Arizona Game and Fish Department 2009 & 2010 Fishing Regulations www.azgfd.gov KIDS DON’T REMEMBER THEIR BEST DAY OF WATCHING TELEVISION. Pages09.Trim.indd 6 11/6/08 1:27:08 PM Table of Contents Regulation Changes.............................................................2 Janet Napolitano Governor GAME AND FISH COMMISSION WILLIAM H. MCLEAN, Chair Gold Canyon BOB HERNBRODE Tucson JENNIFER L. MARTIN Phoenix ROBERT R. WOODHOUSE Roll NORMAN W. FREEMAN Chino Valley Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086 (602) 942-3000 www.azgfd.gov Larry d. voyles Director REGIONAL OFFICES Region I 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935 (928) 367-4281 Region II 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86001 (928) 774-5045 Region III 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 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 offhighway 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, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (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. ©2008 Arizona Game and Fish Department Cover photo: www.takemefishing.org Resource Contact Information...........................................3 How to Use This Booklet and License Information.........4 General Statewide Bag Limits............................................5 License and Stamp Fees.....................................................6 General Statewide Regulations: Commission Order 40..........................................8 Invasive Species Information...........................................11 Special Regulations and Seasons: Commission Order 40............................................... 12 White Mountains........................................................12 North Central..............................................................14 Mogollon Rim.............................................................16 Colorado River Northwest........................................18 Colorado River Southwest........................................20 Central.........................................................................22 Southeast.....................................................................24 Urban Fishing Program Waters................................26 Live Baitfish........................................................................28 Fish Identification..............................................................29 Where to Fish.....................................................................33 State Fish Records..............................................................34 More Fishing Information Arizona Record Fish Entry Form..............................36 Fish Weighing Scale Locations.................................37 Watercraft Regulations..............................................38 Quagga Mussels and Crayfish..................................39 Fish Consumption Advisories.................................. 40 Angler Access Restrictions....................................... 42 Youth Fishing............................................................. 43 Amphibian Regulations.................................................... 45 Crustacean and Mollusks Regulations........................... 46 Reptile Regulations........................................................... 46 Arizona Revised Statues....................................................47 Commission Rules.............................................................50 Accessible Fishing Opportunities.....................................54 Special Regulation Waters Index.....................................55 Index....................................................................................56 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 1 Regulation Changes Creek will be open to catch-and-release fishing for roundtail chub (historically called the Verde trout) beginning Oct 3, 2009 through April 30, 2010. The remainder of the year, this middle reach segment is closed to all fishing. The upper and lower reach segments remain closed to fishing all year round. See page 14 for fishing reach segment descriptions. • Note: All regulation changes take effect Jan. 1, 2009. • New protected slot limits for bass take affect at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache Lakes. The limit is 6 bass in possession (any combination of largemouth and smallmouth); of which no more than 1 may be between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit). See note to bass anglers below and refer to page 22. • Take of one bass in the slot at Roosevelt Lake. The limit is 6 bass in possession (any combination of largemouth and smallmouth); of which no more than 1 may be between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit). See page 22. • No bag limits for bass (all species) and catfish (all species) at the following Mogollon Rim area waters: Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir), Knoll Lake, and Long Tom Lake. See page 16. Note: These waters are managed exclusively for trout fishing. (The illegal introduction of bass and catfish in these lakes threatens trout populations, native fish species downstream, and increases the risk of transferring fish diseases and aquatic invasive species into the drainage area.) • Establish a catch-and-release only, artificial fly and lureonly, single barbless hook, 7-month fishing season for roundtail chub, a native sportfish, on Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley. A 4.5 mile middle reach segment of Fossil Visitors Welcome At Fish Hatcheries Did you know Arizona has six state fish hatcheries? They are the perfect destination for anyone seeking new adventure. Grab your family and friends and drop by to see trout of all sizes being raised, feed some of our lunkers, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Our hatcheries are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week except major holidays. Call us at (623) 236-7257 or visit www. azgfd.gov for locations and more details. 2 • Extend the fishing closures on Apache trout recovery waters in the White Mountains that include: Bear Wallow Creek, Snake Creek, Fish Creek (including tributaries Double Cienega and Corduroy creeks but excluding Ackre Lake), upper East Fork Little Colorado River, Hayground Creek, Conklin Creek, South Fork Little Colorado River, and Stinky Creek. See pages 12–13. Note: The closures will remain in effect for each stream until population criteria are met for recovering native Apache trout. The Commission will be provided a status update every two years. • Reduce the bag and possession limit for trout from 6 to 4 at Woodland Lake, in Pinetop. Note: This also means that limits for unlicensed youth under age 14 and unlicensed blind residents are now 2 trout per day. See page 12. • Allow harvest of striped bass at Lake Pleasant by means of spear fishing. Note: An individual may not practice spear fishing within 200 yards of any boat dock or designated swimming area. See page 22. Attention Bass Anglers Protected Slot Limits at Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, Roosevelt and Alamo Lakes A uniform protected slot limit now exists for five waters starting in 2009. The daily bag and possession limit is 6 bass (any combination of largemouth and smallmouth) of which no more than 1 bass may be between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit). This bass slot limit restricts the harvest of bass to 1 fish between the 13 to 16 inch slot range, but allows up to 6 bass total to be kept. For Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov example, an angler may keep one 14-inch bass (in the slot), and 5 bass that are 13.0 inches and under and/or 16.0 inches and over. Protected slot limit regulations for bass are new at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache Lakes, and were modified at Roosevelt Lake (since one bass in the slot may now be kept). This same protected slot limit and bag limit for bass was already in place at Alamo Lake. Resource Agency Directory For the Weekly Fishing Report on the Web............................................................www.azgfd.gov or call.....................................................................(623) 236-7701 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 on the Web..........................................http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ or call toll-free..................................................... (877) 864-6985 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests..............................(928) 333-4301 Coconino National Forest.................................................(928) 527-3600 Coronado National Forest............................................... (520) 388-8300 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.................................................(928) 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) 339-4288 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) 293-8990 Glen Canyon (Lake Powell, Lees Ferry) on the Web..................................................... www.nps.gov/glca/ or call.................................................................... (928) 608-6404 Lake Pleasant — Maricopa County Parks.......................(928) 501-1710 Online Fishing Information www.azgfd.gov/fishing • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Weekly Fishing Reports What’s biting and where Where To Fish — Interactive Fishing Map Fishing Blog Interactive fish talk Fishing Pictures Submit your photos for posting on our Web site Statewide Trout Stocking Schedule Seasonal trout stocking schedules are posted showing the week of stocking for over 60 waters Lake Levels and River Flow Get weekly updates on lake levels and river flows for over 20 locations Urban Fishing Program Stocking Schedule Weekly fish stocking schedules for the 21 Urban waters are posted Urban Fishing Regulations Review or download current Urban Fishing Program regulations and lake information Urban Fishing Lake Maps Hot Topics Quagga Mussels, Golden Alga eNEWS Free online subscription to Fishing Reports, Urban Fishing Bulletin AZ Sportfish Species Click on pictures of over 25 sport fish Arizona State Fish Records Listing of the all-time biggest fish caught or released in Arizona Big Fish-of-the-Year Records Fishing Clinics Find out about nearby open clinics or sign up to have an instructor teach your group 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 protect our fisheries by cleaning and drying all my equipment after use. 3. I will not transfer live fish or illegally dump them in another water. 4. I will buy and carry a valid fishing license or combination hunt and fish license if I am 14 years old or older. 5. 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). 6. I will keep only those fish that I plan to eat. I will carefully release all other fish right away. 7. 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. 8. I will share my fishing knowledge and skills with others, particularly kids. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 3 How To Use This Booklet License Information This booklet contains the information you need to legally fish in Arizona. Please consult regulations carefully before fishing. Regulations differ on many bodies of water, so be sure to follow the steps below before you go fishing: 1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the information on General Statewide Regulations (pages 5, 8–10) concerning the requirements for licenses, stamps, bag and possession limits, gear and bait restrictions, harvest methods and common violations. 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. 2. Review the General Sport Fishing Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (page 5) 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 public fishing area of interest. Note: Urban Fishing Program waters are listed separately on pages 26-27. Indian Reservation p.18 p.14 p.16 p.12 Indian Reservation • 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 45– 46 for regulations on open and closed areas, methods of take, seasons, and bag and possession limits. • Licenses expire on the date printed or written on them. No license is transferable. 4. Locate your fishing area of interest in the Spep.22 p.20 Arizona Fishing cial Regulations — Fish: Licenses Are Not Commission Order 40 Required When (pages 12–27). Now look to see if the body of wa• Fishing any public water Indian ter you will be fishing is on free fishing days, SaturReservation p.24 listed, then note any Spedays, June 6 and 13, 2009; cial Regulations that and June 5 and 12, 2010. apply such as catch lim• Registered and particits, length limits, seasons, ipating in a Department method of take, bait and sponsored fishing clinic. hook restrictions, closed areas, or other restrictions. you can also refer to the Special Regu- • Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission of the lation Waters Index on page 55. 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 • 340 license dealers statewide (includes many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores) • Arizona Game and Fish Department offices It is the angler’s responsibility to know what regulations apply to the body of water they are fishing. New or changed regulations for 2009 and 2010 are summarized on page 2. To report wildlife violators, call Operation Game Thief 1 (800) 352-0700. 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov General Limits and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 Open Statewide, Jan. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2010 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 www.azgfd.gov for up-to-date information including any changes. STATEWIDE DAILY BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS See pages 12-27 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 12–27) 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 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 limited to, white bass, yellow bass, carp, suckers, buffalofish, bullhead, yellow perch and tilapia 6 Any combination 10 6 Unlimited Immediate kill or release 25 Any combination Unlimited Unlimited 1 Unlimited Note: Unlicensed youth under the age of 14 and unlicensed blind residents may take and possess only 3 trout. Unlimited 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. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 5 Fishing License and Stamp Fees Licenses and stamps available at all license dealers and department offices All fishing and combo hunt and fish licenses listed are valid for all aquatic species, including trout, unless otherwise noted. FISHING LICENSES RESIDENT 1 NON-RESIDENT $ 70.251, 7 General Fishing, Class A (valid all species except trout) $ 23.50 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 Combo Hunt and Fish, Class K 3 Super Conservation Fishing, Class L (Class A + Urban + Trout stamp) Colorado River Only Fishing, Class E FISHING STAMPS 5 (see page 6) RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT Trout Stamp (validates General Fish, Class A, for taking of trout) $15.75 $ 57.75 7 Two-Pole Stamp $ 6.00 $ 6.00 Additional Fishing Day Stamp $ 8.00 $ 9.00 Colorado River Stamp — California $ 3.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 not available 4 Colorado River Stamp — Nevada 6 $ 8.00 (UT Lake Powell Stamp) This stamp is available only from Utah license dealers. Lake Powell Stamps and Permits $ 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 nonresidents. 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. 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. 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 only from Utah license dealers. 