glen Canyon
Dam during November were 1099 kaf and the elevation of Lake Powell decreased by 4.59 ending November at an elevation of 3645.69 feet above sea level. Releases from Glen Canyon Dam are currently averaging approximately 20,300 cfs and are near steady. This release rate is likely to continue to near the end of December and then will likely be reduced to a daily average release of approximately 16,300 cfs with daily fluctuations for power generation.
LAKE MEAD – The current water level is still approximately 1,133 feet above msl. Water elevation has risen about 47 feet from this time last year and 12 feet from October’s elevation. As the water rises more and more vegetation, mostly in the form of small salt cedars, gets flooded and makes habitat for fish. There seems to be an abundance of shad currently which may be the reason for the lack of bite. Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice.

Check the moon phases before you go – there is a full moon this weekend. The next new moon will be January 23rd. Dark nights work best when fishing under light. Fishing for stripers in 50 plus feet of water will normally find the larger fish. If you can locate the shad, the stripers are not far behind. Trolling usually works best in areas were shad are found and best done in the early mornings and evenings. The bite for largemouth and smallmouth was reported good using plastic worms and crawdads with purple and browns in them. Several fishermen said that top water lures were working for them. One boat had been using a white frog and having good success also. All the fishermen contacted were hopeful for the coming years with rising water conditions and the abundance of baitfish they have seen this year.
Launching conditions at South Cove have improved as the water level has gone up. There are currently four lanes. As the water raises logs and other debris can become hazards, so be careful boating.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
LAKE MOHAVE – The lake level has maintained about 639 feet above msl. The black bass are hitting soft baits when worked slowly especially on grass beds in 20 to 30 feet deep. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50ft has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom. While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. A couple recently caught several stripers in the 4 lb. to 10 lb. range using rainbow colored Storm Wildeye Swimbait in the Cottonwood Basin area. Best time to fish is at night for cats and he likes fishing for largemouth and smallmouth in the early morning with blue, black and purple and black grubs and worms.
Submersible lights fished during the new moon are an effective way to catch stripers. Next new moon is Christmas Eve. Cut anchovies usually work the best.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove, Shoshone, and Arrowhead. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH – Willow Beach is stocked every Friday with 3,000 13” rainbow trout. Rainbow, peach, garlic and yellow Power Baits and Powerworms were being used most for trout. Jakes original and Jakes Juniors, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails are also usually effective. Fishing is usually best near the fishing pier after the Friday stocking. Several striped bass were caught with most in the 8 lb. range with one 30+pounder. All the stripers were caught with imitation trout lures.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Trout stocking has resumed at Davis Camp, Rotary Park and Riverside on the second Tuesday of each month starting in October. Trout continue to bite in the casino area with some larger fish in the deep holes. Several folks have called and spoke of very large trout being caught in the Laughlin area. Mark, Jerry, Berry and Will can verify with the big fish they landed. Will caught his 5.3 lb. rainbow on anchovies. Overall the fishing is great on the river.
Topock Gorge-The report from the Gorge is that the cold has slowed the bite down. The reported bright spot is that the bluegill bite is hot and heavy. A group from Brighton MI had a blast catching bluegill and redear on small brass crappie hooks baited with very small pieces of night crawlers. The occasional smallmouth only hit live bait.
Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter. The fish are normally stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Stocking at Rotary Park has made another access point to the river for fishing and has made many people happy. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.
Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses.
Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
TOPOCK MARSH – The action at Topock Marsh has been steadily improving. Night crawlers have been tempting catfish at Catfish Paradise but live minnows have the best result. A 13.5 lb. catfish was reported taken at South Dyke on minnows. Bass can be hit and miss but live bait has been reported to work the best now. Small crappies are being taken throughout the marsh.
You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

TOPOCK GORGE -The striper bite has been reported to be excellent with 10- to 12-pound stripers being boated with nightcrawlers and anchovies. Smallmouth and bluegill actions remains relatively strong dependent on the weather. The catfish bite has returned after being absent this summer. Redear sunfish have moved into the river and have been up to the 2.5 lb. range. Night crawlers have been the bait of choice for sunfish and for black bass with some being caught in the 4 lb. range
Topock Fishing Report from Capt. Doyle’s Guide Service
Welcome to the Colorado! Winter in the Topock Gorge has been cold–bitterly cold at times. This means we who report fishing news are hard pressed to find active anglers or responsive fish.
Striper action has stalled completely as has the catfish bite. Refusing any kind of presentation, even the smallmouth bass have slowed a tad. All is not lost however; there is a bright spot on the horizon. The bluegill bite has been hot and heavy! Chris Taylor from Brighton MI and his buddies recently boated a cornucopia of bluegill and redear.
With a few smallmouth bass to round out the catch, the group ended up with a whopping 44 fish. Itsy bitsy pieces of night crawler on small brass crappie hooks made for a heck of a fun day’s fishing. The few smallies to be taken hit only live bait.
The action in the Topock Marsh has been steadily improving. Crappie continue to be taken in small numbers throughout the marsh. It is the catfish action out of South Dyke that is drawing all the attention. A 13.5-pounder was taken as well as a few ranging up to 10-pounds. The 13.5-pounder was caught by a nameless local. Although there was no picture, Kyle at the Old Western Trader in Golden Shores confirmed the catch. Fifteen to eighteen inch largemouth bass, too, have been reported. Both the cats and the bass were taken on live minnows.
Thanks,
Georgia

SOUTHWESTERN WATERS
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?" at bfishing@azgfd.gov.

LAKE HAVASU -- Lake Havasu Fishing Report courtesy John Galbraith of BassTackleMaster.com, Lake Havasu City: Lake Level 446.48.

Stripers are hitting live shad and artificial baits like Pointer 100s,128s & Umbrella rigs (2 hooks) cast or trolled around Havasu Springs; shad are still locked in around the springs. Timing is everything, the first two hours around daylight and sunset is "Prime" time. Fish seeker divers have been producing some fair sized limits during the morning hours trolling cut anchovies around Black Rock and Thompson bay. Deep bait fishing (30-40 feet)with night crawlers has been producing some quality stringers of 2-pound-class Redear panfish.

Smallmouth bass hitting Rat-L-Traps and 10-15 feet diving cranks in white or shad patterns. Target primary points near areas where smallies school up and hunt crawdads during daylight hours. Smallmouth bass feed primiarly by sight and prefer clear water and sunshine for feeding.

PARKER STRIP -- No recent reports.

ALAMO LAKE -- No recent reports. The recent fronts have likely moved most fish deep. However, crappie should be congregating into larger schools. The bite normally picks up in early January, but a week or so of warmer weather might get the crappie bite going sooner.
The Cholla Launch Ramp has been fixed, widened and is now open. But don't expect a dock -- yet. They still have some work to do in December, with another short closure, and will install the dock then. I know a lot of tournaments have been rescheduled to other lakes, so now you have the Alamo green light again.

COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) -- Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes.

The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or larger.

Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies. Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.
Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PALO VERDE DIVERSION DAM AND WALTER’S CAMP) -- This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area.

Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2- to 5-pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. Flathead catfish surveys last May yielded a handful of fish between 15 and 50 pounds in this section of the river, although the majority of fish were much smaller.

Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing. Lively bait is the key to successful flathead fishing. Using the largest bait fish you can come by will increase the odds of catching a larger flathead.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN WALTER’S CAMP AND PICACHO STATE PARK) -- This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). Backwaters are somewhat limited in this stretch of the river, but the few that are there will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill, redear and occasionally black crappie). Channel catfish are also very numerous in this section of the river. Smaller numbers of smallmouth bass and striped bass also occur.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PICACHO STATE PARK AND IMPERIAL DAM) -- This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds not uncommon, occasionally much larger. There is definitely a state record or two lurking in these waters. Only very heavy fishing tackle will suffice for the really large fish. Bluegills, redear sunfish and black crappie are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the channels connecting backwaters and the main river channel. Smallmouth bass seem to be on the increase in the lower river above Imperial Dam. They generally prefer swifter water and rockier substrate than largemouth bass, and certainly aren’t as numerous, but they are very aggressive and very scrappy fighters and well worth seeking out.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN LAGUNA AND MORELOS DAMS) -- This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area. Be aware that some sections of the river are within Quechan tribal boundaries, and a tribal permit is required to fish there. Boundaries are not well marked, so doing some research prior to fishing this section may prevent hassles while you are out there.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend exercising extreme caution, avoiding nighttime use, or even staying away from the area altogether (Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam).

MITTRY LAKE -- Mittry Lake is located just above Laguna Dam, and supports a good population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, and even some good-sized flathead catfish. There are shoreline fishing opportunities at this lake in the form of about a dozen rock jetties, but you’ll probably have the best success in a small boat. Mittry Lake can be frustrating, as the bite seems to be real variable, but the fish are there. It is just a question of getting them to respond to your presentation. The water tends to be very murky most of the year, except for the upper end of Teal Alley where the lake inflow comes in, so play to the fish’s sense of hearing and smell, rather than sight. There are also crappie and sunfish to be caught, although they tend to average relatively small in size. Mittry Lake is well-known locally for the quality largemouth bass it produces, and fishing during the spring spawn will increase your chances of success.

YUMA AREA PONDS -- The Department has stepped up efforts to encourage the recruitment of new anglers, and retention of existing ones. To this end, the Department has increased stocking efforts in a few ponds in the Yuma area that are easily accessed without a boat, within a short distance of the urban center. Those ponds are the Yuma West Wetlands pond, located in the City Park, and Redondo and Fortuna ponds, located about 10 miles northeast of Yuma. Access to Redondo Pond was recently improved with the addition of an ADA compliant fishing pier, and thick cattail growth was removed at Fortuna Pond this summer, improving shoreline access by many orders of magnitude. All of these waters received multiple stockings of rainbow trout in the winter months; Redondo Pond will be stocked with channel catfish during the spring, and the Yuma West Wetlands pond will receive channel catfish and bluegills. We may be able to stock Fortuna Pond with channel catfish in the future, pending the outcome of the statewide sport-fish stocking consultation with the USFWS that is hopefully nearing completion. Depending on available funding, we hope to continue regular stockings into all three of these shoreline-accessible waters, and perhaps add additional waters to our stocking schedule. These ponds provide an ideal place to take the family. All three waters now are provided with restroom and trash facilities. Special regulations on fish limits are in effect for these waters, so be sure to consult the Regulations before you take fish.

REGIONAL HOT SPOTS -- Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon. Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our Region (and perhaps the State) for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish. Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher. The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam. Expect many in the 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters. Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds.
If you need any additional information or assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have. A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website and forum at www.yumabassman.com.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note: Due to increased precipitation, as of 12 July the Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Fire restrictions continue in portions of the Apache, Tonto and Coronado National Forests. All fire restrictions have also been lifted for the Grand Canyon. During this time of increased precipitation, debris flows are a concern in areas of recent fire activity. For more fire information go to: http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php.

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 to 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 – Trout were last stocked the week of Dec. 19. The next stocking is scheduled for next week, the week of Jan. 9. The catfish and largemouth bite has been fair. Catfish are still being caught on nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stink bait. 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 Dec.19. The next scheduled stocking is next week, the week of Jan. 9. 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.
WEST CLEAR CREEK -- Has not been stocked since mid October.
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 December 19th. The next scheduled stocking will be the week of January 16th. 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.

WHITE MOUNTAINS/MOGOLLON RIM
Recommended Waters to Fish – Show Low Lake and Fool Hollow Lake are accessible and open at this time; however, ice has been forming along shoreline areas. For catch-and-release, artificial lure and fly anglers, Silver Creek is good to excellent. Becker Lake is ice-free as of this past weekend and anglers were catching nice-sized trout.
Trout Stocking Schedule: The trout stocking schedule is completed for the White Mountains and Rim Lakes for 2011, but will resume in April 2012.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES

Note: All Forest Roads in the Rim Lakes area are closed for the winter, including Forest Roads 300 (Rim Road), 169, 105, 149, 86 and southern portion of 34. A recent winter storm dropped 15-20 inches of snow, and, as of Dec. 18, another one to two feet of snow is predicted in the area over the next couple days. The higher elevation lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice. Freezing and thawing conditions prevail. Forest Roads 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed.
BEAR CANYON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Road 300 is closed for the winter.
BLACK CANYON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Roads 300 and 86 are closed for the winter.
CHEVELON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Roads 300 and 169 are closed for the winter.
CC CRAGIN (BLUE RIDGE) -- Not accessible.
KNOLL LAKE -- Not accessible.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Accessible by snowmobile or foot only from Hwy. 260. Forest Service Road 149 is closed for the winter.
WOODS CANYON LAKE – Accessible by snowmobile or foot only. Forest Road 300 is closed for the winter.

WHITE MOUNTAINS LAKES
Note: Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. The higher elevation lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
BECKER LAKE – Currently, this lake is ice-free. It experiences freezing and thawing conditions during the winter months, depending on weather conditions. Fishing has been good. Try fishing along weed beds with small nymphs and streamers. White wooly buggers have been successful. Becker is catch-and-release only, with artificial lures and flies only with a single hook. Expect some morning skim ice on the lake.
BIG LAKE – Highways 261 and 273 are closed for the winter. Snowmobile access is allowed. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.

CARNERO LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice. Forest Roads 117 and 117A are snow-packed.
CONCHO LAKE – Fishing is poor. Water levels are extremely low, and the lake is covered with weeds.
CRESCENT LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair for trout. Anglers are catching trout on nightcrawlers in 4-6 feet of water. Camping is available at this State Recreation Area. Ice is forming along shoreline areas and bays, but the main lake is ice-free.
GREER LAKES – The road into the Greer lakes is snowpacked. These lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
HULSEY LAKE – The lake had been drained immediately following the Wallow Fire to help reduce expected flooding off Escudilla Mountain.
LEE VALLEY LAKE – Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
LUNA LAKE – The road into Luna Lake is snowpacked. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
LYMAN LAKE – Lyman Lake State Park is now closed to public entry for the winter and will re-open during the summer of 2012.
NELSON RESERVOIR – The lake is ice-free. Some ice may form on the lake, depending on weather conditions. Unsafe ice conditions.
RAINBOW LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
SCOTT RESERVOIR – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
SHOW LOW LAKE – The lake is ice-free. The fishing piers are snow-packed, so use caution when walking on them. Fishing is fair to good for trout and small walleye. Night crawlers and Power Bait have been working well.

The campground will remain open all winter, but the store is closed. The road over the dam is closed because of snow and ice. It may be reopened depending on weather conditions. Ice may form on the lake because of weather conditions: expect unsafe ice.
WOODLAND LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
Note: Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicles. Snowmobile access is allowed. Main Forest roads are snow-packed.
EAST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
WEST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
BLACK RIVER – Fishing is poor in the Black River due to ash flows and fish kills. Recent monitoring surveys found very few fish in the main stem of the Black River. The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER IN GREER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
SHEEPS CROSSING – Highway 273 is closed to vehicles. Snowmobile access is allowed. The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
SILVER CREEK – Fishing is good. Silver Creek is a spring creek and does not ice over during the winter. From Oct. 1 through March 31, Silver Creek is open to artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, and catch-and-release fishing only. The upper section is open to angling, but the hatchery area is always closed to fishing (it is well signed). Try small nymphs, large white streamers, and lures with barbless hooks.

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Note: Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona! Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.
We are now moving into the winter trout stocking season here in S. Az. and anglers can expect fishing for warm water species to slow as temperatures begin to cool off!
The trout stocking schedule for the winter months can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov. The schedule is updated regularly as changes occur so check back often!
URBAN LAKES -- Incentive-sized rainbows up to 6 pounds are being stocking this week.

RIGGS FLAT — Closed for the winter.
CLUFF RANCH —No recent reports of success. The pond is low and boat launching is difficult. For lake information call (928) 485-9430. For the entire stocking schedule please check here: 2011 Winter Stocking Schedule
ROPER LAKE — For lake information and status of the park call (928) 428-6760. Due to high pH levels the lake will not be stocked until water conditions improve.
DANKWORTH POND — Remains closed to fishing during renovation.
FRYE MESA RESERVIOR –Anglers are reporting success in catching Gila trout. Remember that the daily bag and possession limit for this species is 1 fish.
ARIVACA — Open to anglers, water levels are up but it will still be difficult to launch larger boats. Use caution when launching your boat and pay attention for submerged trees and rocks that are near the surface due to low water levels. Boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters.
PENA BLANCA – Conditions have improved and trout stocking will resume this week. For information on future stockings please visit the stocking Schedule at 2011 Winter Stocking Schedule

PATAGONIA — For the entire winter trout stocking schedule please check here: 2011 Winter Stocking Schedule
12/23/2011: Trolled with spinners, super dupers, Z-rays from 0630 to 1300. One nice trout and one very healthy 2 pound bass. Both at the mouth of Ash Canyon.
PARKER CANYON — The lake has been stocked. For the entire stocking schedule please check here: 2011 Winter Stocking Schedule Contact the Parker Canyon Lake Store for up to date information on lake levels and fishing activity at www.parkercanyonlake.com or by phone at (520)455-5847.
On 1/2/12, my wife and I fished from shore for trout, used everything, no bites in 5 hrs of fishing. Did see a few people catching some off the fishing pier.

Last Sat, 1/7, my two son's and I took the boat out, fishing was fair, caught 8 in a little over 6hrs, lost a few. Found a few holes with the graph that were productive, fish seemed to hanging deep, around 30ft, bite was off and on, but enough to keep us from napping. All caught on PowerBait. Tried 1/4 oz.spinners, but no luck.

ROSE CANYON LAKE — The lake is closed to vehicle access however anglers are still able to walk to the lake. There have been no recent reports of fishing success but the lake was reported to have lots of ice covering the surface.

New Mexico Weekly Fishing Reports

2012-01-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers, anglers, guides and local businesses. Conditions may vary as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.

Dec. 27, 2011

Northwest

Animas River - The flow is 247 cfs. Fishing is reported as slow due to weather and a lack of activity from the fish and anglers.
Chama River - No read on flow due to ice on the upper stretches. Below El Vado Lake the flow is 186 cfs and the flow below Abiquiu Lake is 236 cfs. The Chama below El Vado dam has the most consistent good fishing on the Chama. The stretch downstream of the village of Chama into El Vado reservoir is slowing down. The release out of El Vado is murky but fishable. The stretch below Abiquiu Dam is fishing good and the water clarity is getting better.
San Juan River - Upper section - Catch and Release flow is 475 cfs. Midges are hatching all day long. At the moment they are very small, midge pupa and larvae, size 22 to 28, gray, black, chocolate, cream and olive have been best. The hatch is strongest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Try fishing BWO's from 1 to 5 p.m. The hatch is getting lighter as winter is here but the fish are still looking for them. Dark or light gray, brown and olive have been the best colors in a size 20 and 22. Both dry and wet patterns. Back to black and brown midges in the evenings. Bunny leaches are great attractors in brown, black, purple, and white. It is the time of year for eggs and larvae. Orange, peach and pink have been the best colors for eggs. Fish a red or orange larva behind it.
Abiquiu Lake – Fishing is slow for all species. No staff on site until spring.
El Vado Lake – No report due to weather and a lack of anglers. Ice is forming around the edges of the lake.
Heron Lake– No report due to weather and a lack of anglers. Ice is forming around the edges of the lake.
Jackson Lake – Trout fishing is reported as fair using Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms from shore.
Lake Farmington – Trout fishing is reported as fair using Power Bait, salmon eggs and worms. Best success is reported close to the dam. The lake was stocked with 2,999 rainbow trout last week.
Morgan Lake – Fishing for bass is reported as slow to fair when using crank baits and various plastics.
Navajo Lake - Trout fishing continues to be fair to good from the dam using spinners and streamers.

Northeast

Cimarron River – No read on flows due to ice. The Cimarron is done until spring.
Costilla Creek – The flow is 36 cfs near the town of Costilla. Fishing is reported as slow below the Valle Vidal boundary, water levels are very low and there is snow and ice.
Red River - No read on flow due to ice at Questa and 36 cfs below the hatchery. Fishing for trout is reported as fair with better fishing on the lower stretches. Fish are being caught using all methods.
Rio Grande - No read on flow due to ice at Cerro and 405 cfs below the Taos Junction Bridge. Water levels are high and fishing is reported as slow to fair for pike. Best bet is to use large red and white lures or flies. Trout fishing is very slow with little activity. The river from Pilar to Cochiti Lake was stocked with 3,950 triploid rainbow trout last week.
Rio Hondo – No read on flow due to ice. Trout fishing is reported as slow with snow and ice. Best bet is to fish at the confluence with the Rio Grande.
Rio Pueblo - No read on flow due to ice. No report.
Charette Lakes – The lake has closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Clayton Lake – The lake has closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Eagle Nest Lake – The lake is closed to fishing until the ice is thick enough to allow it. At least read the ice was just over five inches. Nine inches is needed to allow people out on the lake.
Lake Alice and Lake Maloya– Lake Maloya is mostly covered with ice and closed until the ice is safe. The lake was stocked with 3,001 triploid rainbow trout last week.
Maxwell Lakes – The lake has closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Shuree Ponds – No report. Closes for the season Dec. 31.
Springer Lakes – No report. Springer Lake is closed to ice fishing.

West-Central, including the Jemez Mountains

Jemez River, East Fork, Guadalupe and San Antonio - Flow on the Jemez River is 16 cfs. The lower Guadalupe can be accessed below Gilman tunnels and is fishing fair in the warmer part of the day. The lower Jemez was stocked Nov. 11 and may be worth fishing for rainbows. The Valles Caldera National Preserve has closed the fishing program until spring.
Metro Drainages -- The fishing is reported as fair with most methods catching fish. The drainages were stocked last week: Albuquerque with 303 triploid rainbow trout; Belen with 202; Bernalillo with 80; Corrales with 118; and Peralta with 250.
Bluewater Lake – Fishing for trout is reported as slow due to ice on the lake.
Cochiti Lake – No report. The lake is closed for the season along the Tetilla side. The upper lake is also closed above Tetilla due to a log boom in place on the lake.
Fenton Lake – The lake is iced over and there is no ice fishing due to unsafe conditions. Warm thermal releases under the ice make for unsafe conditions. The lake will most likely be closed until spring thaw.
Tingley Beach Trout fishing in the Tingley Beach Children's and Central Ponds has been good. Best reports are from anglers using salmon eggs and Pistol Petes. The ponds were stocked with 2,399 triploid rainbow trout last week. Reports from fly-rod anglers at the South/Catch and Release Pond have been hit and miss; success has been reported when using bunny leeches, midges and black beetles.

East–Central, including the Pecos River

Coyote Creek - Closed for the season will reopen next spring.
Pecos River – No read on flow due to ice. The upper river is under ice. In lower sections, fish the afternoon hours, especially while the sun is on the water.
Conchas Lake – No report due to no traffic at the lake this past week
Morphy Lake – The lake has closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Santa Rosa Lake – No report.
Storrie Lake – Fishing is slow to fair for trout due to light traffic and cold weather.
Sumner Lake – No report.
Ute Lake – No report.

Southwest

Gila River - The flow is 120 cfs and fishing is slow.
Rio Grande - No report.
Bill Evans Lake - Fishing for trout is reported as fair with most methods working.
Caballo Lake – Fishing remains the same and reported as slow. Water levels are very low.
Elephant Butte Lake – No report.
Glenwood Ponds – Fishing is slow for trout.
Lake Roberts – Trout fishing is reported as slow with worms and Power Bait.
Quemado Lake – No report.

Southeast

Rio Ruidoso - Flow is .85 cfs in town and 3.2 cfs at Hollywood. Fishing is reported as slow on the lower stretches of the river where the flows are a bit higher.
Bonito Lake –The lake is closed for the season and will reopen next spring.
Bottomless Lakes: No report.
Brantley Reservoir – There has been light pressure and no current report. A mandatory catch and release is in place at Brantley Lake because pesticides have been found in the fish. Do not keep or eat them.
Grindstone Reservoir – Fishing is slow to fair for trout using worms, Pow

23 Wyoming Waters Have Liberalized Ice Fishing Regulations

2012-01-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

1/09/2012 Wyoming Game And Fish Department

CHEYENNE - Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Wyoming, and while most waters in the state are open under general regulations to ice anglers, there are 23 waters that have liberalized regulations covered under the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provision.

