Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
April is one of my favorite times of the year to get out and go fishing. The warmer weather seems to bring the waters back to life, the fish get active, bugs start moving around, and the fishing starts to heat up.
As the lakes in the high country begin to warm up, trout will become much more active and will be on the feed. Many of the lakes on the Mogollon Rim will have rainbow trout and tiger trout. You can target these fish cruising shorelines and structure looking for their next meal. Try using smaller jerkbaits, 2 to 3 inches long, with long pauses between twitches to entice a strike. Black ¼-ounce Marabou Jigs can also be extremely effective when fished along steep drop-offs and weed lines. For the fly fisherman out there, targeting these same areas with black-balanced leeches, fished close to the structure, has been the ticket for me.
Many of the Rim creeks have been fishing great as well. Small spoons and spinners fished slowly through the deeper pools seems to be the ticket. Fly fishing has been extremely effective on the creeks up north. With the warmer weather, bugs have started to move around and you can find decent mayfly hatches as the day warms up. Using flies like a Parachute Adams with an Emerger trailing behind it has been deadly when the hatch gets going.
Keep an eye on reports for certain waters in the White Mountains and Flagstaff/Williams area, as dry conditions may affect stockings and the ability to launch a boat as the summer progresses (see article further down in this report).
The FishAZ Network is filled with events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. For a full list of up-to-date events, visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/239-fishaz-network. One upcoming event is:
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Pena Blanca Lake Family Outdoor Day, AZGFD & USFS, Pena Blanca Lake, Rio Rico. Fishing poles, fishing assistance, and bait are available for event use. Family friendly activities will be hosted by local partners, and food trucks will be on-site with a variety of options available for purchase. A nature walk will be hosted by Friends of Madera Canyon. Special appearances will be made by Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl! We will be meeting at the north end of the boat ramp parking lot. Click here to register.
Catfish stockings resume this month in many CFP waters
Catfish stockings will resume this month in the Community Fishing Program (CFP) waters in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Safford. Approximately 47,000 pounds of catfish will be stocked in those waters during the month of April.
Sub-catchable largemouth bass and bluegill (sunfish) were stocked during the month of March in lower elevation CFP waters.
AZGFD anticipates changes to fish stocking and watercraft access due to low water levels in Arizona’s high country lakes
Public's ability to fish and launch watercraft will be impacted in 2026
The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises the public that the ability to launch boats or fish at many reservoirs and lakes in the mountain regions of Arizona will be greatly affected in 2026 due to drought.
While several different lakes in the state’s high country will provide great fishing opportunities and remain destinations for anglers to visit in spring and early summer, there will be significant changes to fish stocking due to low water levels and poor water quality.
The following waters will not be stocked with trout in spring and summer 2026: Black Canyon Lake, Carnero Lake, Lee Valley Reservoir, Scott Reservoir, and Woodland Lake.
Several waters will have shortened stocking seasons and fewer stockings than anglers are accustomed to, including: Hulsey Lake, Nelson Reservoir, West Fork Little Colorado River in Greer and Sheeps Crossing, the West Fork Black River near the old West Fork Campground, Kaibab Lake, Dogtown Lake, Ashurst Lake, and Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir.
Department staff recommends anglers visit Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, City Reservoir, Santa Fe Reservoir, Cataract Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, or Knoll Lake as alternative waters that are likely to provide good fishing in 2026.
Low water levels have impacted opportunities to launch watercraft. The following boat ramps will not be usable until water levels rise: Black Canyon Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Lee Valley Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Scott Reservoir, and Woodland Lake.
In addition, the boat ramps at the following reservoirs will likely be difficult to launch at by the end of June or early July: Becker Lake, Big Lake, Bunch Reservoir, Luna Lake, River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir, Knoll Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake, and Upper Lake Mary.
Although these changes may affect summer recreation plans, it is important that the public is informed about the conditions of Arizona’s high country waters. The department will continue to stock fish wherever water quality is good and will continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities where lakes have sufficient water.
For the most up-to-date information on trout stocking in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Fish Stocking Schedule at https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/where-to-fish/fish-stocking-schedule/.