7. Consider purchasing a Super Conservation Fishing license (Class L) for a better value. Licenses available only at department offices LIFETIME LICENSES Available only to Arizona residents. License valid for lifetime. Fee schedule varies by license type and age. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov and type “lifetime license” in the search box. • • • • • 6 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 • www.azgfd.gov Family and Super Fishing and Combination Licenses The Family and Super Conservation licenses are designed to help you maximize your recreational dollar. See the cost-saving breakdowns below to determine what license packages are best for you. 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 only at Game Family License Class Fishing (Class I) Combo Hunt and Fish (Class K) What It Includes General Fish license (A), and Trout Stamp Combo Hunt and Fish license (F) and Fish offices. 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. Primary Adult1 Legal Spouse Each Child $ 36.254 $ 29.004 $ 2.002 $ 54.00 $ 43.20 $ 20.003 Family Of 4 Total Price $ 69.25 (Save $62) $137.20 (Save $24) Where to Purchase Only at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices Only at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices 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 or at Super Conservation License Class Super Fishing (Class L) Super Combination Hunt and Fish (Class N) any Game and Fish office. The Super Conservation Hunt and Super Conservation Combination Hunt and Fish licenses (Class N) are available to residents only, and may only be purchased at Game and Fish offices. What It Includes Resident Non-resident Where to Purchase General Fish license (A), Urban Fishing license (U) and Trout Stamp. Good for all waters and all fish species statewide. All Class L Super Conservation fishing privileges and General Hunt license (Class G), Unit 12 A (North Kaibab) Habitat stamp, state waterfowl stamp, state migratory bird stamp, over-thecounter archery deer, archery turkey, fall bear and mountain lion tags. $ 53.00 (Save $5) $ 63.00 (Save $84) $163.00 (Save $50) not available At Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and license dealers Only at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices Notes: 1. A Primary Adult license must be purchased before a spouse or child license can be issued. 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. 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. 4. The fee for the Class I license issued in November or December, of the year for which the license is valid, is $24.50 for Primary Adult and $19.60 for Legal Spouse. Child price remains $2.00. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 7 General Statewide Fishing Regulations (for up-to-date information, www.azgfd.gov) 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 are computer-generated stamp privileges that are printed on the fishing license or are issued on a separate license form. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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, 2009 and 2010. 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 47-53. 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 twopole stamp that allows the angler to fish with two poles or lines simultaneously. In no case are more than two lines allowed to be used simultaneously. 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. • Fishing lines must be constantly attended and in immediate control. • 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. • The hook, fly or lure must be used in such a manner that the fish voluntarily attempts to take it in its mouth. • All legal baitfish and crayfish caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. • For artificial fly and lure waters, check the Special Regulations to determine if hooks must also be barbless or single barbless hook only. Daily Bag and Possession Limit • 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. • 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 bag limit. This includes any fish you catch and give away to someone else. Daily limits are for 24hour periods (midnight to midnight). Possession limits are the same as daily limits unless otherwise noted (including waters listed under the Special Regulations). Capturing Live Bait (includes legal baitfish and crayfish only) • Live baitfish may be used only in areas approved for certain species (see page 28). • 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. • Live bait may be taken by minnow trap, dip net, cast net, pole and line, 8 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) STATEWIDE FISHING REGULATIONS (continued) • An angler may take daily limits of several types of fish per day. Daily catch limits apply to all Arizona waters fished that day. An angler who has taken and kept a limit of fish may not continue to fish for the same species that 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 close areas and uses this management tool sparingly. Some extremely sensitive areas may be permanently closed to fishing, portions of other areas that have sensitive bald eagle breeding seasons may be seasonally closed to fishing, and some areas (streams) being actively restored for Apache trout recovery efforts may be temporarily closed to fishing. 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 being 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; unless regulations allow one bass in the slot to be kept. Fish that are shorter or longer than the protected length range may be kept. How to Measure the Length of a Fish 1. Total length is the standard. Pinch 2. Place the fish flat on its side with the jaw Pinch tail to mouth point closed closed. 3. Squeeze the tail fin lobes together to produce the maximum total length. Total Length 4. Measure in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the extreme tip of the tail. 5. Where length limits apply, you must release unharmed all fish not measuring within the legal length limit. 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 28 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. Illegal Fish Stocking — Stealing Your Angling Future! Illegal fish stocking threatens your fishing by: • Introducing predators and competitors to existing sport fish and sensitive species; T N’ DU M P! • Introducing diseases, such as bass virus, hemorrhagic septicemia, or others; Stop the theft of your angling future! DO • Introducing invasive species such as quagga mussels, giant salvinia or others; It is illegal to stock fish or aquatic wildlife including crayfish, frogs and turtles. Illegal fish stocking, and everything else moved along with them, plants, mussels, viruses, harmful algae, etc., threaten the quality and future of our fishing waters. • Introducing and spreading harmful algae such as golden algae and nuisance plants; These introductions jeopardize the productivity and possibly the actual existence of your fisheries – in effect stealing your future! If you observe or know of someone stocking Arizona waters, report it to Operation Game Thief at 1 (800) 352-0700. Information leading to an arrest may be rewarded up to $1,000. Anyone found guilty of illegally stocking fish or aquatic wildlife may be subject to revocation of hunting and fishing privileges and civil assessments to remedy the impacts of their illegal acts – possibly costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Artwork developed by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildilfe Service. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 9 General Statewide Fishing Regulations (continued) License Revocation 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 separate set of Urban Fishing Regulations are available at all Game and Fish offices, license dealers or online at www.azgfd.gov. (A.R.S. 17-331) page 48 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 48 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 twopole stamp affixed to the back of your valid fishing license. It is never allowable to fish with more than two lines at once. (A.R.S. 17-301C) page 47 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 47 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;” 10 this is also known as culling; • 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 48 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 48 Obtain License or Permit by Fraud. Only persons who have been a bona fide resident (A.R.S. 17-101, page 47) 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 49 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 49 Civil Liability Under state law (ARS 17-314) 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 2009 (updated annually): Endangered species (includes fish)............. $8,000 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 48 and 52 Game fish or other aquatic wildlife..................$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 48 and 52 • Attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook. 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 48 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov (A.R.S. 17-314) page 48 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. • 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 28). Safeguard Arizona’s Waters Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species What’s the problem? invasive species is through accidental introductions by humans. An increasing number of harmful aquatic Invasive species come in all sizes; some are so invasive species are showing up in Arizona’s small that you may not be aware that they are waterways. Quagga hitching a ride on mussels, giant your equipment, veIf we all follow a few salvinia, crayfish, hicles, boats, cargo golden algae, New reasonable precautions every or personal gear. Zealand mudOr they may have time we leave any body of snails and others been introduced to have found new water, we can prevent the intro- an area and remain homes in Arizona. duction and spread of aquatic undiscovered, Fortunately, many then inadvertently more have not invasive species. transported to new yet crossed our territory before borders. warnings are posted. Hundreds of invasive species exist that include Any time water or equipment is moved from plants, algae, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, one water to another, there is a risk of spreadmollusks, and even viruses and parasites. Once ing invasive species. established, invasive species can rarely be eradicated and can ruin not only your favorite fishing What can we do? area but also increase the cost of water delivery, If we all follow a few reasonable precautions water treatment, and hydropower production. every time we leave any body of water, we can In the United States, billions of dollars have prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic been spent on management and control of inva- invasive species. Use these easy precautions sive species. In Arizona, where water for wildlife even when no known invasive species are presand human use is a rare and limited resource, ent. Before you depart any fishing area or body the prevention and containment of aquatic of water: invasive species is especially critical. • Clean all of your personal equipment, boats and trailers and remove all mud, plants and How are invasive species spread? animals. The primary method of range expansion for • Drain and eliminate water from all equipment (live-wells, bilges) before transporting. • Dry anything that has come in contact with water, including, waders, fishing tackle, trucks, and trailers. Dry for a period of 5 days. Never release, transfer or introduce plants, fish, or other animals into any body of water. Unfortunately, there are waters in Arizona that have been contaminatQuagga mussels cover a fishing pole that was pulled out of Lake Havasu May 2008. Arizona Aquatic Invasive Species — Most Unwanted List: 1. Quagga (and zebra) mussels 2. Whirling disease 3. Golden algae 4. Silver Carp 5. Hydrilla 6. Crayfish 7. Giant Salvinia 8. Didymo (“rock snot”) 9. Gizzard Shad 10. New Zealand mudsnail Didymo (“rock snot”). Not currently found in Arizona. Image courtesy of White River Partnership Organization. ed with aggressive and destructive organisms. A few extra steps specific to the invasive species may be necessary after leaving certain waters or under certain conditions. Please consult our Web site at www.azgfd.gov for information on waters or situations that may require specific decontamination procedures. Invasive species are a statewide issue that affects all of us. The Arizona Invasive Species Advisory Council (AISAC), established by the governor under the joint leadership of the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Department of Agriculture, was tasked to develop recommendations on how to coordinate between private, local, tribe, state, and federal entities on invasive species management efforts and issues for the State of Arizona. In 2008 the AISAC completed the Arizona Invasive Species Management Plan to address a long list of aquatic and terrestrial invaders. For a copy of the Plan and more information, go to www. azgovernor.gov/AIS/. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 11 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 The following bodies of water identified under Special Regulations and Seasons (pages 12–27) have special fishing seasons (R12-4-317), bag and possession limits, size limits or closures that differ from General Statewide Regulations (pages 8–10) or Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits (page 5). Only exceptions to General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons are shown for each area. Unlicensed blind residents and youth under the age of 14 may take only one-half the legal limit of trout for each body of water listed. White Mountains Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, 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. 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. Thompson Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be im- 12 mediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. West Fork of the Black River From the confluence of Hayground Creek upstream to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation including tributaries. Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Wildcat Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Woodland Lake The limit is 4 trout. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Region I headquarters in Pinetop Posted boundary. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. Apache Trout Recovery Closures • Bear Wallow Creek In Greenlee County • Conklin Creek In Greenlee County • East Fork Little Colorado River Upper portion upstream of Colter Dam in Apache County. • Fish Creek Includes tributaries Double Cienega and Corduroy creeks in Greenlee County (excludes Ackre Lake). • Hayground Creek In Apache County • Lee Valley Creek Above Lee Valley Lake. • Mineral Creek In Apache County, upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests boundary. • Raspberry Creek In Greenlee County • Snake Creek In Greenlee County • Soldier Creek In Apache County • South Fork Little Colorado River In Apache County • Stinky Creek In Apache County • 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. NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 42 for information on Becker Lake, Greer Lakes (Tunnel, Bunch and River) and Luna Lake. 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 28. 