On waters covered under the special provision, anglers can use up to six lines when fishing through the ice. The regulation requires that when anglers use more than two lines on these waters, the angler's name shall be attached to each pole, line, or tip-up. In addition, the angler must be no more than 300 yards from all lines.

On waters not covered under the provision, anglers can use up to two lines.

Waters covered under the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provision are as follows:

• Alcova Reservoir in Natrona County
• Big Horn Lake in Bighorn County
• Big Sandy Reservoir in Sweetwater County
• Boysen Reservoir in Fremont County
• Deaver Reservoir in Park County
• Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Sweetwater County
• Fontenelle Reservoir in Lincoln County
• Glendo Reservoir in Platte County
• Goldeneye Reservoir in Natrona County
• Gray Reef Reservoir in Natrona County
• Grayrocks Reservoir in Platte County
• Guernsey Reservoir in Platte County
• Harrington Reservoir in Bighorn County
• Keyhole Reservoir in Crook County
• Kortes Reservoir in Carbon County
• Lake DeSmet in Johnson County
• Ocean Lake in Fremont County
• Pathfinder Reservoir in Carbon and Natrona Counties
• Pilot Butte Reservoir in Fremont County
• Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County
• Sulphur Creek Reservoir in Uinta County
• Wardell Reservoir in Bighorn County
• Woodruff Reservoir in Uinta County

Complete regulations for waters under the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provision can be found under Fishing Regulations on the Game and Fish website and on page 7 of the new 2012-2013 Wyoming Fishing Regulations
(Contact: Al Langston (307) 777-4540)

-WGFD-

Utah...Good Ice Fishing, Close To Home

2012-01-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dozens of waters in Utah provide good ice fishing action

You have warm clothes and waterproof boots. Your ice fishing equipment is ready to go. And you have a basic idea of how to locate fish and catch them through the ice.

Bluegill are fun to catch through the ice. These young anglers show the bluegill they caught at Pelican Lake.
Photo by Ryan Mosley

So what's standing between you and a great ice fishing experience this winter?

Maybe only one thing: Knowing which waters in Utah to fish.

Fortunately, dozens of waters across Utah provide good ice fishing year after year.

"In my opinion, Utah has some of the best ice fishing in the country," says Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Cushing has fished through the ice in states across the country.

"Utah provides a wider variety of fish to catch than any place I know of," he says. "And many of these opportunities are probably close to your home."

Cushing gave Utah County as an example. If you live in the county, you can fish for white bass at Utah Lake in the morning, and then turn around and head to Strawberry Reservoir to catch trophy-sized cutthroat trout in the afternoon; all in the same day!

Fishing reports

Visiting the DWR's fishing report is one way to learn which type of fish are in which waters and where fishing is the best.

DWR biologists, officers and outreach personnel update the report every one to two weeks. You can read the report at wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots.

Other Internet sources—such as utahwildlife.net and bigfishtackle.com—are also good places to visit. And don't forget your local fishing tackle shop or sporting goods store—people who work at these stores are often the first ones to know about good fishing in their areas.

Some of Utah's best

Cushing says the following waters are producing great fishing for the following fish:

Yellow perch

Larger perch:

Fish Lake, and Rockport Reservoir

Smaller, but more abundant perch:

Pineview, Mantua, Echo, and Starvation reservoirs

"Catching perch at Pineview can be fairly easy," Cushing says. "Just locate the spot on the bottom where the perch are, and then put your bait in front of the fish."

Bluegill

Larger bluegill:

Pelican Lake

Smaller, but more abundant bluegill:

Mantua Reservoir

Largemouth bass

Pelican Lake, and Mantua Reservoir

Rainbow, cutthroat, brown or tiger trout

Deer Creek Reservoir

Steinaker Reservoir

Starvation Reservoir

Strawberry Reservoir

"Strawberry provides fantastic fishing for big trout, and lots of them," Cushing says.

Birch Creek Reservoir

"This water provides good fishing for big tiger trout," Cushing says.

Lake trout

Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Fish Lake

"You have a good chance to catch some big fish at these waters," he says.

Burbot

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Crappie

Pineview Reservoir

Cushing says crappie can be tricky to catch. "They suspend at various depths," he says, "so they can be tough to find.

"But if you catch a crappie at a certain depth, keep fishing that depth," he says, "and you should do well. Pineview has a good population of crappie."

Kokanee salmon

Causey Reservoir, and Porcupine Reservoir

Cushing says the best ice fishing for kokanee salmon happens at the two waters at the start of the ice fishing season. "When ice first forms on these waters," he says, "salmon fishing can be fantastic for about two to three weeks."

White bass

Utah Lake

This is another water where the best fishing happens early in the ice fishing season. "Fishing for white bass is usually best from the time the ice forms until about mid January," Cushing says. "The harbors at the lake are the best places to catch them through the ice."

Some of the best fishing of the year

Cushing says the arrival of winter doesn't mean fishing is over until the spring. "Winter can be the most fun, the most productive and the least expensive time of the year to fish," he says. "New lakes, new opportunities and new species of fish are out there for you to enjoy. Get out there, and take advantage of it."

Videos

More ice fishing basics are available in two videos produced by the DWR. You can see the videos at http://www.youtube.com/UDWR

Fishhound Real-Time Fishing Reports

2012-01-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Can't Locate Your Water?

We have coverage on over 1500 fisheries but we're still missing a few. So if you'd like to see reporting on your favorite water and can recommend a guide, shop or lodge that you think can provide good reports let us know.

Fishhound Real-Time Fishing Reports

Oregon Fishing Report From TGF Jan. 13, 2012

2012-01-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Guide's Forecast Covering Oregon And Washington

Willamette Valley/Metro - Although there is some effort for sturgeon in the Portland to Longview stretch, catch is slow and will likely remain that way. Success rates may change when pilot runs of smelt come in the mainstem; that should be any week now.

Bonneville Pool anglers are catching fair numbers of sturgeon, including keepers in this reach. Eighteen legals and over 200 shakers were reported for 25 boats over the weekend. This can be a peak fishing period for anglers working this reservoir right now.

Water flow at Willamette Falls has moderated with the clarity improving and the temperature dropping into the low 40s. Winter steelhead are on the move with the YTD count about 1,000. No word yet on the sturgeon retention season for 2012 but it's likely to be short and occur during the month of February.

McKenzie levels continue to benefit from rain late last month. It will be in good shape and gradually dropping for the weekend. Be aware that in the 2012 regulations, bait is prohibited for steelhead or salmon until April 28th.

North Santiam flows remain above the seasonal norm but are forecast to drop and clear over the next week or so. Steelhead won't be moving until the water warms somewhat.

As the waters of the Clackamas River clear. the best chance for a winter steelhead hookup will become first and last light. Overall, results have been slow.

Drift fishing is accounting for some winter steelhead catches on the Sandy this week with corkies and yarn effective recently. Expect to see some changes in the river from the recent high water. Broodstock fish should show with more regularity later this month.

Northwest – Steelheaders fared better than expected on many north coast streams this week. Following the big rain, most systems have been without precipitation for several days and are getting low and clearing. The larger systems such as the Wilson and Nestucca are producing fair to good catches with great catches reported on Tuesday. Levels are getting low enough for plug pullers to take advantage of concentrated numbers but side-drifters are still getting fair numbers too. Broodstock fish are clearly present on the Wilson while the Nestucca is rumored to be giving up mostly wild fish for catch and release purposes.

Smaller streams like the Necanicum and North Fork Nehalem remain viable options for bank anglers but boaters will have a more challenging time as flows continue to drop. The North Fork Nehalem hatchery is still reporting high pressure but good catches, especially from the disabled fishing platform. Early mornings will be a key time for anglers to take advantage of eager biters. Three Rivers near Cloverdale will also produce good catches for at least the next week although hatchery workers are already spawning adult steelhead.

With no rain in sight, the mainstem Nehalem should come into shape by the weekend. Although still weeks away from peak season, there should be fishable numbers of steelhead available in all reaches. Big, bright lures and baits are encouraged.

Sturgeon fishing should be an option for Tillamook anglers beginning Saturday with the west channel likely to produce the best results.

The ocean may lay down for offshore anglers this weekend with crab and bottomfish a fair option. Don't have high expectations for crab however, the commercial catch appears to be down so far this season.

Southwest – Commercial charters were able to get out over the past weekend to experience excellent fishing for rockfish although lingcod catches were only fair. Ocean crabbing has been slow to fair.

Winchester Bay crabbing is once again productive following the freshet in late December.

Crabbing has rebounded at Coos Bay with the salinity level returning to normal. Both boat and dock crabbers are catching good-quality Dungeness. Steelheading on the Coos River has been fair but is slowing.

Coquille River winter steelhead catches were great following the freshet but the action is cooling as the water drops and clears.

Winter steelheading has been good on the lower Rogue as the water levels gradually drop. Results on the middle Rogue for winter steelhead have been slow to fair but results will improve in the weeks to come. Upper Rogue steelheading is fair but winding down as summer steelhead spawning season approaches.

Water is dropping and clearing on the Elk River which will lead to marginal conditions by the weekend to come. No rain is forecast until the third week in January.

Eastern – Redside fishing has been fair to good on the lower Deschutes, particularly as hatches appear in the afternoons. Steelheading is winding down as summers enter tributaries to spawn.

Crescent Lake has continued to produce fair catches of large lake trout to trollers using downriggers.

Bull trout catches have been good at Lake Billy Chinook with the best action mid-day and afternoons.

Idaho Anglers Have Good Choices Even During Winter

2012-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

Spokesman-Review Fishing Report By Rich Landers Jan 13, 2012

FISHING — Drier- and warmer-than-average weather is providing plenty of good fishing opportunities in Idaho this winter, Idaho Fish and Game officials say.

There’s ice-fishing in many parts of the state, but most rivers and streams are open year round, and the lack of snow makes access easy.

Here are a few regional options to consider:

In the Clearwater Region, steelhead fishing is still going strong. Fish responded to the warmer weather and rain last week and moved out of Lower Granite Reservoir, and the fishing picked up. The higher temperatures have also kept the sturgeon biting, and people have reported catching some nice fish over the past three weeks.

The two best ice-fishing spots usually are Winchester Lake and Spring Valley Reservoir, but the ice conditions are hampered by the warmer weather.

In the Panhandle Region, fishing the big lakes – Priest, Pend Oreille, and Coeur d’Alene – continues to be good. Boat launching is easy, the weather has been mild, and anglers have been doing well on lake trout in Priest, Chinook in Coeur d’Alene and rainbows in Pend Oreille.

Colder weather this week should start forming ice on some of the most popular lakes closer to Coeur d’Alene. Until four inches of ice forms in the CdA area, look to Bonner and Boundary counties for lakes with good ice and fishing for perch, bluegill and trout. These would include Kelso, Hauser, Twin, and Round, Smith, Brush, Bonner, Dawson, Perkins and Robinson Lakes.

Popular ice-fishing lakes that needed a bit more ice for ice-fishing before this cold snap are Cocolalla for perch and Spirit Lake for kokanee.

Click here to find out when and where fish have been stocked.

Spokesman-Review Fishing Report By Alan Liere Jan. 13, 2012

2012-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Spokesman-Review Jan. 13, 2012 Alan Liere

Steelhead
In the Clearwater Region, steelhead fishing is still on. Fish responded to the warmer weather and rain last week and moved out of Lower Granite Reservoir, and the fishing picked up.

In the Salmon region, anglers are still catching steelhead in the main Salmon River, primarily below North Fork.

The Tucannon River near the town of Starbuck, Wash., is fishable for steelhead. There is plenty of accessible water on the Tucannon for the wade fisherman, but if you haven’t been there before, stop off at Darver Tackle in Starbuck and get some directions and instructions. Steelhead anglers are catching a few fish in The Dalles Pool. Some winter steelhead should also be available from beaches on the lower Columbia.

Fishing for steelhead and other game fish will close early in several river systems in Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to protect wild steelhead.

The early closures will affect the Nooksack, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish and Puyallup, along with several streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Most river systems will close Feb 1.

Trout
With morning temperatures in the low teens again most lakes that were “iffy” for ice fishing a week ago are again fishable. Hatch Lake and Williams Lake in Stevens County have good ice covers and are producing some nice rainbow, but not for everyone. Hog Canyon has its moments of hot fishing, followed by several hours of dead time. Fourth of July trout fishing never seems to get hot, but a day on the ice is usually good for a couple of big trout.

Sprague Lake was ice-covered early in the week. It probably has fishable ice near the public launch, but no one was out when I drove by.

Reports from Lake Roosevelt range from “decent” to “lousy.” The Fort Spokane boat ramp was so icy last weekend some boats could not put in. Seven Bays was much better. Several “decent” reports have come from trollers in the vicinity of Sterling Point. Jointed Rapalas have been effective, as have perch-pattern streamer flies.

Rock Lake seems to be the most reliable destination for boat and shore anglers. Rainbow and browns are being caught by trolling or casting Rapalas to the shorelines, and bank fishermen are also having success dunking worms, marshmallows and Power Bait.

Trollers working along Medicare Beach on Potholes Reservoir are catching rainbow trout up to 4 pounds. Baby Hot Lips and Needlefish are popular.

Rufus Woods triploids continue to make anglers smile. Near Bridgeport, troll the can line. Down river, the net pens are good from shore, or try jigging in 10-20 feet of water. Trollers are dragging a variety of offerings, and all seem to work at one time or another. Most reports mention Rapalas or Muddler Minnows.

Rat Lake near Brewster is not completely frozen, but anglers fishing through the ice in the bay by the launch are catching rainbow trout running 10-14 inches.

Mackinaw trollers on Lake Chelan, Pend Oreille and Priest are raving about the Ace Hi-Fly and also the bite, which has been steady.

Spiny ray
The Pend Oreille River is not a bad option for northern pike. Anglers in boats have been dunking dead bait such as herring under a bobber or casting swimbaits.

Walleye action has been slow on Potholes Reservoir, though a few fish have been taken recently off the humps just out from Bly Landing – the first right past MarDon Resort. Ice is beginning form at Potholes launches.

Fish Lake in the Okanogan is coming back into fishing shape. Fish Lake was seeing some good perch fishing before the warmer weather hit.

Two friends and I fished Eloika Lake for 2 hours Monday morning just north of Jerry’s Landing. Between 7:30-8:30 a.m. we caught more than 50 perch from the same three holes. From 8:30-9:30 a.m., we caught only six. The ice was a solid 7 inches thick. We went back to Eloika Wednesday and caught a late bite from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Other fishermen report big catches throughout the day.

No one was on the ice at Silver Lake on Monday, but the launch bay should be fishable. The larger fish are in deeper water just out of the bay, so if you go, proceed cautiously.

Bear Lake, which is for juvenile anglers and those with disabilities, has good ice and is giving up a variety of spiny ray and trout.

A good ice fishing bet in Okanogan County is Patterson Lake, near Winthrop. The lake has just about every species of freshwater fish, but perch are the most targeted during the winter. Most are small, but there are some “jumbos.”

Ice on some of the most popular lakes closer to Coeur d’Alene is freezing again. Bonner and Boundary county lakes have good ice and fishing for perch, bluegill and trout. These include Kelso, Hauser, Twin, Round, Smith, Brush, Bonner, Dawson, Perkins and Robinson. Popular ice-fishing lakes Cocolalla and Spirit did not have safe ice early in the week, but it could be fine now.

Other species
Anglers looking for a fish fry are targeting burbot in the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt. Look for deep holes around buoy 5 above and below the spit. Jigs baited with nightcrawlers, blade baits and scented plastics are all taking fish. Aggressive jigging during which the bait is bounced hard off the bottom seems to be preferred by this tasty freshwater ling cod.

Sturgeon angling is good for boat anglers in the Bonneville Pool. Sturgeon anglers are also catching a few in The Dalles and John Day Pools. The higher temperatures have also kept the sturgeon biting on the Snake River, and some nice fish were reported caught the past week.

Tip of the week
Depth is important when fishing for winter perch. Put your jig 6-12 inches off the bottom. Below that and you’re in the weeds; above and you’re out of the zone.
Overheard
Fish biologists for Oregon and Washington estimate that the abundance of legal-size sturgeon measuring 38-54 inches in length has declined nearly 50 percent in the past four years on the lower Columbia. As a result, the allowable catch will be reduced for the third straight year.

2012-01-07T08:52:00.001-08:00

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Game Wardens Arrest Two Poaching Suspects in San Jose

2012-01-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Dept. Of Fish And Game News Dec.30, 2011

Media Contact:
Warden Patrick Foy, DFG Law Enforcement, (916) 508-7095
Based on intensive surveillance over the last several weeks, California game wardens arrested two suspects for commercialization of sport-caught fish and Dungeness crabs.
Tam Van Tran, 62, and his wife Lanh Thi Nguyen Tran, 59, both of San Jose, were arrested this morning during service of a search warrant related to an ongoing poaching investigation. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens observed the suspects routinely taking fish, including sturgeon, and crab under the authority of a recreational fishing license, then illegally selling their catch on the black market. Neither suspect has a commercial fishing license, and both are repeat sturgeon poaching offenders.
“Commercial sale of sport-caught fish and crabs can significantly affect the population of these species as a whole, especially with sensitive species such as sturgeon,” said DFG’s Capt. Bob Farrell. “It ultimately harms the honest anglers who follow the laws, and impacts the very species the regulations were established to protect.”
Based upon surveillance, game wardens allege the pair conspired to profit from the sale of sturgeon, striped bass and Dungeness crabs with a black market network of buyers (businesses and individuals) that they have developed over the years.
The volume of the fish taken by both suspects has DFG personnel most concerned. Though suspects were under investigation for only a few weeks, they have been on the wardens’ radar for more than one year, thanks to tips from the public. They were known to fish throughout the year in many locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and along the coast.
Both suspects face felony conspiracy charges and multiple poaching-related charges.

WDFW Emergency Rule Updates and News

2012-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Emergency Rule Updates and News
Please note: These updates reflect changes to the Sportfishing Pamphlet. Rules found in the Sportfishing Pamphlet are in effect unless otherwise noted in the changes listed below.

Rule Changes > All Emergency Rule Updates
This list shows all emergency rules currently in effect. For expired emergency rules, see Historical Rule Updates.

January 2012
White, Carbon and upper Puyallup rivers will close early to fishing
Snohomish River system will close early to fishing
Nooksack River will close early to fishing
Stillaguamish River system will close to fishing early
Strait of Juan de Fuca rivers will close early to fishing
Skagit River system will close to fishing early
Yakima River "Reservation Boundary Reach" closes for winter whitefish fishing
Tokul Creek to open early for hatchery steelhead and other gamefish

Record Brown Trout Caught in California's New Melones

2012-01-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

posted by GoFISHn at 13 hours ago
Tags: Brown Trout
The famed southern California fishery, New Melones Lake, has a new record brown trout.

Michael Oliveira caught a 13-pound, 4-ounce brown trout on Dec. 30, breaking the existing record by an ounce. Using a shad-patterned lure, Oliveira cast to a large swirl, and the big female was full of eggs, "dropping them like crazy," according to the Calaveras Enterprise.

The fish had a girth of 20.5 inches and was 26.5 inches long. --Brian McClintock

Take Me Fishing News

Memorial Services Set For Ranger Margaret Anderson

2012-01-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Memorial Services Set For Ranger Margaret Anderson

[Printer-friendly text version]

A memorial service will be held this coming Tuesday to celebrate the life of Ranger Margaret Anderson, who was fatally shot by an assailant on January 1st.

The service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10th, at Pacific Lutheran University (12180 Park Avenue S, Tacoma, Washington). Arrangements are in progress and will be shared as they become available.

The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. They should be sent to KeyBank, P.O. Box 159, Eatonville, WA 98328. Checks should be made out to the Margaret Anderson Donation Account.

All correspondence, including requests for information, resource offers, and condolences, should be sent to MountRainierInfo@gmail.com. Please send any photos of Margaret for inclusion a multimedia presentation at the memorial to the above address.

For guidance on lowering flags to half staff and the wearing of mourning bands, see the related story in today’s edition or click on the “More Information” link.

More Information...

Thousands In Stolen Fishing Gear Recovered

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

North Shore Outlook, North Vancouver, BC By Todd Coyne Jan. 5, 2012

The North Vancouver RCMP are trying to find the owners of thousands of dollars in stolen fishing gear recovered at the Mosquito Creek Marina.

The North Van Mounties responded to a break and enter in progress at the 415 West Esplanade marina Wednesday night after a passerby reported hearing a boat's security alarm.

Police arrived to find a man walking away from the dock with an assortment of high-end fishing rods and reels. The 43-year-old Maple Ridge man was arrested for suspected possession of stolen property.

Further investigation by the Mounties found that the man had more high-end fishing gear in his vehicle nearby, including expensive downriggers used for deep-sea fishing.

North Van RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Richard De Jong told The Outlook Thursday that the suspect may have taken fishing gear from boats in Burnaby and other coastal parts of Metro Vancouver. It is believed the suspect was robbing the boats and selling the stolen gear at local pawn shops.

Police are now calling on boat owners who think they may have been a victim of these thefts to contact Const. Stacey Robinson of the North Van RCMP via email at robinson@rcmp-grc.ca.

tcoyne@northshoreoutlook.com
twitter.com/toddcoyne

A Central OR Fishing Report Jan. 5, 2012

2012-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Bulletin

Reports of excellent fishing on Crooked River below Bowman
Published: January 05. 2012 4:00AM PST
Here is the weekly fishing report for selected areas in and around Central Oregon, provided by fisheries biologists for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:

CENTRAL ZONE

CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: The fishing has been excellent, with fish over 20 inches long being reported.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Mouth to the Pelton Regulating Dam): If you’re looking for some solitude, now is a great time to fish for trout and steelhead on the lower Deschutes. Anglers should try tactics with slow presentations such as nymphs or a jig and bobber. Lots of steelhead remain in the lower river around Maupin.

DESCHUTES RIVER (Lake Billy Chinook to Bend): Flows have increased significantly, and anglers are reminded to exercise caution when wading. No recent reports, but there should be good fishing for rainbow and brown trout.

HOOD RIVER: A few bright winter steelhead are being caught on the lower Hood River. Recent high water should have brought some new fish into the river. The number of steelhead in the river will continue to increase as the winter progresses.

METOLIUS RIVER: Trout fishing has been good. Insect hatches should offer lots of opportunities for good dry fly fishing.

OCHOCO RESERVOIR: Fishing has been hit and miss; be prepared to try a lot of different gears until you find what works. The reward is healthy trout in the 14-to 16-inch range, with the occasional 18-to 20-inch fish.

PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR: Anglers have reported catching larger trout than in recent years. Anglers should consult the 2011 Sport Fishing Regulations for maximum length requirements and bag limits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

SHEVLIN YOUTH FISHING POND: The pond is open to fishing year-round but may be iced over in winter. Shevlin Pond is open to children 17 years old and younger, with a bag limit of two fish.

The Spokesman-Review Fishing Report Jan. 6, 2012

2012-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Fishing report by Alan Liere

Fly fishing
At Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene, Pat Way said area rivers are coming back to normal after being blown out earlier in the week. He said there is a short window of opportunity on the Coeur d’Alene River, from about 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during which nymphing can be absolutely excellent. Way said if possible, anglers should keep two rods handy – one with a nymph and one with a dry fly to take advantage of the extremely short afternoon hatches.

The Clearwater and Grand Ronde rivers were blown out after the big rains around New Year’s, but they are settling back into fishable condition and could even be good by the weekend. The Clearwater needed a push of water to bring up levels and the Grande Ronde was running at 1,200 cfs on Thursday – just about perfect for fly fishing.

Idaho anglers and hunters need new licenses for 2012. Washington anglers and hunters have until the end of March before a 2012 license must be purchased.

Steelhead and salmon

The spring steelhead season opened New Year’s Day on the Salmon, Little Salmon, Snake, Clearwater, North Fork Clearwater and South Fork Clearwater. All should be fishable.

The chinook bite on Coeur d’Alene Lake is fair, Jeff Smith at Fins and Feathers said. The biggest fish recorded last week was an 11-pounder from in front of Carlin Bay. Numerous smaller fish have been taken. Smith said to use herring at 90-100 feet over water averaging 120 feet deep. Troll the middle of the north end from Tubbs Hill to Arrow Point.

