Arizona Game and Fish Department 2007 & 2008 Fishing Regulations To report wildlife violators, call Operation Game Thief (800) 352-0700. azgfd.gov Changes Since 2006 Regulations Janet Napolitano Governor • Bag limits are eliminated for striped bass over 30 inches at Lake Powell. Bow and arrow season for striped bass eliminated at Lake Powell. See page 18. GAME AND FISH COMMISSION Joe Melton Yuma Michael M. GolightlY Flagstaff WILLIAM H. MCLEAN Gold Canyon BOB HERNBRODE Tucson JENNIFER L. MARTIN Phoenix • Bag limits are established for trout, bass and sunfish at City Reservoir. See page 14. • Bag limits are established for trout, bass, catfish and sunfish at Francis Short Pond. See page 14. Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023 (602) 942-3000 azgfd.gov • Bag limits are established for bass and catfish at Stone Dam. See page 14. • Bag limits and possession limits are eliminated for northern pike at Upper Lake Mary and Stoneman Lake. • Bag limits are established for striped bass at Lake Mead. See page 18. Duane L. Shroufe Director Steve K. Ferrell Deputy Director • Seasons and possession limits are closed for the following native fish: Headwater Chub, Bluehead Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Little Colorado Sucker and the Zuni Bluehead Sucker. See page 9. 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 86409 (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. ©2007 Arizona Game and Fish Department Cover photo: www.takemefishing.org • Year-round artificial fly and lure, barbless hook only regulations are established for rainbow trout at Becker Lake. See page 12. • South Fork Little Colorado River and Stinky Creek are closed to fishing from Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. See page 12. • Fish Creek, Upper East Fork Little Colorado River and Hayground Creek are closed to fishing through Dec. 31, 2008. See page 12. • Fossil Creek is closed to fishing through Dec. 31, 2008. See page 14. • Conklin Creek is closed to fishing through Dec. 31, 2009. See page 12. • Note: All regulation changes take effect Jan. 1, 2007. Licenses and Fees • Be sure to note that all license and stamp fees have increased for 2007. See the license fee table on pages 4-5 for prices. N • Urban Fishing Licenses (Class U) are available at $9.25 (half price) for EW the last two months (November-December only) of the license year. • Family Combination License (Class K) is a combo hunting and fishing license, which includes trout fishing privileges, is $54 for the first adult, W $43.20 for the legal spouse, and $20 for each child. This license can be N E purchased at Game and Fish offices and online and is only available for residents. • Super Conservation Fishing License (Class L) includes General Fishing license, Urban Fishing license and trout fishing privileges. The cost for W residents is $53, or the cost for nonresidents is $63. This license is availE N able at all license dealers statewide, Game and Fish offices and online. • Super Conservation Combination Hunting and Fishing License (Class N) costs $163 and includes General Hunt license (Class G), Unit 12 A (North Kaibab) Habitat stamp, state waterfowl stamp, state migratory W bird stamp, over-the-counter archery deer, archery turkey, fall bear and E N mountain lion tags, plus a Class A General Fishing License, trout stamp and urban fishing privileges. This license can only be purchased at Game and Fish offices and is only available for residents. Table of Contents Changes Since 2006................................ inside front cover Resource Agency Directory.................................................2 Accesible Fishing Opportunities.........................................2 How To Use This Booklet......................................................3 General Statewide Regulations...........................................3 License Information..............................................................3 2007 and 2008 Fishing License and Stamp Fees.............4 Special Licenses and Stamps . ............................................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 State Fish Records................................................ 34 Record Fish Entry Form..................................................... 36 Fish Weighing Scales...........................................................37 Watercraft Regulations...................................................... 38 Hitchhiking Plants and Animals........................................39 Fish, Fishing and Your Health........................................... 40 Health and Environmental Information..........................41 Bald Eagle Fishing Closures...............................................42 Youth Fishing ...................................................................... 43 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws 17-101. Definitions...............................................................45 17-301. Times when wildlife may be taken; exceptions; methods of taking............................45 17-303. Taking or driving wildlife.....................................45 17-304. Prohibition by landowner upon hunting; posting; exception.................................................45 17-306. Importation, transportation, release or possession of live wildlife.............................. 46 17-309. Violations; classification...................................... 46 17-314. Civil liability; illegal taking or wounding.......... 46 17-331. License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order........................ 46 17-335. Minors; blind residents . ....................................47 17-336. Complimentary licenses ....................................47 17-340. Revocation, suspension and denial of right to obtain license; notice; violation; classification...........................................................47 17-341. Applying for or obtaining license or permit by fraud or misrepresentation; classification...........................................................47 17-342. Colorado river special use permit......................47 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules R12-4-101. Definitions........................................................ 48 R12-4-117. Indian Reservations........................................ 48 R12-4-305. Possessing, Transporting, Importing, Exporting, and Selling Carcasses or Parts of Wildlife.............................................. 48 R12-4-308. Wildlife Inspections, Check stations, and Roadblocks.................................... 48 R12-4-310. Fishing Permits.................................................49 R12-4-311. Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License while Taking Aquatic Wildlife.........................................49 R12-4-312. Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction.....49 R12-4-313. Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife; Restrictions............................................ 50 R12-4-315. Possession of Live Fish; Unattended Live Boxes and Stringers..................................... 50 R12-4-316. Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Live Baitfish, Crayfish, or Waterdogs.............................................................. 50 R12-4-317. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles............................................ 50 R12-4-402. Live Wildlife: Prohibited Acts.......................51 R12-4-404. Possession of Live Wildlife Taken on an Arizona Hunting or Fishing License........51 R12-4-801. General Provisions..........................................51 Fishing Waters (continued) 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................... 40-41 Hitchhiking Plants and Animals........................................39 Hook and Line Methods.......................................................6 “Kids Catch” Photos............................................................42 Lead and Fishing..................................................................41 Legacy Pledge...................................................................... 43 Licenses...............................................................................3-6 Family Fishing License............................................5 Fees........................................................................4-5 Lifetime Fishing License.........................................4 Lost.............................................................................6 Pioneer..............................................................4, 47 Requirements...................................................3, 10 Revocation......................................................... 8, 47 Where to Buy...........................................................3 Length Limit............................................................................7 Limits ..........................................................7, 9, 10, 27, 28 Live Bait, Capturing................................................. 6, 26, 50 Live Baitfish...........................................................................26 Monofilament Recovery Program....................................41 Nonresident............................................................... 4, 8, 45 Operation Game Thief...............................................7, 8, 33 Pioneer Fishing License................................................. 4, 47 Protected Native Fish..................................................... 9, 32 Record Fish Entry Form..................................................... 36 Residency.................................................................. 4, 8, 45 Resource Agency Directory.................................................2 Special Regulations......................................................10–25 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs.............. 44 Stamps Colorado River Special Use............. 4, 6, 18, 20 Fees........................................................................4-5 Lifetime Trout Stamp..............................................4 Trout Stamp........................................................ 4, 6 Two Pole Stamp................................................. 4, 6 Utah Lake Powell Stamp.............................4, 6, 18 Where to Buy...........................................................3 Transportation and Storage of Fish....................................7 Urban Fishing Program.................. 10, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25 Violations.................................................................................8 Watercraft and Motor Restrictions.................................. 38 Where to Fish in Arizona................................................... 33 Whirling Disease..................................................................41 Youth Fishing....................................................................... 43 Index Accessible Fishing Opportunities.......................................2 Amphibian Regulations......................................................27 Angler Code of Ethics............................................................7 Aquatic Reptile Regulations.............................................. 28 Arizona Fish Records....................................................34–35 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules.............47–50 Arizona Game and Fish Contacts......... inside front cover Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17—Laws.................. 44–46 Baitfish Regulations.............................................................26 Bald Eagle Closures.............................................................42 Boating and Watercraft Information............................... 38 Changes Since 2006................................ inside front cover Common Violations...............................................................8 Crayfish.......................................................6, 7, 28, 39, 47 Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations.......................... 28 Definitions.....................................................................45, 48 Fish Identification.........................................................29–32 Fish Weighing Scale Locations..........................................37 Fishing Clinics...................................................................... 