 AZGFD, national forests urge caution on lake ice
Inconsistent, thin ice is not safe
High country temperatures have been up and down this winter. Before taking that first step on an ice-covered lake to do some fishing, or to simply enjoy the winter weather in Arizona’s high country, take a step back and consider if the conditions are safe.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), along with the Coconino and Kaibab national forests, are urging outdoor recreationists to be aware that “first ice” and “last ice” (also known as freeze up and ice out) are some of the most dangerous times to be on the ice.
During these times, ice may be inconsistent and too thin, or of poor quality, to be safe. Many of the higher-elevation areas of northern Arizona are experiencing large temperature changes over short periods of time. These conditions frequently create ice typical of first and last ice throughout the winter.
Never assume that ice in Arizona is safe to walk on. No ice is “safe.” Before taking that first step, consider these following tips:
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Check the thickness of the ice. It is generally accepted that new, clear ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick to walk on. Cloudy or white ice is not as strong as clear ice and can be unsafe. Never assume that the ice is safe just because it was recently checked, or because others have already walked out on the ice. Conditions can change quickly and should be checked each time before stepping out on the ice. Ice is almost always inconsistent across a body of water. Check frequently for soft or thin spots in the intended direction of travel. Consider partnering with someone with experience traveling on ice to demonstrate how to use an ice chisel or “spud bar.” In northern Arizona, ice may be relatively safe early in the morning and then unsafe by the afternoon. Always be aware of the weather and the impacts that it may have on the ice. When in doubt, get off the ice.
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Carry rescue equipment for yourself and for others, and know how to use it. Ice safety picks are a piece of equipment that all people traveling on the ice should have. They are frequently worn around the neck or inside sleeves and aid a person in pulling themselves out of a hole in the ice. This inexpensive piece of equipment (about $10) can make the difference in any self-rescue. Wearing a flotation ice-fishing suit or a life jacket can be a life saver. A safety whistle is also useful to get the attention of other people if a self-rescue is not possible. Carry a throw rope to rescue someone other than yourself. Don’t become another victim.
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Wear ice cleats. Ice is slippery, and cleats can help a person avoid a nasty fall. A pair of good ice cleats can be purchased for less than $20.
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Don’t go on the ice alone. Make sure there are other people nearby to assist in the case of an emergency, but remember not to stand or travel near a partner unless the conditions make it safe to do so.
Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
Winter is here! The cold weather shouldn’t keep you off the water though, as fishing can be great this time of year. With trout being stocked in all the Community Fishing Program waters and the Salt River, there is some great fishing to be found near you!
For those that aren't willing to brave the cold, now is a great time to restock your tackle boxes and get all your gear reorganized. Fly tying is also a popular winter activity for when it is too cold to get out on the water. Having organized and well-stocked boxes can greatly improve your time on the water.
My favorite lures for trout in the winter are silver Kastmasters (in a variety of sizes), worms under a bobber with some split-shot, and ⅛-ounce black or white Marabou jigs. In the rivers the trout will be moving into the deeper, slower-moving water. Fishing these lures slow and along the bottom in the deeper pools should yield the best results.
For the fly fisherman out there, midges and small mayfly patterns are on the menu this time of year. Miracle Midges, Tasmanian Hares Ears, Perdigons, and NO-SEE-UMs, all in a size 16-22, are my go-to flies this time of year.
The Salt River is one of my favorite local waters. The trout seem to be keying in on small midges and Blue Wing Olives. Try your luck at one of the many access points along the Salt. You will need a Tonto National Forest pass for these access points; make sure to pick one up before heading out. More information on where to purchase a pass is here.
Speaking of the Salt River, our partners over at Trout Unlimited are hosting Salt River Saturday River Cleanups every other Saturday. This is a great event if you are looking to help promote conservation and keep our waterways clean. After a few hours of picking up trash, you can relax and wind down with some fishing on the Salt. This is a great opportunity if you are new to fly fishing, as there will be tons of experienced fly anglers who are willing to help. For more information, check out the FishAZ Network at the link below.
The FishAZ Network is filled with great events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For a full list of events, visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network.
