AZGFD seeks public input on proposed changes to 2027-28 Arizona fishing regulations
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on proposed changes to the 2027-28 Arizona fishing regulations. There are seven proposed changes:
- Establish daily bag limits at East Mesa Community Park Pond.
- Amend the daily bag limits at Maricopa Lake in Youngtown.
- Amend bass limits for Sahuarita Lake, Kennedy Lake, Silverbell Lake, and Lakeside Lake (Tucson area at four CFP waters).
- Remove current special regulations at Lee Valley Lake and return it to statewide regulations to address a management need to improve fishing for the public.
- Remove current special regulations at Lee Valley Creek and return it to statewide regulations to match proposed regulations for Lee Valley Lake.
- Increasing spearfishing opportunities at Lake Powell.
- Catch and release only for largemouth bass at Cluff Ranch Pond 3.
The proposed changes, and the rationale behind them, can be found at Commission Order 40 Proposals 2027-28.
A public forum webcast is scheduled for July 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. to further discuss the proposals and to take public comments. Visit www.azgfd.gov/fishinginput to view the webcast.
Written comments can be submitted by email to fishregscomments@azgfd.gov through July 24, 2026. Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Amberle Jones, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
The proposed regulation changes are scheduled to be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission at its public meeting Aug. 7, 2026, in Williams, Ariz., at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. The public is welcome to attend. An agenda will be posted in advance of the meeting at www.azgfd.gov/Agency/Commission.
Fishing tips and upcoming events
By Chase Newlon, AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator
Summer in Arizona can be unforgiving to trout anglers, with high temperatures and warm water, but there is still great fishing to be had. Targeting warmwater species during these warmer months is a great way to get out and get your fill of fishing.
Targeting new species will help you to become a more well-rounded angler and expose you to new techniques and tactics that you may have never used before. My favorite species to target in the warmer months are bluegill, bass and carp, all of which can be found in most of the ponds and lakes found in the Phoenix area.
Bluegill will be oriented to structure. Try fishing near docks, vegetation, rock piles or other structures that provide shade and a place to hide. They are typically very aggressive and willing to eat, so they make for a great species for beginners to target. Conventional anglers should use a 6-7 foot ultra light spinning rod with 4-6 pound test line. Small 1/32-ounce or 1/16-ounce jigs tipped with a piece of worm or scented soft plastic under a bobber works great for catching bluegill. Fly fishing can be extremely effective as well. Grab a 3 weight fly rod and use small midge patterns under an indicator. My favorite flies for bluegill are a Zebra Midge (size 16-20), Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 12-18), and a jigged Mayer’s Mini Leech (size 12-16).
Largemouth bass can typically be found in shallow water with shade and structure. Similar to bluegill, you want to target shallow structures such as docks, overhanging vegetation, weed lines, and rock piles. Topwater lures can be effective early in the mornings in the summer when targeting bass. As the day progresses, switching to more subtle techniques, such as a Texas rigged soft plastic worm, drop shot, or ned rigs, can elicit eats. Click here to learn more about some of these rigging techniques. My favorite topwater lures are a hollow body frog, a Heddon Zara Spook, or poppers. To target bass on a fly rod, try using streamers and baitfish flies. I also like poppers and gurglers early in the mornings. A few of my favorite flies for bass are Clouser Minnows, Baby Fat Minnows, and Slump Busters.
Carp are typically overlooked by most anglers, but offer a great fishing opportunity here in Arizona. For the conventional tackle angler, I recommend using a heavier rod like a 7-foot medium action rod with 12- to 15-pound test line. You can target carp by using corn on a slip sinker rig with a size 4 or 6 octopus hook. Bread can also be productive bait for carp. For the fly fisherman, using clown eggs. damsel, and worm patterns work well to target carp. Stealth is essential when targeting these elusive fish; landing the fly softly and leading the fish by 5-10 feet is necessary.
The FishAZ Network is filled with great 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.
Saturday, July 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Painted Sky Park Fishing Clinic, City of Apache Junction Parks and Recreation, Painted Sky Park, Apache Junction. Join us for a free fishing event that's fun for all ages! We'll provide the fishing poles, bait, and everything you need to cast a line and enjoy some time by the water. The lake is catch and release only. We welcome all levels of fishing abilities. Please make sure you have a valid Arizona fishing license. You can register for this event here.