Black crappie stocked in Roosevelt and Bartlett lakes
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, with the help of Tonto National Forest and 21 awesome volunteers, stocked roughly 20,000 black crappie on March 11. These fish were 2 to 3 inches in size, stocked throughout Bartlett and Roosevelt lakes. This is the sixth consecutive year that black crappie were stocked in these lakes.
Volunteers sought for “Earth Month” cleanup events at various Arizona waters, April 29
Help wildlife and people by keeping these areas clean
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona Public Service (APS) and other organizations are partnering this year to celebrate Earth Month by conducting cleanup events at several Arizona waters on APS’s 140th Anniversary - Wednesday, April 29.
Volunteers will be picking up trash, discarded fishing line, and other items that, if left untouched, can be harmful to wildlife and spoil these beautiful natural areas. Their efforts help encourage the public to "Keep wildlife wild, pick up your trash."
The events are free to participate in, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Event locations and details are listed below:
PHOENIX AREA
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area - APS, AZGFD, City of Phoenix, Liberty Wildlife and the Nina Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center are partnering on this cleanup. The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is restoring the native wetland and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River, which once flowed year-round through Phoenix. With a variety of paved and natural trails, this is a popular location for hikers and birders hoping to spot one of the hundreds of species of birds that use the area as a seasonal migratory path. The event will begin at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area NE Central Trailhead parking lot and takes place from 7-9:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239845
Lake Pleasant - The Avian and Wildlife Protection Program at APS will be holding a fishing line cleanup. Please join us as we make the shoreline a safer place for all wildlife. Lake Pleasant is one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the Valley of the Sun and provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping and wildlife viewing. The event will begin at Lake Pleasant Regional Park and takes place from 7-9:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/117156353206/false#/invitation
MOGOLLON RIM AREA
Rim Lakes: Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake - AZGFD, APS, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are partnering on this three-lake clean up. These popular high-elevation lakes about 35 miles east of Payson provide opportunities to get out of the desert heat and experience all kinds of outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The event will begin at the Rim Top Trailhead and takes place from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239780
FLAGSTAFF AREA
Ashurst Lake: AZGFD, APS, and the Coconino National Forest are partnering on this cleanup. This scenic lake southwest of Flagstaff is a popular area for fishing, camping and picnicking. The event will begin at the Ashurst Lake Parking Lot and takes place from 8:30-11 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239790
| ___________________________ |
AZGFD continues to investigate fish kills in Martinez and Ferguson lakes near Yuma
AZGFD staff continues to investigate the fish kills that have been occurring at Martinez and Ferguson lakes near Yuma. The department began hearing reports of dead fish at Martinez around Feb. 20. The fish were mostly gizzard shad, so concerns were not high at that time due to that species being susceptible to changes in temps and turbidity with rainfall. Around the first week in March, there were reports of bass and flatheads being affected, so department staff immediately went out with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to collect water samples.
Water samples from Martinez were sent to the water quality and algal specialist at AZGFD headquarters in Phoenix. Those samples showed no signs of golden algae or any other deleterious algae. Our water quality specialist said the sample taken near the mouth of Martinez Lake on the way to Fishers Landing was over 80% diatoms, and another taken near Meers Point was about half diatoms and half green algae. None of these were concerns from a fish health perspective.
All water quality measurements taken that week had a normal pH range from 7.68 to 8.11, water temperature ranged from 18 to 19.2°C, conductivity at 1198 - 1375 μS/cm, and DO from 89% around 10 a.m. to just over 100% at 12:30 p.m. All parameters were within normal range for this area based on past data, though water temperatures were about 1 to 2°C higher than the past couple years.
The deceased fish initially seen were decomposed past what could be sampled at AZGFD headquarters. But photos were taken and sent to our fish health specialist, who did not find evidence of a disease outbreak such as a hemorrhagic virus, which can affect multiple species. In addition, dying largemouth bass and gizzard shad were collected and then analyzed by our fish health specialist on March 27. Initial necropsy results did not reveal a clear cause of death, however we have bacteriology and virology work ongoing at the health lab in our Phoenix headquarters. We also sent samples out for urgent histopathology testing at another lab. Virology testing takes a minimum of 28 days; bacteriology will be completed sooner. The department will be advised if anything shows up.
