Check out this video to learn more about how the illegal movement of fish affects Arizona’s anglers
Did you know that it's illegal to transport live fish from one water body to another in Arizona? Illegal stocking of unauthorized fish can harm existing native fish populations and sport fisheries. Following illegal stocking, fish can move on their own to other locations from where they were introduced and establish new populations. Colorado River states have spent nearly $100 million to deal with illegally introduced fish – money that could have been better spent providing more angling opportunities.
If you see anyone illegally stocking fish into our lakes or rivers, report it to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700
AZGFD announces new AZ Bass Challenge
The temperatures are heating up and so is the bass fishing. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is excited to announce the launch of the AZ Bass Challenge, a new program designed to give anglers an opportunity to explore Arizona’s diverse bass fishing waters and earn recognition for their efforts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the sport, the AZ Bass Challenge invites all anglers to take on the ultimate bass fishing adventure and pursue the state’s five signature bass species.
Catch 'em all: The five species challenge
The AZ Bass Challenge is simple: catch all five species of bass found in Arizona waters. These include:
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Striped bass
- White bass
- Yellow bass
Each of these species can be found across various lakes and rivers in Arizona, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.
How to participate:
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Catch all five species of bass in Arizona.
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Submit a completed application with details of the species caught, including the location and date.
- Include photographs of each species caught.
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No more than two species can come from the same water body.
- Fish must be caught legally within Arizona waters.
Where to find your fish:
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Striped bass: Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, and the Colorado River.
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Yellow bass: Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, and upper Lake Mary.
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White bass: Lake Pleasant and the Agua Fria River upstream of Lake Pleasant.
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Largemouth bass: Found statewide.
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Smallmouth bass: Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, Colorado River, Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow, Black River, and Verde River above Horseshoe Reservoir.
Submit your challenge entry:
- Email applications and photos to: azbasschallenge@azgfd.gov
- Or mail your entries to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, Attn: WMAQ, Sport Fish Program.
Recognition for completing the challenge:
Successful anglers who complete the AZ Bass Challenge will receive a special certificate featuring color images of the species they caught, a limited-edition Arizona Bass Challenge sun shirt, and an Arizona Bass Challenge sticker to commemorate their accomplishment.
Don’t miss out on the action!
Ready to take on the challenge? Head out to Arizona’s world-class bass fishing waters and see how many species you can catch! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, the AZ Bass Challenge is your ticket to discovering the thrill of bass fishing in Arizona.
For more information, including official rules and further details on where to find each species, visit the Fish and Boat AZ website or contact a Regional Biologist.
Contact information
Phone: 623-236-7259
Email: azbasschallenge@azgfd.gov
Golden algae confirmed at Saguaro Lake
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of golden algae in Saguaro Lake. On Feb. 8, a fish kill of mainly threadfin shad was observed at Saguaro Lake, followed by a similar occurrence at Tempe Town Lake on Feb. 11. AZGFD staff collected water-quality samples at Saguaro, which confirmed golden algae as the cause of the fish kills.
Although it seems early in the year for fish kills in the Salt River chain related to golden algae, they have been observed in the past anytime between January and August. It is unknown whether this is an isolated occurrence or if additional kills will continue in other Salt River lakes such as Canyon and Apache lakes. AZGFD staff will continue to test water quality and monitor the presence of golden algae.
Golden algae can produce toxins harmful to gill-breathing animals, such as fish. Similar golden algae-related fish kills have occurred in Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes since 2003. To date, no adverse health impacts have been noted for humans or non-gill-breathing wildlife that have come in contact with waters experiencing a golden alga toxin bloom. AZGFD will provide updates as needed.
Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
Bluegill are being stocked throughout the month of March in all the Community Fishing Program waters. Try your luck at one of the 50+ Community Fishing Waters, many of which are found within the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Find one that is close to you here: www.azgfd.gov/community
Bluegill can be a great species to target for beginners. They are typically smaller, but more aggressive and willing to eat than other species of fish. To target bluegill, I recommend using a 6-foot ultra light action rod with a braided 6-pound line. When using a braided line, I recommend adding a 3-foot long 4- to 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. Here is a great resource on knots for attaching a leader to your main line.
Now that you have your rod ready to go, you will need some lures to target the freshly stocked bluegill. Small baits are the name of the game when it comes to bluegill. I personally like to use a small bobber with a fly tied on below it. Ice fishing jigs, small swimbaits and Trout Magnets are also great for targeting bluegill. You will want to target areas in the ponds that have structure such as aquatic vegetation, rock piles or docks. The bluegill will typically hide in these areas to avoid predation.
