Arizona Game and Fish Department 2005 & 2006 Fishing Regulations Contents How To Use This Booklet ............................................ 3 General Statewide Regulations .................................. 3 License Information .................................................... 3 2005 and 2006 Fishing License and Stamp Fees ......... 5 Special Licenses and Stamps ..................................... 6 Changes Since 2004 ................................................... 6 Statewide Fishing Regulations ................................... 6 Common Violations .................................................... 8 Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits ............... 9 Protected Native Fish ................................................. 9 General Sport Fishing Seasons— Commission Order 40: Fish ...................................... 9 Special Regulations—Commision Order 40: Fish Designated Urban Fishing Program Waters .............. 10 White Mountains ..................................................... 12 North Central ............................................................ 14 Mogollon Rim ........................................................... 16 Colorado River Northwest ........................................ 18 Colorado River Southwest ........................................ 20 Central ...................................................................... 22 Southeast ................................................................. 24 Legal Areas for Live Baitfish ..................................... 26 Know Your Baitfish ................................................... 26 Commission Order 41: Amphibians ........................... 27 Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks .... 28 Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only) ........... 28 Arizona Fish Identification ........................................ 29 Where to Fish in Arizona .......................................... 33 Arizona Fish Records ................................................ 34 2003 Big Fish-of-the-Year Finalist ............................. 35 Catch and Release Record Program .......................... 36 Fish Weighing Scales ............................................... 37 Watercraft Regulations… ........................................ 38 Hitchhiking Plants and Animals ................................ 39 Health and Environmental Information ..................... 40 Monofilament Recovery Program ............................. 41 Bald Eagle Fishing Closures ...................................... 42 Youth Fishing ............................................................ 43 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws 17-101. Definitions ................................................... 44 17-301. Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking ............................... 44 17-303. Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas .......................................................... 44 17-304. Prohibition by landowner upon hunting; posting; exception ............................................................... 44 17-306. Importation, transportation, release or possession of live wildlife ..................................... 45 17-309. Violations; classification .............................. 45 17-314. Civil liability; illegal taking or wounding ...... 45 17-331. License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order ............................................ 45 17-335. Minors; blind residents .............................. 45 17-336. Complimentary licenses ............................ 45 17-340. Revocation, suspension and denial of right to obtain license; notice; violation; classification ........................................................................ 46 17-341. Applying for or obtaining license or permit by fraud or misrepresentation; classification .......................................................... 46 17-342. Colorado river special use permit ................. 46 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules R12-4-101. Definitions .............................................. 47 R12-4-117. Indian Reservations ................................ 47 R12-4-305. Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife .................................................. 47 R12-4-308. Wildlife Inspections, Check stations, and Roadblocks ....................................... 47 R12-4-310. Fishing Permits ....................................... 47 R12-4-311. Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License while Taking Aquatic Wildlife ......................................... 48 R12-4-312. Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction ...................... 48 R12-4-313. Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife; Restrictions ............................................. 48 R12-4-315. Possession of Live Fish; Unattended Live Boxes and Stringers ....................................... 49 R12-4-316. Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Live Baitfish, Crayfish, or Waterdogs ............................................................. 49 R12-4-317. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles ... 49 R12-4-402. Live Wildlife: Prohibited Acts ............... 49 R12-4-404. Possession of Live Wildlife Taken on an Arizona Hunting or Fishing License .............. 49 R12-4-801. General Provisions .................................. 50 R12-4-802. Wildlife Area Restrictions ...................... 50 Colorado River Southwest ........................... 20–21 Fishing Waters (continued) Mogollon Rim .............................................. 16–17 North Central ............................................... 14–15 Southeast Arizona ....................................... 24–25 Urban Fishing Program ................................ 10–11 White Mountains ........................................ 12–13 Free Fishing Day .................................................. 3, 43 General Sport Fishing Seasons ................................. 9 General Statewide Regulations ............................ 3–8 Health and Environmental Information ................... 40 Hitchhiking Plants and Animals .............................. 39 Hook and Line Methods ............................................ 6 Lead and Fishing ...................................................... 40 Licenses ..................................................................... 3 Family Fishing License ......................................... 6 Fees ..................................................................... 5 Lifetime Fishing License ...................................... 5 Lost ...................................................................... 6 Pioneer ............................................................ 5, 6 Requirements ............................................... 3, 10 Revocation ..................................................... 8, 46 Where to Buy ....................................................... 3 Length Limit ............................................................... 7 Limits ............................................... 7, 9, 10, 16, 29 Live Bait, Capturing ................................................... 7 Live Baitfish ............................................................. 26 Monofilament Recovery Program ............................ 41 Nonresident ........................................................ 5, 44 Operation Game Thief .................................. 8, 33, 41 Pioneer Fishing License ....................................... 5, 45 Protected Native Fish ................................................ 9 Residency ...................................................... 5, 8, 44 Resource Agency Directory ....................................... 4 Special Regulations ........................................... 10–26 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs ........ 42 Stamps Colorado River Special Use ............. 5, 6, 18, 20 Fees ..................................................................... 5 Lifetime Trout Stamp ........................................... 5 Trout Stamp .................................................... 5, 6 Two Pole Stamp .............................................. 5, 6 Utah Lake Powell Stamp ..................................... 6 Where to Buy ....................................................... 3 Transportation and Storage of Fish ........................... 7 Urban Fishing Program ...................... 10, 11, 22, 23 Violations ................................................................... 8 Watercraft and Motor Restrictions ......................... 38 Where to Fish in Arizona ......................................... 33 Whirling Disease ..................................................... 40 Youth Fishing ........................................................... 43 Index Accessible Fishing Opportunities .............................. 4 Amphibian Regulations ........................................... 27 Angler Code of Ethics .............................................. 41 Aquatic Reptile Regulations .................................... 28 Arizona Fish Records ......................................... 34–36 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules ....... 47–51 Arizona Game and Fish Department Contacts .......... 5 Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17—Laws ........ 44–46 Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine ............................. 4 Baitfish Regulations ................................................ 26 Bald Eagle Closures ................................................. 42 Big Fish-of-the-Year ................................................. 35 Boating and Watercraft Information ....................... 38 Catch and Release Record Program ........................ 35 Changes Since 2004 .................................................. 6 Common Violations .................................................... 8 Crayfish ........................................... 7, 8, 28, 39, 47 Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations .................. 28 Definitions ........................................................ 44, 47 Fish Identification .............................................. 29–32 Fish Weighing Scale Locations ............................... 37 Fishing Clinics .......................................................... 43 Fishing Waters Central Arizona ............................................ 22–23 Colorado River Northwest ........................... 18–19 2 azgfd.gov General Statewide Regulations (for up-to-date information, visit azgfd.gov) How To Use This Booklet License Information This booklet contains the information you need to legally fish in Arizona. Please consult regulations carefully before fishing. Regulations differ on many bodies of water, so be sure to follow the steps below before you go fishing: License Requirements 1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the information on General Statewide Regulations (pages 3, 5–8) concerning the requirements for licenses, stamps, bag and possession limits, gear and bait restrictions, harvest methods and common violations. • A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 14 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. • Youth under the age of 14 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. • All required licenses, permits and/or stamps must be in possession while engaging in fishing. • A valid fishing or combination license is required for take of frogs, waterdogs, crayfish and softshell turtles. See Commission Orders 41 (Amphibians), 42 (Crustaceans and Mollusks) and 43 (Aquatic reptiles) on pages 27-28 for regulations on open and closed areas, methods of take, seasons, and bag and possession limits. 2. Review the General Sport Fishing Seasons—Commission Order 40: Fish (page 9) for information on daily bag and possession limits for each species that applies to all fishing waters statewide. 3. Consult the statewide map, right, to find your fishing area of interest. Note: Urban Fishing Program waters are listed separately on pages 10–11. 4. Locate your fishing area of interest in the Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (pages 10–25). Now look to see if the body of water you will be fishing is listed, then note any Special Regulations that apply such as catch limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, bait and hook restrictions, closed areas, or other restrictions. 5. If specific references to a body of water, species, catch limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, or other restrictions are not made in the Special Regulations for a particular body of water, then General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons apply. It is the angler’s responsibility to know what regulations apply to the body of water they are fishing. New or changed regulations for 2005 and 2006 are summarized on page 6. • Licenses expire on the date printed or written on them. No license is transferable. Arizona Fishing Licenses Are Not Required When • Fishing any public water on Free Fishing Days, Saturdays, June 11, 2005, and June 10, 2006. • Registered and participating in a Department sponsored fishing clinic. • Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission of the property owner. Where to Buy Licenses and Stamps • Online at azgfd.gov • 340 license dealers statewide (includes many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores) • Arizona Game and Fish Department offices • Call toll-free (866) 462-0433 Arizona Game and Fish Department 3 Accessible Fishing Opportunities Bartlett Lake Rattlesnake Recreation Site, 21 miles east of Cave Creek • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Becker Lake 2 miles west of Springerville • Parking close to shoreline Big Lake 29 miles south of Eagar • Parking, restrooms Black Canyon Lake 18 miles southwest of Heber • Parking close to shoreline, shoreline access Canyon Lake LaBarge Cove, 18 miles north of Apache Junction • Parking, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic facilities Crescent Lake 29 miles south of Eagar • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock Fain Lake City of Prescott Valley • Restrooms, paved fishing access Fool Hollow Lake 4 miles west of Show Low • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock Kaibab Lake 2 miles north of Williams • Designated fishing pier Lake Havasu Mesquite Cove and Site Six, near Lake Havasu City • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Havasu Springs, Parker Dam at Havasu Springs Resort Take-Off Point, Parker Dam Lake Mary, Upper 17 miles south of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road • Designated access at the Narrows Lake Mohave Katherine Landing, 5 miles north of Bullhead City • Restrooms, fishing pier 4 Lake Powell Wahweep, 5 miles north of Page • Developed fishing pier Lynx Lake 7 miles east of Prescott • Fishing pier, interpretive trail, parking, restrooms Mittry Lake 14 miles north of Yuma • Parking, fishing jetty, asphalt trail Nelson Reservoir 7 miles southwest of Springerville • Parking, fishing ramada, restrooms Parker Canyon Lake 30 miles southwest of Sierra Vista • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Patagonia Lake 10 miles east of Nogales • Parking, restrooms, dock Riggs Flat Lake 15 miles southwest of Safford • Parking, trail access to shoreline Roper Lake 6 miles south of Safford • Accessible shoreline Rose Canyon Lake 30 miles north of Tucson • Parking, restrooms, shoreline access Saguaro Lake Butcher Jones Cove, 20 miles north of Mesa • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Keyhole Road, 20 miles north of Mesa • Picnic facilities Topock Marsh Catfish Paradise, 4 miles north of Golden Shores • Restrooms, boat ramp Willow Springs Lake 15 miles west of Heber • Parking, restrooms Woodland Lake Pinetop/Lakeside • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock All 20 designated Urban Fishing Lakes • Consult the 2005 Urban Fishing Program brochure Resource Agency Directory To Purchase a Fishing License ............................................ on the Web at azgfd.gov or call toll-free ..................................................................... (866) 462-0433 For the Weekly Fishing Report ............................................ on the Web at azgfd.gov or call ................................................................................. (602) 789-3701 To Report a Game or Fish Violation ................................................... (800) 352-0700 To Report Vandalism or Livestock Depredation ........................................................................ (800) VANDALS (826-3257) For Fire Restrictions and/or Closures on State and Federal Lands in Arizona or New Mexico ................................................................. visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire or call toll-free ..................................................................... (877) 864-6985 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests ................................................ (928) 333-4301 Coconino National Forest .................................................................. (928) 527-3600 Coronado National Forest ................................................................. (520) 670-4552 Kaibab National Forest ...................................................................... (928) 635-8200 Prescott National Forest .................................................................... (928) 443-8000 Tonto National Forest ........................................................................ (602) 225-5200 U.S. Bureau of Land Management State Office ....................... visit www.az.blm.gov or call ................................................................................. (602) 417-9200 Arizona State Parks State Office .................................... visit www.azstateparks.com or call ................................................................................. (602) 542-4174 • Alamo Lake State Park ....................................................................... (928) 669-2088 • Buckskin Mountain State Park ............................................................ (928) 667-3231 • Cattail Cove State Park ....................................................................... (928) 855-1223 • Dead Horse Ranch State Park ............................................................. (928) 634-5283 • Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area ....................................................... (928) 537-3680 • Lake Havasu State Park ...................................................................... (928) 855-2784 • Lyman Lake State Park ....................................................................... (298) 337-4441 • Patagonia Lake State Park .................................................................. (520) 287-6965 • Red Rock State Park ........................................................................... (928) 282-6907 • Roper Lake State Park ........................................................................ (928) 428-6760 • Slide Rock State Park ......................................................................... (928) 282-3034 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ..................................... visit http://southwest.fws.gov or call ................................................................................. (505) 248 6911 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Fisheries Resources Office ............................................. (928) 367-1953 Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge................................... (928) 667-4144 Havasu National Wildlife Refuge ..................................................... (760) 326-3853 Imperial National Wildlife Refuge .................................................... (928) 783-3371 SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Arizona Wildlife Views Magazine The official magazine of the Arizona Game and Fish Department 1 YEAR SIX BIG ISSUES 40 FULL-COLOR PAGES ONLY $8.50 Send no money now. We’ll bill you later. CALL 1-800-777-0015 azgfd.gov General Statewide Regulations (continued) Janet Napolitano Governor GAME AND FISH COMMISSION SUSAN E. CHILTON, Chair Arivaca W. HAYS GILSTRAP Phoenix JOE MELTON Yuma MICHAEL M. GOLIGHTLY Flagstaff WILLIAM H. MCLEAN Gold Canyon Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023 (602) 942-3000 azgfd.gov DUANE L. SHROUFE Director STEVE K. FERRELL Deputy Director REGIONAL OFFICES Region I 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935 (928) 367-4281 Region II 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86001 (928) 774-5045 Region III 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 86401 (928) 692-7700 Region IV 9140 E. 28th St., Yuma 85365 (928) 342-0091 Region V 555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson 85745 (520) 628-5376 Region VI 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa 85207 (480) 981-9400 ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations. The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the AGFD Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the AGFD Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800-367-8939. ©2005 Arizona Game and Fish Department Cover photos by George Andrejko Arizona Game and Fish Department 2005 & 2006 Fishing License and Stamp Fees All licenses and stamps sold are valid for a calendar year (January 1 to December 31) unless otherwise noted. License and stamp fees subject to change according to R12-4-102. Resident (see A.R.S. 17-101 definition, page 44) Class A General Fishing (valid for all species except trout) .................................................. $ 18.00 General Fishing purchased for November and December only (valid for all species except trout) ............................................................................ $ 9.00 Class D One-day Fishing (valid for all species) ..................................................................... $ 12.50 Class F Combination Hunting and Fishing (valid for all species)........................................... $ 44.00 Class F Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing (valid for all species) before and through 20th birth year ...................................................................................... $ 25.50 Resident Youth Group1 two-day (valid for all species, not valid on Colorado River) .......... $ 25.00 Class I2 Family Fishing (valid for all species) Cost for first parent .................................................................................................. $ 28.50 Cost for second parent ............................................................................................. $ 22.80 Cost for each dependent child age 14 through 17 ..................................................... $ 2.00 Class U Urban Fishing (valid for all species at Designated Urban Fishing Waters only) ...... $ 16.00 free 100% Disabled Veteran1 (valid for all species, license required) .............................................. Pioneer1 70 years of age and Arizona resident past 25 years (valid for all species, license required) ......................................................................................... free Trout Stamp (validates Class A or Lifetime License for taking of trout) ............................... $ 10.50 Two Pole Stamp (for use with any Arizona Fishing License) ............................................... $ 4.00 Lifetime Fishing License1,3 (valid for all species except trout) based on age 1,3 Lifetime Trout Stamp (validates Lifetime Fishing License for taking of trout) based on age Nonresident (see A.R.S. 17-101 definition, page 44) Class A General Fishing (valid for all species except trout) .................................................. $ 51.50 General Fishing purchased for November and December only (valid for all species except trout) ............................................................................ $ 25.75 Class B Four Month (valid for all species; can apply across calendar years) ....................... $ 37.50 Class C Five-day (valid for all species; can apply across calendar years) ............................ $ 26.00 Class D One-day (valid for all species) .................................................................................. $ 12.50 Class E Colorado River only (valid for all species) ................................................................ $ 42.50 Class F Combination Hunting and Fishing (valid for all species)........................................... $ 177.50 Class F Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing (valid for all species) before and through 20th birth year ...................................................................................... $ 25.50 Class U Urban Fishing (valid for all species at Designated Urban Fishing Waters only) ...... $ 16.00 Trout Stamp (validates Class A for taking of trout) ............................................................... $ 49.50 Two Pole Stamp (for use with any Arizona Fishing License) ............................................... $ 4.00 Colorado River Special Use Stamps California Stamp For use on any Arizona Fishing License ................................................... $ 3.00 Nevada Stamp For use on any Arizona Fishing License ....................................................... $ 3.00 Utah Lake Powell Stamp Only for use on any Arizona Resident Fishing License ............. $ 8.00 Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters which form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamp allows an Arizona resident licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. These stamps are available at Department offices and some license dealers near the boundary waters. To purchase Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Go online at azgfd.gov or call toll-free (866) 462-0433. Notes 1 Only available at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. Only available for sale at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices or online at azgfd.gov. 3 Contact Arizona Game and Fish Department office for information. 2 5 General Statewide Regulations (continued) Special Licenses and Stamps Trout Stamp The department stocks trout in selected waters throughout the state. The $10.50 resident trout stamp ($49.50 nonresident) is required to validate the Class A, general fishing license for all persons who take or attempt to take trout. The trout stamp must be affixed to the back of the Class A license and signed. All other license categories (Class B through U) cover all fish species including trout. Two Pole Stamp The $4 two pole stamp is an optional stamp that validates a Class A, B, C, D, E, F, I, U, Disabled Veterans, Lifetime or Pioneer license for the taking of fish by no more than two lines (poles) and not to exceed two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line. Family Fishing License The Family Fishing License is a good value if your family fishes for trout, there is more than one adult in your family and/or there is one or more dependent children ages 14-17. The first adult pays full price for the equivalent of a Class A license with a Trout Stamp. If there is a second adult, they pay 80 percent of the value of the same license. For an unlimited number of youth of 14 through 17 years of age, the same license is only $2 each. Pioneer Fishing License To be eligible for a free Pioneer License (hunt, fish, urban fish, and trout), you must be a resident who is 70 years of age or older and who has continuously resided in Arizona for at least twenty-five (25) years immediately preceding the application for the license. Colorado River Special Use Stamps and Utah Lake Powell Stamps These stamps are required to validate an Arizona fishing license when fishing from a boat on any waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada, or Utah, or when fishing from the California, or Nevada, or Utah shorelines of these waters. Note: Fishing privileges on Colorado River boundary waters common to Arizona and an adjoining state are mutually agreed upon by the two states. It is your responsibility to know which state you are fishing in and the regulations that apply to the waters that you are fishing. Lost Your License? If you lose or damage your license, you can get a replacement at any license dealer or Department office. You will be required to complete an “Affidavit for Duplicate License” form and pay a $3 replacement fee. You will be issued a duplicate license of the same type. Stamps cannot be replaced; they must be repurchased. 6 Arizona Fishing Regulation Changes Since 2004 • Steele Indian School Park Pond (city of Phoenix) is designated an Urban Fishing Program water requiring a Class U (Urban) fishing license. See page 10. • Bag limits are reduced for all designated Urban Fishing Program lakes less than three acres in size. This new, Urban Pond management concept applies to Canal Park Pond (city of Tempe), Papago Park Ponds #1-3 (city of Phoenix), Rio Vista Park Pond (city of Peoria), and Steele Indian School Park Pond (city of Phoenix). See page 10. • Bag limits for largemouth bass are reduced at all Urban Fishing Program lakes. See page 10. • Fossil Creek (Yavapai and Gila Counties) is temporarily closed to fishing through January 1, 2007 to allow fish populations to recover after renovation of the creek. See page 14. • Bag limits are reduced at Dead Horse State Park Lagoons (near Cottonwood). See page 14. • A spear, spear gun, and bow and arrow season for carp and striped bass is established at Lake Powell, during daylight hours only. See page 18. • Bag limits for sunfish are reduced at Fortuna Pond (near Yuma). See page 20. • Bag limits are established at the newly completed Yuma West Wetlands Pond. See page 20. • Anglers are now allowed to snag for carp, tilapia and shad at Lake Havasu during two seasonal periods. See page 20. • Fishing at the Crystal Garden Water Treatment Facility (city of Avondale, 17 lake complex) is catch and release only; single barbless hook only. See page 22. Note: All changes take effect January 1, 2005. Statewide Fishing Regulations This synopsis of fishing regulations is prepared for convenience only. The regulations are now valid for two years, 2005 and 2006. For specific laws and regulations relating to fishing, see Arizona Revised Statute, Title 17 Laws, and Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules, most of which are included on pages 44-51. Hook and Line Methods • Anglers may use only one line or pole with no more than two hooks. An artificial lure is considered one hook. • The exception to the use of one line or pole is when an angler purchases a two-pole stamp that allows the angler azgfd.gov General Statewide Regulations (continued) • • • • to fish with two poles or lines simultaneously. In no case are more than two lines allowed to be used simultaneously. Fishing lines must be constantly attended and in immediate control. The hook, fly or lure must be used in such a manner that the fish voluntarily attempts to take it in its mouth. For artificial fly and lure waters, check the Special Regulations to determine if hooks must also be barbless or single barbless hook only. A single barbless hook is a fish hook with a single point, without barbs on or which barbs have been removed or bent completely closed. Regulations limiting tackle to single barbless hooks do not eliminate the angler’s option for simultaneous fishing as defined. Anglers may use a single line with no more than two single hooks, as with a primary hook and a dropper hook or fly. day. Additionally, an angler who has taken and kept a limit of fish may not continue to fish on subsequent days, unless the angler has first consumed or given away all or a portion of the possession limit. • Where only catch and release fishing is allowed, fish must be returned unharmed immediately to the water after being caught. • For waters listed under the Special Regulations, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. • Unlicensed youth under the age of 14 and unlicensed blind residents may take and keep only one-half the bag and possession limit of trout established for each water. For all other legal fish species, youth under the age of 14 and blind residents may take their own separate limits as established for each species. Length Limits Capturing Live Bait (includes legal baitfish and crayfish only) • Live bait may be taken by minnow trap, dip net, cast net, pole and line, handline, crayfish net or seine. • Cast nets shall not exceed a 4-foot radius (or an 8-foot diameter). • Seine nets shall not exceed 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width. • Landing nets or dip nets may be used for the capture of baitfish or crayfish only or to land a legally hooked fish. • Any unattended traps or devices used to catch or hold aquatic wildlife or fish must have attached water resistant identification legibly bearing the name, address, and fishing license number of the person using the device. • All aquatic wildlife taken incidentally while capturing live bait with nets or traps must be returned immediately and unharmed to the water after being caught. • All legal baitfish and crayfish caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. Most fishing waters in Arizona do not have length limits. Check the Special Regulation waters (including Designated Urban Fishing Program waters) to determine if length limits apply to species found in the water you wish to fish. A minimum length means that a fish shorter than a designated length must be returned to the water Pinch Pinch unharmed immediately after being tail to mouth point closed caught. A slot length limit or protected length range means that fish within a designated length range must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after Length being caught. Fish that are shorter or longer than the protected length range may be kept. How to Measure the Length of a Fish 1. Place the fish flat on its side with the jaw closed. 2. Squeeze the tail fin lobes together to produce the maximum length. 3. Measure in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the extreme tip of the tail. 4. Where length limits apply, you must release unharmed all fish not measuring within the legal length limit. Daily Bag and Possession Limit: Transport and Storage of Fish • The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that may be legally caught and reduced to possession in one day. Daily limits are for 24-hour periods (midnight to midnight). Possession limits are the same as daily limits unless otherwise noted. • Anglers may transport up to a possession limit of any fish species. • It is illegal to transport live fish, including in live wells or other containers. All fish must be killed or released before transportation from the body of water. This does not apply to some live baitfish. See page 26 for Live Baitfish Seasons and Regulations. • Fish must be transported in a way that they can be counted and species of fish can be identified. All fish must have a piece of skin attached to the carcass or fillets so species can be determined. If minimum, maximum or slot length limits apply to the species, the head, tail and skin must be intact so fish length and species can be determined. • No person shall have in their possession (in the field, in camp, in transit, or at permanent residence) more than one daily limit of any fish species. Fish are in an angler’s possession whether on hand, in cold storage, in transport, at home, or elsewhere under their ownership. • An angler may take daily limits of several types of fish per day. Daily catch limits apply to all Arizona waters fished that day. An angler who has taken and kept a limit of fish may not continue to fish for the same species that Arizona Game and Fish Department 7 General Statewide Regulations (continued) Common Violations It is each angler’s responsibility to protect our fishing heritage. You can help ensure responsible and ethical fishing by reporting violations immediately to our Operation Game Thief hotline 1-800-352-0700. Fish or Take Aquatic Wildlife Without a License or With the Wrong License. In order to fish or take any aquatic wildlife in Arizona, you must have a current year’s fishing license, as applicable, in your possession if you are 14 years of age or over. You should check your license every time that you go fishing or collecting. Remember, a general state fishing license is not valid at designated Urban lakes; you must have a valid Class U (urban) fishing license. Conversely, an urban fishing license is not valid at state waters. (A.R.S. 17-331) page 45 No Trout Stamp. A trout stamp validates a general or lifetime Class A license for the take of trout. This stamp is required to fish for or possess trout in any water of the State where trout are found. Trout means all species of the family Salmonidae, including grayling. (A.R.S. 17-331 page 45 and 17-333A2) Unlawful Angling or Fishing with Two Lines (or Poles) without a Two-Pole Stamp. Angling is defined as “the taking of fish by one line and not to exceed two hooks, or by one line and one artificial lure which may have attached more than one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two artificial flies or lures.” In order to use two lines at once (i.e. simultaneous angling) you must have a current two-pole stamp affixed to the back of your valid fishing license. (A.R.S. 17-301C) page 44 Fishing with an Unattended Line. Anytime you are fishing your line must be constantly attended and within your immediate control. Before you leave the area, your line must be reeled in and removed from the water. (A.R.S. 17-301C) page 44 Exceed Bag and/or Possession Limit. Fish may only be taken as prescribed by Commission Order for bag and/or possession limit. Please consult Commission Orders for specifics. After you have caught and kept your daily bag limit, it is illegal to continue to: • Fish for that same species of fish and practice catch-and-release; • Fish for that same species of fish with the intent of replacing any fish in your bag with a “better fish;” this is also known as culling; • Fish for that same species of fish with the intent 8 License Revocation of “helping” another angler get his/her bag limit; or • Fish for a species of fish if you already have the possession limit for that species (e.g., in an ice chest at camp, or at home in your freezer). (A.R.S. 17-309A15 and 16) page 45 Possess Unlawfully Taken Wildlife (fish). Any aquatic wildlife or fish that is unlawfully taken may not be legally possessed. Whether or not you were involved in the illegal taking of wildlife or fish, you cannot legally possess such parts thereof. (A.R.S. 17-309A17) page 45 Obtain License or Permit by Fraud. Only persons who have been a bona fide resident (A.R.S. 17-101, page 44) of Arizona for the previous six months may obtain resident fishing licenses and permits. Factors that may establish residency would include most, if not all of the following: a resident is considered to be someone who primarily or permanently resides in Arizona, possesses an Arizona drivers license and registers their vehicle in Arizona, maintains a home in Arizona, votes in Arizona and pays Arizona resident income taxes. For the purposes of a fishing license, a person cannot be considered a resident of two states at the same time. (A.R.S. 17-341) page 46 Unlawful Possession, Transportation or Release of Live Fish. Except for designated baitfish, it is illegal for a person to transport live fish away from the waters where caught. It is also illegal to release live fish into a body of water if they did not come from that body of water or without a proper stocking permit. (A.R.S. 17-306 and 17-309A 1, R12-4-315 and R12-4-316) pages 45 and 49 Unlawful Possession or Transportation of Live Crayfish. Except for Yuma County and a portion of La Paz County or under a live wildlife license authority, it is unlawful for a person to import, transport or possess live crayfish other than on or at the body of water where caught. (A.R.S. 17-309A1, R12-4-316) pages 45 and 49 Littering While Taking Wildlife (fish). All anglers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. All camp and shoreline areas should be left clean. Bait containers, wrappers, hooks, line and associated debris constitute litter and should be picked up, packed out, and properly disposed of. Also, all anglers are responsible for the proper care and disposal of their fish carcasses. Shorelines and waterways must be kept as clean as they were found. (A.R.S. 17-309A9) page 45 You can have your fishing and hunting license privileges revoked by the Commission for up to five years for a conviction of: • unlawful taking or possession of wildlife (including fish) • careless use of firearms resulting in human injury or death • destroying or injuring livestock • acts of vandalism or littering while hunting or fishing • unlawful entry into a closed area for purposes of taking wildlife • unlawful posting of state or federal lands • license fraud Such revocations may be recognized by other states that are members of the Interstate Wildlife Compact. You may also be civilly liable for the loss of wildlife to the state (see below). (A.R.S. 17-340) page 46 Civil Liability Under state law anyone who is found to have unlawfully wounded or killed, or unlawfully possessed any of the following wildlife may be subject to civil action by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in the form of recovery of the following minimum sums factoring in the current Consumer Price Index for 2004 (updated annually): Endangered species (includes fish) ........ $2,277.23 Game fish ..................................................... $30.36 (A.R.S. 17-314) page 45 You May Not: • Refuse to produce a license or fish for inspection upon request of an enforcement officer. • Snag or attempt to snag fish except as provided at Alamo Lake and Lake Havasu. • Attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook. • Use a landing net to capture fish, except to land a legally-hooked fish. Dip or seine nets are only legal for the capture of bait or forage fish. • Waste game fish by intentionally leaving or abandoning any commonly edible portion of any fish. • Offer any recreationally caught fish or aquatic wildlife for sale or barter. • Use electrical devices, explosives, firearms, drugs, chemicals or poison that may kill or injure fish and aquatic wildlife. • Use or possess bait in areas or on waters where fishing is permitted by use of artificial flies and lures only. azgfd.gov General Sport Fishing Seasons—Commission Order 40:Fish Open Statewide, January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006. Before you fish any body of water, be certain to review the General Statewide Regulations and the Special Regulations for the area you intend to fish. Anglers are responsible for knowing what regulations apply to the body of water they are fishing. See azgfd.gov for up-to-date information including any changes. Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits The following are the legal fish and general bag and possession limits that apply to all fishing waters statewide. These regulations apply statewide unless site specific Special Regulations (pages 10–26) apply to that body of water. Statewide includes all state and federal refuges, parks and monuments; open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. LEGAL FISH DAILY AND POSSESSION BAG LIMITS Trout (includes rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook and Apache trout; grayling) 6 Any combination 3 Any combination. Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and unlicensed blind residents may take and possess only 3 trout. Bass (including largemouth and smallmouth) 6 Any combination Striped Bass 10 Walleye 6 Northern Pike Unlimited Immediate kill or release Catfish (including channel and flathead) 25 Any combination Crappie (white and black) Unlimited White Amur (grass carp) Unlimited Roundtail Chub minimum size 13 inches 1 Sunfishes (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) Unlimited All Other Species (except protected native fish): including, but not limited to, white bass, yellow bass, carp, suckers, buffalofish, bullhead, yellow perch and tilapia Unlimited Protected Native Fish—The following native fish are protected statewide and may not be possessed. Beautiful Shiner Humpback Chub Spikedace Bonytail Chub Little Colorado Spinedace Virgin River Spinedace Colorado Pikeminnow Loach Minnow Virgin River Roundtail Chub Desert Pupfish Mexican Stoneroller Woundfin Gila Chub Quitobaquito pupfish Yaqui Catfish Gila Topminnow Razorback Sucker Yaqui Chub Gila Trout Sonora Chub Yaqui Topminnow If any of these protected native fish are incidentally caught, they must be immediately released unharmed. See fish identification section on pages 29–32. Arizona Game and Fish Department 9 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish The following bodies of water identified under Special Regulations (pages 10–25) have special restrictions or regulations for one or more species of fish that differ from General Statewide Regulations (pages 3, 5–8) or Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits (page 9). Only exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area. Unlicensed blind residents and unlicensed persons under the age of 14 may take only one-half the legal limit of trout for each body of water listed. Designated Urban Fishing Program Waters The Urban Fishing Program License Requirements The Game and Fish Department and the Parks and Recreation Departments from 11 cities have joined together to provide enjoyable fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages in urban areas. Waters listed on pages 10–11 are specially designated Urban Fishing Program lakes. Special fishing regulations apply to these heavily stocked waters including reduced daily bag limits and some minimum size limits. If you are age 14 or over, you must buy a $16 Class U Urban Fishing license (rates are the same whether a resident or non-resident). The class U license covers all fish species found in the designated Urban Fishing Program lakes. Juveniles under the age of 14 do not need a license. The following licenses are also valid: Class D one-day fishing license; resident youth-group two-day fishing license; and Pioneer and disabled veteran complimentary licenses. Other Arizona fishing licenses including Class A, B, C, F or I are not needed nor valid. New Urban Pond Management Concept The Urban Pond management concept was developed to provide a quality fishing experience at small fishing waters less than three acres. Four ponds will be managed under the Urban Pond concept: Canal Park Pond (city of Tempe), Papago Park Ponds #1-3, Rio Vista Park Pond (city of Peoria), and Steele Indian School Park Pond (city of Phoenix). Urban Ponds will be stocked just as frequently as Urban Lakes, however, they will be stocked at a lower rate of fish per acre. The daily bag and possession limits for stocked fish is reduced. These management changes were made to sustain good fishing over time, decrease crowding, allow for fair distribution of fish, and encourage recreational angling. All other designated urban lakes of three or more acres will continue to be stocked at two week intervals at full stocking rates, while maintaining existing bag limits. Sources of More Information • 2005 Arizona Urban Fishing Program brochure. Available at Department offices, license dealers or on the Web at azgfd.gov. • Urban Fishing Bulletin. Published every two weeks and posted on park bulletin boards. Also available at Department offices or on the Web at azgfd.gov. • Go to “ONLINE SERVICES” on the Web at azgfd.gov to sign up for AZGFD eNews and receive copies of the Urban Fishing Bulletin, Fishing Reports and other information. Designated Urban Fishing Water Regulations Legal Fish Urban Lakes 3 acres or more Urban Ponds less than 3 acres Daily and Possession Bag Limits Trout Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and blind residents 4 2 2 1 Catfish Any combination (including channel and flathead) 4 2 Bass minimum size 13 inches 2 1 10 5 1 1 Sunfishes Any combination (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) White amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches All other species (including, but not limited to, crappie, yellow bass, carp and tilapia) 10 Unlimited Unlimited azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Tucson Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes 1 2 3 4 Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Sahuarita Park Lake Payson Green Valley Park Urban Fishing Program Lakes Phoenix Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes Phoenix 1 Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park 2 Cortez Park Lake 3 Desert West Park Lake 4 Encanto Park Lake 5 Papago Park Ponds 1–3 15 Steele Indian School Park Pond Scottsdale 6 Chaparral Park Lake Tempe 7 Canal Park Pond 8 Kiwanis Park Lake Chandler 9 Desert Breeze Park Lake Mesa 10 Red Mountain Park Lake 11 Riverview Park Lake Gilbert 12 Water Ranch Park Lake Surprise 13 Surprise Park Lake Peoria 14 Rio Vista Park Pond ● Managed under the new Urban Pond Concept ● Designated Urban Fishing Lakes Arizona Game and Fish Department 11 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) White Mountains Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the White Mountains area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Ackre Lake Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Becker Lake The limit is 2 trout; artificial fly and lure only from October 1 through May 24. Note: from May 25 through September 30 bait may be used. Burro Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Carnero Lake The limit is 2 trout; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Coyote Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Hayground Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Home Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Lee Valley Lake The limit is 2 trout (includes any combination of trout and grayling), minimum size 12 inches; artificial fly and lure only. Mamie Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Nelson Reservoir Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. Nutrioso Creek From its confluence with the Little Colorado River upstream to Highway 180 in the city of Nutrioso including Nelson Reservoir. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. Silver Creek In Navajo County within the boundaries of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned property, excluding the portion designated as state fish hatchery. Catch and release only for trout from October 1 through March 31. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may 12 be kept; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Note: from April 1 through September 30 bait and barbed hooks may also be used, and the limit is 6 trout. Stinky Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Thompson Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. West Fork of the Black River From the confluence of Hayground Creek upstream to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation including tributaries. Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Wildcat Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Bear Wallow Creek In Greenlee County, through January 1, 2006. • Becker Lake Posted portions are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. • Lee Valley Creek Above Lee Valley Lake. • Luna Lake Wildlife Area From April 1 through July 31. • Mineral Creek In Apache County upstream of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests boundary. • Raspberry Creek In Greenlee County. • Region I headquarters in Pinetop Posted boundary. • Snake Creek In Greenlee County, through January 1, 2006. • Soldier Creek In Apache County. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. • West Fork of the Black River From the upper Apache trout barrier 1⁄ 4 mile below Forest Service Road 116, downstream to a point 100 yards below the lower Apache trout barrier in Apache County. Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in this fishing area in Navajo or Apache Counties, no exceptions. See page 26. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — White Mountains 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Ackre Lake 12 13 14 15 16 17 Home Creek Becker Lake Big Lake Black River Burro Creek Carnero Lake Coyote Creek Crescent Lake Fool Hollow Lake 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Nutrioso Creek Rainbow Lake Show Low Lake Silver Creek Stinky Creek Thompson Creek West Fork of the Black River Wildcat Creek Woodland Lake Greer Lakes Hayground Creek Lee Valley Lake Little Colorado River Luna Lake Mamie Creek Nelson Reservoir Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only. Arizona Game and Fish Department 13 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) North Central Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the North Central area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. mouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. West Clear Creek Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. West Fork of Oak Creek Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Fossil Creek In Yavapai and Gila counties, through January 1, 2007. Beaver Creek (Wet and Dry) Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. City Reservoir The limit is 4 channel catfish. Dead Horse State Park Lagoons The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass; the limit is 4 catfish; the limit is 10 sunfish. East Verde River Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Elk Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Fain Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Granite Basin Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. J.D. Dam Lake Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Lake Mary, Lower The limit is 4 channel catfish. Lake Mary, Upper The limit is 6 northern pike. Pike taken must be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released unharmed. Middle Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Oak Creek • Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. • Between Junipine Crossing and Call-of-the-Canyon Crossing spanning the confluence of Oak Creek, and West Fork Oak Creeks. Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Perkins Tank Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Sante Fe Reservoir The limit is 4 channel catfish. Stoneman Lake The limit is 6 northern pike. Pike taken must be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released unharmed. Verde River and its tributaries Downstream from Granite Creek to Horseshoe Dam Unlimited smallmouth and large- 14 • Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. • Lake Mary, Upper Posted area immediately above the dam. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Coconino County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see page 26. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only. azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued)s Fishing Waters — North Central 1 Ashurst Lake 8 Fain Lake 13 Kinnikinick Lake 18 Middle Tank 2 Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry 9 Fossil Creek 14 Lake Mary, Lower 19 Oak Creek 3 City Reservoir 10 Granite Basin Lake 15 Lake Mary, Upper 20 Perkins Tank 4 Dead Horse State Park Lagoons 11 J.D. Dam Lake 16 Long Lake 21 Santa Fe Reservoir 12 Kaibab Lake 17 Lynx Lake 22 Stoneman Lake 5 Dogtown Reservoir 6 East Verde River 7 Elk Tank 23 Verde River 24 West Clear Creek 25 West Fork of Oak Creek 26 White Horse Lake 27 Cataract Lake Arizona Game and Fish Department 15 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Mogollon Rim Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Knoll Lake Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. Notes: Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Mogollon Rim area except as listed below. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Live Baitfish Regulations • Dude Creek In Gila County. No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Navajo or Coconino Counties, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see page 26. All waters within the city park systems of Payson The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions Blue Ridge Reservoir Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. Canyon Creek • From the creek source to the O.W. Bridge. The limit is 4 trout. • From the O.W. Bridge to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Catch and release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Chevelon Creek In Coconino and Navajo counties downstream from Chevelon Crossing to the Little Colorado River. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only. Chevelon Lake Trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed; the limit is 6 trout; artificial fly and lure only. Trout taken from Chevelon Lake shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. Cholla Lake The limit is 6 bass; bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) may not be possessed and must be immediately released unharmed. East Clear Creek In Coconino and Navajo counties and its tributaries upstream from the confluence of East Clear Creek and Willow Creek including Blue Ridge and Knoll reservoirs. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from September 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through August 31 the limit is 6 trout. East Verde River Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Green Valley Park Lakes (Town of Payson) See Designated Urban Fishing Lake Regulations, pages 10–11. 16 azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Mogollon Rim 1 Bear Canyon Lake 2 Black Canyon Lake 3 Blue Ridge Reservoir 4 Canyon Creek 5 Chevelon Canyon Creek 6 Chevelon Lake 7 Cholla Lake 8 Christopher Creek 9 East Clear Creek 10 East Verde River 11 Green Valley Park Lakes 12 Knoll Lake 13 Tonto Creek 14 Willow Springs Lake 15 Woods Canyon Lake Arizona Game and Fish Department 17 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Colorado River Northwest Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Colorado River Northwest area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Bright Angel Creek Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. Trout taken at Bright Angel Creek shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. Colorado River • From Glen Canyon Dam to the beginning of the Paria riffle (Lees Ferry). Trout over 12 inches may not be possessed. The limit is 4 trout per day and 8 trout in possession; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. • From the beginning of the Paria riffle to 21-Mile Rapids, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. The limit is 6 trout per day and 8 trout in possession. Trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. • From 21-Mile Rapids to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. • From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam (including Lake Mead). The limit is 5 trout; the limit is 20 striped bass; the limit is 15 crappie. • From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including Lake Mohave). The limit is 10 trout. • From Davis Dam to the California-Nevada boundary. The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches. • From the California-Nevada boundary to I-40 bridge. The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. Lake Powell The limit is 20 for smallmouth bass and 5 for largemouth bass; unlimited for striped bass; the limit is 10 walleye; the limit is 10 crappie. Carp may be taken by 18 spearfishing and bow and arrow during daylight hours. Striped bass may also be taken by spearfishing and bow and arrow during daylight hours; unlimited for striped bass up to 30 inches, but only one striped bass over 30 inches may be taken by spearfishing or bow and arrow. Lake Mead The limit is 20 striped bass; striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun; the limit is 15 crappie. Lake Mohave The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 20 for striped bass 20 inches in length or larger; unlimited for striped bass under 20 inches in length; striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun from that portion of the lake between Hoover Dam and Cottonwood Landing; the limit is 15 crappie. Topock Marsh The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 25 crappie. Virgin River Unlimited bass; unlimited catfish. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Colorado River (those portions listed below) • Posted areas immediately below Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell). • One-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. • Posted areas immediately below Davis Dam (Lake Mohave). • Lake Mead Posted portions and the area immediately above Hoover Dam. • Little Colorado River That portion lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Coconino County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see page 26. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. Note: Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California or Nevada. Utah Lake Powell Stamp allows an Arizona resident licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. See pages 5 and 6. azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Northwest 1 Bright Angel Creek 6 Lees Ferry on Colorado River 2 Colorado River below Davis Dam 7 Topock Marsh 3 Lake Mead 8 Virgin River 4 Lake Mohave 9 Willow Beach on Colorado River 5 Lake Powell Arizona Game and Fish Department 19 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Colorado River Southwest Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System Catch and release only for white amur. White amur must be immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept. Notes: Yuma West Wetlands Pond The limit is 2 trout; the limit is 1 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 2 catfish; and the limit is 5 sunfish. 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Colorado River Southwest area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Alamo Lake The limit is 6 bass in possession of which no more than 1 may be between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit). Snagging of carp and tilapia allowed in January, February, and December (see R12-4-313 B.2, page 48). Colorado River • From I-40 bridge to Parker Dam. The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. • From Parker Dam to Morelos Dam. The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. • From Morelos Dam to the Southern International Boundary. The limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. Fortuna Pond The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination; the limit is 10 sunfish. Growler Pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches. Lake Havasu The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. Snagging for carp, tilapia, and shad is allowed from January 1 through March 31, and from October 1 through December 31. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam. • Cibola Lake From the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. • Lake Havasu Posted portions. • Martinez Lake Posted portions from October 1 through March 1. • Mittry Lake Posted portion from November 15 through February 15. • Spawning Pond Number 1 and Number 2 Located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. Posted. Live Baitfish Regulations See page 26 for details. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. Note: Colorado River Special Use Stamps are required when fishing from a boat on waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California. See pages 5 and 6. Martinez Lake The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. Mittry Lake The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 25 crappie. Quigley Pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches. Redondo Lake The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches. Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System Catch and release only for white amur. White amur must be immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept. 20 azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Southwest 1 Alamo Lake 2 Colorado River – Parker Strip 3 Colorado River – Yuma area 4 Fortuna Pond 5 Growler Pond 6 Lake Havasu 7 Martinez Lake 8 Mittry Lake 9 Quigley Pond 10 Redondo Lake 11 Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System 12 Yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System 13 Yuma West Wetlands Pond Arizona Game and Fish Department 21 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Central Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Central area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. All waters not in the Urban Fishing Program, but within the city park systems of Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale,Youngtown, Litchfield Park, Chandler, and Gilbert. The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Salt River Project Canal System (135 miles of canals) Catch and release only for white amur. White amur must be immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept. Tempe Town Lake (city of Tempe) The limit is 4 trout (2 for unlicensed anglers under the age of 14); the limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination; and the limit is 10 sunfish in any combination. Note: Urban license not valid. The Pond at Town Hall (town of Gilbert) Catch and release only for all resident fish species. All fish must be immediately released unharmed; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Note: Urban license not valid. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing Designated Urban Fishing Program waters See designated urban fishing lake and pond regulations on page 10-11. • Agua Fria River Posted areas immediately below Waddell Dam (Lake Pleasant) • Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park (city of Phoenix) • Canal Park Pond (city of Tempe) • Chaparral Park Lake (city of Scottsdale) • Cortez Park Lake (city of Phoenix) • Desert Breeze Park Lake (city of Chandler) • Desert West Park Lake (city of Phoenix) • Encanto Park Lake (city of Phoenix) • Kiwanis Park Lake (city of Tempe) • Papago Park Ponds 1, 2 and 3 (city of Phoenix) • Red Mountain Park Lake (city of Mesa) • Rio Vista Park Pond (city of Peoria) • Riverview Park Lake (city of Mesa) • Steele Indian School Park Pond (city of Phoenix) • Surprise Park Lake (city of Surprise) • Water Ranch Park Lake (town of Gilbert) Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility (city of Avondale, 17 lake complex) Catch and release only for all resident fish species. All fish must be immediately released unharmed; single barbless hooks only. Note: Urban license not valid; the city of Avondale requests that anglers use artificial flies and lures, and not use any prepared baits with the exception of worms. • Apache Lake Posted areas immediately below Roosevelt Dam (Roosevelt Lake) • Canyon Lake Posted areas immediately below Horse Mesa Dam (Apache Lake) • Powers Butte Wildlife Area Posted portions closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife (including fish) • Roosevelt Lake Posted portions of the Tonto Arm from November 15 through February 15 • Saguaro Lake Posted areas immediately below Mormon Flat Dam (Canyon Lake) Live Baitfish Regulations See page 26 for details. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only. Horseshoe Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Lake Pleasant Unlimited for striped bass. Maricopa Lake (city of Youngtown) The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Note: Urban license not valid. Roosevelt Lake The limit is 6 bass; bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) may not be possessed and must be immediately released unharmed. Salt River From Roosevelt Diversion Dam upstream to the boundary junction of the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian Reservations. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. 22 azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Central 1 Apache Lake 7 Saguaro Lake 2 Bartlett Lake 8 Salt River (lower) 3 Canyon Lake 9 Salt River Project Canal System 4 Horseshoe Lake 5 Lake Pleasant 6 Roosevelt Lake 10 Tempe Town Lake 11 Verde River (lower) 12 Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility Arizona Game and Fish Department 13 Designated Urban Fishing Lakes (Class U license required): Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park Canal Park Pond Chaparral Park Lake Cortez Park Lake Desert Breeze Park Lake Desert West Park Lake Encanto Park Lake Kiwanis Park Lake Papago Park Ponds Red Mountain Park Lake Rio Vista Park Pond Riverview Park Lake Steele Indian School Park Pond Surprise Park Lake Water Ranch Park Lake 23 Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Southeast Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties • Bog Hole Wildlife Area Posted portions Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Southeast area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. • Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County • Lower Sabino Canyon From the confluence of the East and West forks of Sabino Creek, downstream to the U.S. Forest Service boundary in Pima County • O’Donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County • Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County • West Turkey Creek in Cochise County All waters, not in the Urban Fishing Program, but within the city park systems of Tucson The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Designated Urban Fishing Program waters See designated urban fishing lake and pond regulations on pages 10-11. • Kennedy Park Lake (city of Tucson) • Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park (city of Tucson) Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Pima or Cochise Counties, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see page 26. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions The use of watercraft and motors may be restricted on some waters within this fishing area. Please refer to the list of restricted waters found on page 38. • Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park (city of Tucson) • Sahuarita Lake (town of Sahuarita) Arivaca Lake Catch and release only for largemouth bass. Bass must be immediately released unharmed. Cluff Ponds 1 and 3 The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Dankworth Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Kearny Lake The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination; the limit is 1 white amur (grass carp), minimum size 30 inches. Pena Blanca Lake The limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Roper Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. 24 azgfd.gov Special Regulations—Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Southeast 1 Arivaca Lake 6 Patagonia Lake 2 Cluff Ponds 1 and 3 7 Pena Blanca Lake 3 Dankworth Lake 8 Roper Lake 4 Kearny Lake 9 Riggs Flat Lake 5 Parker Canyon Lake 10 Rose Canyon Lake Arizona Game and Fish Department 11 Tucson Urban Fishing Lakes (Class U license required): Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park 12 Sahuarita Lake (Class U license required) 25 Live Baitfish Use Seasons—Commission Order 40: Fish Legal Areas for Live Baitfish Live baitfish may be obtained and used only in the legal areas identified below. Legal baitfish can be obtained from bait dealers and from wild capture for personal use. For information on legal capture methods, possession, and transport of live baitfish, see R12-4-305, 313, and 316 on pages 47-49. Dispose of all unwanted baitfish by burying them on land far from the water. No live baitfish may be used or possessed while on any waters in Coconino, Navajo, Apache, Pima and Cochise counties. All other counties have specific baitfish regulations by body of water or area. Waterdogs are not considered baitfish. It is illegal: • To release live baitfish into any Arizona waters. • To use or possess any restricted live baitfish while fishing waters prohibiting use of that baitfish. • To keep or harm any game fish or aquatic wildlife incidentally taken while capturing bait with seines, dip nets, traps or cast nets. Know Your Baitfish Fathead minnow (2-4 inches) Threadfin shad (3-7 inches) Legal Areas Allowed Fathead minnows, threadfin shad, red shiner and mosquitofish are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1) the mainstream portions of the Gila and Salt rivers, and that portion Golden Shiner (2-7 inches) Red shiner (1-3 inches) Mosquitofish (1-3 inches) of the Verde River below the Tuzigoot Bridge, including impounded reservoirs, 2) Tonto Creek from Gisela downstream, 3) those portions of Apache, Roosevelt, Pleasant and Horseshoe Lakes lying outside of these counties, and 4) that portion of the San Francisco River in Greenlee County. Notes: 1, 2 Sunfishes (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish) (3-8 inches) Goldfish (2-8 inches) Legal Areas Allowed Golden shiner and goldfish are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1) Lake Mead, and 2) the Colorado River downstream from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs, and 3) Alamo Lake. Carp (6-16 inches) Legal Areas Allowed Carp are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1) Lake Mead, 2) the Colorado River downstream from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs, 3) the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers, including impounded reservoirs, 4) urban waters in Maricopa County, 5) Lake Pleasant, and 6) Alamo Lake. Notes: 1 Notes: 1. Live baitfish may not be transported to the Verde River upstream from Horseshoe Dam and the Salt River above the Roosevelt Diversion Dam in Gila County. 