More water samples collected on April 12 revealed no golden algae, nor concerning levels of Microcystis and other cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
At this point, there is no “smoking gun” that reveals a clear answer to the fish kills. There is good fishing in Fishers Landing right below Martinez and Ferguson, so we don't think this is a system-wide issue, as Fishers is downstream of both waterbodies.
As of now, the data we have (and the lack of adverse results from testing) thus far suggest environmental factors are the the most likely cause - probably due to low dissolved oxygen at night which we have been unable to track due to limited equipment. And as the water temp rises, it will hold less oxygen than colder water, and oxygen production is likely stopping in the evening/night - no photosynthesis, just respiration by animals and bacteria. And a lot of this is probably "invisible," such as decomposition of organic matter that died over winter but is lying on the bottom of the backwater, contributing to lower oxygen.
AZGFD continues to work with biologists at the USFWS and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor and identify the cause of these issues.
Reminder: It is illegal to transport live fish from one water body to another
Money spent on dealing with illegally introduced fish takes away from funds that could go toward providing more angler opportunities
Anglers are reminded that stocking or moving unauthorized fish from one water body to another in Arizona is illegal and 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, please report it to Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700.
See the video on how illegal moving or stocking of fish can do serious damage to native fish populations and ecosystems.
Boaters and anglers: Please help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are threatening the public’s angling and boating recreation and our state’s water and electrical infrastructure. It is critical for anyone who owns or uses watercraft, or has a business reliant on watercraft, to understand the essential nature of this aquatic invasive species containment effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species has far-reaching impacts, both financial and ecological, that can touch virtually every resident of the state. Whether you fish, or boat, or simply get water and electricity to your home, these aquatic invaders WILL affect your lifestyle…and possibly your wallet.
Please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program at 623-236-7608 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a boat inspection.
For more information on aquatic invasive species, 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/.
Important items
Recent stockings
Week of 4/13 to 4/17/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River (Gila trout).
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (lower - brown trout and rainbow trout), Lynx Lake, Mingus Lake, Oak Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams: Frances Short Pond.
Mogollon Rim: Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, East Verde River (Gila trout), Haigler Creek, Knoll Lake, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake.
White Mountains: Silver Creek (Apache trout), Tunnel Reservoir.
Western Arizona: Colorado River
Southern Arizona: Riggs Flat Lake.
Community Fishing Program (stocked with rainbow trout):
Payson - Green Valley lakes.
Prescott area: Fain Lake.
Show Low - Show Low Creek.
St. Johns: Patterson Ponds.
Week of 4/6 to 4/10/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper and lower), Watson Lake, West Clear Creek, Wet Beaver Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams: Ashurst Lake, Cataract Lake, Dogtown Lake, Kaibab Lake, Mormon Lake Lodge.
Mogollon Rim: Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, Clear Creek Reservoir, East Verde River, Haigler Creek (Gila trout), Huffer Tank, Long Tom Tank, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake.
White Mountains: Hulsey Lake, Silver Creek (Apache trout).
Community Fishing Program (stocked with channel catfish unless otherwise indicated):
Gila Bend - Benders Pond.
Phoenix area: Chapparal Lake, Cortez Lake, Desert West Lake, Encanto Lake, Kiwanis Lake, Mansell Carter Oasis Lake, Paloma Lake, Papago Ponds, Pioneer Lake, Red Mountain Lake, Rio Vista Pond, Riverview Lake, Steele Indian School Pond, Sundance Park, Surprise Lake, Veteran's Oasis Lake.
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 Club Pond, Yuma West Wetlands Pond.
Week of 3/30 to 4/3/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River (Gila trout).
North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (upper), Lynx Lake, Mingus Lake, Oak Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams area: Ashurst Lake, Cataract Lake (tiger trout), City Reservoir, Dogtown Lake, Frances Short Pond, J.D. Dam (tiger trout), Santa Fe Reservoir.
Mogollon Rim: Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, East Verde River (Gila trout), Haigler Creek, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake.
White Mountains: Becker Lake (tiger trout), Big Lake, Bunch Reservoir, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, River Reservoir, Show Low Lake, Tunnel Reservoir.
Community Fishing Program:
Prescott area: Fain Lake (rainbow trout and bluegill), Yavapai Lakes (bluegill).