43 Fishing Waters Central Arizona...............................................22–23 Colorado River Northwest............................ 18–19 Colorado River Southwest............................20–21 Mogollon Rim.................................................. 16–17 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations  Resource Agency Directory Accessible Fishing Opportunities Purchase a Fishing License on the Web......................................... azgfd.gov or call toll-free.........................(866) 462-0433 For the Weekly Fishing Report on the Web......................................... 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 on the Web..................... 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 on the Web............................. www.az.blm.gov or call.........................................(602) 417-9200 Arizona State Parks State Office on the Web..................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 on the Web............... 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 Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Web.........................www.nps.gov/lame or call........................................(702) 293-8906 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 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 Lake Powell Wahweep, 5 miles north of Page • Developed fishing pier  Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 ramadas, 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 dock, restrooms, parking 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 2007 or 2008 Urban Fishing Program brochure General Statewide Fishing Regulations (for up-to-date information, visit azgfd.gov) How To Use This Booklet 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: 1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the information on General Statewide Regulations (pages 4–8) concerning the requirements for licenses, stamps, bag and possession limits, gear and bait restrictions, harvest methods and common violations. License Information License Requirements • 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 (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. • 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 9, 2007, and June 14, 2008. • Registered and participating in a Department sponsored fishing clinic. • Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission of the property owner. 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. Where to Buy Licenses and Stamps It is the angler’s responsibility to know what regulations apply to the body of water they are fishing. New or changed regulations for 2007 and 2008 are summarized on the inside front cover. • Arizona Game and Fish Department offices • Online at azgfd.gov • 340 license dealers statewide (includes many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores) • Call toll-free (866) 462-0433 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations  General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) 2007 & 2008 Fishing License and Stamp Fees Licenses and stamps available at all locations and online (azgfd.gov) All fishing and combo hunt and fish licenses listed are valid for all aquatic species, including trout, unless otherwise noted. FISHING LICENSES RESIDENT General Fishing, Class A (valid all species except trout) $ 23.50 $ 70.251 Urban Fishing, Class U $ 18.502 $ 18.502 $ 54.00 $ 225.75 Youth Combo Hunt and Fish , Class F $ 26.50 $ 26.50 One Day Fishing, Class D $ 16.25 $ 17.25 5 Day Fishing, Class C not available $ 32.00 4 Month Fishing, Class B not available $ 39.75 $ 53.00 $ 63.00 not available $ 48.75 RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT Trout Stamp (validates General Fish, Class A, for taking of trout) $15.75 $ 57.75 Two-Pole Stamp $ 6.00 $ 6.00 $ 8.00 $ 9.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 not available Combo Hunt and Fish, Class K 3 W Super Conservation Fishing, Class L (Class A + Urban + Trout stamp) NE Colorado River Only Fishing, Class E FISHING STAMPS 5 W Additional Fishing Day Stamp NE NON-RESIDENT 1 4 Colorado River Stamp — California Colorado River Stamp — Nevada 6 Lake Powell Stamps and Permits $ 8.00 (UT Lake Powell Stamp) $ 3.00 (AZ Lake Powell Stamp) Notes: 1. The fee for the Class A license issued in November or December, of the year for which the license is valid, is half price: $11.75 for residents; $35.13 for non-residents. N 2. The fee for the Class U license issued in November or December, of the year for which the license is valid, is half price: $9.25 for residents and non-residents. EW 3. For youth less than 21 years of age. Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license fees apply before and throughout the calendar year of their 20th birthday. 4. This new stamp adds an additional, consecutive day to a One Day fishing license. The stamp (or stamps) must be purchased prior to the expiration of the One Day license. 5. Includes actual stamps purchased from license dealers or computer-generated stamp privileges issued by Game and Fish department offices or online. 6. The UT (Utah) Colorado River Stamp (reciprocal permit) validates an Arizona resident fishing license, allowing an Arizona angler to fish all of the Utah portions of Lake Powell. This stamp is available from Utah license dealers. Licenses Available Only at Arizona Game and Fish Offices LIFETIME LICENSES Available only to Arizona residents. License valid for lifetime. Fee schedule varies by license type and age. For more information, visit azgfd.gov and type “lifetime license” in the search box. • General Fishing, Class A – valid all species except trout • General Hunting, Class G • Combo Hunt and Fish, Class F – valid all species • Trout Stamp – validates Class A for taking of trout • Wildlife Benefactor – includes Combo Hunt and Fish privileges  COMPLIMENTARY LICENSES Must meet criteria to qualify for free license that includes Combo Hunt and Fish and Urban Fishing privileges. • Pioneer Person must be 70 years of age or older, plus 25 consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for license. • Disabled Veteran Person must show certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent service connected disabilities rated as 100% disabling, plus one or more consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately preceding application for license. Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) 2007 & 2008 Family and Super Fishing and Combination Licenses The new Family and Super Conservation licenses for 2007 and 2008 are designed to help you maximize your recreational dollar. See the cost-saving breakdowns below to determine what license packages are best for you. Licenses Available Only at Arizona Game and Fish Offices and Online (azgfd.gov) FAMILY LICENSES These are great values for married couples and parents with children under age 18. The first adult pays full license price, a legal spouse receives a 20-percent discount, and license fees are greatly discounted for every child in the immediate family under age 18. Eligibility: Residents only. Licenses may be purchased at any Game and Fish office and online. Family licenses may be issued to members of an immediate family residing in the same household. Immediate family means one adult, or two adults who are married to each other, and their children under age 18, including adoptive children, stepchildren, foster children, and other children for whom they are legal guardians. Family License Class Fishing (Class I) N EW Combo Hunt and Fish (Class K) What It Includes General Fish license (A), and Trout Stamp Combo Hunt and Fish license (F) Primary Adult1 $ 36.25 Legal Spouse $ 29.00 Each Child $ 2.002 Family Of 4 Total Price $ 69.25 (Save $62) $ 54.00 $ 43.20 $ 20.003 $137.20 (Save $24) SUPER CONSERVATION LICENSES These super package deals combine multiple licenses, stamps and tags to create outstanding values for avid anglers and hunters. Eligibilty: Residents and non-residents may purchase Super Conservation Fishing licenses (Class L) at any statewide license dealer, any Game and Fish office, or online. The Super Conservation Hunt and Super Conservation Combination Hunt and Fish licenses are available to residents only, and may only be purchased at Game and Fish offices. Super Conservation License Class What It Includes General Fish license (A), Urban Fishing license (U) and Super Fishing (Class L) Trout Stamp. Good for all waters and all fish species W statewide. NE Super Combination Hunt and Fish All Class L Super Conservation fishing privileges and General Hunt license (Class G), Unit 12 A (North Kaibab) (Class N)4 Habitat stamp, state waterfowl stamp, state migratory W NE bird stamp, over-the-counter archery deer, archery turkey, fall bear and mountain lion tags. Resident $ 53.00 (Save $5) Non-resident $ 63.00 (Save $84) $163.00 (Save $50) not available Notes: 1. A Primary Adult license must be purchased before a spouse or child license can be issued. 2. A Child is defined as at least age 14 during the license year, but under the age of 18 at the time of purchase to be eligible for the same license year. 3. A Child is defined as at least age 10 during the license year, but under the age of 18 at the time of purchase to be eligible for the same license year. 4. Super Combination Hunt and Fish (Class N) licenses are not available online. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations  General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) Special Licenses and Stamps License dealers sell stamps that must be affixed to the back of a valid fishing or combo license and signed. Stamps purchased from Game and Fish department offices, or online, are computer-generated stamp privileges that are printed on the fishing license or are issued on a separate license form. Trout Stamp The department stocks trout in many selected waters throughout the state. The resident or nonresident trout stamp is required to validate the Class A, general fishing license or lifetime license for all persons who take or attempt to take trout. All other license categories (Class B through U) cover all fish species including trout. Two Pole Stamp The $6 two-pole stamp is an optional stamp that validates a valid fishing license for simultaneous fishing that is 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. Additional Fishing Day Stamp The new resident and nonresident additional fishing day stamp(s) can be purchased to extend a Class D One Day license to two or more consecutive fishing days. Colorado River Special Use Stamps and Utah Lake Powell Stamps 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. 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 when fishing from the California, or Nevada, shorelines of these waters. A Utah Lake Powell stamp (reciprocal permit) validates only an Arizona resident fishing license to fish in the Utah portions of Lake Powell. An Arizona Lake Powell stamp validates only a Utah resident fishing license to fish in the Arizona portions of Lake Powell. 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 $4 replacement fee. You will be issued a duplicate license of the same type. Stamps cannot be replaced; they must be repurchased. Statewide Fishing Regulations This synopsis of fishing regulations is prepared for convenience only. The regulations are valid for two years, 2007 and 2008. 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 45-51. 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 to fish with two poles or lines  Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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. 