2. Threadfin shad are permitted for use at Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County. 26 Legal Areas Allowed Sunfishes are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz and Yuma. No waters of any other counties are open EXCEPT: 1) the Colorado River south of the Nevada-California boundary downstream to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs, 2) the Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers, including impounded reservoirs, 3) urban waters in Maricopa County, 4) Lake Pleasant, 5) Alamo Lake, and 6) Patagonia Lake. Notes: 1 Tilapia (3-10 inches) Legal Areas Allowed Tilapia are permitted on all waters of Yuma County. No waters of any other counties are open except: 1) waters in La Paz County located west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, and 2) the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the Southern International Boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs. azgfd.gov Commission Order 41: Amphibians Statewide as defined in ARS section 17-101, excluding wildlife areas not opened for hunting (R12-4-802). Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-3301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Amphibians A. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Bag and Possession Limit: Ten (10) per year or in possession of each species live or dead. All amphibians, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, E, F,G, and H B. January 1 through December 31, 2005 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. punctatus (red-spotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi (Couch’s spadefoot), and Spea multiplicata (Mexican spadefoot) 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Bag and Possession Limit: Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead. C. January 1 through December 31, 2005 January 1 through December 31, 2006 1, 3, 6, and 7 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Eleutherodctylus augusti (barking frog) Bag and Possession Limit: Two (2) per year or in possession live or dead Ambystoma tigrinum (waterdog or tiger salamander) D. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited live or dead. Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 6 E. January 1 through December 31, 2005 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Statewide, including Havasu, Bill Williams River, Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges (as permitted by refuge regulations; posted areas closed), except areas closed in Note 6 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead; see Note 2. All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frogs) and Bufo marinus (giant toad) F. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 3, 6, and 7 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead. Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 G. January 1 through December 31, 2005 January 1 through December 31, 2006 That area east of the Colorado River; north of I-8; Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog)` west of I-10 and I-17; and south of State Route 74, U.S. 60, and I-10; except that portion of the Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and Morristown and areas closed in Note 6 1, 6, and 7 Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead. H. There is no open season on Rana tarahumarae (Tarahumara frog), Rana blairi (plains leopard frog), Rana chiricahuensis (Chiricahua leopard frog), Rana pipiens (northern leopard frog), Rana yavapaiensis (lowland leopard frog), Rana onca (relict leopard frog), and Rana subaquavocalis (Ramsey Canyon leopard frog); see Note 4. Notes: 1. A fishing or combination license is required for take of amphibians. Amphibians may be taken day or night per R12-4-313(E). 2. The possession limit for live bullfrogs legally held prior to closure of live bag limits (January 1, 1996, in Mohave, La Paz, and Yuma counties, or January 1, 1988, in all other counties) is 12 per person. 3. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 4. The possession limit for native species of leopard frogs legally held prior to January 1, 1993, and for barking frogs legally held prior to January 1, 2005, when season closure went into effect, respectively, is 10 per species per person. 5. No waterdogs or salamanders may be taken in that portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82. 6. Amphibians may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. (2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. Arizona Game and Fish Department (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile February 15 annually. downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry River. from December 15 through June 15. That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. Canyon National Park. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. with the Verde River. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache(20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canthrough March 15. yon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through Mormon Flat dams. March 1. Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. 304. The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. 7. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Posted portions of Alamo Lake. Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations. January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. 27 Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. Open Season Dates Open Areas Legal Crustaceans And Mollusks A. January 1, 2005-December 31, 2006 Statewide, except areas in Notes below. Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead, except that area in Note 3 All crustaceans and mollusks, except those in Subsection B B. There is no open season on the Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis), the San Xavier talussnail (Sonorella eremita), the Huachuca springsnail (Pyrgulopsis thompsoni) (see Note 2), the Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni), the Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis trivialis), the Wet Canyon talussnail (Sonorella macrophallus), the Quitobaquito tryonia (Tryonia quitobaquitae), and the California floater (Anodonta californiensis). Notes: 1. By law, crustaceans and mollusks are considered aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination license is required for take. Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-313(E). 2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 3. Crayfish may be possessed live or dead in that portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10; in Yuma County and on the Colorado River from Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the southern international boundary with Mexico. 4. Wildlife areas are open or closed in accordance with R12-4-802 Wildlife Area Restrictions (see Arizona Hunting Regulations). Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-3-301, R12-4801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. 5. Intentional transport of live or dead New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), and/or Quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in Arizona is prohibited. 6. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken at any time within the following areas: (1). Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. (2). Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. (3). The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. (4). That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. (5). Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reservoir. (6). Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (7). Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (8). Posted areas immediately above the dams (9). (10). (11). (12). (13). (14). (15). (16). at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. Posted portions of Alamo Lake. Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17). Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18). Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19). Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20). Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21). Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22). Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23). Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24). Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25). Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. (26). The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations. Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only) Consult the 2005 Arizona Reptile and Amphibian Regulations for a complete listing of Commission Order 43. Open areas do not include any area closed to hunting, fishing, or trapping under A.R.S. sections 17-303 and 17-304 or Commission Rules R12-3-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. Open Season Dates Notes D. January 1 through December 31, 2005 1, 5, 7, 8, and 9 January 1 through December 31, 2006 Bag and Possession Limit: Unlimited dead. Open Areas Legal Aquatic Reptiles Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 8 Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) Notes: 1. A hunting or combination license is required for take of reptiles other than softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R124-304 for restrictions on the use of artificial light. By law, softshell turtles are considered aquatic wildlife and a fishing or combination license is required for take. Methods of take are prescribed at R12-4-313(E). 5. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the Yuma Proving Ground, and Camp Navajo control access to hunting on their installations. 7. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 8. Turtles may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game 28 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (8) (9) and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. (11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. (12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake. (13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. 9. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermilion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations. azgfd.gov Arizona Fish Identification Arizona is home to more than 85 species of fish. Knowing what fish species you are catching is not only fun, it is also important to correctly identify the fish you catch so you can abide by the daily bag limits, length limits and other regulations. Fish coloration, by itself, is not a good basis for identifying fish since it varies widely and there is considerable overlap between species. When in doubt about the identity or legal length, play it safe and return the fish to the water unharmed immediately. The following, by family, are fish species most commonly sought or encountered by anglers. General Statewide Bag Limits Per Day To determine daily bag and possession limits for each fish species, refer to page 9, Statewide Daily Bag and Possession limits. Bag limits may vary on some bodies of water, so be sure to also check out fishing waters listed under Special Regulations (pages 10-25) to find out if bag and size limits are different on the body of water you plan to fish. Fish art by Mary Hirsch Trout Family (includes all species of trout, brook trout, and grayling) Rainbow Trout Cutthroat Trout Brook Trout Description: Olive to bluish on the back, silvery sides, a pink band on the sides from head to tail. Many small black spots on back, sides, adipose and dorsal fin. Distinct radiating rows of black spots on tail fin. Generally, no spots on pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. Length: 8 to 32 inches. Weight: up to 21 pounds. Description: Body shape similar to rainbow trout. Back and sides are lightly spotted; Dorsal, adipose and tail fins are heavily spotted. Red or reddishorange slash on throat. Length: 8 to 22 inches. Weight: up to 6 pounds. Description: Gray to olive-green on the back. Vermiculations or worm-like markings on the back and dorsal fin. Sides lighter in color with blue halos around pink or red spots. White edge on lower fins and lower tail. Length: 4 to 21 inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds. Brown Trout Apache Trout (native) Grayling Description: Olive-brown with yellowish sides. Some orange or red spots on the sides, spots often encircled with light yellow or white Dark spots on back and sides. Tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spotted. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. Length: 6 to 29 inches. Weight: up to 22 pounds. Description: Native to Arizona. Body color is yellowish-gold; tip of the head and back dark olive. Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are white tipped. Yellow to gold cutthroat mark usually present under lower jaw. Dark, bold spots on dorsal and tail fin. Body spotting is sparse and may extend below lateral line. Two small black spots on either side of pupil, give appearance of black stripe through eye. Length: 6 to 24 inches. Weight: up to 6 pounds. Description: The dorsal fin is large, dark-gray, blotched with pale spots, with cross-rows of deep blue spots and edged with red or orange. The dorsal fin has 17 to 25 rays. The tail fin is forked. The body has scattered black spots on silver-gray, sometimes pink sides. Scales larger than for trout. Length: 10 to 16 inches. Weight: up to 1 pound. Arizona Game and Fish Department 29 Arizona Fish Identification Bass and Sunfish Family Largemouth Bass Bluegill Green Sunfish Description: Large mouth with upper jaw of adults extending beyond rear margin of eye. Dark olive-green on back, green sides shading to white belly. Dark horizontal band on each side. Deep notch in dorsal fin. Soft dorsal fin with 12 to 13 rays. Length: 10 to 28 inches. Weight: up to 16 pounds. Description: The bluegill has blue coloring on the chin, a solid black opercle flap, a small mouth and a dark spot at the rear of the dorsal fin. The body is very compressed or flat and has from five to nine dark vertical bars on the sides. Length: 4 to 13 inches. Weight: 3 ounces to over 3 pounds. Description: Large mouth with blue-green striations on the cheeks. Opercle flap is black with reddish or orange border. Body olive-green in color, dark vertical bars on sides. Pectoral fin short and rounded. Caudal fin and lower fin margins are white or yellowish with dusky spots at rear of dorsal and anal fins. Length: 3 to 12 inches. Weight: 3 ounces to 1 pound 8 ounces. Smallmouth Bass Redear Sunfish Black Crappie Description: Smallmouth bass most often are bronze to brownish green in color, with dark vertical bars on sides. In contrast to the largemouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend beyond rear margin of eye. Eye reddish in color. Shallow notch in dorsal fin. Soft dorsal fin has 13 to 15 rays. Length: 12 to 22 inches. Weight: up to 7 pounds. Description: The “Red-ear” sunfish has a black opercle flap which is bordered with a reddish or orange color on the rear of the flap. Sides of head have olive-brown speckling. Body is compressed or flat with an olive-green cast, light speckling on sides. Pectoral fin long and pointed, usually extends far past eye when bent forward. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over 3 pounds. Description: Head and back heavily and irregularly spotted with black blotches on a silver-olive background; Tail, dorsal and anal fins are spotted. Seven or eight spines on dorsal fin. Body is compressed. Length: 6 to 12 inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds. Striped Bass White Bass Yellow Bass Description: Body has six to nine black horizontal stripes on silvery-white sides. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike yellow bass, which are joined at the base. Pelvic fins in large adults, white with anal fin edged in white. Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw. Generally two patches of teeth on tongue. 2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Tail is slightly forked. Length: 10 to 56 inches. Weight: up to 67 pounds. Description: Body silver-white, 4 to 7 dark horizontal lines; Lines below lateral line often faint and broken. Dorsal fins are distinctly separate, unlike the yellow bass, which are joined at the base. 2nd anal spine distinctly shorter than the 3rd. Lower jaw protrudes beyond upper jaw; Generally a single patch of teeth at base of tongue. Length: 8 to 19 inches. Weight: 5 ounces to 5 pounds. Description: Body has golden-yellow sides with 5 to 7 horizontal lines; Lines appear broken and offset about midway on the lower side. Dorsal fins are connected. 2nd anal spine is about as long as the 3rd anal spine. No patches of teeth on tongue. Length: 6 to 14 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 1 pound. Temperate Bass Family 30 azgfd.gov Arizona Fish Identification Catfish Family Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish Bullhead (black, yellow, brown) Description: Scattered black spots on a silver or gray colored back and sides with a white belly. Few spots on large adults. Smooth, scaleless skin. 8 barbels or “whiskers.” Short base on small adipose fin. Deeply forked tail. Anal fin has 24 to 30 rays and is slightly rounded. Length: 10 to 39 inches. Weight: 12 ounces to over 35 pounds. Description: Back and sides mottled, dark-brown to yellow-brown; belly is yellowish-white. Head is broad and flat with small eyes. Large mouth, lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw. Adipose fin is large; Tail fin is flat or slightly notched. Length: 12 to 52 inches. Weight: 1 to 74 pounds. Description: Body is yellow-olive to brown on back with yellowish sides, and yellow to white belly. Slight to no mottling. Chin barbels are always light in color, either white or pale yellow. Anal fin is moderately long with a straight profile; Tail fin is rounded. Length: 6 to 18 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 4 pounds. Walleye Northern Pike Yellow Perch Description: Back is yellow-olive with a brassy cast. Sides brassy-yellow with dark mottling. Belly is white. Dark spot at rear of spiny dorsal fin. Anal fin and lower lobe of tail fin are white. Eyes are opaque-silver in color. Length: 12 to 29 inches. Weight: 10 oz. up to 16 pounds. Description: Back and sides, dusky olive-green with rows of light oval spots. Dorsal, anal and tail fin have round to oblong darkened spots. Dorsal fin located far back on an elongated body. Large canine-like teeth. Cheeks completely scaled, only upper half of the gill cover is scaled. Length: 12 to 47 inches. Weight: up to 29 pounds. Description: Back olive-green; sides brassy-yellow with 6 to 9 dark vertical bars; Belly is white. Anal fin, pectoral and pelvic fins are amber-orange tinted. Small teeth, not canine-like. Soft (rear) dorsal fin has 12 to 13 rays. Length: 4 to 12 inches. Weight: 3 to 16 ounces. Common Carp Roundtail Chub – native to Arizona White Amur (grass carp) Description: Back olive-yellow with yellowish gold sides. Scales on back and upper sides are dark-edged, with a dark spot at the base. The dorsal fin has 17 to 22 rays. One saw-toothed spine at front of long dorsal and anal fin. Two barbels at each corner of the mouth on the upper jaw. Large adults have reddish-orange anal and tail fin. Length: 10 to 43 inches. Weight: up to 42 pounds. Description: Body is thick and streamlined, dark olive-gray above with silver sides. Mouth extends to front of eye. Dorsal fin and anal fin usually have 8 to10 rays. Large forked tail fin. Breeding males develop red or orange coloration on lower half of cheek and bases of paired fins. Length: 8 to 18 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 3 pounds. Similar to common carp only in general color (brassy yellow) and large scales. Notable differences include no barbels on bony mouth, no spine on a short dorsal fin or anal fin, more elongated body, less yellow in color, tail darker and more deeply forked. These fish are highly effective weed eaters and are stocked to control nuisance weeds and algae. Length: 12 to 46 inches. Weight: up to 47 pounds. Pike and Perch Family Minnow Family Arizona Game and Fish Department 31 Arizona Fish Identification Other Desert Sucker – native to Arizona Buffalofish Tilapia Description: Body sharply bi-colored, olive-brown above and deep-yellow below. Scales on upper half of body have dark spots forming faint dashed lines. Lower lip is about 3 times as thick as upper lip. Dorsal fin has 10 to 11 rays. Length: 8 to 31 inches. Weight: 4 ounces to over 4 pounds. Description: Heavy bodied fish. Back is gray to olive-bronze with green-copper reflections. Sides, black to olive-yellow; Belly, pale yellow to white. Head large and ovoid with a sharply oblique, terminal mouth. No barbels or spines. Length: 12 to 41 inches. Weight: up to 39 pounds. Description: At least four distinct species of tilapia have been introduced into Arizona. Extensive hybridization often makes identification difficult. Similar in body shape to bluegill. Two-part lateral line with front portion higher on body than rear portion. Long, unbroken dorsal fin and anal fin with pointed ends. Length: 4 to 18 inches. Weight: 6 ounces to over 7 pounds. Protected Native Fish: See page 9 for a complete list of Commission designated protected fish. The four fish illustrated here are protected in Arizona. Should any of these be caught (most likely to occur in Colorado, Salt, Verde and Gila river systems), they must be immediately released unharmed. Colorado River Pikeminnow Razorback Sucker Humpback Chub Description: Body is long and slender, gray-green back with silver sides. Scales, very small. Long, conical shaped head, flattened between the eyes; large, horizontal mouth. Dorsal fin originates behind origin of pelvic fins. Dorsal and anal fins almost always with nine rays. Tail fin, large and deeply forked. Length: 1 to 6 feet. Weight: 1 to 100 pounds. Description: Back, olive to brown-black, sides brown or pinkish; belly, white to yellow. Adults have sharp-edged keel or “humpback.” Mouth facing downward; lower lip widely separated into two lobes by a deep groove. 13-16 dorsal rays; 7 anal rays. Length: up to 36 inches. Weight: 1 to 13 pounds. Description: Federally listed as Endangered. Body streamlined, dark olive-gray above, silver sides. Small head with snout overhanging mouth. High pronounced hump immediately behind head. This high-hump acts as a barrier to passing water forcing the body against the bottom where currents are slightly less, thus enabling these fish to move through rapids separating one eddying habitat from another. Deeply embedded scales. Slender caudal peduncle. Dorsal fin rays usually 9, anal fin rays 10 or more. Length: up to 18 inches. Weight: up to 2 pounds. Bonytail Chub Description: Extremely rare. Federally listed as Endangered. Body highly streamlined, bluish, dusky color above, pale below. Head short, concave on top, arching smoothly into a subtle hump in adults. Dorsal fin rays almost always 10 or more; anal fin rays 9-11; very slender caudal peduncle. Length: up to 24 inches. Weight: over 2 pounds. 32 azgfd.gov Where to Fish in Arizona The following list of waters are only some of the more popular places where these fish can be found. Because water conditions change rapidly please contact Arizona Game and Fish when planning your fishing trip. For the latest fishing reports, visit the department’s Web site at azgfd.gov, or call (602) 789-3701. Bluegill (sunfish): Apache Lake, Roper Lake, Saguaro Lake, Lake Pleasant, Arivaca Lake, Lake Powell, Bartlett Lake, and designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Carp: Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake. Channel Catfish: Colorado River below Parker Dam, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Alamo Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Bartlett Lake, Lake Powell, Fool Hollow Lake, Lake Havasu, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake, Verde River and designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Crappie: Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Alamo Lake. Flathead Catfish: Colorado River at Yuma, Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, the Verde River at Camp Verde and below Horseshoe Lake, and the Gila River at Safford. Northern Pike: Upper Lake Mary. Smallmouth Bass: Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, and Verde River. Striped Bass: Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Lake Pleasant, and Lake Powell. Trout Waters: Ashurst Lake, Bear Canyon, Becker Lake, Big Lake, Black Canyon Lake, West and East Fork of the Black River, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Canyon Creek near Payson, Chevelon Canyon Lake, West Clear Creek near Camp Verde, Cresent Lake, J.D. Lake, Knoll Lake, Lee Valley Lake, Lees Ferry and the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Little Colorado River near Greer, Lake Mohave, Luna Lake, Lynx Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Oak Creek near Sedona, Parker Canyon Lake, River Reservoir, Salt River below Saguaro Lake, Show Low Lake, Tempe Town Lake, Tonto Creek near Payson, Verde River at Camp Verde, Woods Canyon Lake, White Horse Lake, Willow Springs Lake, and designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Walleye: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Show Low Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Fool Hollow Lake, and Saguaro Lake. Grayling: Lee Valley Reservoir White Bass: Lake Pleasant. Largemouth Bass: Alamo Lake, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, Mittry Lake, and Tempe Town Lake. Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Tempe Town Lake. If you observe a fishing violation, please call Operation Game Thief Call toll free 24 hours a day 1-800-352-0700 Arizona Game and Fish Department To report Fishing or other wildlife violations including unlawful: • • • • Take or possession Over limits of fish Fishing without a license Methods—including netting, explosive devices, electrical stunning devices • Fishing with bait in artificial fly and lure only areas • Commercialization-selling fish Callers will remain confidential upon request. Rewards from $50 to $10,000 may be offered in some cases. Rewards are paid immediately upon arrest of the violator. Poachers are Thieves Simply defined, Poaching is any illegal taking of fish, game or nongame wildlife. Poachers steal from you, the honest lawabiding anglers. Their illegal activities affects all citizens of the State of Arizona. 33 Arizona Fish Records As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department—revised 10/05/04 Inland Waters, Hook and Line: Bass, Largemouth Randall E. White, Mesa Bass, Rock Buzz Hettick, Laramie, WY Bass, Smallmouth Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa Bass, Striped David Jackson, Phoenix Bass, White David Amburgey, Peoria Bass, Yellow Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff Bluegill Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley Buffalo, Bigmouth Leon Steward, Payson Buffalo, Black David Hoenshell, Mesa Bullhead, Black Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista 2 Patricia Simmon, Phoenix Bullhead, Yellow Carp Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix Catfish, Blue Richard Lujan, Tucson Catfish, Channel Chuck Berndt, Sierra Vista Catfish, Flathead Adrian Manzanedo, Florence Crappie, Black John Shadrick, Mammoth Crappie, White Robert Schnell, Glendale Grayling, Arctic Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff Mullet Robert Bayles, Yuma Northern Pike Branislav Djuric, Mesa Pacu Bartt Frederickson, Phoenix Roundtail Chub Richard L. Walton, Chandler Sucker, Desert 2 Edith Toney, Mesa Sucker, Sonora Jay Nochta, Phoenix Sunfish, Green Paul Bennett, Sierra Vista 1 Sunfish, Hybrid Mikey Alan Porter, Tucson Sunfish, Redear Jay Adkins, Prescott Tilapia Tim Alan Schoenecker, Gilbert Trout, Apache 2 Lyle Hemphill, Lakeside Trout, Brook Marshall Gregg, Whiteriver Trout, Brown Bryce Sisson, Prescott Trout, Cutthroat Eric James Walter, Tucson Trout, Rainbow Brandon Childs, Gilbert Walleye Gregg Munck, Show Low White Amur (Trip.) Kevin A. Baylor Jr., Phoenix Yellow Perch Art Ellico, Kingman Yellow Perch (TIE) Curt Bryant, Flagstaff 16 lb. 0 lb. 7 lb. 23 lb. 4 lb. 1 lb. 3 lb. 36 lb. 35 lb. 2 lb. 4 lb. 37 lb. 31 lb. 32 lb. 71 lb. 4 lb. 3 lb. 1 lb. 5 lb. 29 lb. 5 lb. 3 lb. 2 lb. 5 lb. 1 lb. 2 lb. 3 lb. 7 lb. 5 lb. 4 lb. 22 lb. 6 lb. 12 lb. 16 lb. 47 lb. 1 lb. 1 lb. 7.68 oz. 8.1 oz. 0.96 oz. 8.32 oz. 11.7 oz. 15.8 oz. 15.68 oz. 6 oz. 6.72 oz. 6.1 oz. 8.1 oz. 0 oz. 0 oz. 4 oz. 10.24 10 oz. 5.28 oz. 9.76 oz. 2.24 oz. 13.76 0.02 oz. 14.9 oz. 10.75 6.4 oz. 9 oz. 2.22 oz. 9 oz. 8.8 oz. 15.5 oz. 15.2 oz. 14.5 oz. 5 oz. 5.76 oz. 1.76 oz. 1.6 oz. 10 oz. 10 oz. Inland Waters, Catch and Release Bass, Largemouth Bill Warman, Mesa Bass, Smallmouth Gregg Munck, Show Low Bass, Yellow Paige Weiler, Mesa Buffalo, Black Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction Carp Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa Catfish, Channel Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa Catfish, Flathead Loren J. Toovey, Phoenix Sunfish, Hybrid Mack Hollen, Jr., Phoenix Sunfish, Redear Warren Hollen, Phoenix Tilapia Stan Gross, Chandler Walleye Gregg Munck, Show Low White Amur (Trip.) Stuart Black, Phoenix 28 in. 7.6 in. 22.75 in. 39.25 in. 19.5 in. 11.25 in. 15.75 in. 38.5 in. 40.5 in. 16.5 in. 17.75 in. 40 in. 40 in. 38.75 in. 53 in. ——— 16.75 in. 14.65 in. 23.75 in. 44 in. 18 in. 18.5 in. 18 in. 20.25 in. 11 in. 12.5 in. 14.5 in. 20 in. 24 in. 20.5 in. 36 in. 22.3 in. 32.25 in. 31 in. 46.5 in. 13.5 in. 13.5 in. 27 in. 21 in. 10 in. 41 in. 35 in. 30 in. 47 in. 10 in 11 in. 17 in. 33 in. 41 in. Canyon Lake Oak Creek Roosevelt Lake Alamo Lake Lake Pleasant Upper Lake Mary Goldwater Lake Roosevelt Lake Canyon Lake Parker Canyon Lake Mormon Lake Bartlett Lake Randolph Park, Tucson Parker Canyon Lake San Carlos Lake San Carlos Lake Lake Pleasant Lee Valley Lake Fortuna Pond Long Lake Lake Pleasant Lower Salt River Verde River Canal Park Lake Parker Canyon Lake Patagonia Lake Goldwater Lake, Prescott Saguaro Lake Hurricane Lake3 Sunrise Lake3 Reservation Lake3 Luna Lake Tempe Town Lake Show Low Lake Encanto Park Stoneman Lake Stoneman Lake 4/22/97 4/21/02 3/18/88 5/3/97 4/72 5/19/95 5/2/04 3/14/95 5/24/95 9/9/02 7/15/89 8/8/87 7/70 4/24/87 1/5/03 1959 2/22/82 7/10/95 4/24/04 11/28/02 9/8/99 3/3/84 9/20/92 12/1/96 7/27/96 6/5/98 8/12/93 3/31/02 6/10/93 10/20/95 8/6/99 10/76 12/28/02 11/18/02 7/12/02 3/21/84 3/24/84 Canyon Lake Fool Hollow Lake Saguaro Lake Apache Lake Saguaro Lake Saguaro Lake Bartlett Lake Papago Pond #2 Papago Pond #2 ASU Research Park Fool Hollow Lake ASU Research Park 5/27/03 4/23/03 4/19/03 4/23/03 4/29/03 4/29/03 4/26/03 6/19/04 7/3/04 10/8/03 6/27/04 9/16/04 Inland Waters, Non-hook and Line (Archery) Buffalo, Bigmouth Michael T. Young, Mesa Buffalo, Black Scott Darnell, Payson Buffalo, Smallmouth David Heater, Chandler Carp Colton J. Bagnoli, Chandler Mullet Daniel S. Day, Yuma Sucker, Sonora Ronald Nuss Jr., Mesa Tilapia Michael T. Young, Mesa 39 lb. 40 lb. 38 lb. 33 lb. 9 lb. 4 lb. 7 lb. 8 oz. 5 oz. 8 oz. 9.6 oz. 1.6 oz. 15.52 15 oz. 41.5 in. 42 in. 36 in. 44.5 in. 27.25 in. 23.5 in. 20.25 in. Saguaro Lake Apache Lake Canyon Lake Lower Salt River Salinity Canal Lower Salt River Saguaro Lake 3/28/90 6/19/02 6/10/97 4/15/04 5/2/04 4/28/97 4/26/04 Colorado River Waters, Hook and Line Bass, Largemouth Dale Uden, Yuma Bass, Smallmouth Gene Albers, Fontana, CA Bass, Striped Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV Bass, White Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA Bluegill Ben Mellott, Kingman Bullhead, Yellow Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa Carp Gary Ramsfield, Lake Havasu City Catfish, Channel Wando L. Tull, Barstow, CA Catfish, Flathead Walter Wilson, Bard, CA Crappie, Black Julia Grammer, Makanda, IL Goldfish Jack E. Gobel, Parker Mullet Buddy E. Fike, Glendale Pacific Tenpounder Charles Reel Jr., Yuma 16 lb. 5 lb. 67 lb. 5 lb. 2 lb. 2 lb. 42 lb. 35 lb. 74 lb. 2 lb. 5 lb. 9 lb. 0 lb. 14 oz. 2.72 oz. 1 oz. 5 oz. 11.5 oz. 8.8 oz. 0 oz. 4 oz. 0 oz. 12 oz. 13 oz. 8 oz. 12.6 oz. 28.25 in. 21.5 in. 47.5 in. 19.6 in. 11.75 in. 15.5 in. 43 in. 38 in. 51.5 in. 16 in. 18.38 in. 25.5 in. 15.75 in. Colorado River, Yuma Colorado River, Parker CO River, Willow Beach Imperial Reservoir Bradley Bay, Lake Mead Colorado River near Bullhead City Lake Havasu Topock Marsh CO River/Laguna Dam Havasu Sprgs, Lk Havasu CO River - Castle Rock CO River/Gila River confluence Near Pilot Knob 3/8/96 2/8/97 8/15/97 3/72 5/27/89 3/24/86 3/79 1952 5/11/98 3/11/96 1/28/97 3/76 6/13/81 34 Note Records are based upon weight recorded on state-certified (legal for trade) scales and two witnesses to the weighing. Record fish must be available for inspection by Department personnel. New record fish must outweigh the standing record for the species by at least one full ounce. Fish taken from private waters that are closed to public access are not eligible for record status. 1. Larger than current all-tackle world record listed by the International Game Fish Assn. and the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. 2. World record for all tackle as verified by the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. 3. Fort Apache Indian Reservation. 4. Species now protected, may not be taken. azgfd.gov Sucker, Razorback1, 4 Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye Warmouth Freeman Summers, Lake Havasu City Jose Orozco, Poston Rob Woodford, Bullhead City Larry Locatis, Lake Havasu City Tom Bruce Wilson, Winterhaven, CA Moe Beck, Glendale Chuck Holland, Phoenix Jeff Vincent, Mohave Mesa John Reid, Las Vegas, NV Bud Clifford, Phoenix Patrick R. Ferguson, Yuma 9 lb. 1 lb. 3 lb. 3 lb. 5 lb. 5 lb. 17 lb. 9 lb. 21 lb. 8 lb. 0 lb. 13 oz. 5.28 oz. 1.28 oz. 8.64 oz. 6 oz. 4 oz. 0 oz. 8 oz. 5.5 oz. 1 oz. 12 oz. Colorado River Waters, Catch and Release Bass, Largemouth David Percell, Bullhead City 29 in. 11.5 in. 16 in. 15.5 in. 17.75 in. 19 in. 32 in. 30.5 in. ——— 29 in. 10 in. 28 in. Colorado River Waters, Non-hook and Line (Archery) Carp Gil Blum, Wittmann Mullet Dell Owens, Phoenix Tilapia Kenny Marler, Yuma 23 lb. 3 lb. 7 lb. 4 oz. 13 oz. 11 oz. 37.5 in. 21 in. 19.38 in. Colorado River, Lake Havasu Lake Havasu Colorado River, Parker Lake Havasu Colorado River, Yuma Lees Ferry Last Chance Bay, Lake Powell South of Davis Dam Willow Beach Lake Powell Senator Lake 1/23/78 7/16/97 10/12/00 6/15/00 11/7/91 3/6/82 5/1/71 8/79 9/66 5/77 3/74 Lower Colorado River 2/17/04 CO River, Imperial Dam Colorado River, Yuma CO River, Imperial Dam 2/4/95 5/19/91 9/21/96 2003 Big Fish-of-the-Year Finalist The Arizona Game and Fish Department has had an active big Fish-of-the-Year program for the past seven years. Each year we recognize as many as 35 anglers who catch an outstanding fish. Each of these anglers has caught a memory that will last a lifetime. Is it your turn to “Catch a Memory”? If you catch a big fish, please share the memory! Fill out the form on page 36 and return it to the Arizona Game and Fish Department so you too can be like these 2003 big fish anglers. Species Weight Length Location Record Holder Date Black Crappie Brook Trout Brown Trout Carp Channel Catfish Cutthroat Trout Flathead Catfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Mullett Northern Pike Pacu Rainbow Trout Redear Sunfish Tilapia White Bass 3 lb. 2.56 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz. 11 lb. 7.2 oz. 32 lb. 8.32 oz. 12 lb. 6.72 oz. 5 lb. 8 oz. 71 lb. 10.24 oz. 1 lb. 3.84 oz. 11 lb. 11.84 oz. 4 lb. 7.36 oz. 23 lb. 12.8oz. 3 lb. 9.28oz. 10 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 8.32 oz. 2 lbs 8.64 oz. 1 lb. 13.76 oz. 16 in. 15.25 in. 28 in. 38 in. 32.5 in. 24 in. 53 in. 12.5 in. 28 in. 22 in. 53 in. 16.63 in. 31.25 in. 13.25 in. 14.25 in. 16.38 in. Alamo Lake Billy Creek East Fork, Black River Saguaro Lake Roosevelt Lake Big Lake San Carlos Lake Lake Pleasant Canyon Lake Fortuna Pond Long Lake Tempe Town Lake Willow Springs Lake Lake Havasu Tempe Towne Lake Lake Pleasant Danny Payne. Logan Kindberg Eddie Sainz Ronald Nuss Jr. Jered Lee Ellingson Jay Whipple Adrian Manzanedo William R. Scott Sr. Chuck Blakesslee Frederick A. Grieb Steve McQuire Debbie Driscol Glenn R. Murray Gregory Kozlowski Edward S. Zalig Chad Prince 02/07/03 10/02/03 7/23/03 04/16/03 08/24/03 05/06/03 01/05/03 09/01/03 05/13/03 02/19/03 07/19/03 06/01/03 10/04/03 04/11/03 03/08/03 03/15/03 Catch and Release (Based on length only and rounded down to the nearest inch). Black Buffalo 41 in. Apache Lake Carp 35 in. Saguaro Lake Channel Catfish 30 in. Saguaro Lake Flathead Catfish 47 in. Bartlett Lake Hybrid Sunfish 8 in. ASU Research Park Largemouth Bass 27 in. Canyon Lake Smallmouth Bass 21 in. Fool Hollow Lake Tilapia 17 in. ASU Research Park Walleye 32 in. Show Low Lake White Amur 36 in. ASU Research Park Yellow Bass 10 in. Saguaro Lake Bill Groseclose Ronald Nuss Jr. Ronald Nuss Jr. Loren J. Toovey Alex Romero Bill Warman Gregg Munck Stan Gross Gregg Munck Warren Hollen Paige Weiler 04/23/03 04/29/03 04/29/03 04/26/03 08/09/03 05/27/03 04/23/02 10/08/03 11/13/03 08/09/03 04/19/03 Urban Carp Channel Catfish Largemouth Bass Rainbow Trout Redear Sunfish Tilapia White Amur Yellow Bullhead Brianna Coulombe James Churchill Ronald Thacker Jimmy Lopez Warren Hollen Warren Hollen Tom Aranda Warren Hollen 06/14/03 04/18/03 02/21/03 01/03/03 06/08/03 04/25/03 02/07/03 06/16/03 Shealyn Hoeniger Louis Hoeniger 04/04/03 03/31/03 11 lb. 2.24 oz. 7 lb. 15.2 oz. 10 lb. 1.6 oz. 4 lb. 0.32 oz. 0 lb. 9.6 oz. 2 lb. 11.2 oz. 10 lb. 13.28 oz. 0 lb. 11.84 oz. 28 in. 26.75 in. 22.75 in. 22 in. 9.13 in. 17 in. 30.5 in. 11 in. Chaparral Lake Red Mountain Lake Red Mountain Lake Silverbell Lake Papago Pond #2 Encanto Park Lake Red Mountain Lake Encanto Park Lake Urban Catch and Release ( Based on length only and rounded down to the nearest inch). Hybrid Sunfish 8 in. Cortez Lake Largemouth Bass 21 in. Papago Pond #3 Arizona Game and Fish Department 35 Arizona Fish Entry Form (Use this form or a copy for all Arizona State Records, Statewide or Urban Fish-of-the-Year, or Catch and Release entries.) Angler’s Name: ___________________________________________________ (check applicable box) Address: ________________________________________________________ 앮 State Record Statewide Fish-of-the-Year 앮 앮 Urban Fish-of-the-Year ______________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________ Kept Catch and Release 앮 앮 앮 Species: ______________________ and/or ____________________________ Requirements For Reporting Date Caught: _____________________________________________________ Rule #1 Fish must be weighed on a certified fair trade scale in pounds. Scale location, register number and expiration date of scale certification must be recorded on entry form. Fish should be weighed whole and ungutted. The Department reserves the right to cut open any fish after weighing. (Rule #1 not required for catch and release entries). Rule #2 Length of the fish must be measured by a straight line from the tip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail in inches. Rule #3 Fish must be caught in Arizona waters including the Colorado River where it borders Mexico, California and Nevada, and all of Lake Powell. Fish must be taken during the legal open season and by the legal method of take for the water where taken. Any illegal act associated with taking or handling of the fish will disqualify the record. Rule #4 Identification of species must be verified by a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A photograph of the fish is required for the record file and for identification purposes. Rule #5 Angler must provide Arizona Fishing License number. Inspection of valid fishing license must be verified by a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For catch and release entries, a photo copy of the current, valid license is required. Rule #6 If the weights and measurements are not witnessed by the Department personnel, two witnesses must be present at the time the fish is weighed and measured (except catch and release entries). Rule #7 The Arizona Game and Fish Department reserves the right to further check identification and/or verification of witnesses and to refuse an application that is questionable. Rule #8 Fish taken from private waters that are closed to public access are not eligible for Record or Fish-of-the-Year. Rule #9 In the event of any dispute regarding the authenticity of the fish record application, the fish must be made available for inspection by Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel. The determination made by Department personnel shall be conclusive. Common Name Scientific Name Certified Weight (Rule #1) _________________________ lbs (for example, 3.18 lbs) Total Length (Rule #2) ______________________ inches Location of Catch (Rule #3): ___________________________________________ Type of Lure or Bait _________________________________________________ Species Identified By (Rule #4): ________________________________________ Fishing License Number: _____________ Verified by (Rule #5): _______________ Scale Location: ____________________________________________________ Registered Scale Number: __________________________________________ Expiration Date of Scale Certification: _________________________________ Witnesses to Weight (except catch and release entries): We, the undersigned, witnessed the weighing of the fish described above and attest to the weight and length as listed (Rule #1, 2, 6). Printed Name: ____________________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________ Printed Name: ____________________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________ Catch and Release Record Program The Catch and Release State Record Program requires only an accurate, total-length measurement (no weight) and a photograph. This record program is designed to minimize fish stress and maximize fish survival for those who wish to return fish to the water. It is based on the principle that the less you restrain and handle a fish after capture (live well transport, weight handling, re-release, etc.) the greater the likelihood of survival. Here is a highlight of the rules: • Catch and Release state record fish are recognized by length in inches only (longest measurement from the snout or nose to the tip of the compressed tail). • Total length of the fish must be measured and a clear photo suitable for species identification must be taken. • All fractions of length will be rounded down to the nearest inch. • New catch and release record must exceed existing record by at least 1 inch. • Weighing your fish is considered stressful. Catch and release entries that are weighed will be placed in the kept (weighed) category. With the advent of this program, we will no longer calculate weights based on length and girth measurements. Witnesses to the capture of Catch and Release fish entries are desirable, however, the program is honor-based and witnesses are not mandatory. 36 azgfd.gov Fish Weighing Scales Now at a Location Near You The Arizona Game and Fish Department has placed 21 fish weighing scales at locations across the state. The scales are intended to ease the difficulty many anglers have had finding certified scales to weigh their record fish catches. The purchase of these scales is another example of the partnership between the Nongame Endangered Wildlife Program through the state Tax Checkoff Project, the Sportfish Restoration Program, and anglers. The fate of sportfishing and conservation of aquatic species are firmly connected and the success of each program is integral to the other. Remember to check the appropriate box on your state tax form to contribute to the Nongame Endangered Wildlife Program. Phoenix Area Arizona Game and Fish Department 7200 E. Universtiy Ave. Mesa, AZ 85207 (480) 981-9400 Hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Liar’s Corner 9529 E. Apache Trail Mesa, AZ (480) 986-2515 Hours: Mon–Sat 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sun 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 942-3000 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Reel Life Taxidermy 19633 S. McQueen Chandler, AZ 85249 (480) 786-4462 Hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Apache Lake Marina P.O. Box 15627 Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290 Hours: Mon–Sun 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Tucson Area Canyon Lake Marina Hours: Mon–Sun 24 hours Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Saguaro Lake Marina Hours: Mon–Sun 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Killmer’s Kountry Store HC02 Box 115 Globe, AZ 85501 (928) 425-0700 Hours: Mon–Sun 5:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Water Dog Willy’s 18617 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix AZ (602) 867-0314 Hours: Mon–Sat 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sun 5:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Arizona Game and Fish Department 555 N. Greasewood Rd. Tucson, AZ (520) 628-5376 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Pancho’s Baja Tackle 1293 W. Miracle Mile Tucson, AZ (520) 620-6454 Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sat 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Saguaro Bait and Tackle 5552 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ (520) 245-0003 Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sat 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Patagonia Lake Marina Cove Store at Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-6063 Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Hours: Mon–Sat 6:00 a.m.