Reminder: Anglers invited to participate in Arizona's Fish250 Challenge
250: Fish 2 Community Fishing Program waters, 5 Arizona lakes or streams, have 0 bad days!
The challenge continues! Anglers of all experience levels are invited to explore the incredible fishing opportunities found across Arizona by participating in the Fish250 Challenge.
The challenge is part of Arizona’s Outdoors250 celebration encouraging people to get outside, try something new, and reconnect with Mother Nature through outdoor recreation. Outdoors250, in turn, is part of America250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
It’s easy to participate. Just take selfies (or have someone take photos of you) at each of these locations and do the following to fulfill the Fish250 Challenge:
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2 - Fish 2 Community Fishing Program waters
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5 - Fish 5 Arizona lakes or streams
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0 - Have 0 bad days
Once you’ve completed the Fish250 Challenge, fill out the completion form, download your photos, and click on “submit.” If you send in the form before the end of August, you’ll receive the Fish250 Sticker Pack.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate fishing in Arizona. This challenge is about more than the catch — it’s about discovering new places, enjoying the outdoors and recognizing the role anglers play as conservationists who help protect healthy fisheries and waters for generations to come,” says Alec Young, Trout Unlimited’s Angling Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation Manager.
For more information on the Fish250 Challenge, including information on where to fish, license requirements, regulations, how-to videos, and more, visit https://www.azgfd.com/fish250/.
For more information on Arizona’s Outdoors250, visit https://azstateparks.com/Outdoors250.
Want a chance to be on the cover of the 2027 & 2028 Arizona Fishing Regulations? Comment on this post in the FishAZ Facebook group with your favorite Arizona fishing photo for a chance to be featured. We can't wait to see where you've been fishing and what you've been catching.
By commenting on this post and including a photo, you are giving the Arizona Game and Fish Department permission to publish that photo as part of the 2027 & 2028 Fishing Regulations, should it be chosen.
Canyon Lake drawdown to begin Sept. 16
Lake will be closed for about 16 weeks for critical dam safety inspections and maintenance
The water level of Canyon Lake, about 50 miles east of Phoenix, will be lowered for approximately 16 weeks starting Sept. 16, 2026, for dam safety inspections and maintenance. Tonto National Forest will close the lake, including all boat ramps and access
points, during this time.
Salt River Project (SRP) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation lower Canyon Lake for critical dam safety inspections and maintenance once every 20 years. While inspections and maintenance are regularly performed on the dams, some critical equipment is located underwater, which makes it inaccessible without lowering the lake level.
According to SRP, the lake's water level will be lowered by approximately 54 feet through a drawdown process. The work will focus on the normally submerged portions of Mormon Flat and Horse Mesa dams, as well as the river channel downstream of Horse Mesa Dam. No water will be wasted, just stored in other reservoirs while the work is performed. The lake drawdown will not interfere with water delivery from the Salt and Verde river reservoirs
to SRP’s water customers.
Benefits of the project support the operational safety of the dams for water storage and flood control and help ensure water reliability for more than 2.5 million Valley residents who receive water from SRP reservoirs. The drawdown will also provide an opportunity for other agencies and businesses to perform any necessary maintenance work and repairs to their Canyon Lake facilities.
For more information, visit SRP information HERE or Tonto National Forest Information HERE.
Alamo Lake profiled on travel website
A recent article on the Islands travel website touts the features of Alamo Lake, not just as a fishing destination, but also as a place to enjoy rugged desert scenery, whether that means hitting the hiking paths, lazing on a boat on the water, or rumbling around the lakeshore on the ATV tracks.
The article describes Alamo as one of the prime fishing spots in the Grand Canyon State, but points out it's rarely uber-busy, getting noticeably less attention from anglers and boaters than other spots in the region.
The majority of the camping pitches, boat ramps, and overlooks are near Alamo Road on the southwestern side of the reserve. A trio of short hiking trails also begins and ends down in that corner of the park, with one — the easy, 0.2-mile-long Rattlesnake Overlook Trail — clambering up a bluff to offer sweeping views of the lake and the raw desert backdrop in all its mountainous glory.
Alamo Lake State Park is also considered a fine place for stargazing once the sun dips away.
Read the article.
