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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Brown, murky water impairs Green Valley fishing

But Game & Fish still stocking trout in Payson

Fishing for trout is good to excellent at most Urban Fishing Program (UFP) waters, but lake waters at Green Valley (Payson) and Lakeside (Tucson) are staying brown colored and murky with new runoff from recent storms—making fishing tough.

Anglers using scented dough baits (such as Power Bait), worms fished under a bobber, corn on the bottom, or small trout lures have been successful.  Anglers fishing with lighter tackle are having the best luck. Use 2-4 pound leaders, smaller hooks and minimal weight to greatly improve fishing success.

Best times to fish for trout generally are early morning, but some anglers have reported excellent fishing late afternoon.  Small spinners such as Rooster Tails and Panther Martins, or spoons like Super Dupers are also working well for trout.

Trout continue to be stocked at Green Valley Lakes, but until the water clears up a bit more, the fishing is expected to remain slow.  Due to runoff effects, Lakeside Lake in Tucson will not be stocked with trout the week of Feb. 22-27, so anglers are advised to try Kennedy and Silverbell Lakes that are each getting the extra fish.

All 21 UFP waters in Phoenix Area, Tucson Area and Payson - Last stocked, trout, Feb. 11. Next stocking, trout, the week of Feb. 22-27.

Call 1-800-352-0700 to report fishing violations

WHAT THE URBAN FISHING PROGRAM PROVIDES
In the midst of difficult economic times, participation in Arizona’s Urban Fishing Program has grown 8-10 percent for each of the past three years.

Why? Simply put, Urban Fishing Program lakes and ponds offer a high-quality, affordable and convenient way to go fishing in town; representing excellent value. Celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this year, it is an award-winning, nationally recognized program.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is pleased to partner with 11 cities statewide to provide fishing recreation opportunities to city residents. Based on the motto, “If people can’t get to the fish, we bring fish to the people,” the Urban Fishing Program provides:

> A family friendly outdoor opportunity that contributes to quality of life in the city.
> Over $6.4 million in direct expenditures per year to the Arizona economy by anglers.
> Excellent fishing for 58,000 people; 25 percent of them youth fishing for free.
Over 500 fish stockings a year into 21 Urban Program lakes by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
> Annual stockings of 237,000 fish including trout, catfish, bluegill and bass.
> Quality, stocked fish that are good to eat and fun to catch.
> A relaxing, convenient and accessible opportunity in well-maintained park settings.
> A fun, safe and affordable way for city residents of all ages and abilities to fish.
> A positive, memorable way for friends and families to spend time together.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSMEN’S EXPO FEB. 26-28
The 10th annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition, from Feb. 26-28, is Arizona’s largest fishing, hunting and outdoor travel event. Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale (Glendale Avenue and Hwy 101). General admission is $15 for adults, and free for children 15 years and under. Parking is free with paid admission.

Don’t miss your once-a-year chance to celebrate the outdoors with family and friends, capture show-priced bargains, and meet with guides, outfitters and experts from nearby and around the world. See the newest hunting, fishing and outdoor equipment, find out about places to hunt and fish, hear from many outdoor experts during seminars throughout each day, and watch the experts test their skills in competitions.

Kids will have a blast participating in fishing and shooting sports at the Youth Outdoor Sports Fair, presented by the Game and Fish ! Department. The kids fishing tank will be loaded with trout for them to catch and release for free. For more information, go to www.sportsexpos.com.

1 comment:

Wisconsin fishing said...

I do think that the voices of a lot of the people who would be impacted by such a decision were not heard, while the voices of groups that have a track record of opposing thses kind of activities were given a loud voice.