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 or only 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. • Live baitfish may be used only in areas approved for certain species (see page 26). Daily Bag and Possession Limit • The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that may be legally caught and reduced to possession in one day. Once you catch a fish and do not release it, it now counts toward your daily possession limit. This includes any fish you catch and give away to someone else. Daily limits are for 24-hour periods (midnight to midnight). Possession limits are the same as daily limits unless otherwise noted (including waters listed under the Special Regulations). • 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 General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) same species that 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. • 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. Closures to Fishing From time to time the Commission closes an area to fishing. The Commission is very cautious about when to use this tool. Some extremely sensitive areas may be permanently closed to fishing, some areas that have sensitive wildlife nesting seasons may be seasonally closed to fishing and some areas (streams) being actively restored may be temporarily closed to fishing. The Commission uses this tool sparingly. Length Limits 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 unharmed immediately after be- Help Keep The Balance Don’t dump your bait bucket back in the water. Don’t release fish, tadpoles or crayfish into the wild. Because it: • Is unlawful • Spreads diseases and parasites • Upsets predator/ prey balance • Reduces fishing opportunity Unauthorized stocking of fish and aquatic wildlife is illegal! Rewards are available up to $1,000 Report illegal stockings Call toll free 1-800-352-0700 Operation Game Thief ing 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 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 Pinch Pinch tail to mouth the snout to the extreme tip of the tail. point closed 4. Where length limits apply, you must release unharmed all fish not measuring within the legal length limit. Length Transport and Storage of Fish • 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. 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 a valid fishing license or combination hunt and fish 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, properly disposing of the entrails, and quickly storing them in a refrigerator or freezer. 7. I will share my fishing knowledge and skills with others, particularly kids. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations  General Statewide Fishing 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) or Class L (super conservation fish) fishing license. Conversely, an urban fishing license is not valid at state waters. (A.R.S. 17-331) page 46 No Trout Stamp. A trout stamp validates a general or lifetime Class A license for the take of trout. This stamp is required for Class A licensees 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. Trout fishing privileges are already included in all other fish and combination licenses. (A.R.S. 17-331) page 46 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 45 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 45 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;  License Revocation • Fish for that same species of fish with the intent 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 46 Possess Unlawfully Taken Aquatic Wildlife. Any aquatic wildlife 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 46 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 47 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 46 and 50 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. 17309A1, R12-4-316) pages 46 and 50 Littering While Taking Aquatic Wildlife. 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 46 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 47 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 2006 (updated annually): Endangered species (includes fish)............. $8,000 Game fish.............................................................$50 (A.R.S. 17-314) page 46 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 live bait in areas or on waters where fishing is restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures only, or where the use of live bait fish is restricted (page 26). General Limits and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish Open Statewide, Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2008 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 upto-date information including any changes. STATEWIDE DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS See pages 10-25 for site specific Special Regulations. 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 Trout (includes rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook and Apache trout; grayling) DAILY AND POSSESSION BAG LIMITS 6 Any combination 3 Any combination. Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and unlicensed blind residents may take and possess only 3 trout. 6 Any combination 10 6 Unlimited Immediate kill or release 25 Any combination Unlimited Unlimited 1 Unlimited Bass (including largemouth and smallmouth) Striped Bass Walleye Northern Pike Catfish (including channel and flathead) Crappie (white and black) White Amur (grass carp) Roundtail Chub minimum size 13 inches Sunfishes (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) All Other Species (except protected native fish): including, but not Unlimited limited to, white bass, yellow bass, carp, suckers, buffalofish, bullhead, yellow perch and tilapia Protected Native Fish The following native fish are protected statewide and may not be possessed. Beautiful Shiner Bluehead Sucker Bonytail Chub Colorado Pikeminnow Desert Pupfish Flannelmouth Sucker Gila Chub Gila Topminnow Gila Trout Headwater Chub Humpback Chub Little Colorado Sucker Little Colorado Spinedace Loach Minnow Mexican Stoneroller Quitobaquito Pupfish Razorback Sucker Sonora Chub Spikedace Virgin Spinedace Virgin Roundtail Chub Woundfin Yaqui Catfish Yaqui Chub Yaqui Topminnow Zuni Bluehead Sucker If any of these protected native fish are incidentally caught, they must be immediately released unharmed. See fish identification section on pages 29–32. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations  Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish The following bodies of water identified under Special Regulations and Seasons (pages 10–25) have special fishing seasons (R12-4-317), bag and possession limits, size limits or closures that differ from General Statewide Regulations (pages 3–8) 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 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 $18.50 Class U Urban Fishing license (rates are the same whether a resident or non-resident). The Class U license covers all fish species and aquatic wildlife found in the designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Juveniles under the age of 14 do not need a license. The following licenses are also valid: Class D one-day fishing license; Class L super conservation fish license; Class N super conservation combination hunt and fish 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, I or K are not needed nor valid. New Urban Pond Management Concept The Urban Pond management concept was developed in 2005 to provide a quality fishing experience at small fishing waters less than three acres. Four ponds are 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 are stocked just as frequently as Urban Lakes, however, they are 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. Park Signage Attractive, specially designed signs are posted at all waters in the Urban Fishing Program. These distinctive signs and kiosks highlight the fishing license requirements and special bag limit regulations for Urban Lakes and Urban Ponds. Sources of More Information • 2007 or 2008 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 4 2 Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and blind residents 2 1 Catfish Any combination (including channel and flathead) 4 2 Bass minimum size 13 inches 2 1 Sunfishes Any combination (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish) 10 5 White amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches 1 1 Unlimited Unlimited All other species (including, but not limited to, crappie, yellow bass, carp and tilapia) 10 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Tucson Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes 1 Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park 2 Kennedy Park Lake 3 Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park 4 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 Urban Pond Concept ● Designated Urban Fishing Lakes 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 11 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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; barbless hooks only. 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. (Temporarily closed to fishing). 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 Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 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 Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 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 Oct. 1 through March 31. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Note: from April 1 through Sept. 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. (Temporarily closed to fishing). Thompson Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. 12 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 Dec. 31, 2008. • Becker Lake Posted portions are closed to all public entry from Dec. 15 through June 15. • Conklin Creek In Greenlee County, through Dec. 31, 2009. • East Fork Little Colorado River, Upper Upstream of Colter Dam in Apache County through Dec. 31, 2008. • Fish Creek Includes tributaries Double Cienega and Corduroy creeks in Greenlee County, through Dec. 31, 2008, excludes Ackre Lake. • Hayground Creek In Apache County, through Dec. 31, 2008. • 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 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests boundary. • Raspberry Creek In Greenlee County. • Region I headquarters in Pinetop Posted boundary. • Snake Creek In Greenlee County, through Dec. 31, 2008. • Soldier Creek In Apache County. • South Fork Little Colorado River In Apache County from Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. • Stinky Creek In Apache County, from Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. • West Fork of the Black River From the upper Apache trout barrier ¼ 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. Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — White Mountains 1 Ackre Lake 2 Becker Lake 3 Big Lake 4 Black River 5 Burro Creek 6 Carnero Lake 7 Coyote Creek 8 Crescent Lake 9 Fool Hollow Lake 10 Greer Lakes (Tunnel, 18 Nutrioso Creek 19 Rainbow Lake 20 Show Low Lake 21 Silver Creek 22 Stinky Creek 23 Thompson Creek 24 West Fork of the Black River 25 Wildcat Creek 26 Woodland Lake Bunch and River) 11 Hayground Creek 12 Home Creek 13 Lee Valley Lake 14 Little Colorado River 15 Luna Lake 16 Mamie Creek 17 Nelson Reservoir Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only Sept. 1 through March 31 U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 13 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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. Beaver Creek (Wet and Dry) Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. City Reservoir The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass 13 inch minimum size; the limit is 4 channel catfish; the limit is 5 sunfish. 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. Francis Short Pond The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish; the limit is 5 sunfish. 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. 