Arizona's state parks offer some great fishing
When you're looking at destinations for your next fishing outing, don't forget that several Arizona state parks offer fun fishing adventures. For a profile of some of the different parks, including Lake Havasu State Park, Alamo Lake State Park (mentioned in the article above), Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Roper Lake State Park, Patagonia Lake State Park, Lyman Lake State Park, and Rockin' River Ranch State Park, visit https://azstateparks.com/fishing-in-arizona.
AZGFD's Julie Carter honored with WAFWA President's Award
Julie Carter, Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, was recently presented with the President's Award at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) summer meeting in Boise, Idaho. Julie was recognized for the instrumental role she played in the transfer of two National Fish Habitat Partnerships to the WAFWA Fisheries Initiatives, representing WAFWA on the National Fish Habitat Partnership and National Fish Habitat Fund boards, and her leadership on numerous committees and teams addressing critical fisheries management issues affecting Arizona and state fish and wildlife agencies across the country.
The President's Award is given at the current WAFWA president’s discretion, honoring outstanding service, leadership, or special contributions to the organization and western conservation efforts during that president's tenure. This year's award to Julie was presented by WAFWA President Jim Fredericks, director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
WAFWA represents 23 states and several Canadian provinces with a focus on building partnerships among state, federal and nonprofit organizations to conserve wildlife for public use and benefit.
Undated file photo of San Carlos Lake.
San Carlos Lake remains closed to visitors after fish die-off
San Carlos Lake, a constructed reservoir located behind Coolidge Dam on the Gila River on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, remains closed to visitors after a major fish kill wiped out most of the fish population within the lake.
The San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department announced the closure June 5 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063704614819), two months after officials raised alarms about a potential fish die-off due to drought and water releases from Coolidge Dam. The lake is located about 120 miles east of Phoenix.
The Arizona Republic has an article with a recent update.
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 6/15 to 6/19/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
Central Arizona: Salt River.
North Central Arizona: Lynx Lake.
Flagstaff/Williams: Cataract Lake.
Mogollon Rim: Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, Haigler Creek, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake (tiger trout), Woods Canyon Lake (tiger trout).
White Mountains: Big Lake, Bunch Reservoir, East Fork Black River (Apache trout), River Reservoir, Silver Creek (Apache trout), West Fork Black River (Apache trout).
Week of 6/8 to 6/12/26
Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.
North Central Arizona: Oak Creek.
Flagstaff/Williams: Santa Fe Reservoir.
Mogollon Rim: Bear Canyon Lake, Canyon Creek, Christopher Creek, Haigler Creek, Knoll Lake, Tonto Creek, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake.
White Mountains: East Fork Black River (Apache trout), River Reservoir, Silver Creek (Apache trout), West Fork Black River (Apache trout).
Check the stocking schedules HERE.
Reports
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The forecast for Flagstaff, Williams, and the Mogollon Rim calls for windy conditions over the weekend. Highs will be in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows will be in the 40s to 50s. Water temperatures will be in the 60s to 70s. Lower elevations around the Verde Valley will see highs in the 90s to 100s with lows in the 60s to 70s.
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/). Water temperatures have hit the mid 60s in the lakes around Williams and Flagstaff, which means warmwater species (largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and black crappie) are active. Trout fishing will start slowing down as water temperatures climb as summer progresses. Try fishing for trout early in the morning and late in the evening.
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. Warmwater species like largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie are moving in shallow.
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 day use, boat launch, and campgrounds are now 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 68.10 F, pH 8.31, Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.) 6.81 mg/l, and turbidity 133.8 NTU on 6/12/2026.
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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 trout on worms, lures, and flies. Warmwater species like largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie are also active. Rainbow trout wil be stocked this week. Water temperature 70.07 F, pH 8.54, D.O. 7.10 mg/l, and turbidity 30.81 NTU on 6/12/2026.
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. Water temperature 68.33 F, pH 8.69, D.O. 6.97 mg/l, and turbidity 31.13 on 6/12/2026.
Dogtown Lake - The Dogtown Lake campground, day use, and boat launch are now open. The lake level is below 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. Anglers have been catching trout, largemouth bass, and black crappie. Water temperature 75.0 F, pH 9.43, D.O. 7.83 mg/l, and turbidity 33.79 NTU on 6/12/2026.