Trout and kokanee
WDFW fish biologist Chris Donley said he and two relatives fished Lake Roosevelt between Whitestone and Lincoln this week, landing nine rainbow and losing four others. Donley said they found most of the fish by trolling 6 feet down along the edges of sandy beaches, sometimes no more than 10 feet off shore. His party covered a lot of water, but where one fish was caught, there were always others, he said.

Other Roosevelt reports have not been so positive, but some anglers report moderate success around Hunters and in the San Poil arm. Colville Tribe fish counter Branditt West said she recently checked 14 trollers with only 12 trout and five bank fishermen with two. Branditt added that since September, she has only checked three kokanee.

Normally, good catches come in this time of year. That said, Frank Whitney and “Skipper” Bill Bongers fished Roosevelt for kokanee on New Year’s Day. A lot of patience and a slow troll from surface to 9 feet eventually put them into a school of kokanee ranging from 16-22 inches. Bongers said to watch for eagles which will indicate the location of fish on the surface.

Lake Chelan has been excellent for lake trout in the Trench. The Ace Hi-Fly is the ticket. Rufus Woods is yielding good catches of 2- to 3-pound triploids all around the net pens and off the beaches across from the net pens. Jigging is a popular and effective method, but the larger fish seem to prefer bait or bait look-alikes such as the Berkley Swim Bait. Remember that plastics, if scented, are considered “bait” and fish caught on them must counted as part of your two-fish limit.

Ice at Hog Canyon, Fourth of July and Sprague lakes has been compromised during the recent warm weather. Proceed with caution. It is not necessary to go out far from shore, particularly at Hog Canyon, but there is even a possibility of open water fishing by the weekend.

Spiny ray
Walleye anglers on Lake Roosevelt are finding the fishing slow. Most fish taken are deep.

There were a few anglers on the ice at Eloika at midweek, but fishing for perch was slow. Eloika had 7 inches of hard ice before the warming spell, but some of that is gone.

Idaho ice fishing is good in places, but there is thin ice around the shorelines of most lakes. Don’t sneak out onto the ice early and not be able to sneak back off when it warms up later in the day. Round Lake is still fishable for trout and perch and Kelso is still good. Avondale, Gamble and Granite lakes have good ice, but the chain lakes are a mess and Fernan is soft around the edges. There were anglers on Hauser Lake on Wednesday.

Other species
Ice at Bead Lake is between 4 and 6 inches thick, but no one has been observed fishing for burbot. Lake Roosevelt walleye anglers still report catching a lot of burbot, which are one of the homeliest (but best-tasting) fish around. With a little practice, they are relatively easy to clean.

Washington State shellfish managers have announced tentative dates for evening razor clam digs during the next two months at Washington’s ocean beaches. Final approval depends on results of marine toxin tests that show the clams are safe to eat. The first dig is scheduled Jan. 20-21 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks on evening tides. The second is planned during President’s Day weekend, Feb. 18-19, at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

High muddy flows improved the sturgeon bite over the weekend in the lower Columbia River. Boaters should be mindful of large debris floating down the river.

A New WA Fishing Forum

2012-01-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON FISHING FORUM A Place For Washington Anglers To Talk About Current Fishing Opportunities.

A Fund For Donations Has Been Established For The Family Of Ranger Margaret Anderson

2012-01-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Posted by Nick Provenza on January 4, 2012 at 1:29 PM The Seattle Times

The News Tribune in Tacoma has posted an item giving details on how to donate to a fund that’s been set up for the family of National Park Service Ranger Margaret Anderson who was slain Sunday in Mount Rainier National Park.

Here’s their post:

An account in Anderson’s name has been established at KeyBank.

To make donations by mail, send them to KeyBank: Margaret Anderson Donation Account, P.O. Box 159, Eatonville, WA 98328. Make checks payable to Margaret Anderson Donation Account.
To make a donation electronically, contact your bank and asked to have the money sent to the address above.
Donations can be made in person at any KeyBank branch nationwide.
KeyBank cannot process donations over the phone.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested from those wishing to express their support of Margaret Anderson’s family, Mount Rainier National Park spokesman Kevin Bacher said Tuesday night.
Anderson is survived by her husband, Eric, and 3- and 1-year-old daughters.

The News Tribune, Tacoma, WA

Reel Time Fishing Northwest

2012-01-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Get the latest news on fishing especially the west side by Mark Yuasa in The Seattle Times.

Confused About The WA Discover Pass?

2012-01-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Me too...and this really doesn't help much.

WDFW Licensing and Permits

Exemptions to the Discover Pass

Exemptions to the DiscoverPass

Updated: Week of Aug. 1,2011

Your purchase of theDiscover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, you do not need topurchase the pass under certain circumstances. Download the "Do I need aDiscover Pass?" chart (67KB PDF) or read the following information aboutexemptions to the Discover Pass.

Camping in a Washingtonstate park: Your camping reservation stub or camping fee receipt will serve asyour permit for the duration of your stay in the park where you have paid for acampsite, vacation house, environmental learning center, yurt or cabin. If youvisit other state parks in the area, you will need an annual or one-dayDiscover Pass. You will need a pass if you are camping on lands managed by theWashington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Washington Departmentof Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Hunting and fishing onWDFW-managed lands. The Discover Pass is not required for holders of certainhunting and fishing licenses on WDFW recreation lands and water-access sites.For those individuals, a "WDFW vehicle access pass" will be requiredfor vehicle access to WDFW lands and boat launches. WDFW will honor WDFWvehicle use permits that were purchased prior to July 1, 2011, on WDFW landsthrough March 31, 2012.

Those license holders willneed a Discover Pass to access DNR-managed lands that are developed ordesignated as recreation areas, sites, trailheads and parking areas. Signs willbe posted in these areas. License holders will not need a Discover Pass toaccess small blocks of undesignated DNR-managed lands.

For vehicle access tolands managed by State Parks, all hunters or fishers will need to purchase theDiscover Pass. As a reminder, hunting is not allowed on State Parks lands.

Note: The vehicle accesspass is valid for the license's year (April 1 through March 31) and is issuedfree of charge with an individual's initial purchase of a big-game orsmall-game hunting license, western Washington pheasant permit, trappinglicense, Watchable Wildlife decal, or saltwater, freshwater or combinationrecreational fishing license.

Sno-Park seasonal permitholders: You do not need a Discover Pass to use a designated Sno-Park betweenNov. 1 and March 31 for winter recreation activities. The Sno-Park permitexception does not apply to non-winter recreation activities.

Off-Road Vehicle (ORVs):If your ORV is required to display an ORV tab, you do not need a Discover Passfor that vehicle. Generally, ORVs are non-street-legal vehicles. You will needa Discover Pass for the street-legal vehicle that transports your ORV to astate recreation site. The trailer does not require a pass. Street-licensedvehicles, such as dual-sport motorcycles or four-wheel-drive vehicles, will berequired to display a pass.

Disabled veterans andother State Parks pass holders: The Washington State Legislature has createdpass programs or certain visitors to Washington state parks. These existingpasses reduce or waive camping fees for qualified limited-income seniorcitizens, disabled veterans, foster parents and people with disabilities. Thesepass holders are not required to display the Discover Pass while visiting stateparks but are required to display the Discover Pass while on WDFW or DNR lands.

Pass holders visitingstate parks need to display their free- or reduced-price pass on the dashboardor fill out a self-registration envelope and include the pass number on theenvelope.

Disability placards andlicense plates: The Department of Licensing issues these disability permits andlicense plates, and holders of these are exempt from needing the Discover Passon State Parks lands, pursuant to RCW 79A.05.065. Holders of these permits andplates do need to have the Discover Pass to access WDFW or DNR lands. Forinformation about DOL-issued disability permits, visit www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/parking.html

State Parks boat launchsites. You will not need a Discover Pass to launch your boat from a State Parksboat launch if you have the annual Natural Investment Permit. You will need theDiscover Pass for boat launches managed by DNR and WDFW and in a state parkusing a daily launch permit.

Volunteers. Volunteers whowork 24 hours or more on agency-approved projects are eligible for acomplimentary Discover Pass.

Those with certain writtenagreements with agencies. Individuals with leases, easements, and othercontracts may not need a Discover Pass if their contract with the agencyspecifically exempts them from the pass. The agencies are analyzing theirexisting contracts to determine which ones provide exemptions from the DiscoverPass requirement.

Please note: Even thoughthe pass is not required in these cases, your purchase helps to maintain,manage and operate state recreation lands. As funding for recreation shiftsfrom tax support to user fees, the responsibility to cover the costs of theseexemptions will shift from the general public to visitors. You also maycontinue to donate to Washington State Parks when you register a vehiclethrough the Department of Licensing.

Purchase Your Fishing License On Line

2012-01-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

Washington State Department Of Fish And Wildlife

Information for obtaining a fishing license in all 50 states here at Take Me Fishing.

Mini-Lake Trolls By WDSTK 3 Handcrafted Lures

2012-01-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

18" of 30# ALF Bleeding Leader Wire, 2 #3 and 2 #4 Indiana hammered nickel spinners, 2 8mm and 2 6mm Czech fire polished glass beads, 4 4mm red glass beads as bearings for the #3 nickel stirrup clevises with a 1.5 inch nickel trolling rudder leading the way and brass swivel snaps at each end.

18" of 30# ALF Bleeding Leader wire, 4 #4 Swing hammered nickel spinners, 4 red and 4 green Crackle glass beads, 4 4mm red glass beads as bearings for the #3 nickel stirrup clevises with a 1.5 inch nickel trolling rudder up front and brass swivel snaps at each end.

Police: Body Found At Wash. Park Is That Of Gunman

2012-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

By Mike Baker
Associated Press

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. (AP) — An armed Iraq War veteran suspected of killing a Mount Rainier National Park ranger managed to evade snowshoe-wearing SWAT teams and dogs on his trail for nearly a day. He couldn't, however, escape the cold.

A plane searching the remote wilderness for Benjamin Colton Barnes, 24, on Monday discovered his body lying partially submerged in an icy, snowy mountain creek with snow banks standing several feet high on either side.
"He was wearing T-shirt, a pair of jeans and one tennis shoe. That was it," Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said.
Barnes did not have any external wounds and appears to have died due to the elements, he said. A medical examiner was at the scene to determine the cause of death. Troyer said two weapons were recovered, but he declined to say where they were located.
According to police and court documents, Barnes had a troubled transition to civilian life, with accusations in a child custody dispute that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following his Iraq deployments and was suicidal.
The mother of his toddler daughter sought a temporary restraining order against him, according to court documents.
She alleged that he got easily irritated, angry and depressed and kept an arsenal of weapons in his home. She wrote that she feared for the child's safety. Undated photos provided by police showed a shirtless, tattooed Barnes brandishing two large weapons.
The woman told authorities Barnes was suicidal and possibly suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after deploying to Iraq in 2007-2008, and had once sent her a text message saying "I want to die."
In November 2011, a guardian ad litem recommended parenting and communication classes for both parents as well as a visitation schedule for Barnes until he completed evaluations for domestic violence and mental health and complied with treatment recommendations.
Maj. Chris Ophardt, an Army spokesman, told The News Tribune that Barnes had been stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Tacoma, and was released from the Army in November 2009 after two years and seven months on active duty after charges of driving under the influence and improperly transporting privately owned weapons.
Steven Dean, FBI special agent, said Barnes worked in communications.
Barnes is believed to have fled to the remote park on Sunday to hide after an earlier shooting at a New Year's house party near Seattle that wounded four, two critically. Authorities suspect he then fatally shot ranger Margaret Anderson.
Immediately after the park shooting, police cleared out Mount Rainier of visitors and mounted a manhunt.
Fear that tourists could be caught in the crossfire in a shootout with Barnes prompted officials to hold more than a 100 people at the visitors' center before evacuating them in the middle of the night.
Late Sunday, police said Barnes was a suspect in another shooting incident.
On New Year's, there was an argument at a house party in Skyway, south of Seattle, and gunfire erupted, police said. Barnes was connected to the shooting, said Sgt. Cindi West, King County Sheriff's spokeswoman.
Police believe Barnes headed to the remote park wilderness to "hide out" following the Skyway shooting.
"The speculation is that he may have come up here, specifically for that reason, to get away," parks spokesman Kevin Bacher told reporters early Monday. "The speculation is he threw some stuff in the car and headed up here to hide out."
Anderson had set up a roadblock Sunday morning to stop a man who had blown through a checkpoint rangers use to check if vehicles have tire chains for winter conditions. A gunman opened fire on her before she was able to exit her vehicle, authorities say.
Before fleeing, the gunman fired shots at both Anderson and the ranger that trailed him, but only Anderson was hit.
Anderson would have been armed, as she was one of the rangers tasked with law enforcement, Bacher said. Troyer said she was shot before she had even got out of the vehicle.
Park superintendent Randy King said Anderson, a 34-year-old mother of two young girls who was married to another Rainier ranger, had served as a park ranger for about four years.
King said Anderson's husband also was working as a ranger elsewhere in the park at the time of the shooting.
The shooting renewed debate about a federal law that made it legal for people to take loaded weapons into national parks. The 2010 law made possession of firearms subject to state gun laws.
Bill Wade, the outgoing chair of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, said Congress should be regretting its decision.
"The many congressmen and senators that voted for the legislation that allowed loaded weapons to be brought into the parks ought to be feeling pretty bad right now," Wade said.
Wade called Sunday's fatal shooting a tragedy that could have been prevented. He hopes Congress will reconsider the law that took effect in early 2010, but doubts that will happen in today's political climate.
Calls and emails to the National Rifle Association requesting comment were not immediately returned on Monday.
The NRA said media fears of gun violence in parks were unlikely to be realized, the NRA wrote in a statement about the law after it went into effect. "The new law affects firearms possession, not use," it said.
The group pushed for the law saying people have a right to defend themselves against park animals and other people.
King said the park would remain closed Tuesday as the investigation continued and the rangers grieve the loss of their colleague.
"We have been through a horrific experience," King said. "We're going to need a little time to regroup."
___
Associated Press writer Donna Gordon Blankinship contributed from Seattle.

Ranger Fatally Shot At National Park

2012-01-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Spokesman-Review Jan 02, 2012

By Mike Baker
Associated Press

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, Wash. – A Mount Rainier National Park ranger was fatally shot following a New Year’s Day traffic stop, and the 368-square-mile park in Washington state was closed as dozens of officers searched for the armed gunman over snowy and rugged terrain.

Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said late Sunday afternoon that Benjamin Colton Barnes, a 24-year-old believed to have survivalist skills, was a “strong person of interest” in the slaying of Margaret Anderson. A parks spokesman said Barnes was an Iraq war veteran.

Authorities recovered his vehicle, which had weapons and body armor inside, Troyer said.

Barnes was also a suspect in the early Sunday morning shooting of four people at a house party south of Seattle, police said.

Authorities believed the gunman was still in the woods with weapons. They asked people to stay away from the park, and for those already inside to leave.

“We do have a very hot and dangerous situation,” Troyer said.

Troyer said authorities were following tracks in the snow they believe are from the gunman, and crews planned to bring an airplane through the area with heat-seeking capabilities.

“We believe we have a good track on him, but he’s way ahead of us,” Troyer said.

Kevin Bacher, a spokesman for the park, said about 125 people would spend Sunday night in the visitors center basement along with five law enforcement officers protecting the facility. He said crews had considered removing them in armored vehicles, but decided not to take any risk. There was enough food at the center, but Bacher said diapers were running in short supply.

The park would remain closed today, officials announced late Sunday.

Jason Simpson, 29, of Kent, said his parents were still trapped at the visitors center after traveling to the mountain for a day hike. His parents were able to make a call explaining their situation, and Simpson drove to the park entrance to wait.

“It’s very distressing,” Simpson said.

Sgt. Cindi West, King County sheriff’s spokesperson, said late Sunday that Barnes was connected to an early-morning shooting at a New Year’s house party in Skyway, Wash., south of Seattle that left four people injured, two critically. That incident happened about 3 a.m., and stemmed from an argument over a gun.

West said three people fled the scene. Two were located, and West said authorities were trying to find Barnes and had been in contact with his family, trying to have them convince him to “come to the police and tell his side of the story” in the Skyway shooting.

At Mount Rainier around 10:20 a.m. Sunday, Bacher said, the gunman had sped past a checkpoint. One ranger began following him while Anderson eventually blocked the road to stop the driver.

Before fleeing, the gunman fired shots at both Anderson and the ranger that trailed him, but only Anderson was hit, Bacher said.

It was possible that searchers may wait until morning to continue the effort.

“We do not know what resources the shooter has. We’re not sure what we’re up against,” Bacher said. “We know that he has a weapon, but we don’t know how many.”

About 150 officers, including officials from the Washington State Patrol, U.S. Forest Service and FBI, were on the mountain.

An FBI SWAT team was working to remove Anderson’s body from the mountain Sunday night.

Mount Rainier has never had an officer shot and killed in the line of duty, said Lee Snook, a public information officer with the Park Service.

Park superintendent Randy King said Anderson is a mother of two young daughters who has served as a park ranger for about four years. King said Anderson’s husband, Eric, also was working as a ranger elsewhere in the park at the time of the shooting.

“It’s just a huge tragedy – for the family, the park and the park service,” he said.

Margaret Anderson’s mother-in-law said her oldest daughter, Anna, was born on Feb. 14, 2008, making her 3. The youngest, Katie, will turn 2 in May.

Eric Anderson has been left “devastated” by his wife’s slaying, Cynthia Anderson said in the telephone interview.

The couple met when both worked as park rangers at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, Anderson said, her voice choking with emotion.

They then moved to Harpers Ferry, W.Va., where they worked nearby in different parks, Anderson said.

About four years ago, they got the opportunity to work in the same park at Mount Rainier, Anderson said.

“That is why they decided to go out there,” Anderson said. “It’s beautiful out there.”

Their dream was to work together and raise a family, Anderson said.

“They’re both very outdoorsy,” Anderson said. “And very religious, too,” Anderson said, explaining that both are Lutherans and that Margaret Anderson is the daughter of a Lutheran minister.

It has been legal for people to take loaded firearms into Mount Rainier since 2010, when a controversial federal law went into effect that made possession of firearms in national parks subject to state gun laws.

The shooting occurred on an unseasonably sunny and mild day. The park, which offers miles of wooded trails and spectacular vistas from which to see 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, draws between 1.5 million and 2 million visitors each year.

The Longmire station served as headquarters when the national park was established in 1899. Park headquarters have moved but the site still contains a museum, a hotel, restaurant and gift shop, which are open year-round.

The Seattle Times contributed to this report.

Finally a Winner!

2012-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

After some delay by FloodStreet Sweepstakes in picking a winner (A number of contests experienced the same delay) Dawn W. is the Winner. Congratulations Dawn! Send me your snail mail address so I can get your rigs in the mail to you!

Thanks to all for entering. I'm planning another contest the 2nd week of January so watch for it.

Happy Birthday 'Noise on the Line' Blog! Drawing

2012-01-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Master craftsman John Delaney of 'Noise On The Line" Blog and Fish Creek Spinners is hosting his first monthly Spinner giveaway of 2012.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Happy Birthday 'Noise on the Line' Blog!
Happy Birthday drawing - January 2012
Time to launch the Fish Creek Spinners monthly Spinner giveaway drawing for 2012 and celebrate the Blog's first birthday! Drawing to be held 2/11/12 on the anniversary of my first post!

Depending on participation, this celebration can get 10 winning anglers - up to a dozen free spinners in their mailbox.

Those are the drawing's spinner candidates. Depending on the number of contestants, you could win the leftmost top three (single winner) or you and nine other anglers could get a set of all of them (ten winners).

Comment to enter now or Read-on to find the Devil in the Details.
How it works

Enter as many times as you want - you cast more, you catch more fish.

I'll count up to 5 entries per angler.

Promote the drawing - better participation = more and better prizes

What's this mean to you?
More Comments = More Entries = Better Angler Odds
More Anglers = Better Prizes (more spinners) and more Winners

Catch that?

If you're feeling lucky - Spread the word. More anglers in drawing = more winners and more spinners for you.

After reaching 24 anglers, each time the number of 'anglers' in the drawing exceeds the next multiple of twelve, another winner and spinner is added to the drawing. The more anglers that enter, the more winners and spinners in each winning set - up to twelve spinners for 10 winning anglers.

Notice the 'different' clause in the distribution below.

Distribution -

Win3 - 1 to 23 anglers - 3 spinners in the pool - 1 winner get 3 spinners
Win4 - 24 to 35 anglers - 8 spinners in the pool - 2 'different' winners get 4 spinners
Win5 - 36 to 47 anglers - 15 spinners in the pool - 3 different winners get 5 spinners
Win6 - 48 to 59 anglers - 24 spinners in the pool - 4 different winners get 6 spinners
Win7 - 60 to 71 anglers - 35 spinners in the pool - 5 different winners get 7 spinners
Win8 - 72 to 83 anglers - 48 spinners in the pool - 6 different winners get 8 spinners
Win9 - 84 to 95 anglers - 63 spinners in the pool - 7 different winners get 9 spinners
Win10- 96 to 107 anglers - 80 spinners in the pool - 8 different winners get 10 spinners
Win11 - 108 to 119 anglers - 99 spinners in the pool - 9 different winners get 11 spinners
Win12 - 120 plus anglers - 120 spinners in the pool - 10 different winners get a dozen spinners

Drawings are just more fun - for me - with more participation.

How to Enter drawing

To enter just click the blog title and then enter a comment to the Comments section at the bottom of the post.

Each comment you enter (that includes unique identifying info) becomes an entry number in the 2/11/12 drawing.

Each comment increases your odds of Random.org choosing one of your numbered entries.

Some anglers choose identifying information when they comment, others use Anonymous.

Anonymous entries - A lot of anglers enter comments using 'Anonymous'.

If you're one of this crew, you'll need to provide some form of unique data in your comments to be sure I track your entries accurately. I need to be able to differentiate and compile comments by person before winners get drawn, so add something unique that lets me keep comments sorted and tracked. This also lets me contact you if you win. e.g. eventually I need to collect mailing information in order to mail the winning anglers their spinners.

Some anglers use forum & ID, blogger IDs, Google IDs. A type and ID should do it. Spammers read blogs looking for email addresses. Although this works, you may want to avoid it.

More Fine Print -

I'll use the Random.org website to pick the winners. But due to the opportunity for multiple entries per angler - plus the lucky nature of certain anglers (not naming names!). It's possible that I'll have to provide a level of oversight - in the spirit of fairness.

Assuming 'excellent' participation and Random.org picks a couple of your comment entry numbers, You win your first one, but you're 'over the limit' on any others and I'll pick the next non-winner in sequence to receive them - your new best friend forever. The results matrix will show any of these situations if they happen.

February's drawing will be a Customer appreciation drawing. If you're not an FCS customer, there's still time - think about it!

Here's a link to the Fish Creek Spinner web store if you want to look around and opt in for February

Whew, Happy New Year - Let's get this boat in the water!
Reactions:
Posted by John Delaney at 5:32 PM

Thank you! And A Safe And Prosperous New Year To You!

2012-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

And a special thanks to these small business entrepreneurs that have helped my small business by stocking my rigs!

AX Tackle, Spokane, WA

Beaver Lodge Resort, Colville, WA

Best Buy Surplus, Spokane, WA

Fisherman's Cove Resort, Curlew Lake, WA

Grandview Inn, Motel, and RV Park, Kettle Falls, WA

Klink's Williams Lake Resort, Cheney, WA

$50 PayPal Cash Flash Giveaway Winner.....

2012-01-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the Cash Flash Giveaway for $50 PayPal cash is Danielle F.!!

Check it out here at $simplistic$avings.

$50 New Year's Eve Flash Paypal Cash!

2011-12-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

My daughter and "Ace" couponer Leah L. and her partner Joelle P. of $implistic$avings.com reached 7000+ followers on FB today and to celebrate this and the beginning of a New Year, WDSTK 3 has joined with several others in offering this giveaway to celebrate!

This Cash Flash Giveaway starts now and ends at 12:00 AM EST (that is 9:00 PM PST) The winner will be notified via email with instructions for claiming the prize. Won't that be an awesome email to find in your inbox in the morning?