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-andrelease 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. Stone Dam The limit is 2 bass minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish. Verde River and its tributaries Downstream from Granite Creek to Horseshoe Dam Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. West Clear Creek Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited 14 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 Dec. 31, 2008. • 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 Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — North Central 1 Ashurst Lake 2 Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry 3 Cataract Lake 4 City Reservoir 5 Dead Horse State Park 8 Elk Tank 9 Fain Lake 10 Francis Short Pond 11 Goldwater Lake 12 Granite Basin Lake 13 J.D. Dam Lake 14 Kaibab Lake 15 Kinnikinick Lake Lagoons 6 Dogtown Reservoir 7 East Verde River 16 Lake Mary, Lower 17 Lake Mary, Upper 18 Long Lake 19 Lynx Lake 20 Middle Tank 21 Oak Creek 22 Perkins Tank 23 Santa Fe Reservoir 24 Stone Dam 25 Stoneman Lake 26 Verde River 27 West Clear Creek 28 West Fork of Oak Creek 29 White Horse Lake upai Gran a d Can anyon Desert r View Cam a eron Gray a Mtn t . Valle Peach Spri r ngs Nelson Yaampai Seligman Ash For ork 13 14 28 3 4 3 Pine P in 22 6 Sp prings 23 5 Par arks W lliaams Wi 24 Belllemont n 10 27 22 21 29 820 7 19 13 12 Cam amp W od Wo 1 12 Sku k ll Valley Hillside irkland Kirrklan a d Jct. Peeples Val a ley Yaarnell U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 11 10 Mountaina i ir ire 20 21 5 4 24 26 Chino Val a ley Bagdad a 15 16 26 28 Pau a ldden Bri r dgeport r Sedonna Pre rescott t Val a leey 8 9 19 18 1 Can a yon Diab a lo W nslow Wi 14 15 23 25 2 Anggell 17 18 Hap a py Jack Lak ake k Montez t uma m McGuire reville Dewey Cam amp Verde d Humb m oldt aayerr W lho Wi oit 16 17 Mund nds ds Park r Morm rmon Lake age ngs Cornvi rnv nville Winona 25 27 9 Str t awberr rry Pine ord rdes Jct. Cro r wn King 6 7 Bum mble Beee Blackk Can a yon Ciity ock Spri r ngs w River 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 15 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing Notes: • Dude Creek In Gila County. 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Mogollon Rim area except as listed below. Live Baitfish Regulations 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. 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 Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 the limit is 6 trout. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. 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. Catchand-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 Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 the limit is 6 trout. 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. 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 Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 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. Knoll Lake Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 the limit is 6 trout. 16 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Unlimited Harvest: Highlighted areas only Sept. 1 through March 31 Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Mogollon Rim 1 Bear Canyon Lake U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters 2 Black Canyon Lake W Indian Reservation 3 Blue Ridge Reservoir W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting 4 Canyon Creek W Military Range or Proving Ground 5 Chevelon Creek National Wildlife Refuge 6 Chevelon Lake 7 Christopher Creek 8 East Clear Creek 9 East Verde River 10 Green Valley Park Lakes (Urban Fishing Lake) 11 Knoll Lake Winslow 12 Tonto Creek 13 Willow Springs Lake 14 Woods Canyon Lake Joseph City Sun Valley 8 8 3 3 Strawberry 6 6 111 1 Pine 9 9 10 10 Rye Tonto Village Star Valley Payson 1 1 Kohls 12 12 Ranch 7 7 Heber 5 5 14 14 Forest Lakes 13 13 Christopher Creek 4 4 2 2 Overgaard Young Sunflower 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 17 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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. Lake Mead The limit is 20 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; 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. Colorado River Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • 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. • Colorado River (those portions listed below) • 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. • 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. • From 21-Mile Rapids to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. • 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. 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. • From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including 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. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions • 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 spearfishing and bow and arrow during daylight hours. Striped bass may also be taken by spearfishing during daylight hours. 18 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Live Baitfish Regulations 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 or when fishing from the shorelines of those states. A Utah Lake Powell Stamp (reciprocal permit) allows an Arizona resident licensee to fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell. An Arizona Lake Powell Stamp allows a Utah resident licensee to fish the Arizona portion of Lake Powell. See pages 4 and 6. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R12-4-312 on pages 47 and 49.) Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Northwest 1 Bright Angel Creek 2 Colorado River below Davis Dam 3 Lake Havasu (see page 20) 4 Lake Mead 5 Lake Mohave 6 7 8 9 10 Lake Powell Lees Ferry on Colorado River Topock Marsh Virgin River Willow Beach on Colorado River Colorado City 9 9 Moccasin Fredonia 7 7 Kaibab Littlefield Marble Canyon Jacob Lake Supai North Rim Temple Bar 1 1 Grand Canyon Meadview Paria Riffle 21 Mile Rapid Litt iv o R er ad olor le C 4 4 Pearce Ferry 6 6 Page Desert View 10 10 Willow Beach Separation Canyon Dolan Springs Peach Springs Truxton 5 5 Chloride Hackberry Nelson Yampai Valentine Katherine NV Davis Dam 2 2 Bullhead City Oatman CA Yucca 8 8 Golden Shores Wikieup Bagdad Lake Havasu City Parker Dam 3 3 NOTE: For Lake Havasu information, see page 20. U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 19 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing Notes: • Cibola Lake From the first Monday in Sept. (Labor Day) through March 15. 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Colorado River Southwest area except as listed below. • Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam. • Lake Havasu Posted portions. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. • Martinez Lake Posted portions from Oct. 1 through March 1. 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 D.1, page 50). • Spawning Pond Number 1 and Number 2 Located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. Posted. Colorado River See page 26 for details. • 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. Watercraft and Motor Restrictions • 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 Jan. 1 through March 31, and from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. 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. 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. 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. 20 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov • Mittry Lake Posted portion from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15. Live Baitfish Regulations 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 when fishing from the California shorelines of these waters. See pages 4 and 6. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R12-4-312 on pages 47 and 49.) Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Southwest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Alamo Lake Colorado River – Parker Strip Colorado River – Yuma area Fortuna Pond Growler Pond Lake Havasu Martinez Lake Mittry Lake Quigley Pond Redondo Lake Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System 12 Yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System 13 Yuma West Wetlands Pond U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 21 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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. Designated Urban Fishing Program waters See designated urban fishing lake and pond regulations on page 10-11. • 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. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 • Agua Fria River Posted areas immediately below Waddell Dam (Lake Pleasant) • 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 Nov. 15 through Feb. 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 Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Central 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 Apache Lake Bartlett Lake Canyon Lake Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility 5 Horseshoe Lake 6 Lake Pleasant 14 Phoenix Area Urban Fishing Lakes (Valid Roosevelt Lake fishing license required. See page 10.): Saguaro Lake 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 Salt River (lower) Salt River (upper) Salt River Project Canal System 12 Tempe Town Lake 13 Verde River Skull Valley Kirkland Hillside Mayer Wilhoit Kirkland Jct. Cordes Jct. Peeples Valley Crown King Yarnell Congress Bumble Bee Rye Black Canyon City Rock Springs Wickenburg Aguila 5 New River 6 Morristown n Cave Creek Circle City Beardsley Sun City West Surprise Sun City El Mirage Youngtown Peoria Litchfield Park Wintersburg 4 Glendale Tolleson Goodyear Cashion Buckeye Avondale Arlington Palo Verde Liberty 11 11 Tempe 12 12 9 8 Scottsdale 14 14 Guadalupe Laveen Mesa Chandler Ocotillo Mobile Hyder Ak-Chin Claypool Inspiration Miami Superior Boys Ranch Florence Jct Queen Creek Gila Bend Stanfield Francisco Grande Chiuchu Kearney Valley Farms Childs Casa Grande Eleven Mile Corner Arizona City Coolidge Dam Kelvin Coolidge Sentinel 3 Tortilla Flat Olberg Sacaton Agua Caliente 10 10 1 Gilbert Higley Chandler Heights Maricopa 7 Apache Jct Sun Lakes Bapchule Punkin Center Roosevelt Ft. McDowell Fountain Hills Paradise Valley Sunflower 2 13 13 Carefree Wittman Tonopah Young Randolph La Palma Riverside Christmas Hayden Winkelman Dudleyvill Eloy Picacho U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 23 Special Regulations and Seasons — 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 Notes: • Bog Hole Wildlife Area Posted portions 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Southeast area except as listed below. • Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County 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 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) • Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park (city of Tucson) • Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties • 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 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. • Sahuarita Lake (town of Sahuarita) Watercraft and Motor Restrictions Arivaca Lake Catch-and-release only for largemouth bass. Bass must be immediately released unharmed. 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. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Commission Order 40: Fish (continued) Fishing Waters — Southeast 1 Arivaca Lake 2 Cluff Ponds 1 and 3 3 Dankworth Lake 4 Kearny Lake 5 Parker Canyon Lake 6 7 8 9 10 U General Regulation Fishing Waters U Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation Patagonia Lake Pena Blanca Lake Roper Lake Riggs Flat Lake Rose Canyon Lake 11 Tucson Urban Fishing Lakes (Valid fishing license required. See page 10.): Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park 12 Sahuarita Lake (Urban Fishing Lake) W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 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. Dispose of all unwanted baitfish by burying them on land far from the water. 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 48-50. 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 Threadfin shad Red shiner Mosquitofish 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 of the Verde River below the Tuzigoot Bridge, Golden Shiner Sunfishes (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish) Goldfish 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 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, 3 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. 3. Live baitfish species (sunfish, carp and tilapia) may be collected on site only. Fish may not be transported to or from these waters. 26 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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, 3 Tilapia 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. Note: 3 Commission Order 41: Amphibians Statewide as defined in A.R.S. 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. 17-303, 304, or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801-803. OPEN SEASON DATES A. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 NOTES (1,3,6, and 7) OPEN AREAS LEGAL AMPHIBIANS Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All amphibians, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, E, F, G, and H BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Ten (10) per year or in possession of each species live or dead. B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. punctatus (red-spotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi (Couch’s spadefoot), and Spea multiplicata (Mexican spadefoot) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead. C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Eleutherodactylus augusti (barking frog) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Two (2) per year or in possession live or dead. D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1,3,5,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 6 Ambystoma tigrinum (waterdog or tiger salamander) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited live or dead. E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1,2,3, 6 and 7) Statewide, including Havasu, Bill Williams River, Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges (as permitted by refuge regulations; posted areas closed), except areas closed in Note 5 Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frogs) and Bufo marinus (giant toad) That area east of the Colorado River; north of I-8; 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 Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead; F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1,3,6, and 7) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead. G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (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 closures went into effect, 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. (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 Lake. (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 at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. (9) 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. 7. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 27 Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks Statewide as defined in A.R.S. 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 R12-3-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. OPEN SEASON DATES NOTES OPEN AREAS LEGAL CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSKS A. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2008 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Statewide, except areas closed in Note 5 below. All crustaceans and mollusks, except those named in Subsection B BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead, except that area in Note 3. B. There is no open season on any species in the genus Oxyloma (ambersnails), the genus Pyrgulopsis (springsnails; see Note 2 as it applies to the Huachuca springsnail [P. thompsoni]), the genus Tryonia (springsnails), the San Xavier talussnail (Sonorella eremita), the Wet Canyon talussnail (Sonorella macrophallus), 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. 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. 5. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken at any time within the following areas: (1) (2) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. 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. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reservoir. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (9) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. (11) 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. (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. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (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. 6. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife. Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only) CONSULT THE 2007 & 2008 ARIZONA REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF COMMISSION ORDER 43. Statewide as defined in A.R.S. 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. 17-303, 304, or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801-803. OPEN SEASON DATES NOTES OPEN AREAS LEGAL REPTILES D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2007 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2008 (1, 7, 8, and 9) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 8 Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell) BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT: Unlimited dead. 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 R12-4-304 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). 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 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 Lake. 28 (6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. entry from December 15 through June 15. (7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (9) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. (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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. 9. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife. 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 reddish-orange 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. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • 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 amberorange 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) White Amur or 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 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 31 Arizona Fish Identification Other Desert Sucker (native) Buffalofish Tilapia Description: Body sharply bi-colored, olivebrown 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, graygreen 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • 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. Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, Mittry Lake, and Tempe Town Lake. Northern Pike: Upper Lake Mary, Parker Canyon, and Ashurst Lake. 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, Lake Powell 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, Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Tempe Town Lake, and Upper Lake Mary. If you observe a fishing violation, please call Operation Game Thief Call toll free 24 hours a day 1-800-352-0700 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 law-abiding anglers. Their illegal activities affects all citizens of the State of Arizona. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 33 Arizona State Fish Records As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Updated Oct. 19, 2006. INLAND WATERS -- HOOK AND LINE Species Name Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Yellow Bluegill Buffalo, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Black Bullhead, Yellow 3 Carp Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Crappie, Black Crappie, White Grayling, Arctic Mullet Northern Pike Roundtail Chub Sucker, Desert 3 Sucker, Sonora Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid 2 Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Apache 3 Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye White Amur (Trip.) Yellow Perch 16 lb. 7.68 oz 28.0 in. 0 lb. 12.96 oz. 10.25 in. 7 lb. 0.96 oz. 22.75 in. 23 lb. 8.32 oz. 39.25 in. 4 lb. 11.7 oz. 19.5 in. 1 lb. 15.8 oz. 11.25 in. 3 lb. 15.68 oz. 15.75 in. 36 lb. 6.0 oz. 38.5 in. 35 lb. 6.72 oz. 40.5 in. 2 lb. 6.1 oz. 16.5 in. 4 lb. 8.1 oz. 17.75 in. 37 lb. 0.0 oz. 40.0 in. 32 lb. 4.0 oz. 38.75 in. 71 lb. 10.24 oz., 53 in. 4 lb. 10.0 oz. --in. 3 lb. 5.28 oz. 16.75 in. 1 lb. 9.76 oz. 14.65 in. 5 lb. 2.24 oz. 23.75 in. 32 lb. 5.6 oz. 49 in. 3 lb. 14.9 oz. 18.5 in. 2 lb. 10.75 oz. 18.0 in. 5 lb. 6.4 oz. 20.25. in. 1 lb. 9 oz. 11.0 in. 2 lb. 2.22 oz. 12.5 in. 3 lb. 9.0 oz. 14.5 in. 7 lb. 8.8 oz. 20.0 in. 5 lb. 15.5 oz. 24.0 in. 4 lb. 15.2 oz. 20.5 in. 22 lb. 14.5 oz. 36.0 in. 6 lb. 5.0 oz. 22.3 in. 15 lb. 9.12 oz. 32.5 in. 16 lb. 1.76 oz. 31 in. 47 lb. 1.6 oz. 46.5 in. 1 lb. 10.0 oz. 13.5 in. Canyon Lake Upper Verde River Roosevelt Lake Alamo Lake Lake Pleasant Upper Lake Mary Goldwater Lake Roosevelt Lake Canyon Lake Parker Canyon Lake Mormon Lake Bartlett Lake Parker Canyon Lake San Carlos Lake San Carlos Lake Lake Pleasant Lee Valley Lake Fortuna Pond Ashurst Lake Lower Salt River Verde River Canal Park Lake Parker Canyon Lake Patagonia Lake Goldwater Lake, Prescott Saguaro Lake Hurricane Lake 4 Sunrise Lake 4 Reservation Lake 4 Luna Lake Willow Springs Lake Show Low Lake Encanto Park Lake Stoneman Lake Randall E. White, Mesa Eric Woolsey, Cottonwood Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa David Jackson, Phoenix David Amburgey, Peoria Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley Leon Stewart, Payson David Hoenshell, Mesa Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista Patricia Simmon, Phoenix Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix Chuck Berndt, Sierra Vista Adrian Manzanedo, Florence John Shadrick, Mammoth Robert Schnell, Glendale Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff Robert Bayles, Yuma Ronald Needs, Flagstaff Richard L. Walton, Chandler Edith Toney, Mesa Jay Nochta, Phoenix Paul Bennett, Sierra Vista Mikey Alan Porter, Tucson Jay Adkins, Prescott Tim Alan Schoenecker, Gilbert Lyle Hemphill, Lakeside Marshall Gregg, Whiteriver Bryce Sisson, Prescott Eric James Walter, Tucson Harold Wright, Sun City Gregg Munck, Show Low Kevin A. Baylor Jr., Phoenix Art Ellico, Kingman 4/22/97 4/6/06 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 4/24/87 01/05/03 1959 2/22/82 7/10/95 4/24/04 11/5/04 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 9/29/06 11/18/02 7/12/02 3/21/84 INLAND WATERS — CATCH-AND-RELEASE 1 Species Name Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Yellow Bluegill Buffalo, Black Carp Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Crappie, Black Crappie, White Northern Pike Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Apache 28 in. 23 in. 25 in. 18 in. 12 in. 10 in. 41 in. 37 in. 30 in. 53 in. 13 in. 13 in. 18 in. 10 in. 11 in. 17 in. 20 in. Lake Pleasant Roosevelt Lake Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant Canyon Lake Lake Pleasant Apache Lake McKellops Lake Saguaro Lake Roosevelt Lake San Carlos Lake Lake Pleasant Lower Lake Mary Papago Ponds #2 Papago Ponds #2 ASU Research Park Christmas Tree Lake 4 Bill Wilson, Glendale Ginger Wright, Tonto Basin Andy Puckett, Sahuarita Bradley Garraway, Phoenix Jonathan Vickers, Mesa Mark Moore, Glendale Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Ronald Nuss Jr., Mesa Andrew Srejic, Avondale Mary Moore, Glendale Mary Moore, Glendale Robert Followwill, Phoenix Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Warren Hollen, Phoenix Stan Gross, Chandler Cameron Frieh, Phoenix 3/12/05 6/18/06 5/1/05 3/24/05 7/30/05 01/31/06 4/23/03 5/6/06 4/29/03 9/23/06 2/15/05 01/31/06 5/6/06 6/19/04 7/3/04 10/8/03 7/3/06 34 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye White Amur 12 in. 13 in. 22 in. 33 in. 41 in. Big Lake Big Lake Silver Creek Fool Hollow Lake ASU Research Park Peggy Senn, Mesa Jeff Senn, Mesa Jeff Senn, Mesa Gregg Munck, Show Low Stuart Black, Phoenix 7/8/05 7/9/05 3/5/06 6/27/04 9/16/04 INLAND WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE Species Name Size Location Angler Date Buffalo, Bigmouth (archery) Buffalo, Black (archery) Buffalo, Smallmouth (archery) Carp (archery) Mullet (archery) Sonora Sucker (archery) Tilapia (archery) 39 lb. 8.0 oz. 41.5 in. 47 lb. 2.56 oz. 45 in. 38 lb. 8.0 oz. 36.0 in. 35 lb. 3.2 oz. 36.5 in., 9 lb. 1.6 oz. 27.25 in., 4 lb. 15.52 oz. 23.5 in. 7 lb. 15 oz. 20.25 in., Saguaro Lake Apache Lake Canyon Lake Saguaro Lake Salinity Canal Lower Salt River Saguaro Lake Michael T. Young, Mesa Bryan Darnell, Dewey David Heater, Chandler Ronald Nuss Jr., Gilbert Daniel S. Day, Yuma Ronald Nuss, Jr., Mesa Michael T. Young, Mesa 3/28/90 3/19/05 6/10/97 5/9/06 5/2/04 4/28/97 4/26/04 COLORADO RIVER WATERS — HOOK AND LINE Species Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bluegill Bullhead, Yellow Carp Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Crappie, Black Mullet Pacific Tenpounder Sucker, Razorback 2, 5 Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye Warmouth 16 lb. 14.0 oz. 28.25 in. 5 lb. 2.72 oz. 21.5 in. 67 lb. 1.0 oz. 47.5 in. 5 lb. 5.0 oz. 19.6 in. 2 lb. 11.5 oz. 11.75 in. 2 lb. 8.8 oz. 15.5 in. 42 lb. 0.0 oz. 43.0 in. 35 lb. 4.0 oz. 38.0 in. 74 lb. 0.0 oz. 51.5 in. 2 lb. 12.0 oz 16.0 in. 