Here are a couple of events coming up soon:
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m. - Aquatic Entomology 101, AZ Fly Shop, Phoenix. Have you ever seen fish feeding, but can’t get them to eat your fly? Aquatic Entomology 101 offers an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of aquatic insects, which play a crucial role in the diets of fish. This course covers the fundamental aspects of aquatic entomology, including the life history, identification, and life stages of key insect species. Students will learn how to effectively imitate these insects to improve their fishing success. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to match the hatch with confidence, enhancing your fishing experience and increasing your chances of a successful catch. For more information about the event, click here.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9-11 a.m. - Salt River Saturdays River Cleanup, Trout Unlimited Zane Grey Chapter, Blue Point Recreation Area, Salt River, Fort McDowell. Zane Grey Chapter is joining with Arizona FishAZ Network and presenting Salt River Saturdays this month. We are continuing our conservation efforts by asking everyone to collect a net full of trash. #cleanmywater. What to bring: rod, waders, net* and flies (Green Weenie's, small black Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, green, black and yellow Wooly Worms and Wooly Buggers). Make sure you have a Tonto National Forest Pass, as well as a valid Arizona fishing license. You can buy an Arizona fishing license online here. For more information about the event, click here.
Sixty-six volunteers help install Christmas trees in Bartlett Lake
Personnel from AZGFD’s Aquatic Habitat Program, Mesa Region, and the Tonto National Forest, together with 66 “rock star” volunteers, installed recycled or unused Christmas Trees as fish habitat at Bartlett Lake on January 10-11. The trees provide shelter for fish, attract other fish, and improve the food web.
A total of 1,638 trees were placed at 14 sites around the lake. The volunteers logged in 315 recorded volunteer hours, and the work couldn’t have been done without them.
If you'd like to volunteer with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, please visit the volunteer page to register as a volunteer and view volunteer opportunities.
Pena Blanca to receive trout stockings
Good news for southern Arizona anglers! Pena Blanca Lake will begin to receive monthly rainbow trout stockings starting in the last week of January through March.
Pena Blanca Lake is located in the Coronado National Forest 68 miles south of Tucson and 17 miles northwest of Nogales in Peña Blanca Canyon. There is a day-use fee of $8 per vehicle, or you can purchase an accepted pass. Learn more about accepted passes here.
Have some fun while practicing your casts
Fly fishing is not that difficult a skill to learn, but it offers a lifetime of opportunities to get better as you increase your casting distance, accuracy and approaches for every possible stream condition.
Payson angler Jim Strogen has a great article in the Payson Roundup about how to make it fun and set up challenges through practice to improve your skills and catch more fish on a fly. Read the article.
Photo: Owen Strogen delivers a great cast at Lower Canyon Creek. Courtesy of Jim Strogen and Payson Roundup.
Boaters and anglers: Please help protect Arizona's waters
The recent discovery of invasive golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei) in the California Delta region serves as a reminder to boaters and anglers to please do your part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Arizona's waters. Golden mussels have similar impacts as quagga mussels, but can survive in locations that typically quagga mussels cannot.
Boaters and anglers are strongly encouraged to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft before launching in ANY Arizona waterbody.
Please contact the AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program at 623-236-7608 if you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection. For information on the golden mussel detections in California, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
For more information on aquatic invasive species in Arizona, including links to Director's Order #1 (list of aquatic invasive species of Arizona), Director's Order #2 (list of AIS-affected waters in Arizona), and Director's Order #3 (mandatory conditions for movement of watercraft, conveyances and equipment from affected waters), visit
https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/aquatic-invasive-species/.
In addition to the general AIS decontamination requirements and protocols described above, anglers should take note of the New Zealand Mudsnail Decontamination Options and Angling Recommendations.
Recent stockings
Week of 1/27 to 1/31/2025
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt RIver.
North Central Arizona: Dead Horse Lake, Oak Creek, Verde River (middle), Watson Lake.
Southern Arizona: Parker Canyon Lake, Pena Blanca Lake.
Community Fishing Waters:
Casa Grande area: Dave White Regional Park Pond.
Payson area - Green Valley lakes.