To enter, fill out the form below (click the "read more" if you don't see it)

Happy New Year and good luck everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spokesman-Review Fishing Report Dec. 30, 2011

2011-12-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

By Alan Liere

Steelhead and salmon
The steelhead harvest report from IDFG indicates anglers are catching steelhead from the mouth of the Clearwater to Orofino at the rate of a fish every seven hours, but most are wild, resulting in an average of one fish kept every 80 hours.

Steelhead fishing improved this past week in the John Day Arm of the Columbia. Upstream of Philippi Park, the river is iced over.

Although steelhead fishing closes Monday on most of the upper Columbia, Bob Fately at Triangle Exxon in Brewster said this weekend would be a good time to get out. Fishing near Pateros and Bridgeport has been fair to good.

At Darver Tackle in Starbuck, Wash., Verna Foley said steelhead fishing is “sporadic.” Below the fish hatchery has been good at times, and the mouth of the Tucannon good more often than not. “The Wall” off Little Goose Dam, a mainstay for Snake River anglers in the area, is providing slow steelhead fishing, although long-liners below the wall are doing pretty well.

Trout and kokanee
Fourth of July Lake trout fishing has been good, but there is a lot of water on the ice. At Hog Canyon, the ice is thicker and anglers are taking trout longer than 16 inches. Fishing was poor Wednesday, but when it suddenly turns on, the big Hog Canyon trout provide a lot of excitement. Good fishing has been reported at Hatch Lake near Colville where the rainbows run 13 to 16 inches. Anglers have also been catching some fish in that range at Williams Lake.

Lake Roosevelt trout reports still are best from anglers fishing in the vicinity of Hawk Creek. One group of anglers said they limited by dunking worm and marshmallow sandwiches from shore. Less positive reports came from Seven Bays and Fort Spokane, although the occasional fish was landed.

Rock Lake continues to provide good fishing for browns and rainbows in the vicinity of Johnson’s Beach. The browns are close in, the rainbows deeper.

Banks Lake is up 8 feet from low pool and rising slowly. Few anglers are launching boats, but those fishing from shore are taking trout, Lou Nevsimal at Coulee Playland Resort said.

Rippin’ Minnows trolled behind four colors of leaded line are consistently taking limits of Rufus Woods triploids near the first set of net pens. Dark-colored jigs are also effective. Small Rufus Woods triploids are 2-3 pounds with larger ones to 8 pounds not uncommon.

Ice fishing opportunities are available at Patterson and Davis lakes in the Winthrop area, Rat Lake near Brewster, and Big and Little Green lakes west of Omak, WDFW Okanogan district fish biologist Bob Jateff said. “The predominant species at Davis, Rat and Green lakes is rainbow trout in the 10- to 12-inch range,” he said. Patterson Lake also has perch in the 7- to 8-inch range.

Spirit Lake kokanee fishermen are going to have to wait to begin taking the tasty landlocked sockeye through the ice. Spirit lost most of its ice cover this week.

Spiny ray
Friends and I fished Eloika Lake on Monday and Tuesday. Ice was a solid 6 inches. Fishing has been typical of Eloika in the winter – a fast morning perch bite followed by several hours of dead time followed by a fast afternoon bite. On Monday, I started at 11:30 a.m. and quit at 1:30 p.m. with only two fish. Two friends who stayed out said the bite began as soon as I stepped off the ice, and they returned with two dozen fish each. On Tuesday, a friend and I started just north of Jerry’s Landing at 1:30 p.m. and fished holes 10 feet apart. I had 17 perch on the ice before he got a bite. We were both using green Swedish Pimples tipped with maggots. Included in the catch were a half dozen small bass (legal but released) and a half dozen crappie too small to keep. The crappie bite came on just as it began to get dark. Other anglers have reported catching some slab crappie at times. With the recent warming trend, there is likely to be standing water on top of the ice.

Silver Lake had only three anglers on the ice at 9 a.m. Tuesday. This is because the ice in the bay by the launch is only 3 inches thick. The perch weren’t biting. Last year, Silver gave up a lot of decent-sized perch from the deeper water to the right of the bay, but the ice took a long time to form there.

Upper Twin Lake has been good for small perch in 15 feet of water west of the public access and toward the middle, but the northern pike bite hasn’t materialized. Ice was in good shape early in the week.

At Fins ’n’ Feathers in Coeur d’Alene, Dale Odenbaugh said ice at most North Idaho winter lakes was sloppy on Wednesday. Until the recent rains, there were 4 inches of good ice at most lakes. Odenbaugh said he has recently fished Round (10-inch perch and some trout), Gambel (large perch if you can find them), Kelso (trout 10 inches and up), Avondale (a variety of spiny ray and trout) and Fernan (perch, crappie and 12- to 14-inch trout).

Other species
All Columbia River sturgeon fishing areas will open to anglers Sunday from the mouth of the Columbia to McNary Dam. From the Wauna powerlines upstream to Bonneville Dam (including all adjacent Washington tributaries), white sturgeon may be retained Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Anglers have been taking a few limits of 10- to 15-inch whitefish on the mainstem Yakima and its tributaries. Seasons for winter whitefish are open on the Yakima, Naches, Tieton, Cle Elum and Bumping rivers. Whitefish are also available on north Idaho and western Montana rivers. Fish are usually caught with a small fly tipped with a maggot. Up to 15 whitefish can be retained daily.

Contact Alan Liere by e-mail at spokesmanliere @yahoo.com

WDFW Aquatic Invasive Species, Northern Pike

2011-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Esox lucius (Northern pike)

Animal Fish
Family: Escocidae
Classification: Prohibited (Northern pike in Washington are classified as both a game fish and a prohibited species, a current regulation proposal seeks to declassify them as a game fish. For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct1911a/.

Northern pike have become established in Box Canyon Reservoir on the Pend Oreille River and are considered a threat to other species, both native and non-native. Their voracious appetite for other fish create a potential for great ecological and economic damage both in Northeast Washington and anywhere else they might become established. In summary:

Recent biological surveys have documented a rapid increase in the number of northern pike in the Pend Oreille River, along with a reduction in the abundance of forage species such as native minnows and non-native sunfish and yellow perch.
The current distribution of pike in Washington includes Box Canyon and Boundary Reservoirs on the Pend Oreille River and the Spokane River from Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Idaho to Lake Spokane (Long Lake) in Spokane County. There have also been several pike caught on hook and line in the Columbia River upstream from Kettle Falls.
The immediate concern is increasing numbers and distribution to the point of impacting vulnerable native species of trout, other game fish and non-game fish and even salmon and steelhead further down the Columbia River system.
Current management goals include minimizing impact to the native fish species and reducing the numbers of pike in the Pend Orielle system.
WDFW will also actively work to prevent the further illegal introductions of pike into other waters.
WDFW encourages sport anglers to assist in reducing pike numbers by harvesting pike from the Pend Oreille River system, particularly fish in the 20-30” range. This can be accomplished individually or by sponsoring or participating in a fishing contest (tournament). To learn more about fishing contests in Washington, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/fishing_contests/.
Biological surveys, conducted between 2004 and 2011 have documented a rapid increase in the number of northern pike Esox lucius in Box Canyon Reservoir on the Pend Orielle River in northeast Washington. In addition, over the same period of time, the surveys showed a reduction in the abundance of forage species such as native minnows as well as non-native sunfish and largemouth bass. This is a serious concern for all fisheries management entities in the Northwest because northern pike are both top-end predators that are known for over-feeding on their prey base and prolific spawners when the proper habitat is available. Box Canyon Reservoir contains optimal spawning habitat for northern pike and they appear to be taking full advantage. The Pend Orielle River is a tributary to the Columbia River, so movement of pike from Box Canyon Reservoir via downstream migration and illegal introduction to other waters by “bucket biologists” is also a grave concern and represents a threat to the region both biologically and economically.

Current distribution of northern pike in Washington State.
The northern-most red line represents the Pend Orielle River (Box Canyon and Boundary Reservoirs) and the Columbia River from the Canadian border to just north of Kettle Falls. The southern-most red line represents the Spokane River and Lake Spokane (aka Long Lake). The northern and southern red circles represent Newman Lake and Liberty Lake, respectively, in Spokane County. Further movement downstream in the Columbia River and illegal movement by “bucket biologists” is a grave concern of fisheries management agencies throughout the Northwest.
Northern pike in the Pend Orielle River (and Box Canyon Reservoir) are the result of illegal stockings in the Flathead, Bitterroot and Clark Fork River systems in Montana. From there, the pike migrated downstream into Lake Pend Orielle, then into the Pend Orielle River through Idaho and into Washington. In the last couple of years their movement has carried them further downstream into Boundary Reservoir and with the high water levels of 2011, into the Columbia River. Anglers reported catching pike in the Columbia River during the summer of 2011 just north of the border in British Columbia, near Northport in Washington and near China Bend, just upstream of Kettle Falls.

There are many case histories across the country of pike populations which have overpopulated, resulting in over-feeding on their prey base (other fish). This in turn results in “stunting” of the pike, which means their growth slows and they become skinny from lack of food. This does not, however, slow down reproduction. An overabundant, stunted population of northern pike is not only detrimental to other species in the fish community, but they are undesirable as a sport fish (the average size is too small and they are too skinny). Left unchecked, northern pike could have severely negative impacts not only on other desirable sport fish, but also on efforts to restore native fish populations such as westslope cutthroat and bull trout in the Pend Orielle drainage.

Northern Pike vs Tiger Muskie:
Know the Difference

Washington State now has both northern pike and tiger muskies inhabiting public waters. Both fish are “esocids”, which means they are members of the esocidae family. Other members of that family include muskellunge (true muskie) and pickerel. All share a similar, long body shape, oval in cross-section (hence the name “pike”, meaning spear or lance-shaped) and have a large duck-bill mouth with big teeth and a dorsal fin located near the tail fin. Learn more >>
Although the immediate concern is predation on native fish and other game fish in the Pend Orielle River, native salmon, steelhead and other species could also be at risk if pike were to become established further downstream in the Columbia River. In addition, illegal introduction of pike into other lakes or rivers is a major concern. Illegal introductions can potentially devastate ecosystems, other sport fishing opportunities and local and state economies.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is actively working to prevent the further spread and illegal introduction of northern pike. Current management goals include minimizing impact to the native fish species and reducing the numbers of pike in Box Canyon Reservoir. The WDFW is working closely with the Kalispel Tribe Natural Resources Department (KNRD) to develop the best management strategy for this population.

Two public meetings were held in April, 2011 which presented an opportunity to provide WDFW with feedback, ideas, opinions and concerns about the pike population in the Pend Orielle River (see summary of public comments). A presentation was given by WDFW and KNRD staff explaining the current situation in Box Canyon Reservoir. Afterwards, questions and comments were taken from the public and are being considered for integration into the future management of pike in Box Canyon Reservoir.

In April through June of 2011, WDFW and KNRD conducted three biological surveys in Box Canyon Reservoir, each with a different objective. The first, “Spring Pike Index Netting” (SPIN) was a repeat of a survey in 2010, designed to track the “relative abundance” of the pike. It tells us if the population is increasing, decreasing or staying about the same (see survey summary). The second survey, a “Standardized Warmwater Survey”, designed to provide a representative picture of the overall fish community in the reservoir, and is used to assess the relative abundance of other fish populations in order to ascertain whether, and to what degree, pike are impacting those populations (see survey summary). The third survey, a “Pilot Removal Project” was designed to determine the timing of pike spawning activities in the reservoir and whether or not removal by gill netting is a viable control measure for managing pike in Box Canyon (see survey summary).

Other states in the Western U.S., including Alaska, that have non-native populations of northern pike, are facing challenges similar to Washington. Although northern pike are native to much of Alaska, they are not native to the south-central part of the state where they have been illegally stocked and are considered invasive. Pike have caused severe damage to native trout and salmon runs in several south-central Alaska watersheds and Washington is trying to learn from those events in order to prevent similar damage from occurring here. Considering the high value of native trout, salmon and steelhead fisheries in both states, the Alaska experience is very relevant to Washington. For more information on northern pike in Alaska, please see the Alaska Department of Fish and Game northern pike website.

There are two 2011-2012 sport rule proposal changes that could affect northern pike in Washington if passed into law: declassification of pike as a game fish and allowing a two-pole endorsement for Box Canyon and Boundary Reservoirs on the Pend Orielle River (Learn more about these two proposals). If you would like to comment on these or other sport rule proposals, please go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/oct1911a/ . Although the public meetings have already taken place, follow other links and instructions on that page to provide your comments until December 30.

There is still time to get in the WDSTK 3 GIVEAWAY!...Again!

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Entry deadline is today at 11:59 pm PST

There was only one winner in the last contest so these two rigs are still up for grabs. If there are two winners the lucky second one will get a set similar to the ones shown.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Fishing the North Coast, A CA Fishing Report

2011-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

Fishing the North Coast: Rain on the way - Smith, Chetco best bets for the weekend

Kenny Priest/For the Times-Standard

Posted: 12/29/2011 08:42:12 AM PST

After grinding through one of the driest Decembers ever recorded, it looks like our fishing fortunes are about to change. For the first time in well over three weeks, substantial rain is in the forecast. And even more importantly, the high pressure that's been anchored off the coast should give way and allow a more typical, rainy pattern to push in. But as some of my friends have been saying all week - before we start singing in the rain or dancing in the streets, let's see if the rivers actually start to rise.

The first in a series of storms is forecasted to hit Wednesday, with the majority of the rain falling closer to the Oregon border, raising the levels in both the Smith and Chetco well over 10 ft. The Smith was on the rise as of Wednesday morning and is predicted to remain that way until it peaks at 16.5 feet on the Jed Smith gauge on Friday afternoon. The Chetco is also rising, and predicted to peak at just under 16 feet on Friday afternoon. Here in the Eureka/Arcata area, the Mad is the only river forecasted for a significant rise. On Wednesday, it was just over five feet, but predicted to swell to over nine feet on Friday night. It appears the Eel and Van Duzen rivers will be getting the short end of the stick. Neither is forecasted for a substantial rise, though the Van Duzen is predicted to jump to 430 cfs on Friday, and then quickly fall back out. Remember, these are just predictions and will likely change. Let's just hope the experts underestimated the storm - and until we know for sure, no singing or dancing.

port crab update

Until earlier this week when he pulled his gear due to weather, crabbing for Captain Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing had remained excellent, with easy limits each trip. Klassen has been fishing mostly south of the whistle buoy in 100 feet of water, and plans to get back to it once the weather settles and he can get a few consecutive days in. John Corbett of Eureka's Pacific Outfitters reports the crabbing is still going strong in Trinidad. "We went out last weekend caught easy limits, and the crabs have really filled out nicely," Corbett added.

2012 Fishing license

If you plan on fishing this Sunday, don't forget to purchase your 2012 license, which is required for residents 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptile in inland or ocean waters. The cost of a new resident sport fishing license is $44.85. A North Coast salmon report card, which will run you $5.97, is required for all anglers taking salmon in the Smith River System or Klamath-Trinity River System, including persons who are not required to have a sport fishing license, such as persons who are under 16 years of age, and persons who are fishing on free fishing days. If you plan to fish for steelhead, you'll need to purchase a steelhead report card. This is required for persons who are not required to have a sport fishing license, such as persons who are under 16 years of age, and persons who are fishing on free fishing days. The cost is $6.74. Fishing licenses and reports cards are now available to purchase online. For more information, visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/

Mad River Hatchery update

The fish ladder at the Mad River hatchery, which is usually flooded with adult steelhead this time of year, will open sometime after the New Year. Low river flows have forced the steelhead to hold in the lower river, but with rain in the forecast late this week, the fish should be on the move. In 2010, 85 adult steelhead were counted on the first day of trapping and in 2011, a whopping 245 were counted. We should know soon how the 2012 season is shaping up.

Mattole River set to open Jan 1

The Mattole River is scheduled to open to fishing on January 1, 2012 from 200 yards upstream of its mouth to the confluence with Stansberry Creek. Only artificial lures may be used and barbless hooks are required. The Mattole is also regulated by low flow closures, with a minimum flow of 320 cfs at the Petrolia gauging station. As of Wednesday, it's flowing at roughly 190 cfs.

The Rivers:

Chetco River

According to Guide Val Early of Early Fishing Guide Service, there have already been quite a few steelhead moving through the Chetco, even though the water was low and clear. "This rain, if it materializes like they're predicting, should bring in another shot of fish. If the rivers get to predicted levels, then plunkers should do well the first few days and the drifters will do well soon after. At any rate, it looks like we are in for change. There are still quite a few salmon spawning, so it is important for shore anglers to remember, in low flow especially, to be careful walking through gravel breaks. Plugs, Little Cleo's, yarn balls, bait and Spin-N-Glo's will all do well with some additional flow," added Early. As a reminder, motorized boats are allowed to operate below the Ice Box (2nd) Bridge. Motors can be on the boats above that point but cannot be used in the USFS areas. Permits are required for ALL water craft above the Ice Box Bridge as well with the drop box on the USFS road.

The Smith, Redwood Creek, Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, and Mattole Rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Call the DFG's low flow closure hotline at (707) 822-3164 to determine the condition of the rivers.

Smith River

According to Crescent City guide Mike Coopman of Mike Coopman's Guide Service, if the forecast holds true, the Smith should be fishable by Saturday. "If the river gets to 25,000 cfs like they're predicting, the river probably won't fish on Thursday or Friday - not because it's going to be big, but due to all the debris that will be in the water. The banks are lined with leaves right now. The river will be big on Saturday, but it should fish well. Once the river starts to drop, steelhead season will be on. There's fish already in the system, but the rise will move those fish out and should bring in lots of new ones," Coopman added.

Eel River (main stem)

"According to Paul Grundman of Rio Dell's Grundmans Sporting Goods, the main stem is low and clear, but some nice steelhead are being caught. "With the river conditions the way they are, you almost need to spot and stalk the fish. The mouth of the Van Duzen down to 12th street has been the most productive stretch of water lately for anglers tossing bait and Cleos," said Grundman.

Eel River (South Fork)

Currently flowing at around 100 cfs on the Miranda gauge and closed to fishing. Not predicted to get enough rain in the next few days to warrant opening.

Van Duzen

As of Wednesday, the Van Duzen was flowing at just under 40 cfs and remains closed to fishing. Predicted to jump to 430 cfs by Friday night, but forecasted to drop quickly.

Mad River

Predicted to rise to nearly 3,500 cfs on Friday night, and according to Justin Kelly of Redwood Marine in Eureka, it should be "game on" early next week. "After the rise, it should start to green up in two or three days - we should be fishing by Tuesday. There should be fish just about everywhere, including above the hatchery. That should be one of the top spots once the river is fishable. Roe fished with a Spin-N-Glo has been a top producer as well as roe fished under a float," Kelly added.

Trinity

Upper

Steve Huber of Steve Huber's Guide Service reports the steelhead action remains status quo in the Douglas City area. "There's some fish around, but you'll need to be real stealthy to catch them. We're down to 6lb leaders and really small pieces of roe. We're getting three to four fish per trip and they're averaging four to six pounds. Until we get some rain, not much is going to change here," Huber added.

"Fishing the North Coast" is on Facebook, so check it out for up-to-date fishing reports and information from all over the North Coast. Questions, comments and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

Reel Time Fishing Northwest Dec. 29, 2011

2011-12-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

State Fish and Wildlife Commission will look at various fishing-hunting rules, including closures for steelhead in local rivers
Posted by Mark Yuasa

The state Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider increasing the number of multiple-season hunting permits available each year after hearing public comments on the issue at a meeting scheduled Jan. 6-7 in Olympia.

The commission, which sets policy for state Fish and Wildlife, also will accept public comments on proposed changes to the 2012 sportfishing rules, but will not take action on those proposals until its regular meeting in February.

The public meeting is scheduled to convene Jan. 6 at 9:30 a.m. and Jan. 7 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 172 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St. S.E. in Olympia. An agenda is available on the state Fish and Wildlife's commission's website.

Multiple-season hunting permits allow selected hunters to hunt for deer or elk during all general hunting seasons, rather than having to choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons. Hunting data show that the wider range of options increases hunters' chance of success in the field.

State Fish and Wildlife has proposed increasing the number multiple-season hunting permits available each year to 8,500 deer permits and 1,250 elk permits. In 2011, WDFW conducted a drawing for 4,000 deer permits and 850 elk permits from among the hunters who paid an application fee.

State wildlife managers say increasing those permit levels will not pose a risk to Washington wildlife, adding that fees generated by applicants for a higher number of permits would be used to expand efforts to prevent property damage caused by wildlife.

The public hearing on new fishing-rule proposal, scheduled Jan. 7, is the last in a series of public meetings held around the state in recent months. All changes are posted on the state Fish and Wildlife website.

They include:

Closing fishing early for steelhead and other game fish in several river systems in Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to protect wild steelhead. The early closures, ranging from mid-January to mid-February, would apply to the Nooksack, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Green and Puyallup river systems, along with several streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The proposal also includes closing the upper section of the Samish River on Dec. 1 and the lower section Jan. 1 to fishing for all species.

Allowing anglers to fish with two poles on the Pend Oreille River and the lower Spokane River.

Closing fisheries on a number of small coastal streams that drain into Washington's ocean waters to protect juvenile anadromous fish.

Changing the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season from the last Saturday in April to the fourth Saturday in April.

Closing sturgeon retention in Puget Sound, as well as its tributaries. The proposal is designed to protect Columbia River sturgeon that venture into Puget Sound to feed. Under the proposal, catch and release fishing for sturgeon would still be allowed.

The deadline for submitting written comments on these and other proposed changes in state fishing rules ends Dec. 30. Until then, comments can be submitted to WDFW Rules Coordinator Lori Preuss at Lori.Preuss@dfw.wa.gov or 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501.

NM San Juan River Fish Habitat Enhancement Project

2011-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

NAVAJO DAM – The world-class, trophy trout waters of the San Juan River became hotter than ever this month as crews completed a $300,000 project to enhance fish habitat and control sediment.

After a month of construction in a section of the river called “The Braids,” anglers returned to find deeper channels, new holes and more fish in the famous stretch of river below Navajo Dam.

“Hundreds of shallow little channels going different directions have been consolidated so most of the water flows into three distinct braids,” said Marc Wethington, the San Juan River fisheries biologist for the Department of Game and Fish. “We’ve increased water depth, established more pools and increased the flow. Fish are piling in there – and so are the fishermen.”

Spawned by a management plan in 2005, the project came to fruition this year thanks to an appropriation approved by the state Legislature. Additional funding was provided by an excise tax on fishing and boating equipment through the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program.

“Improving our state’s best trout water benefits everyone,” said Jim McClintic, chairman of the State Game Commission. “Better fishing brings more fishermen, who in turn bring more money to the region’s economy.”

Wethington said anglers are excited about the project, which has opened about 3/8 of a mile of good fishing in a stretch where there were very few trout before.

“A bunch of water that didn’t hold many fish now holds a lot of fish,” Wethington said. “The first day it opened up, one gentleman from Trout Unlimited told me that he caught more fish that day than he has ever caught before – his best day fishing ever.”

Crews with contractors Albuquerque Underground Inc., Aquatic Consultants Inc., and Riverbend Engineering dug through sandstone bedrock to create 21 new fishing holes ranging from three to five feet deep. Large cottonwood trunks, boulders and faux beaver dams were strategically placed to redirect flows into the pools.

“It made that stretch of river a different place,” Wethington said. “I could blindfold someone who has been fishing the San Juan for 25 years, take them to The Braids and remove the blindfold and they wouldn’t know where they were.”

The project included building a sediment retention area at the mouth of Rex Smith Wash, an arroyo that empties into the “Kiddie Hole,” a popular fishing spot just above “Texas Hole.” Flash-flood events carry silt into the river at that point, damaging trout habitat there and downstream. The retention pond will slow the water flow during floods, catch sediment and redirect clean water back into the river.

A TX Fishing Report Dec. 28, 2011

2011-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

From the Victoria Advocate by Bink Grimes

NORTH SABINE: Trout and redfish are fair while drifting mud and shell. Waders have taken better trout on the Louisiana shoreline on slow-sinking plugs.

SOUTH SABINE: Redfish are fair on the edge of the channel on mullet. Sheepshead and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp.

BOLIVAR: Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on slow-sinking plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.