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 25.5 in. 12.6 oz. 15.75 in. 9 lb. 13.0 oz. 29.0 in. 1 lb. 5.28 oz. 11.5 in. 3 lb. 1.28 oz. 16.0 in. 3 lb. 9.6 oz. 16 in. 6 lb. 2.72 oz. 19 in. 5 lb. 4.0 oz. 19.0 in. 17 lb. 0.0 oz. 32.0 in. 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 30.5 in. 21 lb. 5.5 oz. --in. 8 lb. 1.0 oz. 29.0 in. 12.0 oz. 10.0 in. Colorado River, Yuma Colorado River, Parker Colorado River, Willow Beach Imperial Reservoir Bradley Bay, Lake Mead Colo. R. near Bullhead City Lake Havasu Topock Marsh CO River - Laguna Dam Havasu Springs, Lake Havasu Colo. River/Gila R. confluence Near Pilot Knob Co. River, Lake Havasu Lake Havasu Colorado River, Parker Lake Havasu Colorado River, Parker Lee’s Ferry Last Chance Bay, Lake Powell South of Davis Dam Willow Beach Lake Powell Senator Lake Dale Uden, Yuma Gene Albers, Fontana, CA Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA Ben Mellott, Kingman Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa Gary Ramsfield, L. Havasu City Wando L. Tull, Barstow, CA Walter Wilson, Bard, CA Julie Grammer, Makanda, IL Buddy E. Fike, Glendale Charles Reel, Jr., Yuma Freeman Summers, Lk Havasu City Jose Orozco, Poston Rob Woodford, Bullhead City Kyle R. Thomas, Lake Havasu City A. Clark Wellard, Pocatello, ID Moe Beck, Glendale Chuck Holland, Phoenix Jeff Vincent, Mohave Mesa John Reid, Las Vegas, NV Bud Clifford, Phoenix Patrick Ferguson, Yuma 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 3/76 6/13/81 1/23/78 7/16/97 10/12/00 5/23/05 1/27/06 3/6/82 5/1/71 8/79 9/66 5/77 3/74 COLORADO RIVER WATERS — CATCH-AND-RELEASE 1 Species Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped 28 in. 22 in. 31 in. Lower Colorado River Lake Havasu Lake Powell David Percell, Bullhead City Jeffrey Dean, Lake Havasu City Bradley Garraway, Phoenix 2/17/04 2/12/05 3/29/05 COLORADO RIVER WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE Species Size Location Angler Date Carp (archery) Mullet (archery) Tilapia (archery) 23 lb. 4.0 oz. 37.5 in. 3 lb. 13.0 oz. 21.0 in. 7 lb. 11.0 oz. 19.38 in. Colorado River, (Imperial Dam) Colorado River, Yuma Colorado River, (Imperial Dam) Gil Blum, Wittmann Dell Owens, Phoenix Kenny Marler, Yuma 2/4/95 5/19/91 9/21/96 Notes Records are based upon weight recorded on statecertified (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. Based on length only and rounded down to nearest inch. New entries must exceed existing entry by at least 1 inch. 2. Larger than current all-tackle world record listed by the International Game Fish Assn. and the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. 3. World record for all tackle as verified by the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. 4. Fort Apache Indian Reservation. 5. Species now protected, may not be taken. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 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:_ ___________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________________________ (check applicable box) State Record Statewide Fish-of-the-Year Urban Fish-of-the-Year Species:________________________and/or_ ____________________________ Requirements For Reporting Address:_ ________________________________________________________ _ ______________________________________________________________ Common Name Scientific Name Date Caught:_ _____________________________________________________ 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 or Certification Date:___________________________________ 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:_________________________________________________________ Kept Catch and Release       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. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Fish Weighing Scales Now at a Location Near You The Arizona Game and Fish Department has placed 26 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. University Ave. Mesa, AZ 85207 (480) 981-9400 Hours Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 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 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 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 The Butcher Hook Gas Station Highway 188 (mp 259) Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 (928) 479-2714 Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m. Sat-Sun 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Roosevelt Lake Marina Store Highway 188 Roosevelt, AZ 85545 (928) 467-2245 Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. 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 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 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 Tucson Area 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 Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Sierra Vista KH Outdoors 430 N. 7th St. Sierra Vista, AZ (520) 459-8095 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Yuma Area 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: 120 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 Sportsmen’s Hide-A-Way 1645 S. Engler Ave. Yuma, AZ Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Lake Havasu Angler’s Pro Shop 362 London Bridge Rd., Suite 1 Lake Havasu, AZ Hours: Mon–Sat 6:00 a.m.–6:p.m., Sunday 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Scale Capacity: 30 pounds 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 Big Lake Store (928) 521-1387 Hours: Summer 6:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m.; Spring/Fall 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.; Closed Winter Lone Eagle Outdoors 1898 Highway 260 Heber, AZ 85928 (928) 535-4323 Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. everyday except Wednesdays Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Parker June’s Unique 809 Kofa Parker, AZ Hours: Mon–Sun All hours Ring Bell if Closed 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 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. 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? • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs or life jackets): 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: Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 942-3000 or visit our Web site at azgfd.gov 38 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Motor Restrictions: Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor on: Ackre Lake Lee Valley Lake Arivaca Lake Lynx Lake Bear Canyon Lake McKellips Park Lake Black Canyon Lake Pena Blanca Lake Bunch Reservoir Pratt Lake Carnero Lake Quigley Lake Chaparral Park Lake Redondo Lake Cluff Ponds Riggs Flat Lake Coconino Reservoir Roper Lake Coors Lake Santa Fe Lake Dankworth Pond Scott’s Reservoir Dogtown Reservoir Sierra Blanca Lake Fortuna Lake Soldier Lake Goldwater Lake Stehr Lake Granite Basin Lake Stoneman Lake Horsethief Basin Lake Tunnel Reservoir Hulsey Lake Whitehorse Lake J.D. Dam Lake Woodland Reservoir Knoll Lake Woods Canyon Lake Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 horsepower on: Ashurst Lake Little Mormon Lake Becker Lake Luna Lake Big Lake Mexican Hay Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir Nelson Reservoir Cataract Lake Parker Canyon Lake Chevelon Lake Rainbow Lake Cholla Lake Hot Pond River Reservoir Concho Lake Show Low Lake Crescent Lake Whipple Lake Fool Hollow Lake White Mountain Lake Kaibab Lake Kinnikinick Lake Willow Springs Lake No powerboats allowed on: Frye Mesa Reservoir Rose Canyon Lake Snow Flat Lake (AGFD R12-4-517 (A)(B)(C)) 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. • Wash your boat with hot tap water after boating on known zebra mussel infested waters. 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. 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 native to Arizona. 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 Remove crayfish at every opportunity. 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). 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 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 39 Fish, Fishing and Your Health 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 Department of Environmental Quality, we search for areas where there may be concern for mercury or pesticides in fish to advise the public. Based on advisories from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Department of Environmental Quality, anglers are advised to limit the consumption of some kinds of fish and aquatic wildlife from the following waters. Check azgfd.gov for updates on consumption advisories. Site Specific Fish Consumption Advisories LOCATION Alamo Lake, Mohave and LaPaz Counties CONCERN Mercury FISH Largemouth bass and Crappie Channel catfish WHO IS BEING ADVISED Children under the age of six Women of child-bearing age All other adult women Adult men Children under the age of six Women of child-bearing age All other adult women Adult men Arivaca Lake, Pima County Mercury Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Coors Lake, Yavapai County Mercury Largemouth bass Bluegill and Crappie Dysart Drain Canal drains to the Aqua Fria River on the west side of Phoenix metro area, DDT Maricopa County Gila River from its confluence with the Salt River down to and including Painted Rocks DDT Borrow Pit Lake, Maricopa County Hassayampa River from Buckeye Canal down to its confluence with the Gila River, lower four DDT miles, Maricopa County Lake Mary Upper and Lower, Coconino County Mercury CONSUMPTION ADVICE Do not consume fish One 8-ounce meal per month Three 8-ounce meals per month Four 8-ounce meals per month Do not consume fish One 8-ounce meal per month Five 8-ounce meals per month Six 8-ounce meals per month Children under the age of six Do not consume fish Women of child-bearing age One 8-ounce meal per month All other adult women Three 8-ounce meals per month Adult men Four 8-ounce meals per month There are no limits on consumption Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Do not consume Walleye Limit consumption of other fish to one 8-ounce meal per month Yellow perch and trout stocked into these waters are not included in this advisory Long Lake, Coconino County Mercury Lyman Lake, Apache County Mercury Painted Rocks Borrow Pit Lake, Maricopa County DDT Parker Canyon Lake, Cochise County Mercury Do not consume fish. Trout in Long Lake are not included in this advisory Children under the age of 6 Do not consume fish Women of childbearing age and children under the age 16 One meal per month Adult women not in above category and adult men (16 years and older) Five meals per month Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children under the age of 16 Do not consume fish Adult women not in above categories and adult men (16 years old or older) Three meals per month Trout are not included in this advisory Peña Blanca Lake, Santa Cruz County Mercury Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Trout are not included in this advisory Salt River from 59th Avenue in Phoenix down to its confluence with the Gila River, Maricopa County DDT Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Soldiers Annex, Coconino County Mercury Do not consume fish Soldiers Lake, Coconino County Mercury Do not consume fish 40 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Health and Environmental Information Monofilament Recovery Program Lead and Fishing 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. 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: 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! 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. • 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. • While enjoying Arizona’s outdoors, take the initiative and pick-up discarded monofilament and deposit the litter into the nearest recycling bin. • 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. • Consider using alternatives to lead (steel, bismuth, tungsten, resin, or glass weights). Avoid using zinc sinkers, they are toxic to waterfowl. Your physician can give you more information about lead. You can also contact the Arizona Office of Environmental Health at (602) 542-1025. 