Check the stocking schedules HERE.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The forecast for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim is for windy and cooler weather heading into the weekend. Highs will be in the 50s to 60s and lows will be in the high 20s to 30s. Water temperatures will be in the 50s to 60s. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see mostly sunny to partly cloudy days this week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the 80s late in the week before dropping into the 70s over the weekend. Lows will be in the high 40s to low 50s.
The majority of the roads on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests are open. Most campgrounds on the Coconino National Forest are set to open in early May, and those in Kaibab National Forest are set to open in mid-May. Now is a great time to pursue one of the Department's Trout Challenges (https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/fishing-challenges/azgfd-trout-challenge/) or Bass Challenges (https://www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/fishing-challenges/arizona-bass-challenge/). Spring time is here and our fisheries are warming up, which means the fish are getting active. Targeting inflow areas is a good spring technique. Try fishing at various depths and distances from shore. Lure and fly anglers try various retrieval speeds and depths. Once you find what is working, stick with it.
Bait Anglers: Worms, corn, and PowerBait will be your best bets for trout this week. 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). Reminder, the use of live minnows and fish as bait is not allowed on any waters in Coconino County, including all of the bodies of water listed below.
Lure Anglers: Lures with flash and vibration such as Joes’ Flies, Panther Martins, Mepp’s spinners, Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, crayfish imitations, Pistol Petes, 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 is 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 Kaibab Lake campgrounds are closed for the winter season. The day use and boat launch will remain open. 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 challenging. Water temperature 56.74 F, pH 8.83, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) 8.32 mg/l, and turbidity 98.54 NTU on 4/17/2026. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.
Cataract Lake - Both the County and Forest Service day use areas are open. 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. Anglers have been catching tiger trout on worms, lures, and flies. Water temperature 55.63 F, pH 8.63, D.O. 8.78 mg/l, and turbidity 32.09 NTU on 4/3/2026.
City Reservoir (Buckskinner Park) - Buckskinner Park and access to City Reservoir are open. 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 reservoir is down about six feet and is muddy, which may make fishing challenging. Water temperature 53.89 F, pH 8.51, D.O. 8.38 mg/l, and turbidity 26.96 on 4/3/2026.
 |
Dogtown Lake - The Dogtown Lake campground is closed for the winter season. The day use and boat launch will remain open. The lake level is just on the old boat ramp and launching a boat is a little challenging. 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. With recent runoff, the lake is turbid (dirty) and fishing has been challenging. If you are patient, a few trout have been caught on #10 black Semi-seal Leeches. Water temperature 56.24 F, pH 8.32, D.O. 8.70 mg/l, and turbidity 39.92 NTU on 4/17/2026. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.
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 full. Water temperature 51.44 F, pH 8.37, D.O. 8.26 mg/l, and turbidity 13.07 NTU on 4/3/2026.
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. JD is full from recent storms. Water temperature 63.75 F, pH 8.89, D.O. 7.28 mg/l, and turbidity 5.88 NTU on 3/27/2026.
Whitehorse Lake - The White Horse Lake campground and access to the boat launch and day use area are closed for the winter season. Angling access is walk-in only. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on White Horse Lake. No gas-powered motors. The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches, the limit is 4 channel catfish. The lake is just barely on the boat launch and the water is currently dirty from recent runoff. Anglers are finding success using lures with flash and vibration such as inline spinners. Morgan Bewley recently caught and released this healthy largemouth bass on a soft plastic crayfish lure.
Russel Tank - The limit is 4 trout. Access to Russel Tank is open.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES (Coconino National Forest):
Lower Lake Mary - The day use area is closed for the winter season. 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. Lower Lake Mary picked up a little water during the last storm, but is still fishless and too shallow to stock at this time.
Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary main launches are open, but the Narrows boat launch is closed. Statewide limits apply for the fish species in Upper Lake Mary, check your regulations (page 6). The lake level is low and launching a boat can be challenging at the current lake level. Northern pike are starting to get active.