TRINITY BAY: Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on the east shoreline on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are good at the spillway on crabs and mullet. Trout are good while drifting deep bayous in the marsh.

EAST GALVESTON BAY: Trout are fair to good on the north shoreline on Corkies and MirrOlures. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.

WEST GALVESTON BAY: Waders have taken trout in the mud and shell on MirrOlures and Corkies. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs.

TEXAS CITY: Redfish are good in Moses Lake on fresh shrimp. Black drum, sheepshead and redfish are fair on the edge of the channel and on shell in shrimp.• FREEPORT: Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs. Redfish are fair to good at San Luis pass on cracked blue crabs. Redfish are fair to good at the mouths of drains on Gulps and shrimp.

• EAST MATAGORDA BAY: Trout are fair for drifters on plastics over humps and scattered shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal and at the mouths of drains on Gulps and jigs tipped with shrimp.

WEST MATAGORDA BAY: Redfish are fair to good on the south shoreline in the guts and bayous. Trout are fair on shell on soft plastics and finger mullet. • PORT O'CONNOR: Trout and redfish are fair on Corkies over soft mud in waist-deep water in San Antonio Bay. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp and topwaters. Redfish are good at the mouths of drains.

• ROCKPORT: Trout are fair on the edge of the ICW on glow DOA Shrimp. Redfish are fair to good in California Hole and the Lydia Ann Channel on mullet and shrimp.

• PORT ARANSAS: Redfish are fair to good on the ledges of the channel on mullet. Sand trout are good on shrimp in the channel.

• CORPUS CHRISTI: Trout are fair to good in Oso Bay for waders tossing scented baits and Corkies. Redfish are good in the Humble Channel on crabs and table shrimp. Trout are fair to good on the edge of the flats on live shrimp, Gulps and DOA Shrimp.

• BAFFIN BAY: Trout are fair to good in mud and grass on Corkies and Catch 2000s. Trout are fair to good in the guts along the King Ranch shoreline on Corkies.

PORT MANSFIELD: Redfish are fair to good on DOA Shrimp and Gulps under a popping cork around grass holes. Trout are fair to good on mud along the edge of the channel on Corkies and MirrOlures.• SOUTH PADRE: Trout and redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on DOA Shrimp and Gulps. Redfish, black drum and mangrove snapper are fair to good in the channel on shrimp.

• PORT ISAEL: Trout are fair on the edge of the flats on soft plastics under popping corks. Redfish are good in the holes and guts on Gulps and scented baits.

REPORTS COMPILED BY BINK GRIMES

CA Freshwater Fishing Report Dec. 28, 2011

2011-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Modesto Bee

VALLEY • NEW MELONES RESERVOIR/TULLOCH — Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods said the heavy plants over the past few months have made trout "very good." Limits are being caught from the banks on Power Bait or night crawlers. She suggests moving "up and down the shoreline" until you locate a school of fish. Besides Power Bait and crawlers, she recommended a hootchie skirt on a Kastmaster.

Trollers are scoring with blade/crawler combinations, Needlefish, Excels or Vance's spoons in shad patterns such as natural shad, chrome or Cop Car. Brown trout have been taken on plugs such as Rapala J9s, Sebile Magic Swimmers or a River2Sea S-waver trolled fast over structure. Kyle Wise landed a 4.5-pound brown on a firetiger Rapala at 20 feet. Bass fishing is fair, though the fish are gorging themselves on the abundant shad. Lewis said a lot of 2-pound-plus spotted bass are schooling and feeding aggressively with larger fish showing a preference for crawdads or planter trout. She said a drop-shot rig with a natural crawdad color plastic set 6 inches off your weight and a shad-patterned plastics 24 inches above the first worm will work for both larger and smaller fish. The catfish aren't biting much, but Lewis said baits soaked in Pro Cure scents and left sitting on the bottom might entice a cat. Call: (209) 736-4333; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734; Danny Layne (209) 586-2383; Sierra Sport Fishing (209) 599-2023• SAN LUIS RESERVOIR/O'NEILL FOREBAY — Jason Chin of Coyote Bait and Tackle said striper action is good, but not as hot as before. The vast majority of San Jose area anglers still are heading to the big lake to drift jumbo minnows or toss rip or jerk baits from banks or boats. He said jigging in the cold water with 1.75-ounce white Duh or similar spoons at 80 feet will get better quality of fish. In the Forebay, Chin said top-water lures or trolling with large plugs such as broken backed Rebels, P-Line Predators or Yozuris around Check 12 or the Twin Islands works best. Call: Ly's Fishing Goods (408) 629-9644; Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711

• McSWAIN RESERVOIR — The next round of trouts plants won't start until mid-January, so fishing has slowed. But patient anglers soaking Power Eggs, Power Bait or night crawlers in the access areas from the marina to the brush pile can be rewarded with limits. Trolling action continues to be fair with Wedding Rings tipped with a piece of crawler behind a dodger, blade/crawler combinations or small spoons from the floating restrooms to Gilligan's Island. Call: (209) 378-2534• McCLURE RESERVOIR — Trout fishing is good throughout the lake including the river arm near Bagby, the coves past McClure Point, or in Cottonwood Creek. Wedding Rings with half a night crawler on a trolling sinker just under the surface are working, as well as spoons or small plugs. Bank anglers continue to score with Kastmasters, Power Bait or night crawlers around McClure Point or Barretts Cove. Bass fishing is best with live bait; crawdads are producing limits of keepers at Barretts Cove. Catfishing has slowed considerably in the cold water. Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505; Bub Tosh (209) 404-0053• LAKE DON PEDRO — After heavy plants the past several weeks, the trout are biting. Bank anglers are scoring with Kastmasters, night crawlers, or Power Bait near the launch ramps at Blue Oaks or Fleming Meadows. The trout are high in the water column early in the mornings before dropping to find shad, which are holding in deeper water. Bass fishing continues to be slow. Call: Monte Smith (209) 581-4734; Danny Layne (209) 586-2383; Gary Vella (209) 652-7550; Bait Barn (209) 874-3011

DELTA — Sturgeon fishing is strong in the upper Suisun Bay to the Mothball Fleet. Capt. Mark Delnero of Fin Addict Sport Fishing of Pittsburg put a client onto a 54-inch keeper on the outgoing tide in "The Horseshoe" on Dec. 23, and also landed a 7-pound striper. The 6th Diamond Classic hosted by Steve Talmadge of Flash Fishing is Jan. 28. Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, said there are a few small groupings of fish here and there, but the majority of stripers are on the move chasing bait and warmer water. He said the San Joaquin River from the Stockton Turning Basin to the mouth of the Mokelumne has been devoid of bait fish, a bad sign. The frigid water is very clear. He is working outside of the weed line at 7 to 10 feet with the Berkeley Power Worm on either a Zappu head or drop-shot. The thinner Power Worm in 4 to 6-inch size will move more than the thicker worms in cold water, and Pringle said, "Don't jiggle or wiggle it - just let it set with the lightest weight possible to keep the fish from dropping it." Weights up to 1/8th oz. may be necessary in the heavier currents. Pringle also advises uses scent. Further north in the Delta, Captain Mike Gravert of Intimidator Sport Fishing said, "We are experiencing limit fishing." For spooning, Gravert advised anglers to "Spool up with 30-pound Suffix Braid with a 2-foot Seagar Fluorcarbon leader so you can feel every tap and have the ability to drive the hook home on the hook set." Frozen shad, mudsuckers, or brined sardines have been the top baits since fresh shad remains in a very limited supply with only Thornton Road Bait or H and R Bait in Stockton having a few pounds on a daily basis. Call: Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Stan Koenigsberger/Quetzal Adventures (925) 570-5303, Mark Wilson Sport Fishing (916) 682-1630; Intimidator Sport Fishing (916) 806-3030; Jolly Jay's Guide Service (209) 478-6645

Campaign Against Pike A War Of Attrition.

2011-12-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

DOUG HUDDLE The Bellingham Herald Published: 12/25/11 9:46 pm

In an effort to blunt the incursion of non-native northern pike in Washington waters, a line's been drawn by state and tribal biologists at Box Canyon Dam on the Pend Oreille River. The Pend Oreille Public Utility District reservoir in Northeast Washington will be where the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in concert with the Kalispal Natural Resources Department mounts an effort to reduce pike numbers to keep them at a level that will not spin-off migrant numbers sufficient to gain finholds in downstream steelhead and salmon waters.

Lucys, as northern pike are affectionately called by some of their admirers, a nickname taken from their species moniker, lucius, are the bane of aquatic life in many waters where they did not evolve. There is concern now - and not just in Washington state - over the havoc they have and will in the future wreak on native fish populations. But pike do have their supporters and as John Whalen, WDFW's region one fish program manager noted that has tempered the agency's response to the pike threat. "There was concern voiced at public meetings about offering a bounty for them," said Whalen of an option managers have for the time being ruled out. A reward program for squawfish was operated for a number of years elsewhere in the Columbia Basin. However, WDFW's campaign against these pike will be more a war of attrition than one of eradication. The effort stops short of using all-out means to drive pike numbers into the ground, opting instead to employ tactics such as encouraging a greater angler harvest of them and targeting larger pike in limited control gill-netting in their breeding areas. Following anticipated action by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in January, northern pike also officially will be stripped of their gamefish status. They will, legally speaking, be classed as a deleterious exotic species that are prohibited in Washington State. A FEW GOOD FISHERMEN Even before these final administrative actions were proposed, the stops were taken off the pike harvest engine in previous rule changes that enabled anglers to catch as many as they wanted, whenever they wanted, Whalen said. Anglers are especially asked to catch and remove pike in the 20- to 30-inch range. Being able to attack and swallow fish about 1/3 their length, pike in this size range can do considerable damage to wild trout including the Pend Oreille's native west slope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Extension of the two-pole endorsement (with its $20 fee) to Box Canyon Reservoir potentially will double the angling fire power aimed at pike. Besides that organized fishing contests or tournaments targeting northern pike in Box Canyon Reservoir will be allowed, Whalen said. Another element of the department's effort to thwart pike will be to intercede in the illegal inter-lake transportation of them. Clandestine introductions into Newman and Liberty lakes near Spokane have compromised those waters and clouded future fish management prerogatives. Whalen said managers are hoping that individuals willfully bent on practicing their own form of fish enhancement will think twice when presented with the facts about the threat pike present being brought out in this campaign. The department also is counting on the general public to watch for suspicious activities and report indications of the illegal planting of any fish, wildlife or plant species immediately to the agency's fish and wildlife enforcement program directly or via their local Washington State Patrol, said Whalen. The pike's existence in places like Box Canyon and Boundary reservoirs as well as other aquatic habitats has a second less obvious but equally deleterious effect, said Whalen. Much good will, public effort and mitigation money that could be used to do positive things for native fishes may not be exploited because in the long run the pike would thwart those benefits. LUSTER WEARS OFF THE LUNKER Though many anglers, especially from North American regions or continents where native pike naturally run amok, love their lucys, unless there are mitigating behavioral or environmental factors such as innate cannibalism or limited breeding habitat that will exert some influence on their numbers, pike will proliferate. Pike populations that forever generate a supply of trophy-sized fish are not the norm. WDFW biologists say that there are many case studies where after their introduction and period of trophy fish production, pike populations degenerate into aggregations of smaller, skinny 'stunted' fish. In these 'showcase' lakes, having in effect eaten themselves out of house and home, subsequent pike generations do not fare well but they still rule their domain suppressing desirable native fishes. Further meddling in the ecology of the lake by putting another forage fish species will not bring any relief or restore the lunker lucys. BROADER ECO-IMPLICATIONS If you advocate for the natural production of ducks in shallow, weedy lakes or marshes, it is not a good idea to have northern pike around. Such is their hunger-driven nature, that pike can be said to operate on the basic impulse; if it splashes, they'll try to gnash it (between their teeth). Besides indiscriminately marauding indigenous fish populations, larger pike will feed on young waterfowl, native amphibians and even small mammals. A 1956 study focusing on pike feeding habits at Michigan's Seney National Wildlife Refuge, cited in Alaska's pike report, estimated that the pike population at Seney ate an average of 1.5 million waterfowl annually mostly in the form of ducklings and goslings. Studies of pike/duck interactions in Scandinavia found a similar significant impact to waterfowl production. Though mainly anecdotal evidence in the form of eyewitness reports, observers have seen larger pike and muskellunge make predatory strikes on adult birds. Another problem for apex predators including pike is that they inevitably become what they eat. If the animals they eat contain minute or trace quantities of heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs or mercury, these pollutants almost always concentrate in the body of the predator. Some muskellunge populations in Wisconsin now have health warnings regarding associated with them regarding their consumption as food. Whalen says preliminary tests of pike in the Pend Oreille River have found detectable levels of mercury in them. He said that further testing will be done and the results analyzed by the Washington Department of Health to determine if eating pike may be a health concern for any segment of the human population. If warranted, appropriate advisories will be issued. Under those circumstances anglers will still be encouraged to keep and retain pike if they are willing compost them or use them as garden fertilizer, said Whalen. WDFW is now evaluating its body of regulations as well as state statutes to make sure either practice is permissible under current game and fish wastage laws. IF YOU WANT TOOTHY AND BRUTISH Given their popularity with some anglers, a version of these big toothsome predators roaming selected waters is desirable, but under certain key stipulations. There is such an alternative in the form of the hybrid, mulish tiger muskie. As big and bad their parental progenitors, tigers have one key distinction and difference, these crosses between northern pike males and female muskellunge are infertile. Known numbers can be released in a lake with the assurance that once they live out their lives, they will not become the gift that keeps on giving the way the lucys in Pend Oreille have become. Like pike and muskies, tigers prey heavily on their fellow fish, which in lakes with runaway sunfish or other fish populations is good because they get big at the expense of their overly-productive and often stunted prey. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has experimented with tiger muskies as a biological control for non-native eastern brook trout in certain Gem State mountain lakes. For a time, when they were affordable and available, WDFW put them in Fazon Lake in Whatcom County to take a bite out of its burgeoning bluegill numbers. Also as with purebred pike and muskellunge, tiger muskies are not a good and proper fit in waters with native trout, steelhead and salmon, especially threatened and endangered populations, as they are apt to focus their predaceous habits on the desirable fishes. Lake Samish was one such water body where the stocking of tigers was ruled out because of the likely adverse impact to a robust native cutthroat trout population. In Washington, getting tiger muskies are carefully chosen and state-introduced tiger muskie populations are protected by gamefish rules to foster their existence. EYEING BIGGER PREY Anglers who target these toothsome fish know well, the wounding capability of the pike's stiletto-like teeth. Get too close to their mouths with bare hands and under-estimate the fishes' strength or reflexes and a nasty gash or gashes will be your reward. At the very least the big fish can affect with a fling of their head the transfer of the hook to your finger. Pike and muskellunge also have joined a fraternity of freshwater fishes such as the Wels catfish and the Himalayan Goonch catfish that are suspected of or have been confirmed as being unprovoked attackers of humans. It's important to establish that these pike attacks are likely cases of mistaking-the-splasher-for-prey on the part if the big fish who may rely less on vision and more on other sensory inputs to foment lightening quick strikes. Remember, too, that as far as the pike and some other predators are concerned, in cases where the intended meal is too large to swallow, they can always just let go of it. Nevertheless, bite wounds inflicted are no less painful because the fish didn't actually mean to try to swallow them. One YouTube video, youtube.com/watch?v=GuGRr2XqEJ8, shows just how quick a pike strike can be. Other pike and muskellunge bite cases have been documented in news stories some with photographic or video images of the bite marks left on the victim's arm or leg that match exactly the dentura of these toothy suspects. Doug Huddle, the Bellingham Herald's outdoors correspondent, since 1983 has written a weekly fishing and hunting column that now appears Sundays. Read his blog and contact him at pblogs.bellinghamherald.com/outdoors.

Province Takes Steps To Control Spread Of Fish Disease

2011-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2011 10:30 AM

McGuinty Government Protects Lake Simcoe Waters

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is working to address a fish virus known as Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed that VHS has been detected in several species of fish from Lake Simcoe. MNR is establishing a new management zone around the Lake Simcoe watershed to address the potential spread of VHS to other inland waters and the spread of invasive species to Lake Simcoe.

As a result, commercial bait operators will be prohibited from moving commercial baitfish into or out of the new Lake Simcoe Management Zone beginning January 1st 2012. Anglers are asked to buy baitfish when they arrive to fish in the Lake Simcoe area and not take baitfish out of the area.

The geographic range of this virus in Ontario waters has expanded recently. The virus was first detected in Lake Ontario in 2005. To determine its range, the CFIA has been monitoring Ontario and Quebec waters since 2007.

VHS is a virus that can weaken and kill fish. Not all fish carrying the VHS virus show signs of disease. As with any dead or dying fish or wildlife, pets should not be allowed to eat or come into contact with them. Fish carrying the VHS virus pose no risk to human health.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to discussing long-term strategies to maintain a healthy fishery and bait industry with input from key stakeholders and the public.
QUICK FACTS

In response to the initial discovery of VHS in Ontario, the government set up the VHS Management Zone.
The new Lake Simcoe Management Zone (pdf) is separate from the VHS Management Zone.
The ministry, in partnership with the CFIA, monitors VHS in Ontario by sampling high risk lakes, studying fish die-offs, and conducting random sampling across the province.
LEARN MORE

Find out more about Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia.
Read about Lake Simcoe Protection Plan
CONTACTS
Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106

Ministry of Natural Resources
ontario.ca/natural-resources

WDSTK 3 Czech Fire Polished Glass Spinner Rigs

2011-12-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Click on images to enlarge.

These rigs are built using Czech Fire Polished faceted glass beads. Two 8mm, two 6mm, two 4mm, an 8mm gold/crystal rondelle spacer bead and a 4mm red glass bearing bead for the spinner clevis. The hooks are #6 vintage Mustad-Kendal Kirby Superfine tied with a Palomar knot on 10# ProLine monofilament. Overall length is about 36".

Buy them here:

The Seattle Times, Real Time Fishing By Mark Yuasa

2011-12-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

Some Central Washington steelhead waters could have early fishing closures
Posted by Mark Yuasa

Here is the latest fishing report from Dave Graybill, longtime Eastern Washington outdoor radio host and angler:

We may see an early closure to some of our steelhead waters here in Central Washington this season.

There are a few factors that contributed to this possibility. We've had fairly mild weather that has allowed continuous fishing since the opener. Typically many of our rivers are frozen by now. There was a higher than normal return of wild fish.

This is good news and bad news.

It is a positive in terms of recovery, seeing so many wild fish. On the other hand it means that anglers are going to encounter them at a higher rate, which means we get to the mortality quota faster.

There has also been an increase in angler numbers and success as more people get out after steelhead in our region and they are getting better at catching them.

I don't expect to see all of our rivers to close early, so there will be some water available to anglers for an extended period of time, but keep an eye on my reports and the state Fish and Wildlife website for announcements.

There should be something out fairly soon, but don't put away your steelhead gear. As I say there will be water open for fishing in the region.

For details or to get Graybill's weekly report visit Dave Graybill's website.

CO Ice Fishing Opportunities Update Dec.16, 2011

2011-12-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

CO Division of Wildlife

Recommended waters, stocking & safety

Over the past 10 years, ice fishing has grown more popular. Almost 25% of all Colorado anglers wet lines through the ice between December and late February, according to the 2004 Statewide Angler Survey. The use of portable fishing shelters, electronic fish locators, and new and old bait types have increased angler success. In addition, through its late-fall stocking program, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Hatchery Program has helped to ensure there are plenty of fish to catch.

Don’t hesitate to contact local tackle shops and state parks for up-to-the-minute reports on fishing conditions.
For more details about fishery management at waters across Colorado, please see our Fishery Survey Summaries page.

NOTE OF CAUTION: On all lakes, be aware of the ice conditions, especially in those waters below 8000’ in elevation. The freeze-melt-freeze conditions in recent weeks can cause ice to be unstable. It is better to be safe than sorry. Check local contacts for up-to-date ice conditions and please read the additional information regarding being safe on the ice.

Ice Fishing Opportunities

For more Information on fishing conditions in your area, please contact your local CPW Office.
NORTHEAST REGION (last updated 12/9/11)

Antero Reservoir: This 2200 acre impoundment is located north of US Highway 24 between Antero Junction and the town of Hartsel. Ice conditions are improving but extra caution is advised. Currently, catch rates are moderate. Rainbow trout are averaging 14-18” with an occasional larger fish being seen. Brown trout, cutthroat trout, splake and brook trout are also present. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, please contact the Division of Wildlife Northeast Region Service Center (303-291-7227), Hondo Arms (719-836-7235), or The Jefferson Market (719-839-2389).

Aurora Reservoir: This 820 acre impoundment is located on Quincy Avenue, one mile east of Gun Club Road. The potential for nice rainbow trout and large walleyes is good here. Check out the fishery survey summary for more information. This early in the season ice conditions can be unsafe! As of December 9, the back portions of Senac Bay and the Marina Cove have 1-2” of ice. The main part of the reservoir is still open, and some nice trout have been caught from the dam. For updated boating conditions, contact Aurora Reservoir Park (303-690-1633).

Bear Creek Reservoir: This 205 acre impoundment is located on Morrison Road, just east of C-470 in Lakewood. Fish that can be caught include saugeye over 20” and rainbow trout. Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. This early in the season ice conditions can still be unsafe! As of December 9, the lake has open water and some ice near the shorelines. . For updated ice conditions, contact Bear Creek Lake Park (303-697-6159).

Boyd Lake: This 1700 acre reservoir, located in Loveland, also serves a state park. The lake is closed to boating for the season. Skim ice has formed, but the lake is not safe for ice angling yet. The fish survey summary for Boyd has been updated to reflect the prospects for the 2012 season. Nearly 30,000 trout (10 icnhes) were stocked this fall, angler simply need to be patient for safe conditions. In addition, yellow perch numbers remain high. For additional updates contact Boyd Lake State Park (970-669-1739).

Chambers Lake: This 250 acre impoundment is located seven miles east of the top of Cameron Pass on Highway 14. Chambers offers opportunities to catch cutthroat, rainbow and lake trout through the ice. Kokanee salmon are present as well. Expect lake trout 16-18” though much larger fish are present as well. The most recent cold spell should get the ice into condition for fishing but watch for thin areas and poor quality grey ice that often forms at Chambers and be attentive to changing conditions. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins DOW office (970-472-4300).

Chatfield Reservoir: This 1,100 acre impoundment is located on South Wadsworth Boulevard- about 0.5 miles south of C-470. Fish which can be caught include rainbow trout 15-18”, walleye over 24”, smallmouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. This early in the season ice conditions can be unsafe! As of December 9, the lake has 1-2” of ice in Kingfisher Bay, the south end of the main reservoir and the north boat ramp cove. The lake has open water in the northern half. For updated boating conditions, contact Chatfield State Park (303-791-7275).

Cherry Creek Reservoir: This 800 acre impoundment is located just east of I-225 and south of Parker Road. Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout, walleye over 24”. Check out the updated fishery survey summary for more information. This early in the season ice conditions can be unsafe! As of 12/7, the reservoir has open water and some portions of 1-2” ice. For updated boating conditions, contact Cherry Creek State Park (303-699-3860).

Cowdrey: This 80 acre reservoir is located along Highway 125, seven miles north of Walden. The lake is entirely frozen with 8" of ice. With a couple seasons without a winterkill, Cowdrey has the potential to produce some bigger fish this ice fishing season. Expect rainbows, cuttbows and the occasional brook trout mostly between 12” and 16”. This is a great place to take kids for success. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the North Park Chamber of Commerce (970-723-4600).

Delaney Buttes: This State Wildlife Area is located 10 miles west of Walden. Please be aware of the special regulations that exist for fishing this property. Ice conditions are good with ice around 8". Expect to find smaller rainbows and browns at East Delaney (65 ac.), rainbows and snake river cutthroats in the 14-16” range at South Delaney (150 ac.) and larger browns that tend to be a bit more difficult to catch at North Delaney (165 ac.) Please refer to your fishing regulation brochure for special regulations. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).