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. Look for monofilament recovery bins like these at your local license dealers, tackle shops, boat ramps, and recreation areas throughout Arizona. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 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 breeding areas along Arizona’s rivers and lakes during six months of the year. The closures prevent entry and deters human activity 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 Alamo Lake – A portion of upper Alamo Lake may be closed to boats from Jan. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region IV, Yuma, (928) 342-0091. Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant – No vehicle or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, (928) 501-1710. Verde River • Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is closed to foot and vehicle traffic from Dec. 1 to June 15. Boating through is allowed. Contact Coconino National Forest, Sedona Ranger District, (928) 282-4119. • Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Boating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121. • Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend, allows boats to float through but there is no stopping in the river or landing allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300. • Verde River below Horseshoe Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the river from Dec. 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. • Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Boating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480)595-3300. • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east side of the river from Dec. 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) 595-3300. Tonto Creek Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to vehicle or foot entry or floating through allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District (928) 467-3200. Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1000 feet of the nest on land, and to boats within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District (928) 467-3200. Salt River • Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows boats to float through, but there is no landing or stopping in the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, (928) 402-6200. • Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 42 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 1000 feet of the nest on land, and to boats within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District (928) 467-3200. • Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam, is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300. Becker Lake 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 Feb. 1 through June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region I, Pinetop, (928) 367-4281. Luna Lake Luna Lake – There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on the north side from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact Apache National Forest, Alpine Ranger District, (928) 339-4384. Lynx Lake Lynx Lake – There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on the east side of the lake from Dec. 1 to June 30. A portion of the shoreline is also buoyed off restricting boat entry. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000. Lower Lake Mary Lower Lake Mary – There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on a portion of the north side of the lake from Jan. 1 to Aug. 30. Contact the Coconino National Forest, Mormon Lake Ranger District, (928) 774-1147. Young anglers can share pictures and stories Young anglers can now share the pictures and stories with other junior anglers around the world. The International Game and Fish Association (IGFA) has a “Kids Catches” photo page just for young anglers who want to share their fishing pictures and stories with the rest of the junior anglers around the world. The photos don’t have to be of a world record fish, just clear and sharp with a short piece of information on the youngster and his or her catch. The IGFA will pick some favorite pictures for the Web page and some of them will also be included in upcoming issues of the International Junior Angler.  To see what’s already been posted of some kids and their catches please go to www.igfa.org/kidscatches.asp. If you have a photo you’d like to submit simply e-mail your pictures and stories to Peter Gaube at pgaube@ igfa.org in the junior angler department. 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. • 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. • 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. Arizona’s Free Fishing Day Saturday, June 9, 2007 and June 14, 2008 Take your parents fishing Saturday, June 9, 2007 and June 14, 2008 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 9, 2007 and June 14, 2008. For additional information about Free Fishing Day in Arizona, see R12-4-311 on page 49 of these regulations. 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. 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. www.kids-fishing.com Kids All-American Fishing (KAAF) was created to introduce as many young people as possible to the recreation of fishing. This Web site provides information on how to participate in Kids All-American Fishing programs or even how to bring a KAAF event to your community. 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. www.boatingsidekicks.com Boating Safety Sidekicks is an interactive Web site designed for kids to learn more about boating and fishing. It is very interactive with lots of cool games, graphics and sounds. Department Sportfishing Education instructors teach introductory fishing skills to people of all ages. Each year over 14,000 people participated in clinics statewide. Fishing rods and reels, bait, tackle, and educational materials are supplied at no charge. Take the pledge to take someone fishing You likely remember your very first fishing trip and who took you. And odds are pretty good that it was that experience that’s directly responsible for why you’re still fishing today. That’s what “Anglers’ Legacy” is all about — simply giving back what you’ve been given, and making your promise to introduce somebody new to the activity that you love. Join thousands of your peers and make a real difference. So, take someone fishing — a family member, co-worker, neighbor, acquaintance at church or, perhaps, the mechanic who works on your car. Become part of Anglers’ Legacy today, the group of folks from all across the country who, like you, are giving back. There’s no membership fee and no obligation. You’re just making a promise to do your part to share your knowledge and expertise with someone new. Take the Anglers’ Legacy pledge today at www.anglerslegacy.com. For information about fishing clinics, call: Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 W. Greenway Road Phoenix, AZ 85023 (602) 789-3235 Or visit our Web site at azgfd.gov 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 43 Arizona's Cycle of Success Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration Programs It starts with you! Anglers, Boaters, Hunters & Shooters Benefits to Users • Improved Boating, Fishing, Hunting and Shooting Opportunities • Protection and Enhancement of Important Fish and Wildlife Habitat • Increased Opportunity for Other Types of Wildlife-associated Recreation Purchases of Equipment and Boat Fuel • Excise Taxes on Fishing, Shooting and Hunting Equipment • Motorboat and Small Engine Fuels Taxes • Import Duties • Interest on Deposits Projects Sport Fish & Wildlife Restoration Trust Funds • Restoration of Fish and Wildlife Species and Habitat • Boating and Fishing Access • Land Acquisition • Habitat Management • Facilities Construction • Operation and Maintenance • Strategic Planning • Research • Shooting Ranges • Surveys and Inventory • Hunter/Aquatic Education U.S. Dept. of the Treasury U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Federal Aid Federal Aid money distributed to the Arizona Game and Fish Department according to license sales and land and water area Anglers and Boaters... Feel free to pat yourselves on the back. Your angling and motorboat fuel purchases generated more than $5.5 million for Arizona’s fisheries resources in 2006. Thanks to anglers and boaters like you—and the Sportfish Restoration Program— fishing related recreation in Arizona is better than ever. 44 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws A.R.S. 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, 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. ing ducks, geese and swans; sandhill cranes; all coots, all gallinules, common snipe, wild doves and bandtail pigeons. 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. 11. Nongame birds are all birds except upland game birds and migratory game birds. 19. “Taxidermist” means any person who engages for hire in the mounting, refurbishing, maintaining, restoring or preserving of any display specimen. 12. 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. 20. “Traps” or “trapping” means taking wildlife in any manner except with a gun or other implement in hand. 13. 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. 21. “Wild” means, in reference to mammals and birds, those species which are normally found in a state of nature. 14. Nongame fish are all the species of fish except game fish. 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, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), mountain lion, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit. 3. Big game are wild turkey, deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo), peccary (javelina), bear and mountain lion. 4. “Trophy” means: (a) A mule deer buck with at least four points on one antler, not including the eye-guard point. (b) A whitetail deer buck with at least three points on one antler, not including the eye-guard point. 15. Trout means all species of the family salmonidae, including grayling. A.R.S. 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. (c) A bull elk with at least six points on one antler, including the eye-guard point and the brow tine point. (law not cited in entirety) (d) A pronghorn (antelope) buck with at least one horn exceeding or equal to fourteen inches in total length. Taking or driving wildlife (e) Any bighorn sheep. (f) Any bison (buffalo). 5. Small game are cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds and migratory game birds. 6. Fur-bearing animals are muskrats, raccoons, otters, weasels, bobcats, beavers, badgers and ringtail cats. 7. Predatory animals are foxes, skunks, coyotes and bobcats. 8. Nongame animals are all wildlife except game mammals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals and aquatic wildlife. 9. Upland game birds are quail, partridge, grouse and pheasants. A.R.S. 17-303 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. A.R.S. 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 10. Migratory game birds are wild waterfowl, includ- 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 45 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the following criteria: 9. Litter hunting and fishing areas while taking wildlife. 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. 10. Possess while hunting any contrivance designed to silence, muffle or minimize the report of a firearm. 2. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or “no fishing” either as a single phrase or in any combination. 11. Take wildlife during the closed season. 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 one-quarter mile along the property boundary, except that a post with one hundred square inches or more of orange paint may serve as 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 above ground surface of the post facing outward and on both lateral sides from the closed area. 13. Take wildlife with an unlawful device. 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. A.R.S. 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. A.R.S. 17-309 Violations; Classifications A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to: 1. Violate any provision of this title or any rule adopted pursuant to 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. 