Community Fishing Program waters teeming with scrappy fighters

It doesn’t have to be Friday to enjoy a good, old-fashioned fish fry.

Cole slaw. French fries. Red beans and rice. Oh, and don’t forget the hush puppies. All are perfect complements to a pile of fresh-caught catfish filets, fried in a savory cornmeal batter until crisp and golden-brown.

Whatever your choice of side dishes, leave the main course up to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), which is preparing to stock Community Fishing Program waters with tons of channel catfish just waiting to get caught.

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Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists have continued to monitor water quality at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes for golden algae.

In early February, AZGFD confirmed the presence of golden algae in Saguaro Lake after a minor fish kill was observed. Primarily threadfin shad were affected at the time. Recent water quality samples have confirmed an increased abundance of golden algae in Canyon Lake as well. It is common for golden algae to spread to other lakes in the Salt River chain once it has been detected.

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In case you missed last month's announcement, the temperatures are heating up and so is the bass fishing. The Arizona Game and Fish Department 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

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April 1 was the opener of the “catch-and-keep” season at Silver Creek, located about 5 miles east of Show Low. Although flooding has decreased angler success for the opener in recent years, the “stars aligned” just right this year.

AZGFD modified stocking strategies and stocked the largest trout Silver Creek has seen, just over a 3.5-pound average. There also were no flooding or aquatic disease outbreaks. Despite April 1 being a Tuesday, with temperatures in the 30s with 60-mph wind gusts, 36 vehicles packed full of excited anglers were waiting for the gate to open at 5:30 a.m.

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Week of 3/31 to 4/4/25

Stocked with rainbow trout unless otherwise indicated.

Central Arizona: Salt River.

North Central Arizona: Goldwater Lake (lower), Lynx Lake, Mingus Lake, Oak Creek, Watson Lake.

Flagstaff/Williams area: Ashurst Lake, Cataract Lake, Dogtown Reservoir, Frances Short Pond, Kaibab Lake.

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At Bartlett Lake (report courtesy of pro angler Gary Senft) - Gary and his group caught 31 bass pretty evenly between drop shot and Texas rig on April 4. Drop shot performed best for the bigger fish later in the day. Air temp was about 43 degrees at start, water temp about 57 F. Used small worms, 5150s, Curley Tails. Cloudy conditions, barometer was falling. Fish were caught mostly in 12-20 feet.

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