Elevenmile Reservoir: This 3400 acre impoundment is located south of US Highway 24 between Wilkerson Pass and the town of Hartsel. As of 12/7, ice conditions are very unstable. Once ice condition stabilize, anglers can expect Elevenmile Reservoir to produces rainbow trout in the 14-20” range with 10 pounders caught each winter. Fishing for brown trout will be slower than for rainbows and cutthroat. Kokanee fishing is slow. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Elevenmile State Park (719-748-3401).

Evergreen Lake: This 42 acre impoundment is located just upstream of downtown Evergreen, on State Route 74 (Evergreen Parkway). Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout, brown trout, and an occasional tiger musky. As of December 9, the lake has 6” of ice. Try wax worms or meal worms on an ice fly.

Georgetown Lake: This 54 acre impoundment is located on I-70 just north of the town of Georgetown. Fish that can be caught include rainbow trout and brown trout. As of December 9, the lake has 5-7” of ice. Some nice brown trout have been caught there within the past week. Be careful of the ice near the current area north from the bridge toward the spillway.

Hohnholz Lakes: These three lakes are located west of the Laramie River Road (CR 103) 30 miles north of Highway 14. The eastern lake, Hohnholz #1, has had water now for two years and should be good for fat 12” cutthroat and rainbows. Hohnholz #2, is 37 acres and has rainbow trout and snake river cutthroat trout ranging 12-16”. Hohnholz #3 is 40 acres and has snake river cutthroat and brown trout up to 18”.. Ice at both lakes should be good with the recent cold weather. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact West Laramie Fly Store (888-745-9565).

Jackson Reservoir: This 2,967 acre reservoir is located approximately 32 miles east of Greeley and 10 miles north of Wiggins. Thin ice has formed along the edges of the reservoir a few times this season, but continues to be melted or broken apart by wind. Thus, it is recommended that anglers stick to soft-water tackle for the time being. The boat ramp is closed, restricting angling to the shoreline. Fishing is slow, but a few wipers, rainbow trout, and channel catfish have been caught off of the dam and near the inlet. More than 7000 10” cuttbow and smaller numbers of 18-20” cuttbow were stocked after the 2010 irrigation season. Therefore, there should be ample opportunities to catch trout through the ice once it forms. For more information, see the fishery survey summary, visit the park's website or contact the park directly at 970-645-2551.

Jefferson: This 145 acre impoundment is located northwest of Jefferson. After the first decent snow fall of the season, the road to Jefferson Lake will become impassable for vehicles except snow machines. Depending on snow drifts, many times by mid-winter the road becomes impassable for snow machines. The ice usually recedes from Jefferson Lake the last week of May. This winter anglers can seek to catch rainbow trout in the 12-14” range, mackinaw averaging 12-18” with a few large fish and possibly a few brook trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Jefferson Market (719-836-2389) or Hondo Arms (719-836-7235).

Jumbo Reservoir: This 1,570 acre reservoir is located 35 miles northeast of Sterling and six miles west of Sedgwick. The reservoir is ice free, and the boat ramp is open as of March 11, 2011. For more information, please see the fishery survey summary.

Lake John: This 565 acre impoundment is located 15 miles northwest of Walden. Ice conditions are good with thickness around 8". Lake John grows fat rainbow trout, snake river cutthroat trout and cuttbows. Anglers have been catching lots of fish in the 10-16” range with an occasional fish in the 3-5 lb range on a variety of lures and baits. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).Lon Hagler Reservoir: This reservoir covers about 580 acres at full pool and is open year round to fishing. The lake is open to boating. Bass must now be 18 inches in length to keep at Lon Hagler, the limit for bass is 1. Visit the fishery survey summaries page to learn more about this reservoir.

Lon Hagler Reservoir: This reservoir covers about 580 acres at full pool and is open year round to fishing. Bass must be 18 inches in length to keep at Lon Hagler; the limit for bass is 1. Thousands of 10-inch have been stocked in anticipation of the ice fishing season but conditions are currently not safe. At present, the entire lake is covered in ice but is only 1” thick. Visit the fishery survey summaries page to learn more about this reservoir.

Red Feather Lakes: Red Feather Lakes is northwest of Fort Collins about 20 miles west of Livermore. Parvin, Dowdy and West lakes are located on the east side of town. Bellaire Lake is a bit further south off of CR 162, and there is a short walk into the lake. Bellaire is 10 acres and has rainbow trout. All of the lakes have less than 12” of ice, and that will change quickly depending on conditions so take care when going out.. Fishing has been good at Bellaire for 10-12" rainbows with most parties catching large numbers of fish. Dowdy Lake is 115 acres and fishing is just starting to pick up there. Expect smaller rainbows with occasional larger 'bows and browns. West is 25 acres and anglers are starting to pick up fish regularly there. Parvin is 63 acres. Expect fat browns and decent fishing for rainbows 12-16”. Note that Parvin is fly and lure only and has a different bag limit from other lakes in the area. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Fort Collins DOW office (970-472-4300).

Seymour: This lake is 81 acres and located about 15 miles south of Walden. Seymour has rainbows ranging up to 16” and fishing should be good in the early part of the season. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Lake John Resort (970-723-3226).St. Vrain State Park Ponds: Sandpiper, Coot and Mallard ponds were heavily stocked with 10" trout in late November 2009 specifically for the benefit of ice anglers. All ponds are ice free. For additional information contact the St. Vrain State Park entry station (303-678-9402).

St. Vrain State Park Ponds: Sandpiper, Coot and Mallard ponds were heavily stocked with 10" trout for the benefit of ice anglers. All ponds are capped with ice, but it’s only 1” thick. Not quite ready for the ice fishing season. For additional information contact the St. Vrain State Park entry station (303-678-9402).

Tarryall Reservoir: This 175 acre impoundment is located along Park County Road 77 between Jefferson and Lake George. Ice conditions are improving and like always, use caution while ice fishing. This winter anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout averaging 12-14” with a few large fish here and there, such as brown trout, cutthroat trout and northern pike up to 36”. Catch rates are currently excellent, limits are being had. We encourage the harvest of all northern pike caught. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact The Jefferson Market (719-836-2389) or Hondo Arms (719-836-7235).

NORTHWEST REGION (last updated 12/5/11)

Dillon Reservoir: Kokanee action at the Snake River inlet has been excellent. There is fishable ice in the Snake River area and some other small areas, but overall the reservoir is not safe to fish.

Elkhead Reservoir: Contact Yampa River State Park (970-276-2061) for up to date information on ice conditions and safety. Ice cover is forming in certain areas of the lake at a rapid pace, and the water level is stable. Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages the harvest of smallmouth bass and northern pike within regulatory limits.

Granby Reservoir: Ice is slowly starting to spread on the reservoir, but should not be considered to be safe yet. Call Budget Tackle in Granby at (970) 887-9344 for current updates.

Green Mountain Reservoir: As of December 10, the reservoir was just beginning to have full coverage of ice. More time is needed for conditions to become safe.

Harvey Gap Reservoir: As of December 5, ice is just beginning to form in spots around the reservoir. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607.

Lake Avery: Ice is just beginning to form at Avery. Look for a good ice fishing season for rainbow trout in Avery. Trout are typically suspended at mid-depth, usually in 10 to 50 feet of water. Standard trout fishing baits work well, but tipping small jigs with wax worms can be the best. Crappie fishing can be good, but the challenge is locating schools of suspended fish. Anglers are encouraged to keep their bag of crappie. Contact the Colorado PArks and Wildlife Meeker Office (970-878-6090) for up to date information on ice conditions and safety.

Pearl Lake: The lake is iced over at this time. Ice is approximately 12” thick. Ice fishing for cutthroat trout and grayling are allowed. Please note that only flies & lures are allowed, with a bag limit of two trout 18” or longer. The road is only maintained to approximately ¾ of a mile from the lake. Anglers have to ski or hike from that point. There has been virtually no fishing pressure on Pearl Lake to speak of. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Steamboat Lake State Park at (970) 879-3922 or steamboat.lake@state.co.us.

Rifle Gap Reservoir: As of December 5th, ice has not yet formed on the reservoir. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Harvey Gap/Rifle Gap State Park, 5775 Hwy. 325, Rifle, CO, 81650; Phone: 970-625-1607.

Rio Blanco Lake: Ice is slowly forming on Rio Blanco Lake. Panfishing is expected to be good this year. Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Meeker Office (970-878-6090) for up to date information on ice conditions and safety.

Ruedi Reservoir: Ruedi has yet to ice over, and conditions have not yet set-up for ice fishing. Typically, ice fishing can occur safely toward the end of January. Fish that can be caught in Ruedi include lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout and brown trout. As well, anglers may catch illegally introduced yellow perch and are encouraged to remove them from the lake. Local contact info for water: U.S. Forest Service, P.O. Box 948, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601, Phone: 303-963-2266.

Shadow Mountain/Grand Lake: The Farr Pump Plant has not pumped at all over the last few weeks and so ice coverage has formed quickly on Shadow and Grand. However, ice is probably not safe yet and extreme caution should be used. Call Rocky Mountain Outfitters at 970-798-8021 for current conditions.

Stagecoach Reservoir: Fishing has been very good for catchable rainbow trout in the coves and inlet areas. . Trout in the 16” - 18” range are being reported in the catch, but most are averaging 12" to 15". An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with powerbait, wax worms, night crawlers, tube jigs, castmasters, solo night crawlers, spoons, etc. The ice is approximately 5 to 6 inches thick, with minimal snow cover. The reservoir has just recently iced over so extreme caution is advised.. Northern pike fishing has been slow. Harvest of northern pike is strongly encouraged. Weekly updates on ice conditions, access, accommodations and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Stagecoach State Park at (970) 736-8342 or stagecoach.park@state.co.us.

Steamboat Lake: Fishing has been good for rainbow trout and Snake River cutthroat trout in approximately 8–10’ of water. The Marina cove area, in particular, has been fishing fairly well. The ice is approximately12” thick with minimal snow cover. An assortment of terminal tackle has been producing, such as jigs tipped with powerbait, wax worms, night crawlers, tube jigs, castmasters, jigging rapalas, etc. Weekly updates on ice conditions, access, accommodations and angling success is provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Steamboat Lake State Park at (970) 879-3922 or steamboat.lake@state.co.us.

Sweetwater Lake: Safe ice conditions do not exist currently (early December) on Sweetwater Lake. Depending on weather, ice conditions typically shape up toward the end of December. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and contains wild brook trout and brown trout. Feral kokanee are occasionally caught, as well. For up-to-date conditions and local information, contact the U.S. Forest Service- White River National Forest, Phone: 303-945-3255.

Sylvan Lake: Ice cover on Sylvan Lake is consistently 7 – 8”. Ice fishing has been steady to good for Rainbow trout and Brook trout. The lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout and wild brook trout also reside in Sylvan Lake. Tackle suggestions: wax or meal worms with colorful small jigs. Biweekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Sylvan Lake State Park, 10200 Brush Creek Rd., P.O. Box 1475, Eagle, CO, 81631, Phone: 970-328-2021, sylvan.lake.park@state.co.us.

Vega Reservoir: As of December 5, ice is just beginning to form in spots around the reservoir. Weekly updates on ice conditions and angling success will be provided on the Colorado State Parks website. Anglers may also contact Vega Reservoir State Park, P.O. Box 186, Collbran, CO 81624; Phone: 970-487-3407

Williams Fork Reservoir: As of 12/12, there is ice in the coves, but there is also a significant amount of open water in the middle of the lake. The ice should not be considered to be safe yet. Wolford Reservoir: As of December 10, ice in the coves was 3-4” thick and 2” in the main body of the lake. Call The Fishin’ Hole in Kremmling (970) 724-9407 for current conditions.

Wolford Reservoir: As of December 10, ice in the coves was 3-4” thick and 2” in the main body of the lake.

SOUTHEAST REGION (last updated 12/14/11)

Brush Hollow: This is a 200 acre lake located near Penrose off of Highway 115. The lake is currently ice free. Fishing success is unknown at this time. The boat ramp is open. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Clear Creek Reservoir: This 400 acre reservoir is located between Buena Vista and Leadville and is a consistently good ice fishing lake. The lake is totally frozen with about 3 inches of ice near the boat ramp. Ice thickness is unknown elsewhere on the lake so use extreme caution. Trout catch near the boat ramp has been fair. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida Area Office (719-530-5520).

Cottonwood Lake: This 40 acre reservoir is located west of Buena Vista on U.S. Forest Service land. The lake is completely ice covered but thickness is unknown – use extreme caution. Fishing success is unknown at this time. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

De Weese Reservoir: Located near Westcliffe. The ice is 5-7 inches thick, and fishing is good with trout averaging 12 inches but some in the 14 to 16 inch range. Swedish pimples, kastmasters, and assorted plastic jigs tipped with meal worms, wax worms, and night crawlers are good bets. For current conditions, contact the Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300).

Frantz Lake: This lake has 5-6 inches of ice in most areas. Use caution however, particularly in the inlet area where ice may be thin. Fishing success has been good using ice jigs tipped with salmon eggs. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida Area office (719-530-5520).

Hayden Meadows Reservoir: This is a small (5 acres) lake located along Highway 24 just south of Leadville. The lake has been frozen since December 8. Ice thickness is unknown so use caution. Fishing success is also unknown. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Hugo SWA: Ponds are ice free.

Karval Reservoir: Lake is ice free.

Kinney Lake: Lake is ice free.

Lake Isabel: Also called San Isabel Reservoir, this 30 acre lake is on U.S. Forest Service land off of Highway 165 just west of Rye. The ice is approximately 5 inches thick and anglers are doing well with wax worms and pink and green jigs. For updated ice conditions, contact the Pueblo Area Office (719-561-5300).

Manitou Reservoir: Located just north of Woodland Park, this 16 acre reservoir is situated on U.S. Forest Service lands. Lake is capped with ice, and considered unsafe as thickness is under 2 inches. Ice fishing is not recommended. Caution is advised with warming temperatures. No report on angler success. A $5 entry fee at the gate from the USFS must be paid in order to fish. Anglers are encouraged to contact the USFS at 636-1602 for current conditions as well as hours of operation. Contact the Colorado Springs office (719-227-5200) for current conditions.

Monument Lake (El Paso County): This 40 acre lake is located just west of the town of Monument. Ice should be considered unsafe Ice fishing is not recommended. Contact the Colorado Springs office (719-227-5200) for current conditions.

Monument Reservoir (Las Animas County): This 40 acre lake is located at the Monument Lake Resort about 30 miles west of Trinidad. The lake is frozen but unsafe, as the ice was 2 inches in depth at the time of the report. Day use is from 0800-1600h (posted) and $3/car per day at the self serve station. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact DWM Bob Holder (719-680-1410).

Mt. Elbert Forebay: This 200 acre reservoir is located just north of Twin Lakes above Highway 82. This is a productive lake that has better than average sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anglers also target mackinaw. This reservoir fluctuates considerably and is ice free most of the time, creating open water opportunity in the dead of winter. Ice conditions are unknown at this time. Ice conditions change daily at this reservoir due to hydropower operations so use extreme caution throughout the winter. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

North Lake SWA: This 100 acre lake is located just east of Monument Reservoir (west of Trinidad). North Lake was not frozen at the time of this report. Fishing will be unsafe as it begins to form. For anglers fishing open water, note that fishing is by artificial flies and lures only. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact DWM Bob Holder (719-680-1410).

O’Haver Lake: This small (14 acre) lake is located southwest of Poncha Springs on U.S. Forest Service lands. The lake is accessible via County Road 200 (Marshall Pass Road). The road is snow packed due to recent snows, and 4-wheel drive vehicles with good tires or snowmobiles are needed to reach the lake. The lake is completely frozen. Ice thickness and fishing success is unknown at this time. Use extreme caution. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Riverside Ponds (Mt. Ouray State Wildlife Area): These two ponds are located northwest of Salida off County Road 160. These lakes appear to have good ice thickness but use extreme caution in the inlet area where ice may be thin. Both require about a ¼ mile hike, as vehicles are restricted to the parking areas. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida Area office (719-530-5520).

Skaguay Reservoir: Located just east of Victor (near the town of Cripple Creek), this 114 acre reservoir is part of the Skaguay State Wildlife Area. The lake is ice covered but thickness and fishing conditions are unknown. No vehicles allowed on ice. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

Trinidad Lake: Located just west of Trinidad, this 1000 acre reservoir is part of Trinidad State Park (entry fee required). The lake is not frozen and is not safe for ice fishing. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Trinidad Lake State Park (719-846-6951).

Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoirs: These are larger reservoirs (Twin – 2000 acres, Turquoise – 1600 acres) located on U.S. Forest Service lands west of Highway 24 near Leadville. Twin – The upper lake is completely ice covered but thickness is unknown. The lower lake is 50-60% is covered as of December 8 at both lakes. There is almost always open water near dam, power plant and channels. Proceed with caution. Fishing success is unknown at this time. Turquoise – The lake is about 50% ice covered as of December 8. Ice thickness and fishing conditions are unknown at this time. The lake can be currently reached by vehicle but snow fall may soon make it accessible only by foot or snowmobile from established parking areas. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Salida office (719-530-5520).

SOUTHWEST REGION (last updated 12/9/11)

Beaver Creek Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area near South Fork. There is vehicle access to the parking lot near the boat ramp. Anglers should expect to catch rainbow trout from 10-16 inches and brown trout and kokanee salmon from 10-14 inches. Due to dam inspections, the water level will remain 10-20’ below the high water mark for the foreseeable future. Anglers should take caution on steep slopes approaching the water. The reservoir is frozen in areas; however, anglers should use caution as the ice thickness will be variable during this time of year. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Big Meadows Reservoir: This 114 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area southwest of South Fork. From Highway 160, access along Forest Road 410 (two miles) is typically accessed by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. However, as of December 9th there are logging operations that have kept the road open to the lake. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and cutthroat from 10-16 inches and brook trout from 10-12 inches. The reservoir is completely frozen however anglers should use caution as the ice thickness will be variable during this time of year. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Big Molas Lake: This 20 acre natural lake is located near Silverton. It freezes early, and angler success is generally good for rainbow trout and brook trout early in the season. No reports to date, but ice conditions should be good. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Blue Mesa Reservoir: This 8,900 acre reservoir is located west of Gunnison. Winter fishing is excellent for brown trout and lake trout and good for rainbow trout. Browns caught through the ice average 16 inches in length but occasionally reach 25 inches. Rainbows up to 20 inches are commonly landed. Trophy lake trout can also be found over 40 inches in length and up to about 50 pounds in weight. Kokanee and yellow perch can also be caught through the ice but are often tougher to target. Due to an over-abundance of small lake trout, harvest of lake trout less than 30 inches is recommended. The bag and possession limit for lake trout is unlimited, only one of which may be greater than 38 inches in length. Ice thickness can be variable. Anglers may check on current conditions by contacting Curecanti National Recreation Area at (970-641-2337).

Crawford Reservoir: This 390 acre reservoir is a Colorado State Park located 2 miles south of Crawford. Ice fishing season generally runs from January to March. There is vehicle access to several points around the reservoir. Anglers can expect large catches of smaller sized yellow perch. Black crappie and northern pike can also be targeted through the ice with a few residual rainbows being caught as well. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact Crawford State Park (970-921-5721) or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Montrose office (970-252-6000). In early December there was still open water and the lake was still in the process of freezing.

Echo Canyon Reservoir: This 118 acre reservoir is a State Wildlife Area located a few miles south of Pagosa Springs on US 84. Echo Lake is typically a good lake for rainbow trout and large yellow perch. Early ice conditions exist but Echo Canyon typically has good ice thickness by late December. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Groundhog Reservoir: At 6-7 inches thick, the reservoir has the best ice conditions in the area. Anglers are doing well for 13 inch rainbow trout on nightcrawlers. With the lake level at historic lows, Groundhog Reservoir may provide very good fishing this year. The road is plowed but with the current snowstorm it may be closed to vehicles soon. Access to Groundhog is typically by snowmobile (20 miles). For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Island Lake: This 179 acre lake on the Grand Mesa offers good ice fishing opportunity for 10-12 inch rainbow trout, a few wild cutthroat and brookies, and good-sized splake as well (8-28 inches). This lake is popular with anglers with snowmobiles. Check with the USFS for road and ice conditions (970-874-6600) or contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Montrose office (970-252-6000). There is currently about a foot of ice on the lake and fishing has been good for splake and rainbow trout.

Lemon Reservoir: Located approximately 15 miles northeast of Durango. There is little to no ice on reservoir. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Miramonte Reservoir: This 400 acre lake is located 20 miles south of Norwood on the Dan Noble State Wildlife Area. Ice fishing season generally runs from December to March. There is vehicle access to several points around the reservoir. Fishing can be good for larger than average rainbow trout with occasional brown trout being caught as well. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the DOW Montrose office (970-252-6000). In early December there were several inches of ice on the lake and a few brave souls got a jump on the ice fishing season. Soon the whole lake should have enough ice to safely fish.

Mountain Home Reservoir: This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. The water level in this reservoir is variable and may be low during the winter. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. Anglers should use caution as ice conditions are variable and may be too thin during this time of year. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Pastorius Reservoir: Early season conditions. No reports on ice thickness or condition. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Rito Hondo Lake: This 40 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located west of Creede. Access is by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Anglers can expect to catch brook trout and occasionally cutthroat and rainbow trout. This lake is completely frozen and fishable however, anglers should use caution as ice thickness can be variable. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Road Canyon Reservoir: This 140 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located near Creede. The reservoir is accessible by vehicle however 4WD vehicles are advised. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow trout, brook trout and splake from 10 to 16 inches. This reservoir is completely frozen and fishable however, anglers should use caution as ice thickness is variable especially around the aerators. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Sanchez Reservoir: This large reservoir is a State Wildlife Area near San Luis. It is accessible by vehicle to the boat ramp. Anglers should use extreme caution as ice conditions are extremely variable this time of year. The water level is currently 15-20 feet below the high water mark. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Smith Reservoir: This is a State Wildlife Area near Fort Garland. Although we have not had any reports on ice conditions it is likely that the reservoir will not be ready to ice fish until January. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Summit Reservoir: Summit Reservoir is a 350 surface acre lake located about 8 miles NW of Mancos and 20 miles NE of Cortez. Summit is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. No reports of angling, but the reservoir is covered with thin ice.

Taylor Park Reservoir: This is a 2,000 acre reservoir located northeast of Gunnison. It freezes early and is usually suitable for ice fishing by mid-December. Anglers can expect to catch lake trout and rainbow trout. During the winter, the road is plowed to the Taylor Park Trading Post. The road to the Taylor Park Marina from the Taylor River Road (FR 742) is no longer maintained through the winter. It is advised that ice fishermen plan to access the reservoir by snowmobile, snowshoes or skis as snow depths otherwise make access difficult. For updated ice conditions, contact the Taylor Park Trading Post at (970) 641-2555 or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Gunnison office (970-641-7060).

Totten Reservoir: This small reservoir (204 acres) located east of Cortez typically has variable ice conditions. This early in the season the lake is most likely not suitable for ice fishing. Totten is known for larger perch, bluegill, and some northern pike. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: This 69 acre lake is a State Wildlife Area located 40 miles west of Antonito. Access is by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. . Anglers can expect to catch brown trout and rainbow trout. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista office (719-587-6900).

Vallecito Reservoir: This 2,700 acre reservoir is located NE of Durango. No ice however fishing for shoreline rainbows has been good. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Williams Creek Reservoir: Williams Creek Reservoir is covered with ice but of variable thickness; early season conditions exists. Williams Creek is generally good for brook, rainbow and cuttbow trout and the occasional kokanee salmon on jigs baited with mealworms. Please note that snowmobiles are allowed only as an aid to ice fishing and not for recreational use on the lake. For updated fishing reports and ice conditions, contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango office (970-247-0855).

Last Updated: 12/16/2011 5:16 PM

AZ Fishing And Stocking Report

2011-12-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

AZ Game And Fish Department

Rory's Christmas Fishing Tips

This is a good time of year to thank all of you fishing report readers for your continuing interest, with an extra special thanks to those loyal readers who have regaled us with their own fishing experiences and pictures.

Also, thanks for the positive feedback during the year. It does mean a lot to me. May all of you experience the blessings of the season.
On Thursday morning, an angler left a message saying he caught a nice 3- and 4-pound rainbow trout along Casino Row in the Bullhead/Laughlin area. It looks like the holdover larger trout are still hanging along this stretch of river like last year. This could be a good place for a holiday fishing adventure.