The FishAZ Network is filled with great events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For a full, up-to-date list of events, visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network
Here are a couple of events happening soon:
Friday, March 21, 9 a.m. to noon - Fishing Series Kids Fishing Clinic, Peoria Park Rangers, Pioneer Park, Peoria. Join us for a FREE fishing series designed for kids up to age 17. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to hone your skills, this series is perfect for you. You will discover and fish at various beautiful lakes around Peoria. Gear will be provided. A valid Arizona fishing license is required at all events. Youth ages 10-17 can purchase a youth combo license for only $5. Anyone 18 years and older can purchase either a short-term license, or an annual fishing or a combo license. To purchase a license, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing and click on Fishing Licenses & Regulations. For more information, click here.
Saturday & Sunday, March 29 & 30, AZGFD Outdoor Expo Family Fishing Tent, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, Ben Avery Shooting Facility, I-17 & Carefree Highway, Phoenix. Along with tons of great attractions, vendors and events, the Family Fishing Tent will be returning again to this year's Expo. Bring the whole family out. We'll have a tank full of bluegill and experienced anglers to help you catch your first fish! This is just one of the many great activities available for FREE at this year's Expo – see the article about the event further down in the Fishing Report. If you are interested in volunteering at the Family Fishing Tank, check out the registration here.
Volunteers help AZGFD improve fish habitat at Alamo Lake
On Jan. 30, the Arizona Game and Fish Department improved fish habitat at Alamo Lake by adding 475 Christmas trees to the lake with the help of 12 amazing volunteers and multiple staff members from the Aquatics, Habitat, and Landowner Relations programs.
Christmas trees are a source of organic matter that will decompose and provide nutrients to the lake food web. The trees also offer vertical habitat for small fish to hide in and larger sportfish to hunt on, as the trees were tied to concrete blocks and sunk upright. This project is part of a larger state-wide program to improve fisheries habitat in reservoirs and enhance angler satisfaction across Arizona.
In total, volunteers donated 110 hours of their time to transport and prepare these trees. This project would not have been possible without staff at the Alamo Lake State Park, and tree donations from Yuma residents, collected by the City of Yuma, as well as those businesses who donated trees including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Bob Merten's family farm. We hope to expand this project next year in local waters around Yuma.
 AZGFD and volunteers stock about 20,000 black crappie into Bartlett and Roosevelt lakes
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, with the help of Tonto National Forest and 11 awesome volunteers, stocked roughly 20,000 black crappie into Bartlett and Roosevelt lakes on March 5. These fish were 2 to 3 inches in size. This is the 5th consecutive year that black crappie were stocked in these lakes.
Silver Creek update
March is the last month for the Silver Creek catch-and-release season with artificial lures and flies only, single barbless hooks. Fishing at Silver Creek has been fair overall. The upper section has been slow, but anglers have caught several very large fish this month. The lower section has been fishing fair to good. On warm days, there is a good midge hatch and dry flies have been very productive for trout in the 3- to 4-pound range.
Mark your calendars: AZGFD's annual Outdoor Expo returns March 29-30
Register for a chance to win a special prize pack
Mark those calendars, and get ready to explore wildlife and wild places at the free Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo.
AZGFD is hosting its annual event March 29-30 at the world-renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix. What can you do at the Outdoor Expo?
- Cast a line and get hooked on fishing at the kids' fishing tank.
- Meet live wildlife ambassadors.
- Engage with experts about Arizona’s wildlife, fishing, hunting, boating, off-highway vehicles and more.
- Experience a variety of shooting sports in a safe, supervised, controlled environment.
- Shop for antlers, hides, skulls, and head mounts at the wildlife assets tent and auction.
- Visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor recreation and conservation groups, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.
- Learn the who, what, where, when, and how for responsible recreation in Arizona.
- Discover how you can become a Hero for Wildlife, and . . . HAVE FUN!
“We’re not aware of any other free event that combines conservation, recreation and industry into such a welcoming environment for the public,” said Tom Finley, AZGFD director. “This is where people can find plenty of hands-on activities, see educational exhibits, presentations, test and purchase the latest equipment and products, and connect with social organizations that can provide countless ‘next step’ experiences to support their outdoor passions.”