Phoenix area - Alamar Park Pond, Bonsall Park, Copper Sky Lake, Desert Breeze Lake, Discovery Ponds, Eastmark Park Pond, Festival Fields Pond, Freestone Pond, Friendship Park Pond, Gilbert Regional Park, Greenfield Park Pond, Heroes Regional Park, Kiwanis Park Lake, Mansell Carter Oasis Lake, McQueen Pond, Pacana Pond, Paloma Park Lake, Roadrunner Pond, Sundance Park Lake, Veterans Oasis Lake, Water Ranch Lake.
Week of 1/20 to 1/24/2025
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated:
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Verde River (middle).
Southern Arizona: Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, Patagonia Lake, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing Waters:
Gila Bend area - Benders Pond.
Payson area - Green Valley lakes.
Phoenix area - Alvord Lake, Chaparral Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Papago Ponds, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Riverview Lake, Steele Indian School Pond.
Prescott area - Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes.
Safford area - Graham County Fairground Pond.
Tucson area - Kennedy Lake, Lakeside Lake, Sahuarita Lake, Silverbell Lake.
Yuma area - Council Avenue Pond, Fortuna Lake, Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex Pond, Yuma West Wetlands Pond.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
This week’s forecast will start with unseasonably warm weather, then cooling slightly late into the week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the 50s to mid-60s and lows will be in the 20s to 30s for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim. Water temperatures will be in the 30s this week. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see unseasonably warm weather early in the week, then cooling slightly late in the week into the weekend. Highs will be in the high 50s to 60s and lows in the 20s to 30s. Most of the developed campgrounds on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest are closed behind locked gates and will not be available for off-season camping. Check with the Coconino National
Forest for specific details. Ice is present on most lakes around Flagstaff, Williams, and on the Mogollon Rim. With the warming trend this week, ice will be receding and will vary greatly in thickness. Please do not throw rocks onto the ice on boat launches. When the ice melts, the rocks sink onto the boat launch causing hazards that can damage boats and trailers.
Bait Anglers: Worms, corn, and PowerBait will be your best bet for trout this week. Reminder, the use of live minnows and fish as bait are not allowed on any waters in Coconino County including all of the bodies of water listed below. Nightcrawlers are a good bet for walleye and anchovies are a good approach for northern pike. Catfish are commonly caught on worms, hot dogs, and anchovies. Small pieces of nightcrawlers and mealworms on small hooks are a good approach for panfish (bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and yellow bass).
Lure Anglers: Lures with flash and vibration such as Joes’ Flies, Panther Martins, Mepp’s spinners, Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, crayfish imitations, Pistol Pete’s, and Dare Devils are good choices. Think small for trout, 1/8 – 1/12-ounce lures are best (silver, gold, or copper). For warmwater species, crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits have been working well. Pay attention to what is working and duplicate that presentation.
Fly Anglers: Producing flies this week include #10 bead-headed Simi-seal leeches (brown, black, olive, and wine), #10 bead-headed Wooly Buggers (brown, black, olive, and wine), #10-12 Zug Bug, #12-10 Dragonfly Larvae (olive), #18-16 Zebra Midge, #16-#12 Pheasant Tail, #12-14 Prince Nymph, #12-14 San Juan worm, hoppers, damselfly, stonefly, mayfly, hopper, and caddis fly patterns.
Check the fishing regulations before heading out as many of the lakes around Williams and Flagstaff have special regulations. Reminder, the use of live minnows and fish as bait are not allowed on any waters in Coconino County including all of the bodies of water listed below. Your licenses pay for the fish you catch; poachers are stealing from YOU. It is illegal to transport and release live fish in Arizona including all of the waters listed below; the illegal introduction of unwanted species is costly and diminishes the quality of our fisheries. If you observe a violation, please report it to the Operation Game Thief Hotline (OGT) at 1-800-352-0700.