With the nightly temperatures dipping into the 40s in the deserts and the winter solstice (the longest night of the year) on Dec. 22, the temperatures in our warm water fisheries are continuing to drop, making trout fishing even more viable at places like Tempe Town Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and the Lower Salt River.

Don't forget the Urban Fishing Program waters. Most have received some incentive-sized trout. You might just catch that holiday wall hanger at one of these neighborly waters. Or maybe catch-photo-and-release a slab-sided rainbow (be sure to send me a copy of the picture at raikens@azgfd.gov).
This coming week we are stocking Tempe Town Lake with rainbow trout. But guess what, we are stocking Town Lake with trout again the following week as well. These back-to-back weekly stockings should provide some pretty doggone good fishing for those youngsters on holiday break from school. Now that's a pretty good holiday gift.
This week we are stocking Saguaro Lake with rainbows. It's one of my favorite winter fishing lakes for bass as well. Bass anglers may want to take along some swim baits. But arm yourself with gold quarter-ounce KastMasters for the yellow bass. They are really a ball to catch, especially on ultra-light gear. A good trout-bass combination bait is the old standby -- night crawlers. Drop shot artists may want to use live night crawlers on their rigs as well right now for a mixed bag.
This is also a good week to fish the Prescott area or the Verde Valley. We are stocking Watson Lake and Fain Lake in the Prescott area this week. Watson is a great place for canoes and kayaks. Keep in mind it's a fee area for the City of Prescott. Maybe go fish Watson and make a visit to the picturesque Prescott Town Square for a dose of small town holiday spirit. I used to live a couple of blocks from town square, and it's a special place during Christmas.
We are also stocking the Verde River between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, plus Dead Horse Ranch State Park. They are a treat combination for a family fishing outing. The daytime temperature there is expected to be in the low 50s this week, so be sure to wear warm clothing. While 50 may seem a little chilly to us desert rats, most anglers across the country would love to have sunny 50-plus-degree days. I am glad to say that we are spoiled.
For those of you in the Yuma area, especially winter visitors, we stocked trout in some of the waters there last week, including Redondo Pond, Yuma West Wetlands (a great place to see waterfowl) and Fortuna Pond. Plus boating on the lower Colorado River in the Imperial Division is really a treat. The recreational boaters of summer are gone, there are plenty of intriguing places to explore, and you'll probably see scads of waterfowl. It's really something when Vs of geese fly down the river directly overhead, or waves of huge sandhill cranes.
Speaking of waterfowl, try the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge just south of Blythe for lots of snow geese and a decent wintering population of majestic sandhill cranes. Take the family on the Goose Loop drive. Keep your cameras and binoculars handy. You never know what you may encounter from bobcats to deer. I once saw a herd of deer chasing a coyote across the fields at Cibola. It was an amazing wildlife encounter of the strange kind. Made me wish I had a video camera.
By the way, a wonderful winter hiking adventure for the family is Palm Canyon just south of Quartzite.
In southern Arizona, we stocked Patagonia Lake with trout last week and Parker Canyon is getting its holiday trout installment this week. If you are looking for a nice holiday outing for the family, try the Patagonia area. There are some pretty neat wineries down there to visit when the fish aren't biting.
Two really great mountain fisheries to try right now are Becker Lake in Springerville (currently open water and good fishing) and Silver Creek near Show Low. Silver Creek is spring fed and does not ice over. With warmer conditions this weekend, it might make a great place for a holiday outing -- it's catch-and-release only. For those looking for a day of skiing and a day of fishing, these two might be pretty good choices.
At Lake Pleasant, my friend Mike McFarland with Hook Up Outfitters reports that they are catching striped bass at 60 to 80 feet deep in the mouths of the northern coves using anchovies as bait. The stripers are typically holding pretty tight to the bottom, so they may not show up on fish sonar devices.
So go catch some holiday season memories (and send me some smilling fishing pictures at raikens@azgfd.gov). Maybe I'll see you out there.
PS: Arizona's Official Fishing Guide is being sold at Costco for $18 and change. The fishing guide is also the featured book right now on Arizona Highways website. If you get one of these guides, I'll be doing a number of book signings right after the first of the year. So if you buy now, I'll sign later -- okay?

Angler Photo:
For some crazy reason, I take a picture on the day of the solstice at the lake. (Upper Lake Mary near Flagstaff)...just enjoy the low angle, I guess....
Was 14f, but no wind, and GORGEOUS out.....just not very conducive to putting the boat in the water....er....well....
Normally you get pics of my boating/fishing on the lake....today...well....er....I went to the lake anyway!
Enjoy the pics!
Garrett Dauphars, Flagstaff

Fishing News

RBFF boasts record attendance at State Marketing Workshop in Arizona
45 state agencies converge in Phoenix to discuss integrated marketing efforts for fishing

ALEXANDRIA, VA (Dec. 21, 2011) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) hosted a record 45 state fish and wildlife agencies at its 2011 State Marketing Workshop held Dec. 6 – 8, 2011 in Phoenix, Ariz.

The workshop focused on the importance of marketing and communicating with anglers, and implementing integrated marketing efforts to increase fishing license sales. Established in 2008 to bring together participants from RBFF's State Fishing License Marketing Program, the workshop was expanded to include all 50 states in 2010.

"Convening state agencies at the State Marketing Workshop and getting them to engage in a dialogue about marketing efforts is critical," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "We're working to advance these state agency partnerships in an effort to increase fishing license sales and boat registrations nationwide, which in turn, generates funds needed for state conservation projects."

Workshop participants took part in discussion around the 2011 program results and direction for 2012. Roundtable discussions also facilitated important dialogue about ways to better engage and retain anglers using e-mail and social media.

Participants, including a contingent from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, heard from RBFF staff and industry experts about angler engagement and retention strategies, and activities that compete for anglers' time.

Additionally, keynote speaker John Seabreeze, discussed the parallels between fishing/boating and golf, and shared results from successful consumer acquisition and retention programs in the golf industry that can be applied to fishing.
"I want to thank all of the state agencies represented at the meeting and our Workshop sponsors, who together contribute to the success of the event and our efforts to increase participation in fishing and boating overall. We hope to have all 50 states at next year's Workshop," added Peterson.

RBFF thanks the following companies for their sponsorship: Presenting sponsor - Pure Fishing; Additional sponsors - Active Network, American Sportfishing Association, Field & Stream, National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Outdoor Channel and Southwick Associates.

Launched in March 2008, RBFF's State Fishing License Marketing Program was developed to increase participation in the sport and generate awareness of the connection between fishing license sales and conservation efforts. To date, 34 state partners have sold more than one million fishing licenses through the State Fishing License Marketing Program.

CENTRAL WATERS

URBAN FISHING -- The urban waters were stocked last week with rainbow trout, making them a great place to try out new fishing gear.
The rainbow trout stocking season is in full swing and will continue all winter long at two-week intervals. Trout range in size from 11 to 12 inches in length, with some recently stocked fish in the 14- to 16-inch range.

Fishing is good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or cheese. Small spinners such as Rooster Tails and Panther Martins, or spoons such as KastMasters and Super Dupers work well for trout.

In addition to a good morning bite, some anglers have reported excellent fishing midday and late afternoon. Patience is the key, as the trout bite sporadically throughout the day. When the bite is on, anglers are catching limits in an hour.

Action for catfish, bass and bluegill has slowed due to colder water temperatures.

Trout fishing is good to excellent at Green Valley lakes in Payson with Power Bait, worms and small spoons working best. Top flies for fly fishermen have been copper Johns, wooly buggers, simi seal leaches and pheasant tail nymphs.

Don’t forget to buy your 2012 fishing license. They make excellent stocking stuffers for your favorite angler.

TEMPE TOWN LAKE - Rainbow trout will be stocked this week and again next week so that it has plenty of fish for youngsters who are out of school on the winter break.
You can try the usual methods for the rainbows (baits like powerbait, nightcrawlers, and mealworms or try spinners and spoons such as panther martins, kastmasters…).

Anglers are still catching largemouth bass, yellow bass and sunfish.
Remember no gas motors are allowed (electric trolling motors are) and you must have a boating permit, which can be obtained at the Town Lake operations center.
LAKE PLEASANT -- Water level is at 1,667 feet (63-percent full). Like most lakes recently Pleasant seems to be hit-or-miss.
Mike McFarland, a guide with Hook Up Outfitters, suggests fishing the mouths of the northern coves in 60 to 80 feet of water using frozen anchovies as bait. Mike cuts his anchovies into quarters for the small stripers, but for the larger ones, try using a whole anchovy.
Mike also reports that there can be a jerkbait bite for largemouth bass in the backs of coves at times, so give that a try as well.
Also try spooning through schools of shad for striper, white bass and largemouth. There have been a few reports of guys catching some crappie. Try fatheads under a bobber or a variety of jigs.

Dropshot is another productive technique for some along the points. Twenty to 50 feet is the depth that is working pretty well.

Anchovies are still tempting stripers. Jigs outfitted with grubs and flukes are also providing a bite if you find where the fish are hanging. Flukes are also effective on a Texas rig.

Mike McFarland with Hook Up Outfitters has been getting on the striper bite at Lake Pleasant and pulling in some nice 4- to 5-pound fish using frozen anchovies as bait. Mike said the stripers are holding tight to the bottom, so don't necessary show up on the fish-finding sonar. The best fishing has been at the 65-foot contour, mostly in those submerged creek or river channels in the northern coves, with the best action close to the mouth of those coves.
Mike said while the stripers may not show up on the sonar, the balls of shad do. He suggests finding the shad, and then working the bottom. Also, black bass can be found in the backs of coves in the shallows on occasion, but with these weather patterns, expect them to be holding tight to cover or structure.ROOSEVELT LAKE - The lake is 65-percent full at an elevation of 2,120 feet. The Salt River was flowing at 219 ft3/s Monday morning. Most of the recent reports from Rosy indicate fishing has been a little slow but some guys are catching crappie in decent number and the ones they are catching are large ones. Try the Tonto or Salt arms of the lake. Use John Deere grubs or black-blue-chartreuse (BBC) grubs on a 1/16-ounce jighead in about 25 feet of water. Largemouth bass fishing is in the transition time to winter activity levels. Some of the better fishing right now is in the 20- to 30-foot range, especially off points. Drop-shotting and wired worms are the baits of choice. We have received report that crappie fishing is picking up at Rosy. 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.

APACHE - Lake is 94-percent full at 1,909 feet. No recent reports but fishing should be good for yellow bass down by the dam. Yellow bass should hit jigs and spoons. Fish for them around balls of shad in 20-60 feet of water. Cut bait also works well for them.

CANYON - Lake is 96-percent full at 1,658 feet. Bass fishing has been good at Canyon. Saw a report from an angler who landed between 23 largemouth bass and a couple of yellows on spoons. Don’t be afraid to try a rainbow trout imitation for bass as Canyon was stocked with rainbow trout two weeks ago. Try fishing for trout in Boulder Cove with panther martins, kastmasters, or bait.

SAGUARO - Lake level is 1,526 feet (93-percent full). Bass fishing has been hit or miss. Anglers seem to be doing well for bass using rainbow swim baits. Yellow bass fishing has been good, try using a silver and blue kastmasters or similar. Saguaro will be stocked again the week of January 9 with rainbow trout. Try for rainbows in the Butcher Jones area.

BARTLETT – Lake level is at 1,753 feet (45-percent full). Last week, the flows doubled down the Verde River to around 600 cfs, bringing lots of cold water and a little turbidity into the system. Haven't heard much from anglers, but typically when this happens in winter it slows down the bite.
However, with a few days of warmer weather and a new moon on Christmas weekend, fishing under lights at night for crappie might be worth trying.

Bass fishing is hit-or-miss and crappie fishing has been picking up, although mainly for smaller fish. Drop shotting, crankbaits and swim baits seemed to be the most productive. Remember the live bait most come from the lake itself (excluding minnows or worms) not transported from another body of water!

HORSESHOE - Lake is empty. No report. The flows down the Verde River increased to about 600 cfs last week, but this lake is acting as a pass-through right now, providing Bartlett just downstream with some much needed inflows.

VERDE RIVER – Fishing is poor for largemouth, smallmouth and catfish. Remember that no baitfish can be transported into this part of the river (above Horseshoe). This morning flow was 552 ft3/s at Tangle Creek station above Horseshoe Lake. Last week the flows ramped up to more than 600 cfs following the storms.

LOWER SALT RIVER (below Saguaro Lake) – Last week trout were be stocked in Lower Salt River and will be again next week, just in time for all the young folks out of school to try out any new trout fishing outfits.

The Lower Salt River is flowing at cfs from Stewart Mountain Dam and around 300 cfs from Bartlett Reservoir on the Verde River, which means the river is currently being stocked at and below the confluence of the Salt and Verde rivers from Phon D Sutton to Granite Reef. Power Bait, inline spinners and corn will work. Fly fishermen may have luck using nymphs or wooly buggers.

CREEKS – This is a great time of year to try some of the streams along the Mogollon Rim. The crowds are gone and you could have an entire stream to yourself. The gate to the catch and release section of Canyon Creek has been closed for the winter so you will have to hike in to this section.

COLORADO RIVER NORTHWEST
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?” at bfishing@azgfd.gov

LAKE POWELL – By Wayne Gustaveson, Lake Powell Fish Report - Nov. 21, 2011

Lake Elevation: 3,647. Water temperature 59-62 F

Water temperature this morning at the Wahweap Main ramp was 59.9F. That rounds up to 60 degrees for me. The average temperature on this date is 58.6F.

What’s the big deal about a few degrees?

Shad remain in shallow water when temperature is close to 60 and retreat into deep water when temperature is near 55.

Knowing that makes it an easy decision when launching at Hite where fishing is best now. In warm water, head up stream where water is shallow and murky. Fish in the brush for bass and stripers. When water cools into the low 50s then head downstream and fish deeper water for striper schools resting on the bottom.
Great success has been found recently fishing with plastic baits like walleye assassins in salt and pepper color. An offset worm hook can be turned into the plastic, instead of exposed, to allow it to fish weedless in the treetops. The assassin is heavy enough to cast without adding extra weight. Move steadily along the shoreline until a striper is caught and then concentrate on that spot to catch more striped school mates as they feed in the brush on shad and sunfish. When a striper is hooked and brought to the boat, school mates often follow, hoping for a feeding opportunity. As your buddy is reeling in a fish, don’t grab the net. Instead drop a spoon under the boat to catch another striper.
This same pattern works lakewide with some modifications. Fishing is hot for bass and stripers in the tree line surrounding the lake during the last hour of daylight. Again work steadily along the brushy shoreline in water less than 20 feet deep until a striper is caught. Then concentrate on that location casting rattletraps, flat-raps and/or walleye assassins. The lure is not as important as the timing. As the suns sets, fish feed voraciously for the last hour of the day.
During the day trolling along the edge of the brush line in water 15-20 feet deep results in a steady (not fast) catch of stripers along with a few bass. Rattletraps, X-raps, Bomber flat raps, and other medium divers that hit tree tops without snagging result in an average of 2 fish per hour in the main lake. Fishing is much faster at Hite upstream from the ramp.
Crappie can be caught very well now in the San Juan arm and from Good Hope to Hite. Walleye fishing is prime for those slow trolling a night crawler harness behind a bottom bouncer. The trick is to find a brush free bottom near the brush zone where the walleye rig can be used without hanging up. Look mid channel where water depth is 20 to 40. Check the graph to look for a flat bottom without brush for best results.
Enjoy the late season fishing and wonderful warm days when storm fronts are not forecast. Air and water temperatures near 60 make a delightful time for fishing at Lake Powell.

LEES FERRY -- Dec. 12, 2011 by Lees Ferry Anglers
Fly Fishing Upriver: The flows are currently running around a constant 20,750cfs until Dec. 26. Beginning around the 26th of December we will have daily fluctuating flows with a peak around 18,400 cfs and a low around 11,800 cfs.

The water temperature has been in the fifties, but is dropping and we expect Lake Powell to turn over anytime. With the lake turning over our water temperatures should be back around forty-six to forty-eight degrees. With these cooler water temperatures the trout should become more active.

The upriver rating is 6 out of 10. Fishing upriver has been good, but is becoming tougher. We are entering a transition period where the fish are beginning to stage for the spawn making it more difficult to locate them. If you have any doubts about how to read the water or need a little extra confidence about where to be fishing, don’t hesitate to inquire about hiring a guide.

The high water conditions are very conducive to drifting. Also, these higher flows are stirring up the food source. San Juan Worms and Scuds have been highly productive. With the trout staging to spawn another option would be to try a Glo- Bug below a San Juan Worm or Scud. We are still nymphing but we are using longer leaders from twelve to fifteen feet with more weight. The midge fishing has slowed down until this upcoming spring.

Another consideration is fishing a streamer or wooly bugger either dead drifting below an indicator or stripping. This particular method may produce some larger fish. When streamer fishing, we highly recommend a Teeny 200 grain sinking tip or a similar line. The reason for the Teeny is that the sinking tip is twenty feet which allows the streamer to get down effectively through the water column with a slow swing on the bottom. Do not forget to add some action and vary the action to the fly on the retrieve. Many times the fish will the wooly bugger on the pause.

A five- to 10-foot sink tip is just not adequate because will not get down through the water column before coming back up toward the surface on the swing. You can use a floating line but, lengthen one’s leader with lots of split shot.

If you’re contemplating a trip to Lees Ferry, I would say go for it. Fishing has been good. The weather has gotten colder and can vary, however the crowds have virtually disappeared for the season. We have rooms available and have gone to our winter rates. If you have any questions please give us a call at 1-800-962-9755.

Fly Fishing WALK-IN: With the higher flows the walk in is more difficult to fish. The fish tend to move in closer to shore lying on the inside of the seams in the quiet water, but the back cast may face more obstacles. Fishing is fairly consistent. Nymphing with San Juan Worms, Glo-Bugs and Scuds has been effective. Another great option is fishing a woolly bugger like a streamer using a Teeny T-130 or a T-200 sink tip. Dead drifting a bugger with a dropper below an indicator on a floating line may also produce some good fishing.

Please keep in mind with these higher flows wading can be a little tricky. There is no need to wade past your waist not only is it dangerous but, the fish tend to hold fairly close to shore amongst the boulders and off the drop offs.Stop by the Fly Shop for more tips and to pick up some local fly patterns. We’ll see you then.

Spin Fishing: Spin fishing is good! It’s all about bouncing glo bugs off the bottom. You can also try fishing with gold KastMasters or black and gold Panther Martins. Also definitely don’t forget about the marabou jig, this one has been working great and has been very reliable.

Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powell – During November 2011the unregulated inflow volume to Lake Powell was 570 kaf (108% of average). This was very close to the forecast volume issued by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center on November 1, 2011. The forecast volume was 600 kaf (110% of average). Releases from Glen Canyon
Dam during November were 1099 kaf and the elevation of Lake Powell decreased by 4.59 ending November at an elevation of 3645.69 feet above sea level. Releases from Glen Canyon Dam are currently averaging approximately 20,300 cfs and are near steady. This release rate is likely to continue to near the end of December and then will likely be reduced to a daily average release of approximately 16,300 cfs with daily fluctuations for power generation.
LAKE MEAD – The current water level is still approximately 1,127 feet above msl. The elevation came up one foot between this week and last week. Water elevation has risen about 41 feet from this time last year. As the water rises more and more vegetation, mostly in the form of small salt cedars, gets flooded and makes habitat for fish. There seems to be an abundance of shad currently which may be the reason for the lack of bite. Cut anchovies are still the bait of choice.

Check the moon phases before you go. The next new moon will be Christmas Eve. Dark nights work best when fishing under light. Fishing for stripers in 50 plus feet of water will normally find the larger fish. If you can locate the shad, the stripers are not far behind. Trolling usually works best in areas were shad are found and best done in the early mornings and evenings. The bite for largemouth and smallmouth was reported good using plastic worms and crawdads with purple and browns in them. Several fishermen said that top water lures were working for them. One boat had been using a white frog and having good success also. All the fishermen contacted were hopeful for the coming years with rising water conditions and the abundance of baitfish they have seen this year.
Launching conditions at South Cove have improved as the water level has gone up. There are currently four lanes. As the water raises logs and other debris can become hazards, so be careful boating.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
LAKE MOHAVE – The lake level has maintained about 635 feet above msl. The black bass are hitting soft baits when worked slowly especially on grass beds in 20 to 30 feet deep. Trolling with anchovies in 30-50 feet has been producing some stripers, while catfish are on the bottom. While the number of stripers in Mohave has been decreasing, the quality of the fish caught has increased. A couple recently caught several stripers in the 4 lb. to 10 lb. range using rainbow colored Storm Wildeye swim bait in the Cottonwood Basin area. Best time to fish is at night for cats and he likes fishing for largemouth and smallmouth in the early morning with blue, black and purple and black grubs and worms.
Submersible lights fished during the new moon are an effective way to catch stripers. Next new moon is Christmas Eve. Cut anchovies usually work the best.
Biologists from both Arizona Game and Fish Department and Nevada Division of Wildlife with the help of volunteers, National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation personnel have continued to install fish habitat in Carp Cove, Box Cove, Shoshone, and Arrowhead. Fish habitat consists of PVC structures, wood pallet structures, tamarisk bundles, and some Christmas trees. The largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill and catfish are really utilizing the new structures. Additional habitat will be added at several locations over the next two years. These structures are fish magnets.
There is a wheelchair accessible fishing pier just south of the main launch ramp at Katherine's Landing. If you fish Mohave and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
WILLOW BEACH – Willow Beach is stocked every Friday with 3,000 13-inch rainbow trout. Rainbow, peach, garlic and yellow Power Baits and Powerworms were being used most for trout. Jakes original and Jakes Juniors, Panther Martin and Rooster Tails are also usually effective.

Fishing is usually best near the fishing pier after the Friday stocking. Several striped bass were caught with most in the 8-pound range with one 30+pounder. All the stripers were caught with imitation trout lures.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see. If you fish Willow beach and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.
COLORADO RIVER BELOW DAVIS DAM – Trout stocking has resumed at Davis Camp, Rotary Park and Riverside on the second Tuesday of each month. Trout continue to bite in the casino area with some larger fish in the deep holes. Several folks have called and spoke of very large trout being caught in the Laughlin area and Mark, Jerry, Berry and Will can verify with the big fish they landed. Will caught his 5.3-pound rainbow on anchovies. Overall the fishing is great on the river.
Rainbow trout are stocked by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service monthly during the winter. The fish are normally stocked in two locations; Davis Camp and near The Riverside. Stocking at Rotary Park has made another access point to the river for fishing and has made many people happy. Trout fishing at the stocking sites is great immediately following the stockings, then the fish move out and you need to find them.
Rainbow trout are located throughout the river below Davis dam, but anglers typically report catching trout on the Arizona side across from the Riverside, off the shore of Davis Camp and in the big bend area. This year we have received multiple reports of larger holdover trout being caught. Remember to fish for trout, you need a trout stamp on Class A and Lifetime fishing licenses.
Water levels on the river fluctuate, so be careful. You can check the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for flow predictions http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html before you go. If you fish the river below Davis Dam and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.
TOPOCK MARSH – Night crawlers have been tempting catfish at Catfish Paradise. A 13.5 lb. catfish was reported taken at South Dyke on minnows. Bass can be hit and miss. Small crappie are being taken on crappie jigs.
You can access the marsh by boat at the North Dike, Catfish Paradise, and Five-Mile Landing. All three also provide plenty of area for shoreline fishing too. For more information on the marsh, contact the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge at (760) 326-3853 or go to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/havasu/index.html.
Important notice: With the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in Mead, Mohave and Havasu, proper cleaning of all watercraft is critical to help prevent the spread of these invaders. Please drain and dry your livewell and bilge on land. Drain all the water you can from your engine. Also, inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
For more information, go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's web pages at www.azgfd.gov or visit http://100thmeridian.org/.

