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Fishing Report | October 2026

Your monthly update on fishing conditions, stocking and news from around Arizona.

Get Outside and Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day!

Sept. 26 is National Hunting and Fishing Day — a celebration of the generations of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy Arizona’s wild places and help support conservation.

Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day recognizes the important connection between outdoor recreation and healthy fish and wildlife populations. In Arizona, the state’s more than 700,000 hunters and anglers play a crucial role in that connection.

Through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment help fund conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the country. In Arizona, that funding supports habitat improvements, fish and wildlife research, surveys, boating access and more.

It’s a great reminder that getting outside can make a difference. So grab your fishing gear, head to your favorite Arizona water, and celebrate by doing what you love.

New to fishing? Arizona Game and Fish offers fishing clinics and hands-on opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. It’s a great way to build your skills, discover new places to fish and enjoy Arizona’s outdoors.

This National Hunting and Fishing Day, get outside, wet a line and be part of conservation.

Learn more about fishing education and upcoming clinics.

Looking for Fishing Updates in Your Region?

Water-by-water conditions, water temps and species activities for Arizona's waters, from Northern Arizona to Lees Ferry and Lake Powell.

Channel Catfish Stocking Resumes in Lower Elevation Community Fishing Waters!

The statewide fish stocking schedule link below will give you access to all Department stocking schedules, this includes community fishing waters and statewide waters. The dates listed on the stocking schedules represent the Monday of the week the stocking will occur.

Note: stockings can take place any day throughout that week. These schedules are tentative and subject to change due to weather and water quality. Take a look!

Other News and Articles

Learn About the Az Bass Challenge with Pro Angler Gary Senft

Watch AZGFD's Curt Gill and bass angler Gary Senft spread the word about the Arizona Bass Challenge — a unique fishing challenge that spans Arizona's waters.

→ Watch now

Boaters and Anglers: Help Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Clean, drain and dry watercraft and equipment to prevent aquatic invasive species in Arizona.

→ Learn how to stop the spread

Illegal Fish Stocking Is a Problem

Transporting fish between bodies of water may seem like a harmless act, but it can have serious economic and ecological consequences — and in the state of Arizona, it’s against the law.

→ Read why

Angling Tips with AZGFD Fishing R3 Coordinator Chase Newlon

After finally dipping below 100 degrees here in Phoenix, it's time to start getting ready for fall! Fall is a great time of year to be fishing in Arizona. Water temperatures will start to cool down, and the fish will be on the feed. Trout are one of my favorite species to target this time of year. Many of the lakes and streams on the Mogollon Rim and up into the White Mountains will begin to fish really well in the next couple of weeks.

On the small creeks, try targeting fish with small spoons and spinners such as Kastmasters, Little Cleos and Silver Foxes. Find some of the deeper, slower moving pools and cast upstream reeling back toward you with small pauses and pops to entice bites. Fly-fishing is typically extremely effective on the smaller creeks. Early fall can produce some great hatches and terrestrial bugs are abundant. Try a hopper dropper rig with ant, beetle and hopper patterns as your dry and your favorite nymph 12 to 18 inches below it. I like to fish thread frenchies, perdigons and pheasant tails as my dropper.

If you are looking to stay local for a day out on the water, try your luck for catfish, which will be stocked at most of the 50+ Community Fishing Waters, starting the week of Sept. 21. 

Being that catfish are nocturnal predatory fish, fishing early in the morning as the sun is coming up and later at night when the sun is setting will yield the best results.

Use a slip sinker rig with a 7-foot medium heavy rod to fish bait on the bottom. Shrimp and chunks of pork loin are my favorite baits for catfish. However, worms, hotdogs and dough bait also work well.

Friday, Oct. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. - Reel Fishing For Teens, Town of Gilbert, Gilbert Riparian Preserve
The Town of Gilbert is inviting teens to learn how to fish at the Riparian Preserve! This clinic will provide the foundational skills needed for a day of fishing — from assembling a fishing pole to reeling in the best catch of the day. Participants will be provided with a fishing pole, bait and Town of Gilbert staff ready to help them get hooked on a new hobby. Everyone ages 10 and older is required to have a valid fishing license for this event. You can purchase a license at www.azgfd.gov. The Town of Gilbert is sponsoring the purchase of the first 20 youth fishing licenses for this event. Click here to register.

The FishAZ Network is filled with great events for all skill levels by a variety of great partners. Click the link below for a full list of up to date events!

Other Fishing Resources

Fish & Boat AZ App

Experience Fish AZ

Community Fishing

Fishing Regulations

Fish Consumption Advisories

AZ State Fish Records