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. Anglers are finding success catching rainbow trout on worms, inline spinners, and flies (#10 black bead-headed Simi Seal Leech and #10 black and brown Wooly Bugger patterns). Rainbow trout were stocked last week. Surface temperature 55.18 F, pH 8.55, D.O. 5.78 mg/l, turbidity 14.00 NTU on 4/9/2026.
 |
Ashurst Lake - FR 82E to Ashurst Lake is now open. 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. Fly and lure anglers are catching holdover trout on #10 Black Simi-seal Leeches, #12 Prince Nymphs, and on 1/12-ounce silver/blue Kastmasters. Water temperature 49.44 F, pH 8.75, D.O. 8.88 mg/l, and turbidity 11.43 NTU on 4/17/2026. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.
Kinnikinick Lake - FR 125 to Kinnikinick Lake is now open. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Kinnikinick Lake. Please do not put rocks on the boat launch; as the lake levels rise, the rocks become hazards for boats and trailers.
Mormon Lodge Pond - Mormon Lodge is still closed, but access to the pond is open. Surface temperature 51.66 F, pH 8.55, D.O. 9.06 mg/l, turbidity 8.33 NTU on 4/9/2026.
Marshall Lake - FR 128 to Marshall Lake is now open. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower motor or single electric motor are allowed on Marshall Lake.
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. Oak Creek is at base flow with a recent reading of 29.2 cfs, stream temperature 52.50-57.90 F, turbidity 0.4-0.5 FNU @ 9 a.m. on 4/20/2026. Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The Pine Flat campground is closed for the winter season. Anglers are finding success using inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi Seal leech, Wooly Bugger, Prince Nymph, midges, elk hair caddis, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Now is a great time to fish the catch-and-release section of Oak Creek. Mornings are your best bet to beat the tourist crowd. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
 |
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 12.5 cfs and stream temperature 60.10-63.90 F @ 9 a.m. on 4/20/2026. Average base flow is 12-15 cfs for West Clear Creek.
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 at base flow with a recent reading of 8.12 cfs @ 9 a.m. on 4/20/2026. Average base flow is ~4-9 cfs for Wet Beaver Creek.
NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA
Dead Horse State Park Lagoons - While the trout fishery is still going strong, with warmer weather comes a better chance to catch largemouth bass and channel catfish. Anglers are typically catching rainbow trout using PowerBait, small spinners/spoons, and corn. Largemouth bass are typically being caught using Senkos, especially from kayaks in the lower lagoon. The best choices for catfish remain chicken hearts/liver, nightcrawlers, and cut-up hotdogs. Rainbow trout were stocked for the last time until November the week of March 23. Special Regulations: The limit is 4 trout, 2 bass, 4 catfish, and 10 sunfish. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Goldwater Lake (Upper) - The trout are still plentiful in Goldwater. Anglers are reported catching both Gila trout and rainbow trout using silver/gold spinners, PowerBait, and nightcrawlers. As the weather warms up, catfish and bass should be able to be caught too. Catfish are still normally caught on chicken heart/liver, nightcrawlers, and anchovies, while you can try small moving baits and plastics for largemouth bass. Upper Goldwater Lake was stocked with rainbow trout and Gila trout the week of March 16, and rainbow trout were stocked April 6. Special Regulations: The limit is 1 bass; minimum of 13 inches. Single electric motor only. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Goldwater Lake (Lower) - Artificial fly and lure only. Similar to the upper lake, the trout fishing has been good in the lower. Anglers report having success using spinners such as Panther Martins and Mepps. Largemouth bass should be stacking up near the shorelines for spawning season and, like the upper lake, various plastics should be effective. Rainbow trout were stocked this week. Gila trout were last stocked the week of March 16. Special Regulations: Catch and release only, artificial flies and lures only. Float tube only watercraft restriction. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Mingus Lake - Anglers are reporting a decent number of trout being caught out of Mingus. Anglers may want to try PowerBait, inline spinners, or small soft plastic tubes when trout fishing. Mingus Lake was last stocked the week of March 30. Special Regulations: None. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Watson Lake - Trout fishing has been good at Watson, however rainbow trout have not been stocked in March, meaning it may not be as good as usual. Gila trout however were stocked last on the week of March 16. Trout anglers typically do well with PowerBait, PowerEggs, and inline spinners. Special Regulations: None. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Yavapai Lakes - Anglers are catching largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout out of the Yavapai Lakes. If targeting largemouth bass, small plastics or nightcrawlers would be a good place to start. The "go to" baits for channel catfish are nightcrawlers, cut-up hot dogs, and chicken livers. If targeting bluegill, small plastic jigs or nightcrawlers would be a good starting point. Trout are caught well with PowerBait, PowerEggs, and inline spinners. The last trout stocking of Yavapai Lakes with rainbow trout until the fall was March 16. Special Regulations: The limit is 2 bass: minimum of 13 inches, 4 catfish, 10 sunfish, and 4 trout. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - FR 751 into C.C. Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge) is now open. Rock Crossing campground is closed for the winter season. Only boats with a single 10-horsepower (or less) motor or a single electric motor are allowed on C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Green sunfish and golden shiner are unlimited and invasive, please remove them if caught. Reservoir elevation 6,701.82 feet, current volume is at 10,640 acre feet or 71% full and dropping on 4/20/2026. The boat launch is open, but the lake level is not up to the concrete boat launch, making launching challenging, but feasible.