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — White Mountains 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ackre Lake 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Home Creek Becker Lake Big Lake Black River 21 22 23 24 Thompson Creek West Fork of the Black River Wildcat Creek Woodland Lake Chambers Burro Creek Carnero Lake Coyote Creek Crescent Lake Fool Hollow Lake Navajo 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting h Greer Lakes (Tunnel, Bunch and River) Lee Valley Lake Little Colorado River Luna Lake Mamie Creek Nelson Reservoir Nutrioso Creek Rainbow Lake Show Low Lake Silver Creek Snowflake Overgaard Concho Taylor Heber Clay Springs Pinedale 21 20 9 19 Pinetop-Lakeside 19 18 24 26 Show Low Hon Dah McNary Hawley Lake Vernon 2 6 Springerville 18 17 16 Eagar 10 Greer 13 14 13 12 58 23 21 3 24 22 11 4 25 23 1 Nutrioso Alpine Hannagan Meadow 16 15 7 15 14 Blue Morenci 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 13 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) North Central Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, 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. Fossil Creek, Middle Reach Seasonally, from the first Saturday in October through April 30 (starting Oct. 3, 2009), fishing is allowed between the waterfall located approximately 1 mile above the Flume Trailhead parking lot along FS 708 and the downstream-most power line crossing (immediately below Sally May Wash). Catch-and-release only for roundtail chub. Roundtail chub must be immediately released unharmed; no chub may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. 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. Oak Creek, West Fork Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Perkins Tank Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. Sante Fe Reservoir The limit is 4 channel catfish. 14 Stone Dam Lake 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 channel and flathead catfish. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Fossil Creek In Yavapai County; except for the 4.5 mile middle reach portion during open season and open area as described under Fossil Creek, Middle Reach Special Regulation/Season language opposite column. • 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. NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 42 for information on Lower Lake Mary, Lynx Lake and Verde River. 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 28. 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Unlimited Bass and Catfish Harvest: Highlighted areas only Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — North Central 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Ashurst Lake Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry Cataract Lake City Reservoir Dead Horse State Park Lagoons 6 Dogtown Reservoir 7 East Verde River 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Elk Tank Fain Lake Fossil Creek Francis Short Pond Goldwater Lake Granite Basin Lake J.D. Dam Lake Kaibab Lake 24 25 26 27 28 29 Kinnikinick Lake Lake Mary, Lower Lake Mary, Upper Long Lake Lynx Lake Middle Tank Perkins Tank Santa Fe Reservoir Stone Dam Verde River West Clear Creek White Horse Lake Oak Creek Oak Creek, West Fork 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting Supai aai Gran an a d Can any an nyon Desert rrt View Cam a eron am Gray a Mtn ay Mt . Valle Peach Spri r ngs ri Yaam amp mpai a Seligman a an Ash Fork rk rk Parrk Pa rks 15 1 3 4 28 3 25 22 6 5 24 30 2 29 821 14 12 26 W lliaaam Wi ms Belllemont n 13 1 Sku k ll ku Valley Hillside 4 ood 5 27 Clar a ar Chi h no hi Val a ley al Bagdad Kirrk kllan k and K rk Ki rkl klan a d Jct. Peeples Valley Yaaarrrn nell 12 10 17 1 18 23 26 22 20 Pa ld Pau den Cam amp am mp Wood Wo 11 Jerom me Sedon na 9 8 20 18 W nslow Wi 16 14 Mund undss und Park ar ark Morm ormon orm mon Lake 19 17 Lak ake Montez ont uma ontez um ville Dewey Humb m oldt mb 28 25 10 Ma err May Wilhoit 1 Hap a py Jack ap 2 Prescott Pre t Val tt aalleey Winona Str t awberr tr rry rr ry Pine Cord des Jct. Crown King 7 6 Bum mble mb Beee Black k Can a yon an City t ty Rock Spri r ngs ri River 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 15 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Mogollon Rim Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Mogollon Rim 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 within the city park systems of Payson The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Bear Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Black Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. CC Cragin Reservoir (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. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. 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. Long Tom Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Willow Springs Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Woods Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. • Dude Creek In Gila County. NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 42 for information on Tonto Creek and Woods Canyon Lake. Live Baitfish Regulations 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 28. 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. 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. Unlimited Trout Harvest: Highlighted areas only Sept. 1 through March 31 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. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. 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 26–27. 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. Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Lakes with unlimited bass and catfish harvest year round. 16 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — Mogollon Rim 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting Bear Canyon Lake Black Canyon Lake CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir) Canyon Creek Chevelon Creek Chevelon Lake Christopher Creek East Clear Creek East Verde River Green Valley Park Lakes (Urban Fishing Lake) Knoll Lake Winslow Joseph City Long Tom Lake Tonto Creek Willow Springs Lake Woods Canyon Lake 8 3 Strawberry 6 11 Pine 9 10 Rye 1 Kohls 13 12 Ranch Star Valley Payson 7 Heber 5 12 14 15 Forest Lakes 13 14 4 2 Overgaard Christopher Creek Young Sunflower 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 17 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Colorado River Northwest Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Colorado River Northwest area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Bright Angel Creek Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. Trout taken at Bright Angel Creek shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. Colorado River • From Glen Canyon Dam to the beginning of the Paria riffle (Lees Ferry). Trout over 12 inches may not be possessed. The limit is 4 trout per day and 8 trout in possession; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. • From the beginning of the Paria riffle to 21-Mile Rapids, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. The limit is 6 trout per day and 8 trout in possession. Trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. • From 21-Mile Rapids to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. Unlimited trout; unlimited striped bass; unlimited catfish. • From Separation Canyon to Hoover Dam (including Lake Mead). The limit is 5 trout;the limit is 20 striped bass 20 inches in length or larger; unlimited for striped bass under 20 inches in length; the limit is 15 crappie. • From Hoover Dam to Davis Dam (including Lake Mohave and Willow Beach). 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. • 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 18 during daylight hours. Lake Mead The limit is 5 trout; 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. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Colorado River (those portions listed below) • Posted areas immediately below Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell). • One-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. • Posted areas immediately below Davis Dam (Lake Mohave). • Lake Mead Posted portions and the area immediately above Hoover Dam. • Little Colorado River That portion lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. • State or federal hatcheries Posted boundaries. Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Coconino County, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see page 28. 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. Colorado River Special Use Stamps 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 6 and 8. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R12-4-312 on pages 49 and 51.) Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Northwest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bright Angel Creek Colorado River below Davis Dam Lake Havasu (see page 20) Lake Mead Lake Mohave 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting National Wildlife Refuge Lake Powell Lees Ferry on Colorado River Topock Marsh Virgin River Willow Beach on Colorado River Colorado City 9 Fredonia 7 Kaibab Littlefield 6 Page Marble Canyon Jacob Lake Supai North Rim Pearce Ferry iver Desert View R do Meadview l or a 1 Grand Canyon Temple Bar Littl e Co 4 10 Willow Beach Separation Canyon Dolan Springs Peach Springs 5 pai Hackberry NV Davis Dam 2 Bullhead City Oatman CA Yucca 8 Golden Shores Wikieup Bagdad Lake Havasu City Parker Dam 3 NOTE: For Lake Havasu information, see page 20. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 19 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Colorado River Southwest Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam. 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. • 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. Alamo Lake The limit is 6 bass; of which no more than 1 bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession. Snagging of carp and tilapia allowed in January, February, and December (see R12-4-313, page 52). Colorado River • From I-40 bridge to Parker Dam. The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. • From Parker Dam to Morelos Dam (Parker Strip). 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 (Yuma Area). 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. • Martinez Lake Posted portions from Oct. 1 through March 1. • Spawning Pond Number 1 and Number 2 Located along the Salinity Canal north of Yuma. Posted. NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 42 for information on Alamo Lake and Mittry Lake. Live Baitfish Regulations See page 28 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. Colorado River Special Use Stamps 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 6 and 8. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R12-4-312 on pages 49 and 51.) 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 • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — Colorado River Southwest 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Alamo Lake Golden Shores Colorado River – Parker Strip Colorado River – Yuma area Topock Fortuna Pond Growler Pond Lake Havasu City Lake Havasu 6 Martinez Lake BILL WILLIAMS RIVER Mittry Lake Maria 1 Quigley Pond 2 Redondo Lake Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System Poston 12 Yuma County Water Users’ As- la Bouse sociation Canal System 13 Yuma West Wetlands Pond Salome Wenden Vicksburg 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 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 Quartzsite Ehrenberg Cibola 7 3 12 Morelos Dam Hyder Martinez Lake 8 10 Dome 13 4 11 Dateland Roll Wellton 5 9 Tacna Somerton Gadsden San Luis 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 21 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Central Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, 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. Apache Lake The limit is 6 bass; of which no more than 1 bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession through Dec. 31, 2010. Canyon Lake The limit is 6 bass; of which no more than 1 bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession through Dec. 31, 2010. 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; striped bass may be taken by spear or spear gun. 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; of which no more than 1 bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession. Saguaro Lake The limit is 6 bass; of which no more than 1 bass between 13 and 16 inches (protected slot limit) in length may be in possession through Dec. 31, 2010. Salt River (Upper) 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. 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. 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 pages 26–27. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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) • Saguaro Lake Posted areas immediately below Mormon Flat Dam (Canyon Lake) NOTE: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 42 for information on Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Salt River, Tonto Creek and Verde River. Live Baitfish Regulations See page 28 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. 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. 22 Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park (city of Phoenix) Evelyn Hallman (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) Veterans Oasis Park Lake (city of Chandler) Water Ranch Park Lake (town of Gilbert) Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (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 pages 26–27.): Saguaro Lake Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park Evelyn Hallman (Canal) Park Pond Chaparral Park Lake 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters Cortez Park Lake 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters Desert Breeze Park Lake W Indian Reservation Desert West Park Lake W Military Range or Proving Ground Encanto Park Lake National Wildlife Refuge 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 Veterans Oasis 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 irkla Hillside Mayer Wilhoit Kirkland Jct. Cordes Jct. Peeples Valley Crown King Yarnell Bumble Bee Congress Black Canyon City Rye Rock Springs Aguila New River 6 Morristown Sunflower Carefree Wittman Beardsley Sun City West Litchfield Park 4 Paradise Valley Glendale Tolleson Goodyear Buckeye Avondale Punkin Center Roosevelt Surprise Sun City El Mirage Youngtown Peoria Wintersburg 2 13 Cave Creek n Tonopah Young 5 Wickenburg 14 Ft. McDowell Fountain Hills 11 Tempe 12 9 8 Scottsdale Mesa 3 7 10 1 Tortilla Flat Claypool Apache Jct Miami Gilbert Arlington Chandler Superior Higley Sun Lakes Florence Jct Queen Creek Chandler Heights Kelvin Sacaton Mobile Ak-Chin Hyder Maricopa Kearney Coolidge Sentinel Gila Bend Stanfield Hayden Winkelman udleyvill Casa Grande Eleven Mile Corner Arizona City oy ho 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 23 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Southeast Special Regulations include fishing seasons, bag and possession limits, size limits, bait and hook restrictions, legal methods, and waters and areas closed to fishing. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties • Bog Hole Wildlife Area Posted portions Notes: 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Southeast area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. Arivaca Lake Catch-and-release only for largemouth bass. Bass must be immediately released unharmed. Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3 The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. • Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County • Lower Sabino Canyon From the confluence of the East and West forks of Sabino Creek, downstream to the U.S. Forest Service boundary in Pima County • O’Donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County • Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County • West Turkey Creek in Cochise County Dankworth Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Live Baitfish Regulations 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. 