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. Anglers have been catching trout on worms, PowerBait, flies (#10 Simi Seal Leeches, #12 Prince nymphs), and lures (Joe’s flies). Channel catfish were stocked last week and are being caught on worms by the dam. Water temperature 68.31 F, pH 8.50, D.O. 7.08 mg/l, and turbidity 9.05 on 6/12/2026.
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. This is the time of year the surface temperatures of the water get too warm for trout. If you plan to fish J.D. Dam, we suggest early mornings before the water temperatures get too hot.
Whitehorse Lake - The White Horse Lake campground, day use, and boat launch are now
open. 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. Anglers are finding success using lures with flash and vibration such as inline spinners and worms.
Russel Tank - The limit is 4 trout. Access to Russel Tank is open.
FLAGSTAFF LAKES (Coconino National Forest):
Lower Lake Mary - 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 when there is water. Lower Lake Mary is currently dry.
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Upper Lake Mary - Upper Lake Mary boat launches are open. Up lake of the Narrows is very shallow (~1-2 feet deep). 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. Anglers have been catching northern pike, walleye, and a few bass. Many folks don’t know it, but AZGFD stocked largemouth bass into Upper Lake Mary in 1935 and in 1951 and smallmouth bass in 1942. While small populations of both species persisted through the years, angler encounters have been few and far between. With the current low lake levels, fish are now more concentrated, increasing angler encounters of both species.
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. Surface temperature 72.12 F, pH 9.10, D.O. 10.99.01 mg/l, turbidity 18.54 NTU on 6/12/2026.
Ashurst Lake - FR 82E to Ashurst Lake and campgrounds is 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. The lake level is very low and launching a boat is difficult. With the warming temperatures and increasing pH levels, trout fishing has slowed considerably. Try fishing early in the morning and in 6-12 feet of water. Water temperature 70.82 F, pH 9.16, D.O. 7.67 mg/l, and turbidity 25.54 NTU on 6/12/2026.
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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. A few folks have been catching nice channel catfish on bait.
Mormon Lodge Pond - Mormon Lodge and access to the pond are open. Surface temperature 66.05 F, pH 8.16, D.O. 7.50 mg/l, turbidity 9.25 NTU on 5/152026.
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.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Bartlett Lake - See Gary Senft's reports from Apache Lake and Bartlett Lake over the past week at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUo7QaElWsI7PSQ588tc2XA/videos.
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. Access to upper Oak Creek is currently closed due to the Pocket Fire. There is no public access from Midgley Bridge upstream to the Sterling Springs hatchery.
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 10.1-13.2 cfs and stream temperature 69.6-76.1 F on 6/22/2026.
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 7.22-7.66 cfs on 6/22/2026.
MOGOLLON RIM LAKES
Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir - Rock Crossing campground is open. 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. The boat launch is open, but the lake level is not up to the concrete launch, making launching challenging, but feasible. An algae bloom is present and trout have moved to 10-15 feet deep. Anglers are catching fish on lures and bait. Reservoir elevation 6,693.37 feet, current volume is at 8,940 acre feet or 60% full (and dropping), surface temperature is 63.87 F, pH is 9.64, D.O. is 10.58 mg/l, turbidity is 5.65 NTU on 6/22/2026.
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Knoll Lake - FR 300 and FR 295E into Knoll Lake are open. Only boats with a single electric motor are allowed on Knoll Lake. The lake level is below the boat launch and launching a boat is feasible, but 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 will be stocked this week.
Huffer Tank - Huffer Tank filled this spring from snow melt runoff, but is rapidy dropping.
LEES FERRY/LAKE POWELL
Lees Ferry - Water temperature on 6/22/2026: 59.0-62.4 F; Dissolved Oxygen: 7.0-9.3 mg/l; pH: 8.0-8.4 std units; Discharge Rate: 6,410-10,500 cfs; Turbidity: 0.2-0.3 FNU. Fishing has been slow with most anglers landing 0-7 fish per day. Folks fishing with lures have been finding success. Lees Ferry Anglers river reports posted at https://leesferry.com/river-report/.
Lake Powell - Water surface temperature (Wahweap Bay) on 6/22/2026: 79.0-86.0 F. Lake Elevation: 3,527.24 MSL (and dropping). Note: Please be advised that each calendar year, Utah has requirements for motorized boats before launching at a Utah waterbody. Read the following:
1. Register your vessel with your state’s Division of Motor Vehicles (or the equivalent in any
state/province for boat registration) — you will need your bow number to enroll in the
Utah AIS program.