Want a shot at winning a special prize pack from Get Outdoors Products or Umarex USA? Then register now to attend the event and be entered in the drawing.
Admission and parking are free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30. The Outdoor Expo is located on Carefree Highway, about one-half of a mile west of Interstate 17, in north Phoenix.
More information: www.azgfd.gov/expo.
Try to fish the Lower Salt on weekdays and early in the day to avoid crowds at popular areas such as near Blue Point Bridge. There is plenty of water to move to if you're looking for solitude. Photo courtesy of Jim Strogen and the Payson Roundup.
Some tips on early Rim Country stream fishing as well as fishing the Lower Salt River
Payson angler Jim Strogen recently had two great articles appear in the Payson Roundup. One, "Give the Salt River a try," offers useful tips and perspectives on fishing the Lower Salt below Saguaro Lake. Read the article.
The other, "Get an early start on Rim Country stream fishing," discusses how the warm winter and lack of snow could potentially impact stocking schedules (although the recent storms may help to mitigate that), and offers tips on early-season fishing. Read the article.
Help prevent the spread of aquatic hitchhikers
Boaters and anglers are urged to do their part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and the recently discovered (in California) golden mussels. Please clean, drain and dry your watercraft (and pull your plug) 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.
Anglers: Store, retrieve licenses with ease through Arizona E-Tag mobile app
The Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that anglers download the department's innovative mobile application, “Arizona E-Tag,” from the Apple or Google Play stores before heading out on your trip.
One of the benefits of Arizona E-Tag includes the customer’s ability to store and view fishing and hunting licenses. A convenient feature, this can be particularly time-saving in the field if an angler or hunter should be requested to provide verification of a valid license.
It’s a simple, two-step process:
- Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android products.
- A free AZGFD portal account is needed in order to sync licenses with the app. Don’t have an account? Open one by visiting accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register.
Keep in mind that the app is handy not just for hunters who opt to receive an electronically generated hunt permit-tag, but also as a means for anglers and hunters to store and view their license in the app. This enables the license to be easily available if requested, even in areas or terrain that might not receive cellular network coverage.
For more information about Arizona E-Tag, visit www.azgfd.gov/etag (scroll down the page). Questions? Email: tagmodernization@azgfd.gov.
Make it easy: Auto-renew your fishing license
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds anglers that they have the option to automatically renew their fishing, hunting or combo license when it expires.
To opt-in for license auto-renewal, customers must have an AZGFD portal account. Customers who have an existing portal account should use that account. Do not create a new portal account if one already exists. If assistance is needed to fix an existing portal account, email customer service at customer@azgfd.gov.
Selecting license auto-renewal is a three-step process: (1) Purchase a license, or use a valid license; (2) Add a credit card to be used to auto-renew a license; (3) Select the license(s) to be auto-renewed. Click HERE for step-by-step instructions.
Recent stockings
Week of 3/03 to 3/07/25
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper), Oak Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams area: Ashurst Lake, Frances Short Pond, Kaibab Lake.
Mogollon Rim: Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, East Verde River (Gila trout), Haigler Creek, Long Tom Tank, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake.
White Mountains: Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Show Low Lake, Woodland Reservoir.
Southern Arizona: Cluff Reservoir 3, Dankworth Ponds, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing Waters:
Phoenix area - Discovery Ponds, Eastmark Park Pond, Freestone Pond, Gilbert Regional Park, Greenfield Park Pond, McQueen Pond, Water Ranch Lake.
Prescott area - Fain Lake, Yavapai Lakes.
Week of 2/24 to 2/28/25
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated:
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Dead Horse Lake, Goldwater Lake (upper), Lynx Lake.
Southern Arizona: Cluff Reservoir 3, Parker Canyon Lake, Pena Blanca Lake, Roper Lake.
Community Fishing Waters:
Casa Grande area - Dave White Regional Park Pond.
Gila Bend area - Benders Pond.