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 28. Pena Blanca Lake The limit is 4 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. NOTE: Pena Blanca Lake was drained in 2008–09 for renovation and dredging. The lake will need to refill before fish can be restocked. Call the Tucson office for updates (520) 628-5376. 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. Roper Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. 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 26–27. • 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) • Sahuarita Lake (town of Sahuarita) 24 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Fishing Waters — Southeast 1 2 3 4 5 Arivaca Lake Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3 Dankworth Lake Kearny Lake Parker Canyon Lake 6 7 8 9 10 11 Tucson Urban Fishing Lakes (Valid fishing Patagonia Lake license required. See pages 26–27.): Pena Blanca Lake Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park Roper Lake Riggs Flat Lake 12 Sahuarita Lake (Urban Fishing Lake) Rose Canyon Lake 00 General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 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 San Carlos Miami Superior Peridot Florence Jct Coolidge Dam B Olberg acaton Geronimo s Kearny C 4 Morenci Fort Thomas Hayden Winkelman Casa Gran Eleven Mile Corner Arizona City Pima La Palma 2Thatcher Klondyke Eloy Red Rock Marana Summerhaven Bonita Redington 10 Oro Valley am Duncan Fort Grant Oracle San Manuel Oracle Jct. 8 3 9 Mammoth Picacho ta Rosa 11 San Simon Bowie Tanque Verde n Willcox Dos Cabezas South Tucson Cababi Cochise Three Points Comobabi Vail 12 Sahuarita Sells owlic Benson Portal Sunsites Green Valley Artesa Kansas Settlement Dragoon Curtis St. David Sunizona Topawa Arivaca Jct. ori Fairbank Madera Canyon Tombstone Sonoita Elfrida Elgin S Tubac Arivaca Sasabe Fort Huachuca Tumacacori 1 Rio Rico 7 Huachuca City McNeal Sierra Vista Patagonia 6 5 Lochiel Douglas Naco 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 25 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Designated Urban Fishing Program Waters The Urban Fishing Program 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. These specially designated waters are intensively stocked with ready-to-catch fish over a 10-month period from mid September through June; every two weeks! Annually, channel catfish over 1.5 pounds are stocked 12 times, there are 9 deliveries of 10 inch and over rainbow trout, and two loads of catchable sunfish. Annual Fish Stocking Schedule Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Catfish 4 8 Trout 9 Sunfish 1 1 The main motto of the Urban Fishing Program is “if people can’t get to the fish, we’ll bring fish to the people.” To cover costs of providing this fun and convenient service to urban residents, anglers that fish any of the 21 designated Urban Fishing Program waters must purchase a special Urban Fishing License. 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 — distinguishing them from other waters in urban areas. Urban Lake and Pond Management Concepts Urban Fishing Program waters are managed as either an Urban Lake (from 3-25 surface acres) or Urban Pond (less than 3 acres). Urban Ponds are stocked on the same schedule as Urban Lakes, every two weeks. However, the Ponds are stocked at a lower rate of fish per acre and the daily bag limits for Ponds are only half that of Lakes. This management approach ensures that our smaller waters aren’t overcrowded or overfished, and our anglers will still have a quality experience. See page 27 for lake and pond locations. Program Receives Showcase in Excellence Award The Urban Fishing Program Fish Stocking process was selected as a 2007 Showcase in Excellence Award recipient by the AZ State Quality Alliance. This prestigious award recognizes the high quality performance of the fish stocking process and the methods that have been put in place to ensure fish arrive in the right amounts, right sizes, and healthy condition on time, every time. This award validates what urban anglers have known for years — that the Arizona Urban Fishing Program is a winner! License Requirements 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. Sources of More Information • 2009 or 2010 Arizona Urban Fishing Program brochure. Available at Department offices, license dealers or on the Web at www.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 www. azgfd.gov, select eNEWS. • Additional fishing information can be found on the web at www.azgfd.gov: Fishing Reports, Stocking Schedules, Fishing Blog, Fishing Photos and more. DESIGNATED URBAN FISHING WATER REGULATIONS Legal Fish URBAN LAKES 3 ACRES OR MORE URBAN PONDS LESS THAN 3 ACRES Daily and Possession Bag Limits Catfish 4 2 4 2 1 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 Trout Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and blind residents All other species (including, but not limited to, crappie, yellow bass, carp and tilapia) 26 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Tucson Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes 1 2 3 4 Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Sahuarita Park Lake Payson Green Valley Park Urban Fishing Program Lakes Phoenix Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes CACTUS RD CACTUS RD 51 10 VAN BUREN   202 7TH AVE 7TH ST 19TH AVE 19TH AVE 35TH AVE 35TH AVE PHOENIX PHOENIX 10 101 64th ST 64th ST  INDIAN SCHOOL RD 44th ST ST 44th 59TH 59TH AVE AVE LINCOLN DR LINCOLN DR YY HWW EEH IINN EELL BE BUSH HWY HWY BUSH GLENDALE AVE GLENDALE AVE 17 202 McKELLIPS RD 202 BROWN RD UNIVERSITY BLVD MAIN ST COUNTRY CLUB COUNTRY CLUB 60 HAYDEN RD HAYDEN RD DUNLAP AVE DUNLAP AVE SCOTTSDALE SCOTTSDALE RDRD CAV E CREEK THUNDERBIRD THUNDERBIRD 32ND ST BELL ROAD BELL ROAD 101  LITCHFIELD RD 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 143 TEMPE TEMPE 60 Arizona Showcase in Excellence Award CHANDLER CHANDLER CHANDLER CHANDLERBLVD. BLVD. 202 Urban Fish Stocking Program Arizona Game and Fish Department CHANDLER HEIGHTS RD. CHANDLER HEIGHTS ROAD RIGGS RD. 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 QUEEN CREEK RD. 2007 Recipient POWER POWER RD RD GREENFIELD RD GREENFIELD RD 101 RAY RAYRD. RD. GUADALUPE RD GUADALUPE RD GILBERT GILBERTRD RD DOBSON RD DOBSON RD MESA MESA ARIZONA ARIZONAAVE AVE McCLINTOCKDR DR McCLINTOCK RURAL RD RURAL RD 10 PRIEST PRIEST . BASELINERD BASELINE RD Scottsdale 6 Chaparral Park Lake Tempe 7 Evelyn Hallman (formerly Canal) Park Pond 8 Kiwanis Park Lake Chandler 9 Desert Breeze Park Lake 16 Veterans Oasis Park Lake  ● Urban Lakes ● Urban Ponds (< 3 acres) 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 27 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 (continued) Live Baitfish — Legal Areas, Regulations Live baitfish may be obtained and used only in the legal areas identified below. Legal baitfish can be obtained from bait dealers and from wild capture for personal use. For information on legal capture methods, possession, and transport of live baitfish, see R12-4-305, 313, and 316 on pages 50 and 52. Dispose of all unwanted baitfish by burying them on land far from the water. No live baitfish may be used or possessed while on any waters in Coconino, Navajo, Apache, Pima and Cochise counties. All other counties have specific baitfish regulations by body of water or area. Waterdogs are not considered baitfish. It is illegal • To release live baitfish into any Arizona waters. • To use or possess any restricted live baitfish while fishing waters prohibiting use of that baitfish. • To keep or harm any game fish or aquatic wildlife incidentally taken while capturing bait with seines, dip nets, traps or cast nets. 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, 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: 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. Threadfin shad are permitted for use at Patagonia Lake in Santa Cruz County. Fathead minnow Threadfin shad Red shiner Legal Areas Allowed Sunfishes (includes bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and hybrid sunfish) 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: 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. Live baitfish species (sunfish, carp and tilapia) may be collected on site only. Fish may not be transported to or from these waters. 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: Live baitfish species (sunfish, carp and tilapia) may be collected on site only. Fish may not be transported to or from these waters. Tilapia Legal Areas Allowed 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 Golden Shiner 28 Goldfish Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Mosquitofish 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: 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. Live baitfish species (sunfish, carp and tilapia) may be collected on site only. Fish may not be transported to or from these waters. 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 5, 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 12-27) 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 5 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 1.5 pound. 2009 & 2010 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: up to 4 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: up to 1.5 pounds. 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: up to 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: up 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: up to 1.5 pounds. Temperate Bass Family 30 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.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: up to 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: up 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: up to 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: 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 32 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: up to 1 pound. 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: up to 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 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 31 Arizona Fish Identification Other Desert Sucker (native) Buffalofish (bigmouth, black) 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: up to 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 47 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: up to 7 pounds. Protected Native Fish: See page 5 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 • www.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 www.azgfd.gov, or call (623) 236-7701. Bluegill (sunfish): Goldwater Lake, 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, Parker Canyon Lake, 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, the Gila River at Safford and Patagonia Lake. Grayling: Lee Valley Reservoir. Largemouth Bass: Alamo Lake, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake Havasu, If you observe a fishing violation, please call Operation Game Thief Call toll free 24 hours a day 1 (800) 352-0700 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, Fool Hollow Lake, Verde River, Lake Havasu and Colorado River at Parker Strip. 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 (winter only). Walleye: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Show Low Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Fool Hollow Lake, Lake Powell and Saguaro Lake. White Bass: Lake Pleasant. Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Tempe Town Lake, and Upper Lake Mary. To report Fishing or other wildlife violations including unlawful: • Stocking and transfer of live fish • 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. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 33 Arizona State Fish Records As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Updated Nov. 3, 2008. For more current record listings, go to www.azgfd.gov. 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 Carp Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Crappie, Black Crappie, White Grayling, Arctic Northern Pike Roundtail Chub Striped Mullet 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 (triploid) 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. 27 lb. 4.48 oz. 42.25 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. 32 lb. 5.6 oz. 49 in. 3 lb. 14.9 oz. 18.5 in. 5 lb. 2.24 oz. 23.75 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 Lake Pleasant 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 Ashurst Lake Lower Salt River Fortuna Pond Verde River Evelyn Hallman (Canal) Park Lake Parker Canyon Lake Patagonia Lake Goldwater Lake 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 Noel Arnold, Wittmann 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 Ronald Needs, Flagstaff Richard L. Walton, Chandler Robert Bayles, Yuma 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 8/8/07 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 11/5/04 3/3/84 4/24/04 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 Sucker, Sonora Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Apache Trout, Brook Trout, Brown 28 in. 23 in. 29 in. 18 in. 12 in. 10 in. 41 in. 37 in. 30 in. 53 in. 16 in. 13 in. 32 in. 21 in. 10 in. 11 in. 17 in. 20 in. 12 in. 23 in. Lake Pleasant Roosevelt Lake Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant Canyon Lake Lake Pleasant Apache Lake McKellips Lake Saguaro Lake Roosevelt Lake Apache Lake Lake Pleasant Coconino Reservoir Lower Salt River Papago Ponds #2 Papago Ponds #2 ASU Research Park Pond Christmas Tree Lake 4 Big Lake Black River Bill Wilson, Glendale Ginger Wright, Tonto Basin Bill Larson, Phoenix Bradley Garraway, Phoenix Jonathan Vickers, Mesa Mark Moore, Glendale Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Ronald Nuss Jr., Mesa Andrew Srejic, Avondale Ron Robinson, Alta Vista, IL Mary Moore, Glendale James S. Ford, Safford Jack Moody, Phoenix Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Warren Hollen, Phoenix Stan Gross, Chandler Cameron Frieh, Phoenix Peggy Senn, Mesa Benjamin Payne, Tucson 3/12/05 6/18/06 11/9/06 3/24/05 7/30/05 01/31/06 4/23/03 5/6/06 4/29/03 9/23/06 4/6/98 01/31/06 5/1/08 5/29/08 6/19/04 7/3/04 10/8/03 7/3/06 7/8/05 6/23/07 34 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye White Amur (triploid) 13 in. 31 in. 33 in. 47 in. Big Lake Silver Creek Fool Hollow Lake Encanto Lake Jeff Senn, Mesa Paul D. Voelker, Scottsdale Gregg Munck, Show Low Denny Noel, Phoenix 7/9/05 1/9/07 6/27/04 10/18/06 INLAND WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE Species Name Size Location Angler Date Buffalo, Bigmouth (archery) Buffalo, Black (archery) Buffalo, Smallmouth (archery) Carp (archery) Striped 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. 38 lb. 3.84 oz. 39 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 Yuma 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 4/24/08 5/2/04 4/28/97 4/26/04 COLORADO RIVER WATERS — HOOK AND LINE Species Name Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bluegill Bullhead, Yellow Carp Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Crappie, Black Pacific Tenpounder Striped Mullet Sucker, Razorback 2, 5 Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Hybrid 2 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. 12.6 oz. 15.75 in. 9 lb. 8.0 oz. 25.5 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 Near Pilot Knob Colo. River/Gila R. confluence 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 Charles Reel, Jr., Yuma Buddy E. Fike, Glendale 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 6/13/81 3/76 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 Name Size Location Angler Date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Carp Warmouth 28 in. 22 in. 31 in. 48 in. 10 in. Lower Colorado River Lake Havasu Lake Powell Lake Mohave Colorado River, Imperial Dam David Percell, Bullhead City Jeffrey Dean, Lake Havasu City Bradley Garraway, Phoenix Gary Sweet, Bullhead City Barbara Harp, Mackay, ID 2/17/04 2/12/05 3/29/05 10/20/07 3/26/06 COLORADO RIVER WATERS — NON-HOOK AND LINE Species Name Size Location Angler Date Carp (archery) Striped 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 total 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. 