46 12. Take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that wildlife. 14. Take wildlife by an unlawful method. A.R.S. 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: 15. Take wildlife in excess of the bag limit. 1. For each turkey or javelina $500.00 16. Possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit. 2. For each bear, mountain lion, antelope or deer, other than trophy $1,500.00 17. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of 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. 5. Takes or possesses wildlife while under permanent revocation under section 17-340, subsection B. 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 3. For each elk or eagle, other than trophy or endangered species $2,500.00 4. For each predatory, fur-bearing or nongame animal $ 250.00 5. For each small game or aquatic wildlife animal $ 50.00 6. For each trophy or endangered species animal $8,000.00 B. No verdict or judgment recovered by the state in such action shall be for less than the sum fixed in this section. The minimum sum that the commission may seek to recover as damages from a person pursuant to this section may be doubled for a second verdict or judgment and tripled for a third verdict or judgment. 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 monies recovered pursuant to this section shall be placed in the wildlife theft prevention fund.. A.R.S. 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 25-518 and without further action: Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws 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. A.R.S. 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) A.R.S. 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. 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. A.R.S. 17-340 Revocation, suspension and denial of right to obtain license; notice; violation; classification A. Upon conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent juvenile as defined in section 8-201 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 or possess wildlife for a period of not to exceed five years for: 1. Unlawful taking, unlawful selling, unlawful offering for sale, unlawful bartering 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. 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. 7. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph 1 involving any unlawful use of aircraft to take, assist in taking, harass, chase, drive, locate or assist in locating wildlife. B. On conviction or after adjudication as a delinquent juvenile and in addition to any other penalties prescribed by this title: 1. For a first conviction or a first adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny a person’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to five years. 2. For a second conviction or a second adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny a person’s privilege to take wildlife for a period of up to ten years. 3. For a third conviction or a third adjudication as a delinquent juvenile, for unlawfully taking or wounding wildlife at any time or place, the commission, after a public hearing, may revoke, suspend or deny a person’s privilege to take wildlife permanently. C. In accordance with title 41, chapter 6, article 10 and 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. D. 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. E. 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. A.R.S. 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. A.R.S. 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. F. 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. G. 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.. 5. Knowingly allowing another person to use the 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 47 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 of those organisms, 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 an 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 that does not exceed 36 inches on a side or in diameter and is retrieved by means of a hand-held line. 5. “Hunt area” means a game management unit, portion of a 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 license holder by the Department, as prescribed in R12-4-111. 10. “License dealer” means a business authorized to sell hunting, fishing, and other licenses under 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 under R12-4-317. 12. “Management unit” means an area established by the Commission for management purposes. 13. “Minnow trap” means a trap with dimensions that do not exceed 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 48 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 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 does not assign a hunt number and the number of tags is not limited. 17. “Restricted nonpermit-tag” means a tag issued for a supplemental hunt under R12-4-115. 18. “Simultaneous fishing” means taking fish by using two lines and not more than two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line. 19. “Sink box” means a low floating device with a depression that affords a hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water. 20. “Stamp” means a form of authorization in addition to a license that allows the license holder to take wildlife specified by the stamp. The Department shall issue a stamp by one of the following methods: a. Print the name of the stamp on the applicable license; b. Print the name of the stamp on a separate license form that the license holder shall attach to or carry with the applicable license; or c. Provide an actual stamp with an adhesive backing that the license holder shall affix to the back of the applicable license and signs across the face of the stamp. 21. “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. 22. “Waterdog” means the larval or metamorphosing stage of salamanders. 23. “Wildlife area” means an area established under 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 8. R12-4-117 Indian Reservations A state license, tag, or permit is not 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 if 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(E)(4). Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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, separated portion of a tag under R12-4-302, 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. I. 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. K. An individual may import into this state the carcasses or parts of aquatic wildlife that have been lawfully taken in another state or country if accompanied by evidence of legality, and if transported and exported in accordance with the laws of the state or country of origin. L. 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. M. 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) 12-4-308 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. Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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 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: 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. 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 1. A completed application form obtained from the Department that contains: 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. a. The name, address, and telephone number of the agency, department, or nonprofit organization requesting the permit; B. An individual may take terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans from private property without a fishing license. b. The name, position title, and telephone 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 exempted 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 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 49 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing to those contained in A.R.S. §§ 17-342, 17-343, and 17-344. R12-4-313 Lawful Methods of Taking Aquatic Wildlife 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 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 handheld, non-motorized implement that does not discharge a projectile, unless otherwise 50 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 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • azgfd.gov 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 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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: Unlawful Acts A. An individual shall not perform any of the following activities with live wildlife unless authorized by this Chapter or A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 16: 1. Import any live wildlife into the state; 2. Export any live wildlife from the state; 3. Transport, possess, offer for sale, sell, sell as live bait, trade, give away, purchase, rent, lease, display, exhibit, propagate, stock, or release live wildlife within the state; or 4. Kill any captive live wildlife; B. If an individual lawfully possesses wildlife, but holds it in a manner that poses an actual or potential threat to other wildlife, or the safety, health, or welfare of the public, the Department shall seize, quarantine, or hold the wildlife. R12-4-404 Possession of Live Wildlife Taken Under an Arizona Hunting or Fishing License A. An individual may take wildlife from the wild alive under a valid Arizona hunting or fishing license only if there is a Commission Order that prescribes a live bag and possession limit for that wildlife and the individual possesses the appropriate license. An individual may possess, transport, place on educational display, photograph, propagate, or kill for personal use any wildlife taken under an Arizona hunting or fishing license, except that live baitfish may be possessed and transported only in accordance with R12-4-316. An individual shall dispose of any wildlife taken under an Arizona hunting or fishing license as prescribed by subsection (B). B. An individual who possesses wildlife or offspring of wildlife under this Section shall only dispose of the wildlife or its offspring by giving it as a gift, exporting it to another state or jurisdiction, or as directed in writing by the Department. An individual shall not dispose of wildlife taken as prescribed by this Section or offspring of the wildlife by selling, bartering, trading, or exporting it for commercial purposes. Exported live wildlife and its offspring shall not be sold, bartered, purchased, rented, leased, offered for sale, or used for any commercial purpose. An individual shall not export live desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) from the state without written authorization from the Department. The Department shall only authorize an individual to export live desert tortoises to another jurisdiction where they can be legally possessed. An individual may release live wildlife possessed under this Section into the wild, but only if the wildlife is not removed from the area where it was taken. C. An individual shall not exceed the possession limit of live wildlife established by Commission Order for that species. Offspring of wildlife possessed under this Section count towards the possession limit. If any offspring of amphibians or reptiles exceed the possession limit, they may be held in captivity for 12 months from the date of birth or hatching. Before or on the day the offspring of reptiles and amphibians reach 12 months of age, the individual that possesses them shall dispose of them by giving them as gifts or as directed by the Department. D. An individual may propagate desert tortoises possessed under R12-4-407(A)(1), and may hold offspring in captivity for 24 months from the date of hatching. An individual shall dispose of desert tortoises at the end of the 24 months by giving them as gifts or as directed in writing by the Department. E. An individual who possesses live wildlife or offspring of wildlife under this Section shall report the wildlife to the Department as prescribed under R12-4-425 if the wildlife becomes restricted under R12-4-406. R12-4-801 General Provisions 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 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 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 motor-operated vehicle over the countryside except by road. H. Effective May 1, 2000. 3. Enhance wildlife and habitat conservation. 2007 & 2008 Arizona Fishing Regulations 51