WILLIAMS LAKES (Kaibab National Forest):
Kaibab Lake - The campground is closed for the winter season, but day use access is still
available. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or single electric motor are allowed on Kaibab Lake. Ice is likely present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Cataract Lake - Only boats with a 10 horsepower motor (or less) or single electric motor are allowed on Cataract Lake. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Both the County and Forest Service Day Use Areas are currently open. Ice is likely present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - The lake is full. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13
inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout. Ice is likely present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Dogtown Lake - The campground is closed for the winter season, but day use access is open. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Dogtown Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 trout. Ice is likely present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Santa Fe Reservoir - Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Santa Fe
Reservoir. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 4 trout. Ice is present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
JD Dam - JD Dam is catch-and-release only for trout; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and
lure only; single-pointed, barbless hooks only. Only boats with a single electric motor are
allowed on JD Dam. No gas-powered motors. Ice is likely present. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Whitehorse Lake - The campground and access to the boat launch are closed as of
September 30, 2024. Access to the lake is walk-in only. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Whitehorse Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish. Ice is likely present, but thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Russel Tank - The limit is 4 trout. Access to Russel Tank is open. The water level of Russell Tank has dropped from last spring and will not be stocked at this time due to lower water levels and water quality issues. Ice is likely present. The ice is not safe to walk on.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES (Coconino National Forest):
Lower Lake Mary - The day use area is closed for the winter season. Campgrounds along the Lake Mary Road corridor are open. The daily bag limit is 4 trout per day and 4 channel catfish per day. Northern pike are unlimited, but must be immediately killed or released. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are allowed on Lower Lake Mary. The lake level is very low. The lake is completely ice covered. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary boat launch will remain open all year. The boat docks will remain in the water until 11/11/2024. The Narrows boat launch is closed for the winter season. Starting 10/19/2024 there will be no fees until April. No trash services will be available during the off season, but one toilet will remain open. Statewide limits apply for the fish species in Upper Lake Mary, check your regulations (page 6). The lake is mostly ice covered. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Frances Short Pond - The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish, the limit is 5 sunfish, the limit is 4 trout. The pond is mostly ice covered. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Ashurst Lake - Ashurst Lake and Forked Pine campgrounds are open without fees, but also no services. One pit toilet by the boat launch will remain open. Access to Ashurst Lake will remain open until the first significant snow fall for the winter season (typically in December). Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor (or less) or a single electric motor are allowed on Ashurst Lake. The limit is 4 trout. Northern pike and green sunfish were illegally introduced and are not managed for in Ashurst Lake. Northern pike and green sunfish are unlimited in Ashurst Lake, please kill any northern pike and green sunfish caught. The lake is mostly ice covered. The ice is not safe to walk on.
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Kinnikinick Lake - Access to the lake will remain open until the first significant snow fall. The toilet is closed for the season. FR 82 and 125 to Kinnikinick Lake are open. Only
boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Kinnikinick Lake. Someone continues to place large boulders on the boat launch at Kinnikinick Lake. Please do not put rocks on the boat launch as the lake levels rise the rock become hazards for boats and trailers and block access to the lake for boat anglers. Ice is likely present. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Marshall Lake - FR 128 to Marshall Lake is open. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Marshall Lake. The lake is very weedy, making fishing challenging. With the dip in temperatures early this week the lake is completely ice covered, but the ice is thin. The ice is not safe to walk on.
VERDE VALLEY STREAMS (Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest)
Oak Creek - As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been
expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park
upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork
Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only,
barbless hooks only. Stream flow is at base flow with a recent reading of 33.6 cfs on 1/30/2025 @ 10:45 a.m. Cave Springs Campground was closed during the 2024 season for repairs. The Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. Targeting the upper creek from Grasshopper Point upstream is best in the afternoon as the early morning in the canyon can be extremely cold and ice may be present in some places. Anglers are still finding success on inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. We received recent reports of anglers catching Gila trout as far down as Grasshopper Point and this is a great time to target the brown trout in Oak Creek.
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West Clear Creek - Smallmouth bass are unlimited harvest in West Clear Creek. Roundtail
chub are often caught in sections of West Clear Creek; please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. Stream flow is at base flow with a recent reading of 15.9 cfs and stream temperature 44.48-50 F on 2/3/2025 @ 8:45 a.m.