 |
Knoll Lake - FR 300 and FR 295E into Knoll Lake are now open. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Knoll Lake. The lake level is just barely on the end of the boat launch and launching a boat is feasible, but a little challenging. No gas-powered motors. Reminder, the statewide limit is 4 trout per licensed angler per day. Anglers are finding success trolling inline spinners such as Joe’s flies. Rainbow trout were stocked last week.
Huffer Tank - Huffer Tank is full due to recent snow melt runoff. Rainbow trout were stocked last week. Anglers were finding success on flies (Simi-seal Leech #10, Prince Nymph #12, and Pistol Pete) and lures (Joe’s Flies in black and royal coachman).
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - Water temperature on 4/20/2026: 51.10-52.70 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 7.5-9.3 mg/l; pH: 8.0-8.2 std units; Discharge Rate: 8,770-8,110 cfs; Turbidity: 0.2-0.7 FNU. Lees Ferry Anglers river reports posted at https://leesferry.com/river-report/.
Lake Powell - Water surface temperature (Wahweap Bay) on 4/20/2026: 62.0-68.0 F. Lake Elevation: 3,526.08 MSL (and dropping). March 26 report courtesy of Dan Keller on www.wayneswords.net. See the report HERE.
WESTERN ARIZONA
Colorado River Below Davis Dam - With rainbow trout being supplied by the Willow Beach Hatchery, the trout bite is still strong even as the weather warms up. Trout anglers typically do well on PowerBait, PowerEggs, and inline spinners. Anglers targeting striped bass may want to start with swimbaits in either white or trout color patterns. Special Regulations: From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam (including Lake Mead): The limit is now unlimited striped bass, 5 trout, and 15 crappie. From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including Lake Mohave and Willow Beach): The limit is unlimited striped bass, and 5 trout in any combination. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing. From Davis Dam to the California-Nevada boundary: The limit is 6 bass; minimum size 13 inches, and 5 trout in any combination. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Lake Mead - Lake Mead has historically fished well this time of year. Striped bass are being found largely by trolling. Main lake points would be a good spot to start until a school is found. Swimbaits in white color schemes and anchovies seem to be the crowd favorite when targeting striped bass. Anglers are also reporting success with different small jigs in white color schemes. Special Regulations: The limit has been changed to unlimited striped bass of any size, 5 trout, and 15 crappie. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
Lake Mohave - Striped bass fishing has been reported as going well, and anglers have typically been catching these fish while trolling using jigs, swimbaits, and anchovies. Shad imitations typically do well when trolling at Lake Mohave. Anglers are also catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass when fishing near the shelves using swimbaits and other various plastics. Finesse presentations are what you are going to want to use to catch these fish. Special Regulations: The limit has been changed to unlimited striped bass of any size and 5 trout in any combination. Striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of Lake Mohave between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the state wide fishing regulations.
Willow Beach on Colorado River - Anglers have been having lots of success catching both rainbow trout and striped bass this year. The Willow Beach Fish Hatchery has kept up stocking trout every week, and anglers have the most success catching trout using PowerBait, PowerEggs, and inline spinners. Large striped bass have been caught most frequently using swimbaits, plugs, and glide baits with a trout color scheme. Special Regulations: The limit is 5 trout, there is no longer a limit for striped bass over 20 inches. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.
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.
|