Phoenix area - Alamar Park Pond, Bonsall Park, Copper Sky Lake, Desert Breeze Lake, Festival Fields Pond, Friendship Pond, Heroes Regional Park, Kiwanis Lake, Mansell Carter Oasis Lake, Pacana Pond, Roadrunner Pond, Veterans Oasis Lake.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
This week’s forecast calls for chances of snow and windy conditions late in the week with a break in the weather over the weekend for the high country. Highs will be in the 30s to 40s and lows will be in the teens to 20s for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim before warming up Monday and Tuesday. Water temperatures will be in the 30s to 40s this week. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see chance of showers late in the week, then clearing up into the weekend. Highs will be in the 40s to 50s and lows in the 30s late in the week, with Sunday and Monday highs increasing to the low 70s. 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. With the colder weather and storms that hit earlier this week, there is a chance for ice on most lakes around Flagstaff, Williams, and on the Mogollon Rim. This “first ice” is very unsafe and it is not a good time to venture onto the ice. 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. Spring fishing has started early. Folks are starting to catch holdover trout, northern pike, walleye, and even a few largemouth bass on some waters. Spring is a great time to get out and target larger fish.
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. The lake is very low and launching a boat is doable but challenging. Kaibab Lake is currently ice free, but with the current low night time temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Surface temperature 46.87 F, pH 8.27, dissolved oxygen 9.95 mg/l, turbidity 95.52 on 2/26/2025. Rainbow trout were stocked last week and are due to be stocked this week.
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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. Cataract Lake is currently ice free, but with the current low night time temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Surface temperature 46.56 F, pH 8.45, dissolved oxygen 10.54 mg/l, turbidity 80.37 on 2/26/2025.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - The lake is full. The road into Buckskinner Park is closed. 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. City Reservoir is currently ice free, but with the current low nighttime temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on.
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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. Dogtown Lake is currently mostly ice free, but with the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Spring fishing is starting to kick off and anglers are catching trout and even a few bass. Surface temperature 46 F, pH 8.46, dissolved oxygen 10.11 mg/l, and turbidity 6.19 NTU on 2/26/2025.
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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. Santa Fe Reservoir is currently mostly ice free, but with the current low nighttime temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Surface temperature 41.38, pH 8.2, dissolved oxygen 9.52 mg/l, turbidity 16.47 NTU on 2/26/2025.
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. With the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Anglers are starting to catch a few tiger trout. The tank remains low and the water is murky, making fishing difficult.
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. With the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. 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. With the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. 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. With the current low night time temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on.
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Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary boat launch will remain open all year. The Narrows boat launch is closed for the winter season. Starting 10/19/2024 there will be no fees until April 2025. 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). With the current low night time temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Northern pike and walleye are active along the shoreline and at the inflow areas of the lake.
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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. With the current low nighttime temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Rainbow trout were stocked last week and are due to be stocked this week. Surface temperature 48.38, pH 7.86, dissolved oxygen 7.34 mg/l, turbidity 6.12 NTU on 2/26/2025.
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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. 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. Ashurst Lake is currently ice free, but with the current low night time temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. This is a good time of year to target the large holdover trout that Ashurst Lake is known for. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
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Kinnikinick Lake - Access to the lake will remain open. 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. With the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early morning. The ice is not safe to walk on.
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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 current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. Diligent fly anglers have been catching a few nice holdover tiger trout in Marshall lake, but the bite has been slow.
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 and stream temperature 47.3-51.98 F @ 8:45 a.m. on 3/10/2025. Cave Springs Campground was closed during the 2024 season for repairs. The Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The window to fish Oak Creek before the busy tourist season is rapidly closing. Anglers are finding success on inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
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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 15.2 cfs and stream temperature 50.18-54.14 F 3/10/2025 @ 8:45 a.m. Rainbow trout are scheduled to be stocked this week.
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 @ 8:45 a.m. on 3/10/2025. Average base flow is ~4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Lower Salt River (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse) - Fishing is rated as good. Lately anglers have had success catching trout, bass, and catfish. The water level as of early February was high, although still fishable, and has been reducing gradually. Trout are stocked weekly by AZGFD and are most active at dawn and dusk, and as of late have been caught well on spinners, PowerBait (placed on either a regular hook or treble hook, of sizes 10-14), as well as mealworms and minnows (baited on a regular hook of sizes 10-14). For fly anglers, midges have been having great success. Bass have been caught successfully on bladed jigs and jerkbaits throughout the winter thus far. Catfish have been taking well to nightcrawlers (baited on hooks sized 4-8); letting the hook drift with the current has shown success. As for location, the waters around the Blue Point Recreation Area have shown great success. See Jim Strogen's article on the Lower Salt in this issue of the Fishing Report. The Salt is due to be stocked with rainbow trout this week.