2009 & 2010 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:_ ___________________________________________________ Address:_ ________________________________________________________ _ ______________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________________________ Species:________________________and/or_ ____________________________ 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:_________________________________________________________ Submit your completed entry form and photograph to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Fisheries Branch 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 (check applicable box) State Record Statewide Fish-of-the-Year Urban Fish-of-the-Year Kept Catch and Release       Requirements For Reporting 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 a valid 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-andrelease 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 Eligible fish species for both State record and Fish-of-the-Year entries are those sportfish listed under the current State records. Illegally released fish species from pet and aquarium trades are not eligible for a State record or Fish-of-the-Year. Rule #10 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 36 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.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 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 (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: 120 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 Angler’s Central 805 S. Kofa Ave. Parker, AZ Hours: Tues–Sun 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 37 Watercraft Regulations — Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober 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. 5-321) 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(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 life jacket for each person on board the watercraft. Every person 12 years of age or younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are underway on a watercraft. If your watercraft is 16 feet or more in length, you must carry a Type IV life jacket. (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 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 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 (623) 236-7235 or visit our Web site at www.azgfd.gov/boating. Check out the new interactive boating facilities and fishing map at www.azgfd.gov/ boating. 38 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Motor Restrictions: Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor on: Ackre Lake Bear Canyon Lake Bunch Reservoir Carnero Lake Chaparral Park Lake Cluff Ponds Coconino Reservoir Coors Lake Dankworth Pond Dogtown Reservoir Fortuna Lake Goldwater Lake Granite Basin Lake Horsethief Basin Lake Hulsey Lake J.D. Dam Lake Knoll Lake Lee Valley Lake McKellips Park Lake Pratt Lake Quigley Lake Redondo Lake Riggs Flat Lake Roper Lake Santa Fe Lake Scott’s Reservoir Sierra Blanca Lake Soldier Lake Stehr Lake Stoneman Lake Tunnel Reservoir Whitehorse Lake Willow Valley Lake Woodland Reservoir Woods Canyon Lake Powerboats restricted to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine not exceeding 10 horsepower on: Arivaca Lake Ashurst Lake Becker Lake Big Lake Black Canyon Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir Cataract Lake Chevelon Canyon Lake Cholla Lake Hot Pond Concho Lake Crescent Lake Fool Hollow Lake Kaibab Lake Kinnikinick Lake Little Mormon Lake Lower Lake Mary Luna Lake Lynx Lake Marshall Lake Mexican Hay Lake Nelson Reservoir Parker Canyon Lake Pena Blanca Lake Rainbow Lake River Reservoir Show Low Lake Whipple Lake White Mountain Lake Willow Springs Lake No powerboats allowed on: Frye Mesa Reservoir Rose Canyon Lake Snow Flat Lake (AGFD R12-4-517 (A)(B)(C)) This list was effective Feb. 2, 2008 Don’t Move a Mussel Quagga Mussels Have Invaded Arizona Quagga mussels are now established along vast stretches of the Colorado River and impoundments on Arizona’s western border, including Lakes Mead, Mohave and Havasu. Mussels are in Lake Pleasant near Phoenix, and are spreading through the Central Arizona Project canal and into Salt River Project canals. What is a Quagga? The quagga mussel is a small freshwater bivalve mollusk with a dark and white lined pattern along its hard shell. They are usually ½ to 1 inch long. Although small, these invasive mussels can form huge colonies, literally smothering underwater objects and surfaces. How do they spread? These invasive mussels can live for three to five years and can release 30,000 microscopic larvae called veligers in a single breeding cycle and up to half a million fertilized eggs in a year. A single cup of water left in a bait bucket or boat’s bilge can contain thousands of these free swimming invaders. As juveniles and adults, they can attach to boats and other objects, grow shells, and survive many days out of water before reaching a new water location. Why are they a threat? Although quagga mussels (and closely related zebra mussels) do not pose a known threat to human health, these mussels cause severe physical and ecological damages and plague recreational boaters. They attach themselves to a number of surface types, including boat hulls, engine intakes, livewells, bilges, water-intake valves, canals, pipes, aqueducts and dams. This requires huge operational and maintenance expense. In the United States, invasive mussels cost the power industry $3.1 billion in a six year Protect Your Boat | Protect The Environment period, while their impact on industries, businesses, and communities was an additional $5 billion. Efficient as filter feeders, massive colonies of mussels can alter lake productivity, fish growth and fish population balance. For more information visit www.azgfd.gov/mussels. The primary risk of moving these rapidly-reproducing mussels to other Arizona waters comes from boats and trailers contaminated with microscopic quagga larvae (veligers). It is crucial all boaters, anglers and all others that enjoy water sports follow simple steps to help prevent the spread of quagga mussels and other invasive aquatic species. Quagga Decontamination Steps for Day-use Boaters To Take Boats on the water for 1 to 5 days could be contaminated with microscopic quagga larvae. Before leaving any lake, please follow these steps: 1. Clean the hull and remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from boat, motor, equipment and trailer. 2. Drain the water from the bilge, livewell and any other compartments that could hold water. 3. Dry boat and equipment. If your boat will be used within 5 days on another water, take these additional steps: 4. Insert bilge drain plug and disinfect the bilge by pouring in 1 gallon of household vinegar (you can drain the bilge once home or after a couple hours exposure). Vinegar can be reused a few times. 5. Hot power wash the boat, motor, trailer, livewell, anchor rope and anything else that came into contact with the water. Try doit-yourself car washes. 6. If a power wash is not available, spray vinegar on boat, motor, trailer, livewell, anchor rope and anything else that came into contact with the water. Vinegar also helps fight unsightly calcification on the hull, boat motor and lower unit. 7. Dry boat and equipment. Help Protect Our Fisheries From Crayfish Help reduce crayfish populations in our waters by removing crayfish at every opportunity. Crayfish are not native to Arizona, yet they have become established in many waters throughout the state. They endanger aquatic native species as well as sport fish by: • Preying on all life stages of fish, amphibians and invertebrates • Aggressively competing for habitat and food • Destroying productive habitat in our streams, ponds and lakes Be careful with the use and disposal of crayfish. • It is unlawful to transport live crayfish (except for that part of southwestern Arizona south of I-10 and west of Highway 95). • If you intend to keep and eat crayfish, pack them in ice for transport. This will kill them while keeping them fresh until you arrive at your destination. • 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, or bait of any kind, back into the water alive. With a valid fishing license (or for youth under age 14), an unlimited number of crayfish may be caught by the following methods: • By hand or hand-held device, such as a fishing pole. • Landing nets, dip nets or umbrella nets • Crayfish nets or traps not exceeding 3 feet on a side or diameter • Cast nets not exceeding a 4-foot radius • Minnow traps not exceeding 1 foot in height and width, and 2 feet in length • Seine nets not exceeding 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width • Crayfish may be caught during the day or night. See www.azgfd.gov for more information on crayfish capture methods and cooking recipies. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 39 Fish Consumption and Your Health Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends and family. Eating fish is a contributor to your overall health and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit heart health. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. However, some types of fish (store-bought or sport-caught) from some locations, may contain elevated levels of mercury or other environmental contaminants. The amount of these substances in the fish’s flesh is generally highest in older, larger, predatory fish. The benefits and risks of eating fish vary depending on a person’s stage of life: • Children and pregnant women are advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to avoid eating fish with high levels of mercury contamination. • For middle-aged and older men and postmenopausal women, the benefits of fish consumption far outweigh the potential risks when the amount of fish eaten is within the recommendations established by the FDA and Environmental Protection Agency (see EPA Web site www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/publicinfo.html). Fish consumption guidelines are primarily designed to protect pregnant women, women of child bearing age, children and anglers who regularly consume fish in larger quantities over long periods of time. This information is not intended to discourage you from eating fish but to guide you in making healthy choices. Don’t stop eating fish; just be careful of the fish and amounts you eat, and where they come from. Working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, we investigate areas where there may be concern for environmental contaminants in fish. In Arizona, mercury and pesticides have been found in several waters affecting various species. Based on these investigations, public advisories from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Department of Environmental Quality have been developed, and anglers are advised to limit the consumption of certain kinds of fish. Please examine the Site Specific Fish Consumption Advisories table on the following page. Health and Environmental Information 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 infected fish or fish parts, or fishing equipment and wading gear. 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. • Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the infected water. • Allow gear to dry thoroughly before next use. For more information, visit the Whirling Disease Foundation’s Web site at www.whirling-disease.org. Lead and Fishing Some kinds of fishing equipment (sinkers, jigs) are made from lead. Lead can be dangerous to humans and wildlife if eaten or breathed, so it should be treated responsibly. Prolonged and high exposures to lead can cause brain and nerve damage, slowed growth in children, reproductive problems, and high blood pressure in adults. To prevent exposure to lead, handle with care and follow these guidelines: • Wash your hands after handling sinkers. • Never put lead in your mouth, including biting lead sinkers to crimp them on your line. • Never handle or eat food after handling lead sinkers without washing hands first. • Take proper precautions if melting lead for sinkers at home. • 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) 5421001. 40 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Fish Consumption and Your Health Site Specific Fish Consumption Advisories LOCATION CONCERN Alamo Lake, Mohave and LaPaz Counties 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 Complex, Coconino County Long Lake, Soldiers Annex, Soldiers Lake 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 are not included in this advisory Children under the age of six Do not consume fish Women of childbearing age and children under the age 16 One 8-ounce meal per month Adult women not in above category and adult men (16 years and older) Five 8-ounce 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 8-ounce meals per month Trout are not included in this advisory Peña Blanca Lake, Santa Cruz County 1 Salt River from 59th Avenue in Phoenix down to its confluence with the Gila River, Maricopa County Mercury Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Trout are not included in this advisory DDT Do not consume fish and other aquatic organisms Revised 11/08 Notes: 1. Lake was drained in 2008–09. Once it refills, fish will be restocked. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 41 Angler Access Restrictions In addition to fishing area and season closures identified on pages 12-25, other fishing areas may be seasonally closed due to bald eagle breeding areas and/or Wildlife Area restrictions. 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 public entry and deter human activity during critical times of the breeding cycle. You can identify the closure areas by looking for No Entry signs on roads, trails and at boat ramps, and No Entry buoys on the water. For additional information on any closure, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nongame Branch, (623) 236-7506. Lakes With Bald Eagle Breeding Closure Areas • Alamo Lake – A portion of upper Alamo Lake may be closed to watercraft from Jan. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region IV, Yuma, (928) 342-0091. • Becker Lake – A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft 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. • Greer Lakes (Tunnel, Bunch and River) — Portions of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372. • Lake Pleasant – No vehicle, watercraft, or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria River Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, (928) 501-1710. • 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. • 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 – There is no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on the east side of the lake and a portion of the shoreline is closed to watercraft from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000. • Woods Canyon Lake — A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from April 1 through August 31. Contact the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District, (928) 535-7300. Rivers/Creeks with Bald Eagle Breeding Closure Areas Verde River • Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating 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. Floating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121. • Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300. • Verde River below Horseshoe Dam may be 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. Floating 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 is 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, foot entry, and floating through 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 watercraft 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 watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, (928) 4026200. • Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1000 feet of the nest on land, and to watercraft 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) 6103300. Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Area Restrictions (R12-4-802) The following Wildlife Areas have seasonal closures that may affect fishing access to a portion of these lakes: • Becker Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Dec 15 to June 30 annually. • Luna Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Feb. 15 to July 31 annually. 42 • Mittry Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Nov 15 to Feb 15 annually. • Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Nov 15 to Feb 15 annually. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Youth Fishing is AWESOME! Did You Know... • Kids under 14 years of age and residents who are blind can fish without a license on all state waters and on any of the Designated Urban Fishing Waters. Anyone 14 or older who wants to fish must buy a license. • Parents don’t need to buy a fishing license to take kids fishing, but if parents are going to fish, they will need to buy a license. • When fishing, kids under 14 are entitled to the regular bag and possession limits on all species except trout. When fishing for any trout species in Arizona, unlicensed kids are entitled to one-half the regular limit. For example, if the regular limit is 4 trout, kids under 14 can keep 2 trout. • The Family Fishing license, available only at Department offices, 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 Days Saturday, June 6 and 13, 2009; and June 5 and 12, 2010 Take your parents fishing Saturday, June 6 and 13, 2009; and June 5 and 12, 2010, 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 www.azgfd.gov for special fishing clinic programs around the state. For additional information about Free Fishing Day in Arizona, see R12-4-311 on page 51 of these regulations. 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. Young anglers can share pictures and stories Young anglers are encouraged to submit their photos to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s photo Web site. Just visit www.azgfd.gov and upload your photos today! And if you have a fishing story to share, visit the department’s new Fishing Blog or Been Fishing and share your tale with other anglers. Did You Know? Department Sportfishing Education instructors teach introductory fishing skills to people of all ages. Each year over 10,000 people participated in clinics statewide. Fishing rods and reels, bait, tackle, and educational materials are supplied at no charge. For information about fishing clinics, call: Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 (623) 236-7235 Or visit our Web site at www.azgfd.gov 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 43 Anglers and Boaters... Feel free to pat yourselves on the back. Your angling and motorboat fuel purchases generated more than $8.2 million for Arizona’s fisheries resources in 2008. Thanks to anglers and boaters like you—and the Sportfish Restoration Program— fishing related recreation in Arizona is better than ever. 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 44 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Amphibians: Commission Order 41 Requires a valid fishing or combination license Statewide as defined in ARS§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 ARS§17-303, 304, or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801-803. Open Season Dates Notes Open Areas Legal Amphibians Bag and Possession Limit A. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 All amphibians, except those named in Subsections B, C, D, E, F, G, and H Ten (10) per year or in possession of each species live or dead Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead Two (2) per year or in possession live or dead B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Bufo cognatus (Great Plains toad), B. punctatus (redspotted toad), Scaphiopus couchi (Couch’s spadefoot), and Spea multiplicata (Mexican spadefoot) C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 Eleutherodactylus augusti (barking frog) D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,3,5,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 6 Ambystoma tigrinum (waterUnlimited live or dead dog or tiger salamander) E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,2,3, 6 and 7) Statewide, including Havasu, Bill Williams River, Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges (as permitted by refuge Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) regulations; posted areas closed), except areas closed in Note 6 F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 (1,3,6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 6 (1,3,6, and 7) 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; Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) except that portion of the Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and Morristown and areas closed in Note 6 G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2010 All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frogs) and Bufo marinus (giant toad) Unlimited dead; see Note 2 Unlimited dead 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). (3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. 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. (4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. 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. (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 Feb. 15 to 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 to February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 to June 30. (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. 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 45 Crustaceans and Mollusks: Commission Order 42 Requires a valid fishing or combination license Statewide as defined in ARS§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 A. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2010 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Statewide, except areas in Notes below. OPEN AREAS LEGAL CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSKS BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT All crustaceans and mollusks, except those named in Subsection B 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 (with the exception of preserved scientific and educational specimens). 5. Crustaceans and mollusks may not be taken at any time within the following areas: (1). Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. (2). Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. (3). The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. (4). That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. (5). Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reservoir. (6). Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (7). Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (8). Posted areas immediately above the dams 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). Luna Lake Wildlife Area from Feb. 15 to 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 to June 30. (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. (26). The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations. Reptiles: Commission Order 43 (aquatic only) Requires a valid fishing or combination license CONSULT THE 2009 & 2010 ARIZONA REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF COMMISSION ORDER 43 (includes terrestrial). Statewide as defined in ARS§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 ARS§17-303, 304, or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801-803. OPEN SEASON DATES NOTES OPEN AREAS LEGAL REPTILES BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT D. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2009 Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2010 (1, 5, 7, 8, 9) Statewide, except areas closed in Notes 5 and 8 Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) 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). 5. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the Yuma Proving Ground, and Camp Navajo control access to hunting on their installations. 7. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 8. Turtles may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game 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. 46 (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 Feb. 15 to 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 to June 30. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. 9. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Aqua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by Monument regulations. Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws A.R.S. 17-101 Definitions A. In this title, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. “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. “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. “Closed season” means the time during which wildlife may not be lawfully taken. “Commission” means the Arizona game and fish commission. “Department” means the Arizona game and fish department. “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. “Falconry” means the sport of hunting or taking quarry with a trained raptor. “Fishing” means to lure, attract or pursue aquatic wildlife in such a manner that the wildlife may be captured or killed. “Fur dealer” means any person engaged in the business of buying for resale the raw pelts or furs of wild mammals. “Guide” means a person who, for pay, aids or assists any person in taking wildlife. “License year” means the twelve-month period between January 1 and December 31, inclusive. “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. “Open season” means the time during which wildlife may be lawfully taken. “Possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of wildlife, which may be possessed at one time by any one person. “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. “Road” means any maintained right-of-way for public conveyance. “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. “Take” means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting wildlife or the placing or using of any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in the capturing or killing of wildlife. 19. “Taxidermist” means any person who engages for hire in the mounting, refurbishing, maintaining, restoring or preserving of any display specimen. 20. “Traps” or “trapping” means taking wildlife in any manner except with a gun or other implement in hand. 21. “Wild” means, in reference to mammals and birds, those species which are normally found in a state of nature. 22. “Wildlife” means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, including their eggs or spawn. 23. “Zoo” means a commercial facility open to the public where the principal business is holding wildlife in captivity for exhibition purposes. B. The following definitions of wildlife shall apply: 1. Aquatic wildlife are all fish, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and soft-shelled turtles. 8. Nongame animals are all wildlife except game mammals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals and aquatic wildlife. 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. 14. Nongame fish are all the species of fish except game fish. 15. Trout means all species of the family salmonidae, including grayling. (law not cited in entirety) 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. A.R.S. 17-303 Taking or driving wildlife from closed areas It is unlawful for any person, except by commission order, to enter upon a game refuge or other area closed to hunting, trapping or fishing and take, drive or attempt to drive wildlife from such areas. 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. C. The notices or signboards shall meet all of the following criteria: 1. Be not less than eight inches by eleven inches with plainly legible wording in capital and boldfaced lettering at least one inch high. 2. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or “no fishing” either as a single phrase or in any combination. 3. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or post at least four feet above ground level at all points of vehicular access, at all property or fence corners and at intervals of not more than 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 aboveground surface of the post facing outward and on both lateral sides from the closed area. D. The entry of any person for the taking of wildlife shall not be grounds for an action for trespassing unless the land has been posted pursuant to this section. 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; classification A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to: 1. 2. (law not cited in entirety) 3. Violate any provision of this title or any rule adopted pursuant to this title. Take, possess, transport, buy, sell or offer or expose for sale wildlife except as expressly permitted by this title. Destroy, injure or molest livestock, growing 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 47 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing. 4. Discharge a firearm while taking wildlife within one-fourth mile of an occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge or building without permission of the owner or resident. 5. Take a game bird, game mammal or game fish and knowingly permit an edible portion thereof to go to waste, except as provided in section 17-302. 6. Take big game, except bear or mountain lion, with the aid of dogs. 7. Make more than one use of a shipping permit or coupon issued by the commission. 8. Obtain a license or take wildlife during the period for which the person’s license has been revoked or suspended or the person has been denied a license. 9. Litter hunting and fishing areas while taking wildlife. 10. Possess while hunting any contrivance designed to silence, muffle or minimize the report of a firearm. 11. Take wildlife during the closed season. 12. Take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that wildlife. 13. Take wildlife with an unlawful device. 14. Take wildlife by an unlawful method. 15. Take wildlife in excess of the bag limit. 16. Possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit. 17. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of 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. parts of big game taken unlawfully. 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. A.R.S. 17-331 A.R.S. 17-314 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: 2. Civil liability for illegally taking or wounding wildlife; recovery of damages A. The commission or any officer charged with enforcement of the laws relating to game and fish, if so directed by the commission, may bring a civil action in the name of the state against any person unlawfully taking, wounding or killing, or unlawfully in possession of, any of the following wildlife, or part thereof, and seek to recover the following minimum sums as damage: 1. 2. For each turkey or javelina: $500.00 For each bear, mountain lion, antelope or deer, other than trophy: $1,500.00 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. D. A person is guilty of a class 6 felony who knowingly: 1. 48 Barters, sells or offers for sale any big game or Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. 1. 2. 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. 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. Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws A.R.S. 17-340 Revocation, suspension and denial of privilege of taking wildlife; 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. 5. Knowingly allowing another person to use the person’s big game tag, except as provided by section 17-332, subsection D. 6. A violation of section 17-303, 17-304 or 17341. 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. 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. H. Except for a person who takes or possesses wildlife while under permanent revocation, a person who takes wildlife in this state, or attempts to obtain a license to take wildlife, at a time when the person’s privilege to do so is suspended, revoked or denied under this section is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. 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 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 49 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. 2. 3. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18. 20. 50 “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. “Bonus point” means a credit that authorizes the Department to issue an applicant an additional computer-generated random number. “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. “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. “Identification number” means a number assigned to each applicant or license holder by the Department, as prescribed in R12-4-111. “License dealer” means a business authorized to sell hunting, fishing, and other licenses under to R12-4-105. “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. “Management unit” means an area established by the Commission for management purposes. “Minnow trap” means a trap with dimensions that do not exceed 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width and 24 inches in length. “Simultaneous fishing” means taking fish by using two lines and not more than two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line. “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. (rule not cited in entirety) 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). 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. (rule not cited in entirety) R12-4-308 Wildlife Inspections, Check Stations, and Roadblocks A. The Department has the authority to establish mandatory wildlife check stations. The Department shall publish the location, check-in requirements, and check-out requirements for a season with the published Commission order establishing the season. 1. Hunters shall personally check in at a wildlife check station before hunting in a season with a published check-in requirement. 2. The Department shall ensure that wildlife check stations with a published check-in requirement are open continuously from 8:00 a.m. the day before the season until 8:00 p.m. the first day of the season, and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season. 3. Hunters shall personally check out after hunting in a season with a published check-out requirement, and shall present for inspection any wildlife taken and display any license, tag, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife. 4. The Department shall ensure that wildlife check stations with a published check-out requirement are open continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during each day of the season and remain open until 12:00 noon on the day following the close of the season. C. The Director or Director’s designee may establish vehicle roadblocks at specific locations when necessary to ensure compliance with applicable wildlife laws. Any occupant of a vehicle at a roadblock shall, upon request, present for inspection all wildlife in possession, and produce and display any license, tag, stamp, or permit required for taking or transporting wildlife. D. This Section does not limit the game ranger or wildlife manager’s authority to conduct stops, searches, and inspections under A.R.S. §§ 17211(D) and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information. (rule not cited in entirety) Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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: 1. A completed application form obtained from the Department that contains: a. The name, address, and telephone number of the agency, department, or nonprofit organization requesting the permit; b. The name, position title, and telephone number of the individual who will be responsible for supervising the individuals who will be fishing under the authority of the permit; c. The total number of individuals who will be fishing under the authority of the permit; d. The dates of the two days for which the permit will be valid; and e. The location for which the permit will be valid. 2. Nonprofit organizations shall also submit documentation that they are licensed by or have a contract with the Department of Economic Security or the Department of Health Services for the purpose of providing rehabilitation or treatment services to individuals or groups with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities. C. The Department shall issue or deny the Fishing Permit to an applicant within 30 calendar days of receiving an application. D. The Fishing Permit permittee shall provide one hour of instruction on fish identification, fishing ethics, safety, and techniques to the individuals who will be fishing under authority of the permit.The Department shall provide the lesson plan for this instruction to the permittee. E. Each individual fishing without a license under the authority of the Fishing Permit may take only one-half the regular bag limit established by Commission order for any species, unless the regular bag limit is one, in which case the permit authorizes the regular limit. 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. 2. 3. The Fishing Permit number and the information contained in the permit; The total number of individuals who fished and total hours fished; The total number of fish caught, kept, and released, by species. R12-4-311 Exemptions from Requirement to Possess an Arizona Fishing License while Taking Aquatic Wildlife A. A fishing license is not required to take aquatic wildlife from private waters that are not open to the public and not managed by the Department. B. An individual may take terrestrial mollusks or crustaceans from private property without a fishing license. C. Any individual fishing in Arizona on the designated Saturday during National Fishing and Boating Week may fish without an Arizona fishing license if the individual’s privilege to take aquatic wildlife has not been revoked by the Commission. The provisions of this subsection apply to all waters except the Colorado River adjacent to California and Nevada, where fishing without a license is limited to the shoreline, unless the state with concurrent jurisdiction removes licensing requirements on the same day. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to Reservation lands except as authorized by tribal governments. D. An individual participating in an introductory fishing clinic organized, sanctioned, and sponsored by the Department may fish without a fishing license while an authorized Department instructor is present. R12-4-312 Special Use Permits and Stamps for Fishing on Waters with Shared Jurisdiction A. Any individual fishing from a watercraft or other floating device or object on the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, or that portion of the Colorado River that forms the mutual boundary between Arizona and Nevada, shall have in possession: 1. A valid Arizona-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Arizona fishing license, or 2. A valid Nevada-Colorado River special use stamp affixed to a valid Nevada fishing license. B. Any individual fishing from the Arizona shorelines of the waters named in subsection (A), unless exempted by R12-4-310 or R12-4-311, shall have in possession either: 1. A valid Arizona fishing license, unless 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 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. 2. 3. 4. Shall not possess aquatic wildlife other than aquatic wildlife prescribed by Commission order; Shall not use the flesh of game fish, except sunfish of the genus Lepomis, as bait; May use live baitfish, as defined in R12-4-101, only in areas designated by Commission order; and Shall not use waterdogs as live bait in that 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 51 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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 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 52 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. 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. 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. R12-4-317 R12-4-316 Seasons for Lawfully Taking Fish, Mollusks, Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic Reptiles 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas); Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis); Red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis); Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense); Golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas); and 6. Goldfish (Carassius auratus). C. An individual who possesses a valid Arizona fishing license may import, transport, or possess live waterdogs for personal use as bait, except in the portion of Santa Cruz County lying east and south of State Highway 82 or the portion of Cochise County lying west of the San Pedro River and south of State Highway 82. D. An individual shall not import, transport, move between waters, or possess live crayfish for personal use as live bait except as allowed in 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 4, and except for the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the southern international boundary with Mexico. E. An individual may trap or capture live crayfish as provided in R12-4-313. A person may use live crayfish as bait only in the body of water where trapped or captured, not in an adjacent body of water, except for the portion of La Paz County west of Highway 95 and south of Interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado River from the Palo Verde Diversion Dam downstream to the Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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 R124-101. The Commission may further restrict “artificial lures and flies only” season to the use of barbless or single barbless hooks. A barbless hook is any fishhook manufactured without barbs or on which barbs have been completely closed or removed. 2. An individual participating in a “live baitfish” season shall not use any species of fish as live bait, or possess any species of fish for use as live bait at, in, or upon any waters unless that species is specified as a live baitfish for those waters by Commission order. Live baitfish shall not be transported from the waters where taken except as allowed in R12-4-316. 3. An individual participating in an “immediate kill or release” season shall kill and retain the designated species as part of the bag limit or immediately release the wildlife. Further fishing is prohibited after the legal bag limit is killed. 4. An individual participating in a “catch and immediate release” season shall immediately release the designated species. 5. An individual participating in an “immediate kill” season shall immediately kill and retain the designated species as part of the bag limit. 6. An individual participating in a “snagging” season shall use this method only at times and locations designated by Commission order. 7. An individual participating in a “spear or spear gun” season shall use this method only at times and locations designated by Commission order. C. A “special” season may be designated by Com- Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing mission 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. 2. 3. Import any live wildlife into the state; Export any live wildlife from the state; 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 3. Enhance wildlife and habitat conservation. B. Wildlife areas shall be: 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. 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, interagency 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 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 53 Accessible Fishing Opportunities Bartlett Lake (21 miles east of Cave Creek) Rattlesnake Recreation Site • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Becker Lake (2 miles west of Springerville) • Designated fishing pier, parking Big Lake ( 25 miles south of Eagar) • Parking, restrooms Black Canyon Lake (16 miles southwest of Heber) • Parking close to shoreline, shoreline access Canyon Lake (18 miles north of Apache Junction) LaBarge Cove • Parking, fishing piers, restrooms, picnic facilities Palo Verde Recreation Area • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Crescent Lake (22 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 (near Lake Havasu City) Mesquite Cove • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Site Six • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms, fishing pier Bill Williams Refuge Headquarters • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock, lighted pathway 54 Take-Off Point • Parking, restrooms Riggs Flat Lake (15 miles southwest of Safford) • Parking, trail access to shoreline Windsor Beach State Park • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Roosevelt Lake (26 miles northwest of Globe) Cholla Recreation Area • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, passenger loading platform, parking, restrooms Lake Mary, Upper (17 miles southeast of Flagstaff) Day Use Site #2 • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Lake Mohave (5 miles north of Bullhead City) Katherine Landing, • Restrooms, fishing pier Lake Pleasant (15 miles north of Peoria) 10 lane boat ramp • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Lake Powell (5 miles north of Page) Wahweep • Developed fishing pier Lynx Lake (7 miles east of Prescott) • Fishing pier, interpretive trail, parking, restrooms Mittry Lake (14 miles north of Yuma) • Parking, fishing jetty, asphalt trail, restrooms, boat dock Nelson Reservoir (8 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 northeast of Nogales) • Parking, restrooms, dock Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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 (20 miles north of Mesa) Butcher Jones Cove • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers Keyhole • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, fishing piers Topock Marsh (4 miles north of Golden Shores) Catfish Paradise • Restrooms, boat ramp Willow Springs Lake (17 miles west of Heber) • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Woodland Lake (Pinetop/Lakeside) • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock All 21 designated Urban Fishing Lakes (Consult the 2009 or 2010 Urban Fishing Program brochure for locations in the Phoenix and Tucson areas as well as Payson) • Parking, restrooms, shade, shoreline access, picnic facilities Special Regulation Waters Index R A G Ackre Lake...................................................................12 Alamo Lake................................................................. 20 Alvord Lake...........................................................22, 27 Apache Lake............................................................... 22 Arivaca Lake............................................................... 24 Granite Basin Lake......................................................14 Green Valley Park Lakes..................................... 