–6:p.m., Sunday 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Sierra Vista KH Outdoors Scale Capacity: 30 pounds 430 N. 7th St. Sierra Vista, AZ Parker June’s Unique (520) 459-8095 809 Kofa Parker, AZ Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Hours: Mon–Sun All hours Ring Bell if Closed Yuma Area Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Arizona Game and Fish Department 9140 E. 28th St. Yuma, AZ (928) 342-0091 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Alamo Lake State Park Ranger Station 38 miles north of Wenden at the lake Hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Fisher’s Landing Martinez Lake Road Yuma, AZ 11 miles W. on Martinez Lake Rd. from Hwy 95 (MP 46.9) Hours: Sun–Thu 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Fri–Sat 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Mesa Sport Shop 1314 4th Ave. Yuma, AZ Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Lake Havasu Angler’s Pro Shop Flagstaff Area Arizona Game and Fish Department 3500 S. Lake Mary Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 774-5045 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Kingman Area Willow Beach Store 25804 N. Willow Beach Rd. Willow Beach, AZ 86445 (928) 767-4747 Summer Hours: Mon–Sun 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Winter Hours: Mon–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Pinetop Area Arizona Game and Fish Department 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. Pinetop, AZ 85935 (928) 367-4281 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds 362 London Bridge Rd., Suite 1 Lake Havasu, AZ Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Arizona Game and Fish Department 37 Watercraft Regulations—Know Before You Go What is considered a watercraft? According to the Arizona Game and Fish Laws and Rules, a watercraft is defined as any boat designed to be propelled by machinery, oars, paddles or wind action upon a sail for navigation on the water, or as may be defined by rule of the Commission. (A.R.S. 5-301) Which watercrafts are required to be registered and numbered? Any watercraft equipped with a motor, whether fuel or electric powered, is required to be numbered and registered in Arizona. The original Certificate of Number must be onboard and available for inspection by a law enforcement officer whenever the watercraft is operated. (A.R.S. 5-231) What is the minimum age for a watercraft operator? It is illegal for a person under the age of 12 to operate a watercraft with a motor greater than 8 horsepower (which includes personal watercraft) unless: • An emergency exists or • Another person at least 18 years of age is onboard. (A.R.S. 5-341.2(E)) What is the normal waterway traffic pattern? The normal traffic pattern on the waterways in Arizona is a counterclockwise direction. (A.R.S. 5-345(D)) What safety equipment is required to be on board a watercraft? Motor Restrictions: • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs or life jackets): Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor on: You must carry at least one properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board the watercraft. Every person 12 years of age or younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever they are underway on a watercraft. If your watercraft is 16 feet or more in length, you must carry a Type IV PFD. (A.R.S. 5-331) • Fire Extinguishers: All watercraft, unless exempt, must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher. (A.R.S. 5-332) • Navigation Lights: All watercraft must display appropriate navigation lights while on Arizona waters between sunset and sunrise. Manually propelled boats may use a white light, ready at hand, which can be displayed to prevent a collision with another watercraft. (A.R.S. 5-333) What is a wakeless speed? A speed that does not cause the watercraft to create a wake, but in no case in excess of five miles per hour. (A.R.S. 5-343) Additional Information on Boating: Contact Arizona Game and Fish Department to obtain a copy of the Highlights of Arizona Boating Laws and Rules pamphlet, a complete copy of Arizona’s Boating Laws and Rules, additional boating safety information, or boating safety classes at: Ackre Lake Arivaca Lake Bear Canyon Lake Black Canyon Lake Bunch Reservoir Carnero Lake Chaparral Park Lake Cluff Ponds Coconino Reservoir Coors Lake Dankworth Pond Dogtown Reservoir Fortuna Lake Goldwater Lake Granite Basin Lake Horsethief Basin Lake Hulsey Lake J.D. Dam Lake Knoll Lake Lee Valley Lake Lynx Lake McKellips Park Lake Pena Blanca Lake Pratt Lake Quigley Lake Redondo Lake Riggs Flat Lake Roper Lake Santa Fe Lake Scott’s Reservoir Sierra Blanca Lake Soldier Lake Stehr Lake Stoneman Lake Tunnel Reservoir Whitehorse Lake Woodland Reservoir Woods Canyon Lake Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 horsepower or less on: Ashurst Lake Becker Lake Big Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir Cataract Lake Chevelon Lake Cholla Lake Hot Pond Concho Lake Crescent Lake Fool Hollow Lake Kaibab Lake Kinnikinick Lake Little Mormon Lake Luna Lake Mexican Hay Lake Nelson Reservoir Parker Canyon Lake Rainbow Lake River Reservoir Show Low Lake Whipple Lake White Mountain Lake Willow Springs Lake No powerboats allowed on: Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 942-3000 Frye Mesa Reservoir Rose Canyon Lake Snow Flat Lake (AGFD R12-4-517 (A)(B)(C)) or visit our Web site at azgfd.gov 38 azgfd.gov Hitchhiking Plants and Animals What are Aquatic Nuisance Species? What Can You Do? They are plants and animals that could become established in our waters that affect native species diversity, and the recreational, domestic or commercial values of the water. Once you have pulled your watercraft out of the water: Some species are especially tenacious and aggressive organisms that can displace native organisms. They also are especially hardy and often easily transferred from one body of water to another on boats, boat trailers, muddy boots, vehicles and bait buckets. Zebra Mussel: A miniature clam with a yellowish and/or brownish “D” shaped shell, usually with alternating dark and light stripes of color. It was introduced into the Great Lakes from Europe. It does not currently occur in Arizona, but is slowly moving west. • Inspect your boat’s hull, out-drive, trim plates, trolling plates, motor lower unit, prop guards, transducers, interior boat spaces, and trailer (including frame, axles, wheels, and hitch) before leaving any body of water. • Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and transom well, at the ramp or access before leaving any body of water. • Remove any visible plants and animals from your boat, trailer, and other boating equipment before leaving any body of water. Actual size is about the size of a dime. Giant Salvinia: An aquatic fern with oblong floating leaves, 1/2" to 1-1/2" long. Grows rapidly to cover the surfaces of lakes and streams. Thick mats degrades water quality for fish, impedes boating and fishing. Giant Salvinia are invading the lower Colorado River basin. • Wash your boat with hot tap water after boating on known zebra mussel infested waters. For more information on aquatic nuisance species go to www.protectyourwaters.com. PROTECT OUR NATURAL LEGACY Help control crayfish in our waters. Crayfish are not a native Arizona species. They endanger native species and future fishing by: • Preying on native and sport fish, amphibians, and invertebrates • Competing for habitat and food • Destroying the habitat of our rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams Be careful with the use and disposal of bait crayfish. • By law, you may only use live crayfish as bait in the same body of water where they were caught. • Do not throw unused bait crayfish back into the water alive. • It is unlawful to transport live crayfish (except for that part of southwestern Arizona south of I-10 and west of U.S. Highway 95). Remove crayfish at every opportunity. With a valid fishing license, an unlimited number of crayfish may be caught by any of the following methods: • Minnow trap or crayfish net not exceeding 24 inches on a side or in diameter • Cast nets not exceeding a 4-foot radius • Seine nets not exceeding 10 feet in length, 4 feet in width • Landing nets, dip nets, umbrella nets • By hand or with any hand-held, non-motorized, non-projectile device Arizona Game and Fish Department For a how-to video on catching and cooking crayfish, send $3 to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023, or call (602) 942-3000. 39 Health and Environmental Information Fish, Fishing, and Your Health Lead and Fishing Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family. Eating fish as a part of a balanced and varied diet is a contributor to your overall health. But, there are also potential health concerns. Fish can accumulate undesired compounds such as mercury and pesticides. Working with the Arizona Departments of Environmental Quality and Health Services, we search for areas where there may be concern for mercury or pesticides in fish in order to advise the public. Based on advisories from the Arizona Department of Health Services, anglers are advised to limit the consumption of some kinds of fish and aquatic wildlife at the following sites: Some kinds of fishing equipment (sinkers, jigs) are made from lead. Lead can be dangerous to humans and wildlife if eaten or breathed, so it should be treated responsibly. Prolonged and high exposures to lead can cause brain and nerve damage, slowed growth in children, reproductive problems, and high blood pressure in adults. To prevent exposure to lead, handle with care and follow these guidelines: • Wash your hands after handling sinkers. • Never put lead in your mouth, including biting lead sinkers to crimp them on your line. • Never handle or eat food after handling lead sinkers without washing hands first. • Take proper precautions if melting lead for sinkers at home. Location Concern Who is Being Advised The Salt River from 59th Avenue to the Gila River (115th Avenue) in Maricopa County DDT All anglers should avoid consumption of fish and aquatic wildlife. • Consider using alternatives to lead (steel, bismuth, tungsten, resin, or glass weights). Avoid using zinc sinkers, they are toxic to waterfowl. The Gila River from its confluence DDT with the Salt River downstream to and including the Painted Rock Borrow Pit in Maricopa County. All anglers should avoid consumption of fish and aquatic wildlife. The Hassayampa River from Buckeye DDT Canal to the Gila River in Maricopa County All anglers should avoid consumption of fish and aquatic wildlife. Your physician can give you more information about lead and mercury. You can also contact the Arizona Office of Environmental Health at (602) 542-1025. Arivaca and Pena Blanca Lakes in Santa Cruz County Mercury Anglers should avoid consumption of warm water fish. Parker Canyon Lake in Cochise County Mercury Women of childbearing age and small children should avoid consumption, others should limit Lyman Lake in Apache County Mercury Women of childbearing age and small children should avoid consumption, others should limit Upper and Lower Lake Mary Long Lake, Soldier Lake, and Soldier Annex Lake in Coconino County Mercury Mercury Women of childbearing age and small children should avoid consumption, others should limit Do not consume Fish Preventing the Spread of Whirling Disease Whirling disease is a parasitic infection that attacks juvenile trout, eventually killing them. The disease is transmitted primarily by live infected fish. Whirling disease is not a human health concern. The Arizona Game and Fish Department continues to monitor and test for any presence of the disease. You can help prevent the spread of whirling disease in the following ways: • Do not transport live fish or fish parts from one body of water to another. • If fishing known infected waters, rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the infected water. For more information, visit the Whirling Disease Foundation’s Web site at www.whirling-disease.org. Please consult signs at posted lakes or visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department Web site (azgfd.gov) for the number of meals that can be safely consumed from these lakes. Trout stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department may be consumed without restrictions. 40 azgfd.gov Monofilament Recovery Program The Arizona Game and Fish Department is proud to announce the creation of a Monofilament Recovery Program. Arizona’s Monofilament Recovery Program is dedicated to helping clean up Arizona’s recreation areas and to reducing wildlife losses associated with the litter. Fishing line (monofilament) can last up to 600 years in the environment. Improperly disposed line can be consumed by, or entangle, many animals including migratory birds and fish. It can also be hazardous to people hiking, swimming, or diving, and to boat motors. Arizona’s Monofilament Recovery Program encourages recreationists to properly dispose of used fishing line in trash containers and recycling bins. In addition, by conducting regular cleanups, we can prevent ospreys, bald eagles, waterfowl, and pets from dangerous and often lethal entanglement. Recycling bins are stationed at local license dealers, tackle shops, boating ramps, and recreation areas throughout Arizona. Help From Everyone is Needed! An Angler’s Code of Ethics 1. I will help protect the outdoors. I will not litter. I will pick up and properly dispose of all fishing line, bait containers, fish remains and other trash. 2. I will respect other people’s privacy and fishing space. I will fish quietly so I don’t frighten fish or disturb people. 3. I will buy and carry an Urban fishing license or a State fishing license if I am 14 years old or older. 4. I will know the fishing regulations including the size and number of fish I can keep. I will abide by these laws and report anyone who violates them to Operation Game Thief (1-800-352-0700). 5. I will keep only those fish that I plan to eat. I will carefully release all other fish right away. 6. I will properly care for all fish I plan to eat. This means putting them on ice, cleaning them at home and quickly storing them in a refrigerator or freezer. 7. I will share my fishing knowledge and skills with others, particularly kids. Below are three easy steps to help launch this program: • Properly dispose of used monofilament in trash containers or recovery bins. Manufacturing companies such as Stren and Berkley convert recovered monofilament into tackle boxes, lures, and artificial fish habitats. Help Keep The Balance • To reduce fish from breaking line, use the appropriate test line for the desired fish and fishing technique, and replace monofilament yearly. Due to Arizona’s extreme temperature regimes, fishing line easily becomes damaged or brittle. Don’t dump your bait bucket back in the water! Don’t release fish, tadpoles or crayfish into the wild! Release of fish, tadpoles and crayfish into the wild: • While enjoying Arizona’s outdoors, take the initiative and pickup discarded monofilament and deposit the litter into the nearest recycling bin. Unauthorized stocking of fish is illegal! • Is unlawful • Spreads diseases and parasites • Upsets predator/ prey balance • Reduces fishing opportunity Rewards are available up to $1,000 Report illegal stockings Look for monofilament recovery bins like these at your local license dealers, tackle shops, boat ramps, and recreation areas throughout Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department Call toll free 1-800-325-0700, Operation Game Thief 41 Bald Eagle Closures The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee and land management agencies, closes sensitive bald eagle sites along Arizona’s rivers and lakes during six months of the year. The closures prevent entry and deter inadvertent human disturbance during critical times of the breeding cycle. For additional information on any closure, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nongame Branch, (602) 789-3500. Alamo Lake A portion of upper Alamo Lake may be closed to boats from January to June. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region IV, Yuma, (928) 3420091. Lake Pleasant No vehicle or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria Arm from December 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, (928) 501-1710. Verde River • Sycamore Canyon and Verde River are closed to foot and vehicle traffic from December 1 to June 15. Boating through is allowed. Contact Coconino National Forest, Sedona Ranger District, (928) 282-4119. • Verde River and Chasm Creek are closed to foot and vehicle entry from December 1 to June 15. Boating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121. • There is boating allowed at Mule Shoe Bend, but there is no stopping in the river or landing allowed from December 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300. • Below Horseshoe Dam there is no vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the river from December 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the southwest side of the river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300. • There is no foot or vehicle entry allowed below Bartlett Dam from December 1 to June 30. Boating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480)595-3300. • Rio Verde Ranch is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east side of the river from December 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on east side of river allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 5953300. Tonto Creek There is no vehicle or foot entry or floating through allowed below Gisela to 76 Ranch from December 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District (928) 467-3200. Salt River • Boating through from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat is allowed. There is no landing or stopping in the river from December 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, (928) 402-6200. • Below Stewart Mountain Dam, depending on bald eagle activity, there is no vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from December 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300. Becker Lake A portion of the lake may be buoyed off to boats and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from February through June (depending on bald eagle activity). Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region I, Pinetop, (928) 367-4281. Luna Lake There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed from January 1 to June 15. Contact Apache National Forest, Alpine Ranger District, (928) 339-4384. 42 azgfd.gov Youth Fishing is AWESOME! Did You Know... • Kids under 14 years of age and residents who are blind can fish without a license on all state waters and on any of the Designated Urban Fishing Waters. Anyone 14 or older who wants to fish must buy a license. • Parents don’t need to buy a fishing license to take kids fishing, but if parents are going to fish, they will need to buy a license. • When fishing, kids under 14 are entitled to the regular bag and possession limits on all species except trout. When fishing for any trout species in Arizona, unlicensed kids are entitled to one-half the regular limit. For example, if the regular limit is 4 trout, kids under 14 can keep 2 trout. On The Net—Internet Fishing Hot Spots azgfd.gov Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Web site to learn more about where to fish, weekly fishing reports, stocking schedules, sport fish species, rod loaner locations, sport fishing clinics and a lot more. You can also sign up online to receive the latest news and information on wildlife issues and events, education programs, fishing reports and urban fishing news. www.fishingworks.com Fishing Works is a great Web site for kids and parents. The Kids Fishing section offers hundreds of fishing related links for kids and parents. • The Family Fishing license, available only at Department offices or online at azgfd.gov, is a great value. The primary parent(s) must purchase a license, then it costs only $2 to purchase a license for each youth 14 through 17 years of age. www.fishnkids.com The Fish-n-Kids site is sponsored by ProBass Networks and is a great site for kids who love to fish and want to share their fishing experiences with other kids. • The Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing license (Class F) is also a great value for youth 14 through 20 years of age. It costs less than the price of a General Class A license with Trout Stamp. www.fishingworld.com/Kids-Fishing Kids All American Fishing Derby, sponsored by Wal-Mart has a lot of fishing information for kids and parents. Another Wal-Mart Web site is www.takeakidfishing.com Arizona’s Free Fishing Day Saturday, June 11, 2005 and June 10, 2006 www.statefishart.com For young anglers, who like to draw, paint or color, this Web site offers you a chance to show your work, win some cool prizes and learn about Arizona’s State fish. Take your parents fishing Saturday, June 11, 2005 and June 10, 2006 to help celebrate Arizona’s Free Fishing Day. Tell your parents that no fishing license will be required on that day on all state or urban waters or from shore on the Colorado River. Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at azgfd.gov for special fishing clinic programs around the state on June 11, 2005 and June 10, 2006. For additional information about Free Fishing Day in Arizona, see R12-4-311 on page 48 of these regulations. http://groups.msn.com/FishinKids/homepage1.msnw The Fishin’ Kids Web page has a lot of fishing information, games and cool graphics. It has links to hundreds of other fishing related Web pages so you can find just about anything fishing related. Department Sportfishing Education instructors teach introductory fishing skills to people of all ages. Last year over 14,000 people participated in clinics statewide. Fishing rods and reels, bait, tackle, and educational materials are supplied at no charge. For information about fishing clinics, call: Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 789-3235 Or visit our Web site at azgfd.gov 43 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws 17-101. Definitions A. In this title unless the context otherwise requires: 1. Angling means the taking of fish by one line and not to exceed two hooks, or by one line and one artificial lure which may have attached more than one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two artificial flies or lures. 2. Bag limit means the maximum limit, in number or amount, of wildlife which may lawfully be taken by any one person during a specified period of time. 3. Closed season means the time during which wildlife may not be lawfully taken. 4. Commission means the Arizona game and fish commission. 5. Department means the Arizona game and fish department. 6. Device means any net, trap, snare, salt lick, scaffold, deadfall, pit, explosive, poison or stupefying substance, crossbow, firearm, bow and arrow, or other implement used for taking wildlife. Device does not include a raptor or any equipment used in the sport of falconry. 7. Falconry means the sport of hunting or taking quarry with a trained raptor. 8. Fishing means to lure, attract or pursue aquatic wildlife in such a manner that the wildlife may be captured or killed. 9. Fur dealer means any person engaged in the business of buying for resale the raw pelts or furs of wild mammals. 10. Guide means a person who, for pay, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife. 11. License year means the twelve-month period between January 1 and December 31, inclusive. 12. Nonresident means a citizen of the United States or an alien who has not been a bona fide resident of the state of Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license. 13. Open season means the time during which wildlife may be lawfully taken. 14. Possession limit means the maximum limit, in number or amount of wildlife, which may be possessed at one time by any one person. 15. Resident means a person who has been a bona fide resident of the state of Arizona for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license, or a member of the armed forces who has been stationed in Arizona for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the date of application for a license. 16. Road means any maintained right-of-way for public conveyance. 17. Statewide means all lands except those areas lying within the boundaries of state and federal refuges, parks and monuments, unless specifically provided differently by commission order. 44 18. Take means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting wildlife or the placing or using of any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in the capturing or killing of wildlife. 19. Taxidermist means any person who engages for hire in the mounting, refurbishing, maintaining, restoring or preserving of any display specimen. 20. Traps or trapping means taking wildlife in any manner except with a gun or other implement in hand. 21. Wild means, in reference to mammals and birds, those species which are normally found in a state of nature. 22. Wildlife means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, including their eggs or spawn. 23. Zoo means a commercial facility open to the public where the principal business is holding wildlife in captivity for exhibition purposes. B. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply: 1. Aquatic wildlife are all fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and soft-shelled turtles. 2. Game mammals are deer, elk, bear, antelope, bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), mountain lion, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit. 3. Big game are wild turkey, deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), bear and mountain lion. 4. Small game are cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds and migratory game birds. 5. Fur-bearing animals are muskrats, raccoons, otters, weasels, bobcats, beavers, badgers and ringtail cats. 6. Predatory animals are foxes, skunks, coyotes and bobcats. 7. Nongame animals are all wildlife except game mammals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals and aquatic wildlife. 8. Upland game birds are quail, partridge, grouse and pheasants. 9. Migratory game birds are wild waterfowl, including ducks, geese and swans; sandhill cranes; all coots, all gallinules, common snipe, wild doves and bandtail pigeons. 10. Nongame birds are all birds except upland game birds and migratory game birds. 11. Raptors are birds that are members of the order of falconiformes or strigiformes and include falcons, hawks, owls, eagles and other birds that the commission may classify as raptors. 12. Game fish are trout of all species, bass of all species, catfish of all species, sunfish of all species, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. 13. Nongame fish are all the species of fish except game fish. 14. Trout means all species of the family salmonidae, including grayling. 17-301. Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking A. A person may take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, only during daylight hours unless otherwise prescribed by the commission. A person shall not take any species of wildlife by the aid or with the use of a jacklight, other artificial light, or illegal device, except as provided by the commission. B. A person shall not take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, or discharge a firearm or shoot any other device from a motor vehicle, including an automobile, aircraft, train or powerboat, or from a sailboat, boat under sail, or a floating object towed by powerboat or sailboat except as expressly permitted by the commission. No person may knowingly discharge any firearm or shoot any other device upon, from, across or into a road or railway. C. Fish may be taken only by angling unless otherwise provided by the commission. The line shall be constantly attended. In every case the hook, fly or lure shall be used in such manner that the fish voluntarily take or attempt to take it in their mouths. (law not cited in entirety) 17-303. Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas It is unlawful for any person, except by commission order, to enter upon a game refuge or other area closed to hunting, trapping or fishing and take, drive or attempt to drive wildlife from such areas. 17-304. Prohibition by landowner upon hunting; posting; exception A. Landowners or lessees of private land who desire to prohibit hunting, fishing or trapping on their lands without their written permission shall post such lands closed to hunting, fishing or trapping using notices or signboards. B. State or federal lands including those under lease may not be posted except by consent of the commission. C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the following criteria: 1. Be not less than eight inches by eleven inches with plainly legible wording in capital and bold-faced lettering at least one inch high. 2. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or “no fishing” either as a single phrase or in any combination. 3. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or post at least four feet above ground level at all points of vehicular access, at all property or fence corners and at intervals of not more than onequarter mile along the property boundary, except that a post with one hundred square inches or more of orange paint may serve as azgfd.gov Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (continued) the interval notices between property or fence corners and points of vehicular access. The orange paint shall be clearly visible and shall cover the entire aboveground surface of the post facing outward and on both lateral sides from the closed area. D. The entry of any person for the taking of wildlife shall not be grounds for an action for trespassing unless the land has been posted pursuant to this section. 17-306. Importation, transportation, release or possession of live wildlife No person shall import or transport into the state or sell, trade or release within the state or have in his possession any live wildlife except as authorized by the commission or as defined in title 3, chapter 16. 17-309. Violations; classification A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to: 1. Violate any provision of this title or a rule prescribed under the provisions of this title. 2. Take, possess, transport, buy, sell or offer or expose for sale wildlife except as expressly permitted by this title. 3. Destroy, injure or molest livestock, growing crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing. 4. Discharge a firearm while taking wildlife within one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident. 5. Take a game bird, game mammal or game fish and knowingly permit an edible portion thereof to go to waste, except as provided in section 17-302. 6. Take big game, except bear or mountain lion, with the aid of dogs. 7. Make more than one use of a shipping permit or coupon issued by the commission. 8. Obtain a license or take wildlife during the period for which the person’s license has been revoked or suspended or the person has been denied a license. 9. Litter hunting and fishing areas while taking wildlife. 10. Possess while hunting any contrivance designed to silence, muffle or minimize the report of a firearm. 11. Take wildlife during the closed season. 12. Take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that wildlife. 13. Take wildlife with an unlawful device. 14. Take wildlife by an unlawful method. 15. Take wildlife in excess of the bag limit. 16. Possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit. 17. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of Arizona Game and Fish Department the wildlife which was unlawfully taken. 18. Possess or transport the carcass of big game without a valid tag being attached. 19. Use the edible parts of any game mammal or any part of any game bird or nongame bird as bait. 20. Possess or transport the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife which cannot be identified as to species and legality. 21. Take game animals, game birds and game fish with an explosive compound, poison or any other deleterious substances. 22. Import into this state or export from this state the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife unlawfully taken or possessed. B. Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is specifically prescribed a person who violates any provision of this title, or who violates or fails to comply with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. C. A person who knowingly takes any big game during a closed season or who knowingly possesses, transports or buys any big game which was unlawfully taken during a closed season is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. D. A person is guilty of a class 6 felony who knowingly: 1. Barters, sells or offers for sale any big game or parts of big game taken unlawfully. 2. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife unlawfully taken during a closed season. 3. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife imported or purchased in violation of this title or a lawful rule of the commission. 4. Assists another person for monetary gain with the unlawful taking of big game. E. A peace officer who knowingly fails to enforce a lawful rule of the commission or this title is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. 17-314. Civil liability; illegal taking or wounding A. The commission or any officer charged with enforcement of the laws relating to game and fish, if so directed by the commission, may bring a civil action in the name of the state against any person unlawfully taking, wounding or killing, or unlawfully in possession of, any of the following wildlife, or part thereof, and seek to recover the following minimum sums as damage: 1. Each turkey or javelina $ 150.00 2. Each bear, mountain lion, antelope or deer 450.00 3. Each buffalo, elk, bighorn sheep, eagle or endangered species 750.00 4. Each beaver 75.00 5. Each goose or raptor 40.00 6. Each duck, small game animal or small game bird 15.00 7. Each nongame bird or game fish 10.00 B. No verdict or judgment recovered by the state in such action shall be for less than the sum fixed in this section. The action for damages may be joined with an action for possession, and recovery had for the possession as well as the damages. C. The pendency or determination of an action for damages or payment of a judgment, or the pendency or determination of a criminal prosecution for the same taking, wounding, killing or possession, is not a bar to the other, nor does either affect the right of seizure under any other provision of the laws relating to game and fish. D. All funds recovered pursuant to this section shall be placed in the wildlife theft prevention fund. 17-331. License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order A. Except as provided by this title or commission order, a person shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid license or a commission approved proof of purchase. The person shall carry the license or proof of purchase and produce it upon request to any game ranger, wildlife manager or peace officer. B. A certificate of noncompliance with a child support order issued pursuant to section 25-518 invalidates any license or proof of purchase issued to the support obligor for taking wildlife in this state and prohibits the support obligor from applying for any additional licenses issued by an automated drawing system under this title. C. On receipt of a certificate of compliance with a child support order from the court pursuant to section 25518 and without further action: 1. Any license or proof of purchase issued to the support obligor for taking wildlife that was previously invalidated by a certificate of noncompliance and that has not otherwise expired shall be reinstated. 2. Any ineligibility to apply for any license issued by an automated drawing system shall be removed. 17-335. Minors; blind residents A. A blind resident or a resident or nonresident under the age of fourteen years may fish without a license and shall be entitled to the same privileges as the holder of a valid license, except that such person shall be entitled only to one-half the legal bag and possession limit of trout. (law not cited in entirety) 17-336. Complimentary licenses The commission may issue a complimentary license to: 1. A pioneer seventy years of age or older who has been a resident of this state for twenty-five or more consecutive years immediately preceding application for the license. The pioneer license is valid for the lifetime of the licensee, and the commission shall not require renewal of the license. 45 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (continued) 2. A veteran of the armed forces of the United States who has been a resident of this state for one year or more immediately preceding application for the license and who is receiving compensation from the United States government for permanent service connected disabilities rated as one hundred per cent disabling. 17-340. Revocation, suspension and denial of right to obtain license; notice; violation; classification A. Upon conviction and in addition to other penalties prescribed by this title, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke or suspend a license issued to any person under this title and deny the person the right to secure another license to take wildlife for a period of not to exceed five years for: 1. Unlawful taking or unlawful possession of wildlife. 2. Careless use of firearms which has resulted in the injury or death of any person. 3. Destroying, injuring or molesting livestock, or damaging or destroying growing crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing. 4. Littering public hunting or fishing areas while taking wildlife. 5. Knowingly allowing another person to use the person’s big game tag, except as provided by section 17-332, subsection D. 6. A violation of section 17-303, 17-304 or 17-341. B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, any person who is assessed civil damages under section 17-314 for the unlawful taking or possession of wildlife may be denied the right to secure a license to take wildlife until damages have been paid in full. C. On receiving a report from the licensing authority of a state which is a party to the wildlife violator compact, adopted under chapter 5 of this title, that a resident of this state has failed to comply with the terms of a wildlife citation, the commission, after a public hearing, may suspend any license issued under this title to take wildlife until the licensing authority furnishes satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation. D. In carrying out the provisions of this section the director shall notify the licensee, within one hundred eighty days after conviction, to appear and show cause why the license should not be revoked, suspended or denied. The notice may be served personally or by certified mail sent to the address appearing on the license. E. The commission shall furnish to license dealers the names and addresses of persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended, and the periods for which they have been denied the right to secure licenses. F. The commission may use the services of the office of administrative hearings to conduct hearings and to make recommendations to the commission pursuant to this section. 46 G. A person who takes wildlife in this state, or attempts to obtain a license to take wildlife, at a time when the person’s privilege to do so is suspended, revoked or denied under this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. On receipt of notice of conviction under this subsection, the commission may extend the period for which the license is suspended or revoked, or the right to secure another license is denied, for an additional period not to exceed an additional five years. 17-341. Applying for or obtaining license or permit by fraud or misrepresentation; classification A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly apply for, or to obtain, by fraud or misrepresentation a license or permit to take wildlife and a license or permit so obtained is void and of no effect from the date of issuance thereof. B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. 17-342. Colorado river special use permit A. A person taking fish or amphibians for purposes other than for profit from or while on a boat or other floating device on all waters of the Colorado river south of the Nevada-Arizona boundary shall have in his possession a valid angling or fishing license issued by either the state of Arizona or the state of California. In addition to one of the above described licenses, such person shall have in his possession a valid California or Arizona-Colorado river special use permit, as provided by sections 17-343 and 17-344, which shall be obtained on payment of a fee to be fixed by the commission at not to exceed four dollars. Such a permit shall not be required to take fish or amphibians from canals, drains or ditches used to carry water from the Colorado river for irrigation or domestic purposes. B. A person having in his possession a valid Arizona fishing license must have a California-Colorado river special use permit to legally fish the waters described in subsection A of this section. A person having in his possession a valid California angling license must have an Arizona-Colorado river special use permit to legally fish the waters described in subsection A of this section. Such special use permit when accompanied by the proper license will allow the holder to fish in any portion of such waters and permit him to enter the waters from any point. C. Shore line fishing does not require a Colorado river special use permit as long as the fisherman remains on the shore of the state from which he holds a valid license and does not embark on the water. azgfd.gov Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing R12-4-101. Definitions A. In addition to the definitions provided in A.R.S. § 17-101, R12-4-401, and R12-4-501, the following definitions apply to this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. Artificial lures and flies means man-made devices intended as visual attractants for fish and does not include living or dead organisms or edible parts thereof, natural or prepared food stuffs, artificial salmon eggs, artificial corn, or artificial marshmallows. 2. Bonus point means a credit that authorizes the Department to issue an applicant and additional computer-generated random number. 3. Commission order means a document adopted by the Commission that does any or all of the following: open, close or alter seasons and open areas for taking wildlife; specify wildlife that may or may not be taken; set bag or possession limits for wildlife; or set the number of permits available for limited hunts. 4. Crayfish net means a net not exceeding 24 inches on a side or in diameter that is retrieved by means of a hand-held line. 5. Hunt area means a game management unit, portion of unit, or group of units opened to hunting by a particular hunt number. 6. Hunt number means the number assigned by Commission order to any hunt area where a limited number of hunt permits is available. 7. Hunt permits means the number of hunt permit-tags made available to the public as a result of a Commission order. 8. Hunt permit-tag means a tag for a hunt for which a Commission order has assigned a hunt number. 9. Identification number means a number assigned to each applicant or licensee by the Department, as described in R12-4-111. 10. License dealer means a business authorized to sell hunting, fishing and other licenses pursuant to R12-4-105. 11. Live baitfish means any species of live freshwater fish designated by Commission order as lawful for use in taking aquatic wildlife pursuant to R12-4-313. 12. Management unit means an area established by the Commission for management purposes. 13. Minnow trap means a trap with dimensions not exceeding 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width and 24 inches in length. 14. Muzzle-loading handgun means a firearm intended to be fired from the hand, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single barrel and single chamber, and loaded through the muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile. 15. Muzzle-loading rifle means a firearm intended to be fired from the shoulder, incapable of firing fixed ammunition, having a single barrel Arizona Game and Fish Department and single chamber, and loaded through the muzzle with black powder or synthetic black powder and a single projectile. 16. Nonpermit-tag means a tag for a hunt for which a Commission order has not assigned a hunt number and the number of tags is not limited. 17. Restricted nonpermit-tag means a tag issued to a hunter pool applicant for a supplemental hunt under R12-4-115. 18. Simultaneous fishing means the taking of fish by two lines and not more than two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line. 19. Sink box means a low floating device having a depression affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water. 20. Tag means the authorization that an individual is required to obtain from the Department under A.R.S. Title 17 and 12 A.A.C. 4 before taking certain wildlife. 21. Water dog means the larval or metamorphosing stage of salamanders. 22. Wildlife area means an area established pursuant to 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 8. (law not cited in entirety) R12-4-117. Indian Reservations No state license, tag, or permit is required to hunt or fish on any Indian Reservation in this state. Wildlife lawfully taken on an Indian Reservation may be transported or processed anywhere in the state when it can be identified as to species and legality as provided in A.R.S. § 17-309(A)(20). All wildlife transported is subject to inspection under the provisions of A.R.S. § 17-211(D)(4). R12-4-305 Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife A. For the purposes of this Section, "evidence of legality" means: 1. The wildlife is identifiable as the "legal wildlife" prescribed by Commission order, which may include evidence of species, gender, antler or horn growth, maturity and size; and 2. The wildlife is accompanied by the applicable license, tag, stamp or permit required by law. B. An individual shall ensure that evidence of legality remains with the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wild mammal, bird, or reptile that the individual possesses or transports, until arrival at the individual's permanent abode, a commercial processing plant, or the place where the wildlife is to be consumed. G. An individual may import into this state carcasses or parts of carcasses of wildlife that have been lawfully taken in another state or country if accompanied by evidence of legality. I. An individual may import into this state the carcasses or parts of aquatic wildlife that have been lawfully taken into another state or coun- try if accompanied by evidence of legality, and if transported and exported in accordance with the laws of the state or country of origin. J. An individual in possession of or transporting the carcasses of any freshwater fish that have been taken within this state shall ensure that the head, tail, or skin is attached so that the species can be identified, numbers counted, and any required length determined. K. An individual in possession of a carp (Cyprinus carpio) or buffalofish (Ictiobus spp.) carcass taken under Commission order may sell the carcass. (law not cited in entirety) R12-4-308. Wildlife Inspections, Check Stations, and Roadblocks A. The Department has the authority to establish mandatory wildlife check stations. The Department shall publish the location, check-in requirements, and check-out requirements for a season with the published Commission order establishing the season. 1. Hunters shall personally check in at a wildlife check station before hunting in a season with a published check-in requirement. 2. The Department shall ensure that wildlife check stations with a published check-in requirement are open continuously from 8:00 a.m. the day before the season until 8:00 p.m. the first day of the season, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season. 3. Hunters shall personally check out after hunting in a season with a published check-out requirement, and shall present for inspection any wildlife taken and display any license, tag, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife. 4. The Department shall ensure that wildlife check stations with a published check-out requirement are open continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season and remain open until 12:00 noon on the day following the close of the season. C. The Director or Director's designee may establish vehicle roadblocks at specific locations when necessary to ensure compliance with applicable wildlife laws. Any occupant of a vehicle at a roadblock shall, upon request, present for inspection all wildlife in possession, and produce and display any license, tag, stamp, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife. D. This Section does not limit the game ranger or wildlife manager's authority to conduct stops, searches, and inspections under A.R.S. §§ 17211(D) and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information. (law not cited in entirety) R12-4-310. Fishing Permits A. The Department may issue a Fishing Permit to state, county, or municipal agencies or departments and to nonprofit organizations licensed 47 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing (continued) by or contracted with the Department of Economic Security or Department of Health Services, whose primary purpose is to provide physical or mental rehabilitation or training for individuals with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities. The permit will allow individuals with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities to fish without a fishing license. The permit will authorize this activity for up to 20 individuals for the two days specified on the permit upon any public waters except that fishing in the waters of the Colorado River is restricted to fishing from the Arizona shoreline only, unless the persons fishing under the authority of the permit also possess a valid Colorado River stamp from the adjacent state. The individuals fishing under the authority of the permit shall comply with other statutes, Commission orders, and rules not contained in this Section. B. An applicant for a Fishing Permit shall provide the following to the Department: 1. A completed application form obtained from the Department that contains: a. The name, address, and telephone number of the agency, department, or nonprofit organization requesting the permit; b. The name, position title, and telephone number of the individual who will be responsible for supervising the individuals who will be fishing under the authority of the permit; c. The total number of individuals who will be fishing under the authority of the permit; d. The dates of the two days for which the permit will be valid; and e. The location for which the permit will be valid. 2. Nonprofit organizations shall also submit documentation that they are licensed by or have a contract with the Department of Economic Security or the Department of Health Services for the purpose of providing rehabilitation or treatment services to individuals or groups with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities. C. The Department shall issue or deny the Fishing Permit to an applicant within 30 calendar days of receiving an application. D. The Fishing Permit permittee shall provide one hour of instruction on fish identification, fishing ethics, safety, and techniques to the individuals who will be fishing under authority of the permit. The Department shall provide the lesson plan for this instruction to the permittee. E. Each individual fishing without a license under the authority of the Fishing Permit may take only one-half the regular bag limit established by Commission order for any species, unless the regular bag limit is one, in which case the permit authorizes the regular limit. 