2. Complete the annual DWR mussel-aware boater education course. Print out your proof of course completion or download it to your DWR Hunting and Fishing app.
3. Enroll your vessel in the Utah AIS Program. An annual fee per watercraft applies: $20 for
Utah residents and $25 for non-resident vessels.
4. A current-year AIS decal will be mailed to you; affix it to your boat with the instructions
enclosed in the mailer.
Important: You must have a professional decontamination completed before launching your
vessel in any Utah waterbody — regardless of season — if:
- You are entering Utah from another state.
- You have been at a mussel-infested water and not met the 30-day dry time required
for complex boats (vessels containing inboard motors, inboard/outboard motors,
ballast tanks, bilges, live wells, generators, AC units and any other raw water systems).
More information available at: https://stdofthesea.utah.gov/ais/motorized/.
The latest (June 6) Lake Powell report is courtesy of Dan Keller on www.wayneswords.net: Lake elevation as of June 6 is 3,527 feet. With the use of metal mats, Stateline Auxiliary boat ramp will provide boat launching down to 3,515 feet. The Bullfrog North Ramp is also open. NPS website has lots of good information and states the ramp is best suited to launch vessels less than 25 feet.
Spring fishing is fading as fish are moving away from the shallows heading to deeper water. However, last week we still found plenty of smallmouth bass in shallow water, and a few largemouth bass. Bluegills are now spawning and can also be found in coves that get sun all day and are protected from the wind.
Striped Bass
Recent angler reports show good catch rates throughout the main channel and major canyon mouths. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times to target striped bass. Look for schools near steep rocky points and canyon mouths. Trolling shad-colored crankbaits is a great way to locate active fish. Once a school is found, switch to swimbaits, spoons, or anchovies to catch lots more. Surface activity is becoming more common and should increase as summer progresses. Most of the striped bass are young 1- and 2-year-old fish, they are starting to chase young of year shad now that threadfin and gizzard shad have spawned. Expect to see striped bass feeding on larval shad on the surface (aka slurps) throughout June. Last week, we started to see slurps at about 6:45 p.m. south of the Rincon, and we continued to find scattered slurps as we approached the Escalante and San Juan. Lots of lures work well for striped bass feeding on the surface; one of my favorites recently has been a 3-½” Rapala Mooch Minnow that I super glued to a ¼ oz jig head. The plastic is very durable, and the glue prevents fish from pulling the bait off the hook.
Smallmouth Bass / Largemouth Bass
Many fish have completed spawning and are moving toward deeper rocky structure. The best action is along broken rock, secondary points, and submerged ledges in 10-30 feet of water. Tube jigs, Ned rigs, drop-shot rigs, and swimbaits continue to produce fish. Topwater opportunities exist during calm mornings, especially in areas where shad are concentrated. I had success catching several smallmouth, striped bass, and one largemouth at first light on June 3 using a Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil in ghost shad color. Largemouth bass are becoming more difficult to locate as water temperatures increase. The best fishing is found in brush-filled coves, and the backs of canyons.
Walleye
Walleye are commonly found near points adjacent to spawning areas and in the backs of stained-water canyons. The walleye bite has slowed down compared to last month; however, anglers fishing areas north of Bullfrog up to Good Hope Bay continue to report success.
WESTERN ARIZONA
Lake Mohave and Colorado River below Davis Dam - Report courtesy of Rusty at Riviera Marina. Local angler Mike M. recently landed a limit of striped bass. Fishing from an island and using anchovies as bait, he put together an impressive stringer of fish. These smaller-sized stripers are easy to clean and make excellent fish tacos, along with plenty of other great meals.
There are many productive spots for striper fishing below Davis Dam on the Colorado River, and anglers continue to have success throughout the area. It's also worth remembering that some very large fish are out there, and every angler has a good chance of hooking into a large striper.
For bigger fish, try using swimbaits in the 6- to 12-inch range. White has been producing well, and rainbow trout patterns have also been very effective.
Up on Lake Mohave, trolling continues to be the most productive technique. Anglers using bucktail jigs and swimbaits are reporting great results. White and bone-colored lures remain top choices, while light green and rainbow trout patterns have also proven successful.
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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