TOPOCK GORGE -The striper bite has been reported to be excellent with 10- to 12-pound stripers being boated with nightcrawlers and anchovies. Smallmouth and bluegill actions remains relatively strong dependent on the weather. The catfish bite has returned after being absent this summer. Redear sunfish have moved into the river and have been up to the 2.5 lb. range. Night crawlers have been the bait of choice for sunfish and for black bass with some being caught in the 4 lb. range
Topock Fishing Report from Capt. Doyle’s Guide Service
Welcome to the Colorado! Winter in the Topock Gorge has been cold–bitterly cold at times. This means we who report fishing news are hard pressed to find active anglers or responsive fish.
Striper action has stalled completely as has the catfish bite. Refusing any kind of presentation, even the smallmouth bass have slowed a tad. All is not lost however; there is a bright spot on the horizon. The bluegill bite has been hot and heavy! Chris Taylor from Brighton MI and his buddies recently boated a cornucopia of bluegill and redear.
With a few smallmouth bass to round out the catch, the group ended up with a whopping 44 fish. Itsy bitsy pieces of night crawler on small brass crappie hooks made for a heck of a fun day’s fishing. The few smallies to be taken hit only live bait.
The action in the Topock Marsh has been steadily improving. Crappie continue to be taken in small numbers throughout the marsh. It is the catfish action out of South Dyke that is drawing all the attention. A 13.5-pounder was taken as well as a few ranging up to 10-pounds. The 13.5-pounder was caught by a nameless local. Although there was no picture, Kyle at the Old Western Trader in Golden Shores confirmed the catch. Fifteen to eighteen inch largemouth bass, too, have been reported. Both the cats and the bass were taken on live minnows.
Thanks,
Georgia

SOUTHWESTERN WATERS
Note: If you have a fishing report, send it to "Been Fishing?" at bfishing@azgfd.gov.

LAKE HAVASU -- No recent reports. Due to inclement weather, fish are likely holding deep. With another weather front expect this weekend, the fishing might improve right as the barometer drops again.

PARKER STRIP -- No recent reports.

ALAMO LAKE -- No recent reports. The recent fronts have likely moved most fish deep. However, crappie should be congregating into larger schools. The bite normally picks up in early January, but a week or so of warmer weather might get the crappie bite going sooner.
The Cholla Launch Ramp has been fixed, widened and is now open. But don't expect a dock -- yet. They still have some work to do in December, with another short closure, and will install the dock then. I know a lot of tournaments have been rescheduled to other lakes, so now you have the Alamo green light again.

COLORADO RIVER (PARKER STRIP AREA) -- Fishing for smallmouth bass over two pounds in size is expected to be good to excellent. In addition, redear sunfish should also be good in the pound-plus sizes.

The Parker Strip is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, especially in the area from the dam to several miles downstream. The Parker Strip is also home to some really impressive, dinner-plate sized redear sunfish of two pounds or larger.

Channel and flathead catfish fishing is always fair in this section of the Colorado River. Below the dam, striper fishing should also be fair, using live shad or anchovies. Largemouth bass are abundant, especially in the downstream portions of the Parker Strip. Channel and flathead catfish fishing will be fair to good in this section of the Colorado River as the weather warms up.
Take precautions to make sure your boat and equipment is clean before leaving the water to make sure you don’t spread quagga mussels to other water by accident.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PALO VERDE DIVERSION DAM AND WALTER’S CAMP) -- This area should be fair for both smallmouth bass (in the channel) up river from the I-10 Bridge and largemouth bass (in the backwaters) throughout the entire area.

Channel and flathead catfish are always fair to good in this section of the Colorado River. Most of the flathead catfish will be in the 2- to 5-pound size range with an occasional fish over 40 pounds. Flathead catfish surveys last May yielded a handful of fish between 15 and 50 pounds in this section of the river, although the majority of fish were much smaller.

Generally, when fishing for catfish, the hotter the weather, the better the fishing. Lively bait is the key to successful flathead fishing. Using the largest bait fish you can come by will increase the odds of catching a larger flathead.
This section of the Colorado River, all the way down to Yuma, is where the invasive vegetative species known as Giant Salvinia is located. Quagga mussels are also found here. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN WALTER’S CAMP AND PICACHO STATE PARK) -- This section of the Colorado River is relatively remote and can only be accessed by boat from either end. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent for flathead catfish with sizes over 40 pounds. The best time will be late spring and on into the summer (the hotter the better). Backwaters are somewhat limited in this stretch of the river, but the few that are there will be good for largemouth bass and other sunfish (bluegill, redear and occasionally black crappie). Channel catfish are also very numerous in this section of the river. Smaller numbers of smallmouth bass and striped bass also occur.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN PICACHO STATE PARK AND IMPERIAL DAM) -- This area is expected to be good to excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Bass and channel catfish in excess of 5 pounds are present along with flathead catfish as large as 40 pounds not uncommon, occasionally much larger. There is definitely a state record or two lurking in these waters. Only very heavy fishing tackle will suffice for the really large fish. Bluegills, redear sunfish and black crappie are also present in the various backwaters. Occasional striped bass will be caught in the channels connecting backwaters and the main river channel. Smallmouth bass seem to be on the increase in the lower river above Imperial Dam. They generally prefer swifter water and rockier substrate than largemouth bass, and certainly aren’t as numerous, but they are very aggressive and very scrappy fighters and well worth seeking out.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.

COLORADO RIVER (BETWEEN LAGUNA AND MORELOS DAMS) -- This area will be good for largemouth bass and flathead catfish. Bass in excess of 5 pounds are common and flathead catfish over 20 pounds are a good bet. In this area, accessibility to the river is dependent on the amount of water being released. Usually shallow draft boats are a must. The lower end has had some dredging work done and a larger boat may be able to get on the river in that area. Be aware that some sections of the river are within Quechan tribal boundaries, and a tribal permit is required to fish there. Boundaries are not well marked, so doing some research prior to fishing this section may prevent hassles while you are out there.
The invasive vegetative species, giant salvinia, as well as quagga mussels, are found in this stretch of the river. If using a boat, make sure that boats, live wells, engines, and trailers are clean before leaving the area.
With the increase in border issues and illegal activity on the lower end of this stretch, we recommend exercising extreme caution, avoiding nighttime use, or even staying away from the area altogether (Pilot Knob to Morelos Dam).

MITTRY LAKE -- Mittry Lake is located just above Laguna Dam, and supports a good population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, and even some good-sized flathead catfish. There are shoreline fishing opportunities at this lake in the form of about a dozen rock jetties, but you’ll probably have the best success in a small boat. Mittry Lake can be frustrating, as the bite seems to be real variable, but the fish are there. It is just a question of getting them to respond to your presentation. The water tends to be very murky most of the year, except for the upper end of Teal Alley where the lake inflow comes in, so play to the fish’s sense of hearing and smell, rather than sight. There are also crappie and sunfish to be caught, although they tend to average relatively small in size. Mittry Lake is well-known locally for the quality largemouth bass it produces, and fishing during the spring spawn will increase your chances of success.

YUMA AREA PONDS -- The Department has stepped up efforts to encourage the recruitment of new anglers, and retention of existing ones. To this end, the Department has increased stocking efforts in a few ponds in the Yuma area that are easily accessed without a boat, within a short distance of the urban center. Those ponds are the Yuma West Wetlands pond, located in the City Park, and Redondo and Fortuna ponds, located about 10 miles northeast of Yuma. Access to Redondo Pond was recently improved with the addition of an ADA compliant fishing pier, and thick cattail growth was removed at Fortuna Pond this summer, improving shoreline access by many orders of magnitude. All of these waters received multiple stockings of rainbow trout in the winter months; Redondo Pond will be stocked with channel catfish during the spring, and the Yuma West Wetlands pond will receive channel catfish and bluegills. We may be able to stock Fortuna Pond with channel catfish in the future, pending the outcome of the statewide sport-fish stocking consultation with the USFWS that is hopefully nearing completion. Depending on available funding, we hope to continue regular stockings into all three of these shoreline-accessible waters, and perhaps add additional waters to our stocking schedule. These ponds provide an ideal place to take the family. All three waters now are provided with restroom and trash facilities. Special regulations on fish limits are in effect for these waters, so be sure to consult the Regulations before you take fish.

REGIONAL HOT SPOTS -- Alamo Lake will continue to be a hot spot for plentiful largemouth bass and channel catfish, although trophy-sized fish will be uncommon. Lake Havasu is probably currently the premier lake in our Region (and perhaps the State) for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and redear sunfish. Numbers caught will likely be lower, but the quality of the fish much higher. The Parker Strip should remain excellent for smallmouth bass and redear sunfish, and the Colorado River below Walter’s Camp down to Imperial Dam the best bet for large and plentiful flathead catfish. Our spring surveys indicate that there is a very impressive population of flathead catfish in the lower Imperial Division between Picacho State Park and Imperial Dam. Expect many in the 5-10 pounds size class, but we know of at least one state record lurking in those waters. Backwaters in the Imperial Division above Imperial Dam will continue to yield impressive largemouth bass, up to and exceeding 10 pounds.
If you need any additional information or assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Yuma Regional office at (928) 342-0091, and we will be happy to give you whatever information we have. A very good resource for local fishing information in the Yuma area is the website and forum at www.yumabassman.com.

CENTRAL MOUNTAINS
Note: Due to increased precipitation, as of 12 July the Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Fire restrictions continue in portions of the Apache, Tonto and Coronado National Forests. All fire restrictions have also been lifted for the Grand Canyon. During this time of increased precipitation, debris flows are a concern in areas of recent fire activity. For more fire information go to: http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php.

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 to 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 stocking will resume in November. The week of December 5th, was the last scheduled stocking. The next stocking is tentatively scheduled for this week, the week of December 19th. 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) – The last trout stocking was the week of December 5th. The next scheduled stocking is this week, the week of December 19th.The catfish are active and fishing has been good. Fish for catfish after sunset in deeper pools throughout the Verde Valley using chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or bacon. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been taking inline spinner bait and Mr. Twister lead-head jigs lately. 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.
WEST CLEAR CREEK -- Has not been stocked since mid October.

Prescott Area
FAIN LAKE —Fain Lake is open. The next scheduled stocking is this week, the week of Dec. 19. Rainbow trout were also stocked the week of Dec. 5. That might just set up this lake for some decent fishing this weekend.

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. With the monsoons hitting, fishing patterns may change frequently. One day fishing may be great, and the next it may be slow. The last scheduled stocking was the week of November 7th.
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 –Both largemouth bass and bluegill should be active. Ryan fished with his fly rod and was catching bluegill “like crazy” with the largest bluegill he caught “in forever.” 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 Nov. 14. 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 – Scheduled to be stocked this week. The stocking was the week of Nov. 14. Prior to 2011, Watson had not been stocked by Game and Fish since 1962.

Fishing for trout should be decent for the holiday weekend. One angler reported catching four trout in four hours. Fish ranged in size from 12” to 14”. Power Bait seems to be the bait of choice.
Other anglers have reported having good luck fishing for catfish in the evening by the boat launch. Catfish can usually be caught on anchovy, night crawler, hot dog, chicken liver, beef liver, or various stink baits. Patrick, from Prescott Valley, fished Watson recently and caught a 17 inch, 2 ½ lb. largemouth. He said he was not having luck with trout but did see other folks catching them.
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 – Willow has a great population of bass. The vegetation makes fishing this lake a challenge in the summer. No recent reports from Willow Creek Reservoir have come in but hopefully a new contact will fish there in the coming weeks and report back.
If you fish Willow and are having luck, please e-mail me at gcummins@azgfd.gov so I can share your successes with others.

WHITE MOUNTAINS/MOGOLLON RIM
Recommended Waters to Fish – Show Low Lake and Fool Hollow Lake are accessible and open at this time; however, ice has been forming along shoreline areas. For catch-and-release, artificial lure and fly anglers, Silver Creek is good to excellent. Becker Lake is ice-free as of this past weekend and anglers were catching nice-sized trout.
Trout Stocking Schedule: The trout stocking schedule is completed for the White Mountains and Rim Lakes for 2011, but will resume in April 2012.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES

Note: All Forest Roads in the Rim Lakes area are closed for the winter, including Forest Roads 300 (Rim Road), 169, 105, 149, 86 and southern portion of 34. A recent winter storm dropped 15-20 inches of snow, and, as of Dec. 18, another one to two feet of snow is predicted in the area over the next couple days. The higher elevation lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice. Freezing and thawing conditions prevail. Forest Roads 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed.
BEAR CANYON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Road 300 is closed for the winter.
BLACK CANYON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Roads 300 and 86 are closed for the winter.
CHEVELON LAKE – Not accessible. Forest Roads 300 and 169 are closed for the winter.
CC CRAGIN (BLUE RIDGE) -- Not accessible.
KNOLL LAKE -- Not accessible.
WILLOW SPRINGS LAKE – Accessible by snowmobile or foot only from Hwy. 260. Forest Service Road 149 is closed for the winter.
WOODS CANYON LAKE – Accessible by snowmobile or foot only. Forest Road 300 is closed for the winter.

WHITE MOUNTAINS LAKES
Note: Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. The higher elevation lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
BECKER LAKE – Currently, this lake is ice-free. It experiences freezing and thawing conditions during the winter months, depending on weather conditions. Fishing has been good. Try fishing along weed beds with small nymphs and streamers. White wooly buggers have been successful. Becker is catch-and-release only, with artificial lures and flies only with a single hook. Expect some morning skim ice on the lake.
BIG LAKE – Highways 261 and 273 are closed for the winter. Snowmobile access is allowed. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.

CARNERO LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice. Forest Roads 117 and 117A are snow-packed.
CONCHO LAKE – Fishing is poor. Water levels are extremely low, and the lake is covered with weeds.
CRESCENT LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
FOOL HOLLOW LAKE – Fishing is fair for trout. Anglers are catching trout on nightcrawlers in 4-6 feet of water. Camping is available at this State Recreation Area. Ice is forming along shoreline areas and bays, but the main lake is ice-free.
GREER LAKES – The road into the Greer lakes is snowpacked. These lakes are ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
HULSEY LAKE – The lake had been drained immediately following the Wallow Fire to help reduce expected flooding off Escudilla Mountain.
LEE VALLEY LAKE – Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicle access. Snowmobile access is allowed. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
LUNA LAKE – The road into Luna Lake is snowpacked. The lake is ice-covered. Check ice thickness before venturing out on the ice.
LYMAN LAKE – Lyman Lake State Park is now closed to public entry for the winter and will re-open during the summer of 2012.
NELSON RESERVOIR – The lake is ice-free. Some ice may form on the lake, depending on weather conditions. Unsafe ice conditions.
RAINBOW LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
SCOTT RESERVOIR – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
SHOW LOW LAKE – The lake is ice-free. The fishing piers are snow-packed, so use caution when walking on them. Fishing is fair to good for trout and small walleye. Night crawlers and Power Bait have been working well.

The campground will remain open all winter, but the store is closed. The road over the dam is closed because of snow and ice. It may be reopened depending on weather conditions. Ice may form on the lake because of weather conditions: expect unsafe ice.
WOODLAND LAKE – The lake is ice-covered. Unsafe ice because of weather conditions.
WHITE MOUNTAIN STREAMS
Note: Highways 261 and 273 are closed to vehicles. Snowmobile access is allowed. Main Forest roads are snow-packed.
EAST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
WEST FORK of the BLACK RIVER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
BLACK RIVER – Fishing is poor in the Black River due to ash flows and fish kills. Recent monitoring surveys found very few fish in the main stem of the Black River. The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER IN GREER – The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
SHEEPS CROSSING – Highway 273 is closed to vehicles. Snowmobile access is allowed. The river is snow-packed and ice-covered.
SILVER CREEK – Fishing is good. Silver Creek is a spring creek and does not ice over during the winter. From Oct. 1 through March 31, Silver Creek is open to artificial lures and flies only, barbless hooks, and catch-and-release fishing only. The upper section is open to angling, but the hatchery area is always closed to fishing (it is well signed). Try small nymphs, large white streamers, and lures with barbless hooks.

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Note: Please send me your fishing reports from Southern Arizona! Fishing reports can be sent to Don Mitchell, Regional Fish Program Manager by email at dmitchell@azgfd.gov. These reports will then be complied and reported in our weekly fishing reports.
We are now moving into the winter trout stocking season here in S. Az. and anglers can expect fishing for warm water species to slow as temperatures begin to cool off!
The trout stocking schedule for the winter months can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov The schedule is updated regularly as changes occur so check back often!
URBAN LAKES -- Trout fishing should be good to excellent for anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms or small trout lures. Winter trout stockings will continue every two weeks from November to March.

CLUFF RANCH —No recent reports of success. The pond is low and boat launching is difficult. For lake information call (928) 485-9430. For the entire stocking schedule please check here: 2011 Winter Stocking Schedule
ROPER LAKE — For lake information and status of the park call (928) 428-6760. Due to high pH levels the lake will not be stocked until water conditions improve.
DANKWORTH POND — Remains closed to fishing during renovation.
FRYE MESA RESERVIOR –Anglers are reporting success in catching Gila trout. Remember that the daily bag and possession limit for this species is 1 fish.
ARIVACA — Open to anglers but water levels are extremely low. Use caution when launching your boat and pay attention for submerged trees and rocks that are near the surface due to low water levels. Boaters using gas motors are asked to be courteous and not create wake problems for others boaters.
PENA BLANCA – Pena Blanca Lake is open however the lake experienced a fish kill due to lake turnover. Poor oxygen levels caused by the turnover event caused the fish kill. Trout stocking is suspended until conditions improve.

PATAGONIA — Stocked last week with rainbow trout.

PARKER CANYON — Scheduled for trout stocking this week. Contact the Parker Canyon Lake Store for up to date information on lake levels and fishing activity at www.parkercanyonlake.com or by phone at (520)455-5847.
ROSE CANYON LAKE — The lake is closed to vehicle access however anglers are still able to walk to the lake. There have been no recent reports.

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ICE TOO DANGEROUS FOR FISHING AT FENTON LAKE, NM

2011-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 14, 2011:

ICE TOO DANGEROUS FOR FISHING AT FENTON LAKE

LA CUEVA -- Fenton Lake likely will remain closed to ice fishing through the winter because thermal activity is creating unsafe ice conditions, the Department of Game and Fish and the State Parks Division announced.

Although the lake is covered with ice, columns of warm water rising from the lake bottom can weaken the ice and in some places create holes where anglers could fall through. The lake will reopen to fishing and boating when the ice clears or if officials determine the ice is safe for walking and angling. The ice is considered safe when it is at least nine inches thick throughout the lake surface, according to criteria established by the Department.

Fenton Lake State Park will remain open for camping and other activities.

For more information and updates, please contact Fenton Lake State Park, (575) 829-3630. Information also is available on the Department of Game and Fish or New Mexico State Parks respective websites, www.wildlife.state.nm.us and www.nmparks.com.

UT Fishing Reports

2011-12-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

UT Division of Wildlife Resources

Northern Region report

Information compiled by Phil Douglass
DWR Northern Region Conservation Outreach Manager

Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.

Waterbody Report
Bear Lake
2011-12-22
Good Anglers report good fishing for cutthroat up to five pounds. The lake is mostly ice-free and boat launching is still possible. Call the DWR recorded info line at 435–946-8501 after 6:00 p.m. for updates on fishing conditions.
Birch Creek Reservoir
2011-12-22
Fair Be prepared for extreme cold when fishing this remote lake. Ice conditions are good, but it can be very gusty—winds from Monte Cristo barrel down through the canyon. Anglers report spotty success for tiger trout and rainbow trout, which is typical for this reservoir.
Blacksmith Fork River
2011-12-22
Fair Ice was forming around the impoundment but is still accessible to shore anglers. Access is good at many of the pullouts along the river, as snow levels are relatively light along the canyon road.
Bountiful Lake
2011-12-22
Fair There are three inches of good ice on the west side of the pond. Three anglers interviewed on December 22 hadn't caught any fish yet, but all three had bites.
Causey Reservoir
2011-12-22
Fair Conservation Officer David Beveridge reports anglers are ice fishing. The best ice fishing for kokanee at Causey is at the end of December. Please use caution on the ice.
Cutler Reservoir & Marsh
2011-12-22
Unstable ice There was open water at the Cutler Dam Marina and Benson Marina on December 17.
East Canyon Reservoir & State Park
2011-12-22
Unstable ice Park Ranger Jeff Dale reports some of the edges and fingers have new ice (though it's not thick enough to travel on). There is open water just beyond the buoys in front of the boat ramp.
Echo Reservoir
2011-12-22
Unstable ice The reservoir is 95 percent capped with ice. There are still several open water areas on the west side as well as east of the boat ramp. The ice has lots of cracks with water coming through. There were about 20 anglers on the ice, mostly on the east end of the reservoir, but DWR feels it is too risky to venture out onto. Remember to use extreme caution.
Farmington Pond
2011-12-22
Fair Access to this area is walk-in only.
Holmes Creek Reservoir
2011-12-22
Fair The reservoir has five inches of good, solid ice near the shore. Access is good. There is some open water at the north end. There is very little evidence of angling activity.
Hyrum Reservoir & State Park
2011-12-22
Slow An angler interviewed on December 17 experienced slow fishing. The ice was three inches thick near the dam.
Jensen Nature Park Pond
2011-12-22
Unstable ice About 50 percent of the pond is covered with ice, but there are still some shoreline areas that are accessible.
Kaysville Ponds
2011-12-22
Unstable ice The ponds are ice-capped but there is no report of its thickness. Remember to use extreme caution.
Little Creek Reservoir
2011-12-22
Good The fishing is good for rainbow trout up to 15 inches. Use ice flies tipped with green PowerBait. The ice is now over ten inches thick. This small reservoir in Rich County is a great place to take newcomers for ice fishing. You can drive right out to the edge of the reservoir and be fishing within five minutes of parking. It can get extremely cold and windy, but being close to your car makes for a quick escape from the elements. It is remote, but worth the drive!
Logan River
2011-12-22
Unstable ice The folks at Roundrocks fly shop in Logan report that fishing is good using standard winter patterns. The river has some large slabs of unstable ice along the shores, so use extreme caution when getting to the water.
Lost Creek Reservoir
2011-12-14
Fair Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports open water for most of the reservoir. The far inlet was iced over, as was the arm east of the boat launch. On Sunday, December 11, one boater was out on the water trying his luck. The shore anglers were trying worms and marshmallows. There was no word on their success.
Mantua Reservoir
2011-12-22
Fair Biologist Kent 'Sorno' Sorenson fished the southeast part of the reservoir and reports the best spots were from 11 to 15 feet deep. Using horizontal ice jigs tipped with wax worm worked best. Light line is probably essential. Some bluegills were just over eight inches—most about seven inches. The ice is about seven inches thick with a skiff of snow making travel easy.
Mirror Lake
2011-12-22
Fair The Smith/Morehouse Reservoir is 100 percent capped. The ice is seven inches thick. Rainbows are biting on traditional ice fishing tackle/bait. Be prepared for cold-weather survival when fishing the lakes of the Uintas.
Newton Reservoir
2011-12-22
Slow As of December 17, very little fishing activity was observed. One angler reported catching no fish in an afternoon.
Ogden River
2011-12-22
Good This is a great fishing spot close to home—ideal for escaping the inversion, enjoying warmer temperatures and the crystal-clear, low flows.
Pineview Reservoir
2011-12-22
Unstable ice Conservation Officer David Beveridge reports that ice is starting to form, but it's not yet safe for fishing.
Porcupine Reservoir
2011-12-22
Unstable ice The water is still open with no ice forming.
Rockport Reservoir
2011-12-22
Good Joseph Hamby reports that the fishing continues to be good. Ice now covers the entire lake. It is up to six inches thick at the south end. Use extreme caution on the ice—some areas just recently froze. Rockport is having a tagged fish challenge this winter. It begins January 1 and will run until March 1. For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov/parks/rockport/rafterbfishchallenge.
Weber River
2011-12-22
Good Biologist Paul Thompson reports that stream flows in the Weber River below Echo Dam continue to remain high for this time of year. Currently, however, the Stoddard Diversion is taking much of this water into the Gateway Canal, so water levels are low between Stoddard and the mouth of the canyon. The fishing in this reach is good with standard nymphs (hare's ears, pheasant tails, scuds and midges). The stream flows between Echo and Rockport continue to remain constant at just over 200 cfs. This reach has also been fishing well with winter nymph patterns.
Willard Bay Reservoir
2011-12-14
Slow Access to the south marina is closed.