48 F. The permittee shall submit a report to the Department not later than 30 days after the end of the authorized fishing dates. The Department may deny issuance of future Fishing Permits to permittees who fail to submit the report. The permittee shall report on a form available from the Department: 1. The Fishing Permit number and the information contained in the permit; 2. The total number of individuals who fished and total hours fished; 3. The total number of fish caught, kept, and released, by species. R12-4-311. Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License while Taking Aquatic Wildlife A. A fishing license is not required to take aquatic wildlife from private waters that are not open to the public and not managed by the Department. B. An individual may take terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans from private property without a fishing license. C. Any individual fishing in Arizona on the designated Saturday during National Fishing and Boating Week may fish without an Arizona fishing license if the individual's privilege to take aquatic wildlife has not been revoked by the Commission. The provisions of this subsection apply to all waters except the Colorado River adjacent to California and Nevada, where fishing without a license is limited to the shoreline, unless the state with concurrent jurisdiction removes licensing requirements on the same day. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to Reservation lands except as authorized by tribal governments. D. An individual participating in an introductory fishing clinic organized, sanctioned, and sponsored by the Department may fish without a fishing license while an authorized Department instructor is present. R12-4-312. Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction A. Any individual fishing from a watercraft or other floating device or object on the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, or that portion of the Colorado River that forms the mutual boundary between Arizona and Nevada, shall have in possession: 1. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Arizona fishing license, or 2. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Nevada fishing license. B. Any individual fishing from the Arizona shorelines of the waters named in subsection (A), unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless ex- empted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Nevada fishing license. C. Any individual fishing in the waters of Mittry Lake or Topock Marsh, unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exempted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use permit stamp affixed to a valid California fishing license. D. Any individual fishing in the Arizona portion of Lake Powell, unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless exempted under A.R.S. § 17-335; or 2. A valid Arizona-Lake Powell stamp affixed to a valid Utah resident fishing license. E. The requirements of this Section are in addition to those contained in A.R.S. §§ 17-342, 17-343, and 17-344. R12-4-313. Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife; Restrictions A. An individual may take aquatic wildlife as defined in A.R.S. § 17-101, subject to the restrictions prescribed in R12-4-303, R12-4-317, and this Section. Aquatic wildlife may be taken during the day or night and may be taken using artificial light as prescribed in A.R.S. § 17-301. B. The Commission may, through Commission order, prescribe legal sizes for possession of aquatic wildlife. C. An individual may take aquatic wildlife by angling or simultaneous fishing as defined in R12-4-101 with any bait, artificial lure, or fly subject to the following restrictions. An individual: 1. Shall not possess aquatic wildlife other than aquatic wildlife prescribed by Commission order; 2. Shall not use the flesh of game fish, except sunfish of the genus Lepomis, as bait; 3. May use live baitfish, as defined in R12-4-101, only in areas designated by Commission order; and 4. Shall not use waterdogs as live bait in that portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or that portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82. D. In addition to angling, an individual may also take the following aquatic wildlife using the following methods, subject to the restrictions of R12-4-303, R12-4-317, and this Section: 1. Carp (Cyprinus carpio), buffalofish, mullet, tilapia, goldfish, and shad may also be taken by bow and arrow, crossbow, snare, gig, spear, spear gun, or snagging. Except for snagging, an individual shall not practice any of these methods of take within 200 yards of any boat dock or azgfd.gov Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing (continued) designated swimming area. 2. Striped bass may also be taken by spear or spear gun in waters designated by Commission order. 3. Live baitfish may also be taken for personal use as bait by: a. A cast net not to exceed a radius of four feet measured from the horn to the leadline; b. A minnow trap, as defined in R12-4-101; c. A seine net not to exceed 10 feet in length and four feet in width; or d. A dip net. 4. Amphibians, soft-shelled turtles, mollusks, and crustaceans may also be taken by minnow trap, crayfish net, hand, or with any hand-held, nonmotorized implement that does not discharge a projectile, unless otherwise permitted by this Section. 5. In addition to the methods described in subsection (D)(4) of this Section, bullfrogs may also be taken by bow and arrow, crossbow, or slingshot. 6. In addition to the methods described in subsection (D)(4) of this Section, crayfish may also be taken with the following devices: a. A trap not more than three feet in the greatest dimension; or b. A seine net not larger than ten feet in length and four feet in width. E. An individual who uses a crayfish and minnow trap shall attach a water-resistant identification tag to the trap if it is unattended. The tag shall include the legible name, address, and fishing license number of the individual using the trap. An individual using a crayfish and minnow trap shall raise and empty the trap daily. R12-4-315. Possession of live fish; unattended live boxes and stringers A. An individual may possess fish taken alive under R12-4-313 on the waters where taken, except when the take or possession is expressly prohibited by the provisions of R12-4-313 or R12-4-317, but the individual shall not transport the fish alive from the waters where taken except as allowed in R12-4-316. B. An individual who places any unattended live boxes or stringers holding fish shall attach water resistant identification legibly bearing the name, address, and fishing license number of the individual using and holding fish in the live box or stringer. R12-4-316. Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Live Baitfish, Crayfish, or Waterdogs A. An individual may possess live baitfish, crayfish, or waterdogs for use as live bait only in accordance with this Section and R12-4-317. B. An individual may possess or transport the following live baitfish for personal use as live bait in accordance with R12-4-317. An individual who possesses a valid Arizona fishing license may import these live Arizona Game and Fish Department baitfish from California or Nevada without accompanying documentation certifying the fish are free of disease, or may import these live baitfish from any other state with accompanying documentation certifying that the fish are free of Furunculosis. 1. Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas); 2. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis); 3. Red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis); 4. Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense); 5. Golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas); and 6. Goldfish (Carassius auratus). C. An individual who possesses a valid Arizona fishing license may import, transport, or possess live waterdogs for personal use as bait, except in the portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or the portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82. D. An individual shall not import, transport, move between waters, or possess live crayfish for personal use as live bait except as allowed in 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 4, and except for the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the southern international boundary with Mexico. E. An individual may trap or capture live crayfish as provided in R12-4-313. A person may use live crayfish as bait only in the body of water where trapped or captured, not in an adjacent body of water, except for the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the Southern international boundary with Mexico. F. An individual shall not transport crayfish alive from the site where taken except for the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the southern international boundary with Mexico. R12-4-317. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles A. Methods of lawfully taking aquatic wildlife during seasons designated by Commission order as "general" seasons are designated in R12-4-313. B. Other seasons designated by Commission order have specific requirements and lawful methods of take more restrictive than those for general seasons, as prescribed in this Section. While taking aquatic wildlife under R12-4-313: 1. An individual participating in an "artificial lures and flies only" season shall use only artificial lures and flies as defined in R12-4-101. The Commission may further restrict "artificial lures and flies only" season to the use of barbless or single barbless hooks. A barbless hook is any fishhook manufactured without barbs or on which barbs have been completely closed or removed. 2. An individual participating in a "live baitfish" season shall not use any species of fish as live bait, or possess any species of fish for use as live bait at, in, or upon any waters unless that species is specified as a live baitfish for those waters by Commission order. Live baitfish shall not be transported from the waters where taken except as allowed in R12-4-316. 3. An individual participating in an "immediate kill or release" season shall kill and retain the designated species as part of the bag limit or immediately release the wildlife. Further fishing is prohibited after the legal bag limit is killed. 4. An individual participating in a "catch and immediate release" season shall immediately release the designated species. 5. An individual participating in an "immediate kill" season shall immediately kill and retain the designated species as part of the bag limit. 6. An individual participating in a "snagging" season shall use this method only at times and locations designated by Commission order. 7. An individual participating in a "spear or spear gun" season shall use this method only at times and locations designated by Commission order. C. A "special" season may be designated by Commission order to allow fish to be taken by hand, or by any hand-held, non-motorized implement that does not discharge a projectile. The "special" season may apply to any waters where a fish dieoff is imminent due either to poor or low water conditions or Department fish renovation activities, or as designated by Commission order. R12-4-402. Live Wildlife: Prohibited Acts A. A person shall not import or transport any live wildlife into the state, or possess, offer for sale, sell, sell as live bait, trade, give away, purchase, rent or lease, display for any purpose, propagate, stock, or release within the state any live wildlife, or export any live wildlife, or kill any captive wildlife, or operate a shooting preserve, except as authorized by this Chapter or as defined in A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 16. A person may exhibit lawfully possessed wildlife only as authorized by this Chapter or as defined in A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 16. R12-4-404. Possession of Live Wildlife Taken on an Arizona Hunting or Fishing License A. Wildlife may be taken from the wild alive by authority of an appropriate Arizona hunting or fishing license only when a Commission order specifies a live bag and possession limit for that species. Wildlife taken pursuant to this subsection may be possessed, transported, placed on educational display, propagated, and killed for personal use, or disposed of pursuant to subsection (B), except that live baitfish may be possessed and transported only in accordance with R12-4-316. B. Wildlife and the progeny of wildlife possessed pursuant to this rule may only be disposed of by gift or as directed by the Department, except that wildlife 49 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing (continued) not removed from the area where captured may be released. Lawfully possessed live wildlife may be exported. C. A combined total of wildlife and the progeny of wildlife possessed pursuant to this rule shall not exceed the possession limit established by the current Commission order governing that species, except that the progeny of reptiles and amphibians may be held in captivity in excess of the possession limit for 12 months from the date of birth or hatching. Before or upon reaching 12 months of age, progeny of reptiles and amphibians in excess of the possession limit shall be disposed of by gift or as directed by the Department. protect property, ensure public safety, or to ensure maximum benefits to wildlife. Closures or restrictions exceeding 90 days shall require Commission approval. F. Closures of all or any part of a wildlife area to public entry, and any restriction to public use of a wildlife area, shall be listed in this Article or shall be clearly posted at each entrance to the wildlife area. No person shall conduct an activity restricted by this Article or by such posting. G. When a wildlife area is posted against travel except on existing roads, no person shall drive a motoroperated vehicle over the countryside except by road. R12-4-801. General Provisions R12-4-802. Wildlife Area Restrictions A. Wildlife areas shall be established to: 1. Provide protective measures for wildlife, habitat, or both; and 2. Allow for special management or research practices; and 3. Enhance wildlife and habitat conservation. B. Wildlife areas shall be: 1. Lands owned or leased by the Commission and managed by the Department, or 2. Federally-owned lands of unique wildlife habitat where cooperative agreements provide wildlife management and research implementation. 3. Any lands with property interest conveyed to the Commission by any entity, through approved land use agreement, including but not limited to deeds, patents, leases, conservation easements, special use permits, licenses, agreement, management agreement, inter-agency agreements, letter agreements, and right-of-entry, where said property interest is sufficient for management of the lands consistent with the objectives of the wildlife area. C. Wildlife area designation shall not be given to any private lands, or lands in which private parcels are located, solely for the purpose of protecting private property. Wildlife area designation on private property, or where private property is involved, shall be considered by the Commission only when the Commission and the owners arrive at a mutual agreement that shall not confine or restrict the Department in fulfilling management or research objectives, nor close the area to hunting, trapping, or fishing. D. Land qualified for wildlife areas shall be: 1. Lands with unique topographic or vegetative characteristics that contribute to wildlife, 2. Lands where certain wildlife species are confined because of habitat demands, 3. Lands that can be physically managed and modified to attract wildlife, or 4. Lands that are identified as critical habitat for certain wildlife species during critical periods of their life cycles. E. The Department may restrict public access to and public use of wildlife areas and the resources of wildlife areas for up to 90 days when necessary to 1. Alamo Wildlife Area (located in Units 16A and 44A): a. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only. b. Overnight public camping in the wildlife area outside of Alamo State Park allowed for no more than 14 days within a 45-day period. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. d. Open to hunting in season. 2. Allen Severson Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Posted portions closed to discharge of all firearms from April 1 to July 31 annually. e. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from April 1 to July 31 annually. 3. Aravaipa Canyon Wildlife Area (located in Units 31 and 32): a. Access to Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Area is by permit only, available through the Safford Office of the Bureau of Land Management. b. Closed to discharge of all firearms. c. Open to hunting in season with bow and arrow only. 4. Arlington Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Target or claybird shooting permitted in designated areas only. e. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. f. Open to hunting in season. 5. Base and Meridan Wildlife Area (located in Units 39 M and 42M): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Closed to discharge of rifled firearms. 50 f. Open to hunting in season. 6. Becker Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1): a. No open fires. b. No overnight public camping. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only. d. Posted portions closed to public entry from December 15 to July 31 annually. e. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions. Legal weapons restricted to shotguns shooting shot and bow and arrow. 7. Bog Hole Wildlife Area (located in Unit 35B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Open to hunting in season. 8. Chevelon Canyon Ranches Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4A): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only, except as permitted by R12-4-110(G). e. Open to hunting in season. 9. Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area (located in Unit 4B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only, except as permitted by R12-4-110(G). e. Posted portions closed to public entry from October 1 to February 1 annually. f. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 1 to February 1 annually. 10.Clarence May and C.H.M. May Memorial Wildlife Area (located in Unit 29): a. Closed to discharge of all firearms. b. Closed to hunting. 11.Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area (located in Unit 31): a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. b. Wood collecting limited to dead and down material, for onsite noncommercial use only. c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than five days within a 14day period. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Posted portions around Department housing closed to discharge of all firearms. f. Closed to discharge of centerfire rifled firearms. g. Open to hunting in season. 12.Colorado River Nature Center Wildlife Area (located in Unit 15D): a. No open fires. azgfd.gov Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing (continued) b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Closed to hunting. 13.House Rock Wildlife Area (located in Unit 12A): a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. b. Open to hunting in season. 14.Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 3B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Open to hunting in season. Legal weapons restricted to shotguns shooting shot and bow and arrow. 15.Lamar Haines Wildlife Area (located in Unit 7): a. No firewood cutting or gathering. b. No overnight public camping. c. No motorized vehicles. d. Open to hunting in season. 16.Luna Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1): a. Posted portions closed to public entry from April 1 to July 31 annually. b. Open to hunting in season, except closed to hunting from April 1 to July 31 annually. 17.Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (located in Unit 43B): a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. b. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than 10 days per calendar year. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. d. Posted portions closed to public entry from November 15 to February 15 annually. e. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from November 15 to February 15 annually. 18.Powers Butte (Mumme Farm) Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on posted designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Open to hunting in season. 19.Quigley Wildlife Area (located in Unit 41): a. No open fires. b. No overnight public camping. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. d. Posted portions closed to public entry from September 1 to March 31 annually. e. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from September 1 to March 31 annually. Arizona Game and Fish Department 20.Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area (located in Unit 5B): a. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. b. Open to hunting in season. 21.Robbins Butte Wildlife Area (located in Unit 39): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset daily. e. Parking in designated areas only. f. Target or claybird shooting permitted in designated areas only. g. Posted portions around Department housing closed to discharge of all firearms. h. Closed to discharge of centerfire rifled firearms. i. Open to hunting in season. 22.Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area (located in Units 22, 23, and 24B): a. Posted portions closed to public entry from November 15 to February 15 annually. b. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from November 15 to February 15 annually. 23.Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only, except as permitted by R12-4-110(G). e. Posted portions around Department housing closed to discharge of all firearms. f. Open to hunting in season. 24.Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Closed to discharge of all firearms. e. Closed to hunting. 25.Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area (located in Unit 8): a. No overnight public camping. b. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. c. Open to hunting in season. 26.Three Bar Wildlife Area (located in Unit 22): a. Portions within the fenced enclosure inside the loop formed by Tonto National Forest Road 647 closed to public entry. b. Open to hunting in season, except portions within the fenced enclosure inside the loop formed by Tonto National Forest Road 647 closed to hunting. 27.Tucson Mountain Wildlife Area (located in Unit 37M): a. Closed to discharge of all firearms. b. Open to hunting in season with bow and arrow only. c. Archery deer and archery javelina hunters must check in with the Arizona Game and Fish Tucson Regional Office prior to going afield. 28. Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (located in Unit 19A): a. No firewood cutting or gathering. b. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. d. Open to hunting in season. 29. Wenima Wildlife Area (located in Unit 2B): a. No open fires. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. No overnight public camping. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only, except as permitted by R12-4-110(G). e. Posted portions closed to discharge of all firearms. f. Open to hunting in season. 30. White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area (located in Unit 1): a. No open fires. b. No overnight public camping c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads only, except as permitted by R12-4-110(G). d. Posted portions closed to public entry. e. Open to hunting in season. 31. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30B): a. Open fires allowed in designated areas only. b. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than three days within a seven-day period. c. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. d. Closed to discharge of centerfire rifled firearms. e. Posted portions closed to public entry from October 15 to March 15 annually. f. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15 annually. 32. Willcox Playa Wildlife Area (located in Unit 30A): a. Open fires allowed in designated sites only. b. No firewood cutting or gathering. c. Overnight public camping allowed in designated areas only, for no more than five days within a 14day period. d. Motorized vehicle travel permitted on designated roads, on designated trails, or in designated areas only. e. Posted portions closed to public entry from October 15 through March 15 annually. f. Open to hunting in season, except posted portions closed to hunting from October 15 through March 15 annually. 51