Wet Beaver Creek/Beaver Creek - Bass are unlimited harvest in Wet Beaver and Beaver
Creeks. There is the potential to catch a native sucker or roundtail chub; please release them unharmed. The limit is 4 trout. Stream flow is stable with a recent reading of 7 cfs on 2/3/2025 @ 8:45 a.m. Average base flow is about 4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Lake Pleasant (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse) - Fishing is rated as good. Stripers are hitting shad / perch jerk baits and 8-inch spoons and anchovies. Bass are shallow currently chasing baitfish and poppers also using 6th sense Flow Glider 130. The catfish bite has been good, hitting on night crawlers and stink baits. If you're looking to do more active fishing, then use Senkos, drop shots and skirted jigs for the bass. As for the crappie, the bite has started with anglers having the best success on 2-inch grubs bounced off the bottom. Check water temperatures and conditions that may affect fish habits.
Bartlett Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse) - The crankbait bite is good, but dropshot and Texas rigs are producing fish. Use topwater early morning casting towards main lake points. The best bite seems to be later in the day. Remember, bass can be caught around boulders and in brush lines on 3-inch Yamamoto scope baits and spinnerbaits. The lake is 53% full. Crappie is just starting, try around the Yellow Cliffs with 1/16-ounce jigs and 2-inch Kalins. Slow trolling can work well. Catfish are becoming active. In the days and weeks to come they will be lurking the shallows in search of food. For channel cats, use live worms, stink baits and chicken livers. For flatheads, load up with big line 20-pound plus, fish 5-15 feet deep with live worms, live bluegill or small carp. Rig up a Carolina rig with 1-ounce egg sinker to help keep your bait on the bottom. Fish from dusk to dawn. If you have live scope, use minnow look-alike imitations bobbing up and down in 25 to 35 feet of water.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES (Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino National Forest)
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - The Blue Ridge Campground is closed for the winter.
Access to the reservoir is still open for day use, however, the boat launch is closed for the winter season. Anglers can bypass the gate and hand carry water craft down the launch. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Reservoir elevation is 6,655.33 feet, current volume is at 3,453 acre feet or 23% full and dropping. Check with the Mogollon Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest for updates on access. Ice is present. The ice is not safe to walk on. Green sunfish are unlimited and invasive; please remove them if caught.
Knoll Lake - Knoll Lake Campground is closed for the winter. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Knoll Lake. The lake level is low and the boat launch is out of the water, making launching a boat difficult. No gas-powered motors. Green sunfish were illegally stocked into the lake, please lethally remove all green sunfish caught. Reminder: The statewide limit is 4 trout per licensed angler per day. Ice is present, limiting angling access. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Huffer Tank - Huffer Tank is full. The limit is 4 trout. Ice is present, limiting angling access. The ice is not safe to walk on.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - Water Temperature: 47.3-48.02 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 8.6-9.3 mg/l; pH: 8-8.2 std units; Discharge Rate: 9,060-11,700 cfs as of 2/3/2025. Upriver fly-fishing report, walk-in report and spin report have all been decent. https://leesferry.com/river-report/
Lake Powell - Water temperature (Wahweap Bay) 42 F, Lake Elevation 3,566.42 MSL (and dropping) as of 2/2/2025. See most recent report courtesy of Dan Keller (www.wayneswords.net) in AZGFD's November Fishing Report.
WESTERN ARIZONA
Along the Colorado River near Bullhead City and Laughlin (report courtesy of Rusty of Riviera Marina), reports are that Rotary Park has been producing some nice limits of rainbow trout lately. It’s a great time of year to throw a spinner in your favorite color, or a nightcrawler works well, too. The striper bite has been slow, but should pick up soon as some of the larger fish are starting to show up and get hungry. Anglers have had better luck with swim baits recently, as anchovies haven’t been producing as well.
At Willow Beach, on Jan. 16 the national fish hatchery staff stocked 850 rainbow trout at the Willow Beach fishing pier and 1,000 rainbows at the Bullhead City Community Park.
Angler posts
For each edition of the Fishing Report, we'll select some photos and reports submitted by members of the angling public either through the Fish AZ Facebook Group or through the bfishing@azgfd.gov email address. If you'd like your photo/report considered for publication here, please indicate the species, place, date, name (we only publish first name and last initial), and any other information you'd like to provide. For more photos (including new photos each day), visit the Fish AZ Facebook Group.
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