Saguaro Lake (report courtesy of Sportsman's Warehouse) - Fishing is rated as good. The lake has been fishing well through the winter. The best fishing is from a boat or kayak, but there are many shore fishing spots available. Anglers targeting bass have had good success using deep-diving crankbaits and jigs when fishing from the shore, and using Texas rigs and Carolina rigs (with a soft plastic worm of 3 inches+) when fishing from a boat. Dropshots also have been known to work well. Trout have been caught, but have not been biting great. It is good to use spinners or baited hooks with PowerBait or worms (hooks sized 12-16). Catfish always bite good, and for the same things. Be sure to use nightcrawlers, stinkbaits, and chicken livers.
Bartlett Lake - Pro angler Gary Senft (report courtesy of Gary) and his fishing partner caught 23 bass boat fishing on Feb. 28. After not having much success with big crankbaits, they switched to a baby brush hog with a little yellow on the back and tungsten on top. 3/16, 1/0 red hook. In going from the second ramp to the river and back, they got lots of bites. Most of their fish caught were in about 10-15 feet of water. Most were in the 1-1/2 to 2-pound range.
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.
Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Green sunfish are unlimited and invasive; please remove them if caught. Reservoir elevation is 6,654.25 feet, current volume is at 3,345 acre feet or 22% full and dropping. Launching a boat becomes more difficult as the lake drops. Check with the Mogollon Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest for updates on access. With the current low nighttime temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on. 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 watercraft down the launch.
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. With the current low night time temperatures ice may be forming overnight and be present early in the morning. The ice is not safe to walk on.
Huffer Tank - Huffer Tank is full. The limit is 4 trout. With the current low night time temperatures, ice may be forming overnight and be present early morning. The ice is not safe to walk on.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - Water Temperature: 47.12-48.56 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 7.5-9.4 mg/l; pH: 7.8-8.1 std units; Discharge Rate: 8,740-11,500 cfs; Turbidity at 1 FNU as of 3/102025. Upriver fly-fishing report, walk-in report and spin report are at https://leesferry.com/river-report/
Lake Powell - Water temperature (Wahweap Bay) 51 F, Lake Elevation 3,561.68 MSL (and dropping) as of 3/10/2025. See most recent report courtesy of Dan Keller (www.wayneswords.net) in AZGFD's November Fishing Report.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Patagonia Lake is due to be stocked with rainbow trout this week.
WESTERN ARIZONA
At Lake Mead (Feb. 24 report courtesy of Nevada Department of Wildlife), the bass bite was tougher for most of the past week as the fish moved deeper. Stripers are hitting live shad and cut anchovies the most, but 3-inch silver swimbaits are a solid backup option. Kastmasters and Jumpin’ Minnows also can be productive for subsurface fish. Anglers are seeing some crappie action with jigs in the Overton Arm.
Along the Colorado River near Bullhead City (report courtesy of Bill McMillen, Mohave Daily News), with fewer people coming in to talk about fishing in recent days, Rusty Braun, proprietor of Riviera Marina in Bullhead City, provided some general fishing information based on earlier activity, the weather, and the calendar as they fit into the breeding cycle of species that populate the Colorado River in the Bullhead City area. "The largemouth bass are in pre-spawn," said Braun. "The carp are back and the striper bite should be going with bait fishing with some lures working. And trout fishing should still be fruitful. We will be getting trout until the end of the month, so Community Park is rocking on stocking day and a cable afterward before the rainbow trout move out," he said. This is when anglers will have to search for the holes where they are staying. See the full article.
At Alamo Lake (report courtesy of Sportsmans' Warehouse), fishing is rated as good. Bass are starting to move to 15 to 20 feet of water. Try targeting structures, trees. Try Berkley soft baits, Yamamoto large Senko worms 4.5- to 7-inch Wacky, Carolina and Texas rig, Robo Worms for drop shot, ZMan chatter baits and Strike King spinner baits, Keitech swim baits, Missile flipping jigs. For topwater, try Spooks, Whopper Plopper's and Rico's. in deep water, try Strike King and Rapala crankbaits and jerkbaits. Use Kalin's, Crappie Magnet - white / chartreuse minnows or grubs around trees to load up with crappie. Catfish on stink bait (dips and nuggets) and circle and treble hooks.
At Willow Beach, on March 6 the national fish hatchery staff stocked 700 rainbow trout at the Willow Beach fishing pier.
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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