16, 27 Growler Pond............................................................. 20 H B Home Creek................................................................12 Horseshoe Lake......................................................... 22 Bear Canyon Lake......................................................16 Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry.......................................14 Becker Lake.................................................................12 Black Canyon Lake.....................................................16 Bright Angel Creek......................................................18 Burro Creek.................................................................12 J C Canyon Creek..............................................................16 Canyon Lake............................................................... 22 Carnero Lake...............................................................12 CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir)...........16 Chaparral Park Lake............................................22, 27 Chevelon Creek...........................................................16 Chevelon Lake.............................................................16 City Reservoir..............................................................14 Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3....................................... 24 Colorado River .................................................... 18, 20 Colorado River, Lees Ferry........................................18 Colorado River, Parker Strip..................................... 20 Colorado River, Willow Beach..................................18 Colorado River, Yuma area...................................... 20 Cortez Park Lake..................................................22, 27 Coyote Creek...............................................................12 Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility.............. 22 D Dankworth Lake......................................................... 24 Dead Horse State Park Lagoons...............................14 Desert Breeze Park Lake.....................................22, 27 Desert West Park Lake........................................22, 27 E East Clear Creek..........................................................16 East Verde River....................................................14, 16 Elk Tank........................................................................14 Encanto Park Lake...............................................22, 27 Evelyn Hallman (Canal) Park Pond...................22, 27 F Fain Lake......................................................................14 Fortuna Pond.............................................................. 20 Fossil Creek, Middle Reach ......................................14 Francis Short Pond......................................................14 J.D. Dam Lake.............................................................14 K Kearny Lake................................................................ 24 Kennedy Park Lake..............................................24, 27 Kiwanis Park Lake................................................22, 27 Knoll Lake....................................................................16 L Lake Havasu............................................................... 20 Lake Mary, Lower.......................................................14 Lake Mead...................................................................18 Lake Mohave...............................................................18 Lake Pleasant............................................................. 22 Lake Powell..................................................................18 Lakeside Lake.......................................................24, 27 Lee Valley Lake............................................................12 Long Tom Lake............................................................16 M Mamie Creek...............................................................12 Maricopa Lake............................................................ 22 Martinez Lake............................................................. 20 Middle Tank.................................................................14 Mittry Lake.................................................................. 20 N Nelson Reservoir.........................................................12 Nutrioso Creek............................................................12 O Oak Creek....................................................................14 Oak Creek, West Fork.................................................14 P Papago Park Ponds 1-3.......................................22, 27 Pena Blanca Lake....................................................... 24 Perkins Tank................................................................14 Red Mountain Park Lake....................................22, 27 Redondo Lake............................................................ 20 Rio Vista Park Pond.............................................22, 27 Riverview Park Lake............................................22, 27 Roosevelt Lake........................................................... 22 Roper Lake.................................................................. 24 S Saguaro Lake.............................................................. 22 Sahuarita Park Lake.............................................24, 27 Salt River (upper)....................................................... 22 Salt River Project Canal System............................... 22 Santa Fe Reservoir......................................................14 Silver Creek..................................................................12 Silverbell Lake......................................................24, 27 Steele Indian School Park Pond.........................22, 27 Stone Dam Lake..........................................................14 Surprise Park Lake..................................................... 27 T Tempe Town Lake...................................................... 22 The Pond at Town Hall.............................................. 22 Thompson Creek........................................................12 Topock Marsh..............................................................18 V Verde River, and tributaries.......................................14 Veterans Oasis Park Lake....................................22, 27 Virgin River..................................................................18 W Water Ranch Park Lake.......................................22, 27 Welton-Mowhawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System............................ 20 West Clear Creek........................................................14 West Fork of the Black River.....................................12 Wildcat Creek..............................................................12 Willow Springs Lake...................................................16 Woodland Lake...........................................................12 Woods Canyon Lake..................................................16 Y Yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System...................................... 20 Yuma West Wetlands Pond...................................... 20 Q Quigley Pond.............................................................. 20 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 55 Index A Accessible Fishing Opportunities............................. 54 Amphibian Regulations............................................. 45 Angler Access Restrictions........................................ 42 Angler Code of Ethics...................................................3 Angler’s Legacy.......................................................... 43 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest............................3 Aquatic Reptile Regulations...................................... 46 Arizona Fish Records...........................................34–36 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules.....50–53 Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17 Laws.............47–49 Arizona State Parks State Office.................................3 B Baitfish Regulations.........................................8, 10, 28 Bald Eagle Closures................................................... 42 Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.............3 Boating and Watercraft Information....................... 38 C Capturing Live Bait..........................................8, 28, 52 Catch and Release Record Program........................ 36 Central Arizona Fishing Waters.........................22–23 Civil Liability................................................................10 Closures to Fishing.... 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 42 Coconino National Forest............................................3 Colorado River Northwest Fishing Waters........18–19 Colorado River Southwest Fishing Waters....... 20–21 Commission Order 40: Fish...........................5, 12–28 Commission Order 41: Amphibians........................ 45 Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks..................................... 46 Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only)..... 46 Common Violations....................................................10 Coronado National Forest...........................................3 Crayfish........................................... 8, 9, 10, 11, 39, 52 Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations.................. 46 D Daily Bag and Possession Limits.................5, 8, 9, 10 DDT...............................................................................41 Definitions............................................................47, 50 Department offices.......................................................1 F Fish Consumption Advisory............................... 40–41 Fire Restrictions/and or Closures...............................3 Fish Identification.................................................29-32 Fish Weighing Scale Locations..................................37 Fishing Blog............................................................ 3, 43 Fishing Clinics......................................................... 3, 43 Fishing Waters Central Arizona.................................................22–23 Colorado River Northwest................................18–19 Colorado River Southwest............................... 20–21 Mogollon Rim.....................................................16–17 56 North Central.....................................................14–15 Southeast Arizona............................................24–25 Urban Fishing Program...................................26–27 White Mountains...............................................12–13 Free Fishing Days................................................... 4, 43 G General Limits and Seasons........................................5 General Statewide Regulations............................ 8–10 Glen Canyon NRA.........................................................3 H Hatchery Visitation.......................................................2 Havasu National Wildlife Refuge................................3 Hitchhiking Plants and Animals..........................11, 39 Hook and Line Methods....................................... 8, 10 I Illegal Fish Stocking............................................... 9, 10 Imperial National Wildlife Refuge..............................3 Invasive Species....................................................11, 39 K Kaibab National Forest................................................3 Kids’ Fishing Photos.................................................. 43 L Lake Mead National Recreation Area........................3 Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County Parks.....................3 Lead and Fishing........................................................ 40 Legacy Pledge............................................................ 43 Length Limits.................................................................9 Licenses.............................................................4, 6, 7, 8 Disabled Veteran..............................................6, 48 Family Fishing License........................................... 7 Fees......................................................................6, 7 Lifetime Fishing License........................................ 6 Lost and Duplicate................................................. 8 Pioneer...............................................................6, 48 Requirements....................................................4, 10 Revocation.......................................................10, 49 Super Conservation............................................... 7 Where to Buy................................................. 4, 6, 7 Limits.............................................................8, 9, 10, 47 Littering........................................................................10 Live Bait, Capturing.........................................8, 28, 52 Live Baitfish................................................................ 28 M Mercury................................................................. 40–41 Mogollon Rim Fishing Waters.............................16–17 Motor Restrictions..................................................... 38 N Nonresident...................................................... 6, 10, 47 North Central Fishing Waters..............................14–15 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov O Operation Game Thief....................................9, 10, 33 P Pioneer Fishing License........................................ 6, 48 Prescott National Forest...............................................3 Protected Native Fish............................................ 5, 32 Q Quagga Mussels....................................................11, 39 R Record Fish Entry Form............................................ 36 Regulation Changes......................................................2 Reptile Regulations (aquatic only).......................... 46 Residency.......................................................... 6, 10, 47 Resource Agency Directory.........................................3 S Slot Limit (bass)............................................................2 Southeast Arizona Fishing Waters.....................24–25 Special Regulations.............................................. 12–27 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs....... 44 Stamps Colorado River Special Use.............. 6, 8, 18, 20 Fees......................................................................6, 8 Lifetime Trout Stamp.............................................. 6 Trout Stamp...................................................6, 8, 10 Two Pole Stamp............................................6, 8, 10 Utah Lake Powell Stamp.............................6, 8, 18 Where to Buy.......................................................... 4 Submit Your Photos................................................... 43 T Table of Contents..........................................................1 Take Me Fishing............................................................1 Tonto National Forest...................................................3 Transportation and Storage of Fish..................... 9, 10 U Urban Fishing Program Waters.........................26–27 U.S. Bureau of Land Management State Office........3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service......................................3 V Violations.....................................................................10 W Watercraft and Motor Restrictions.......................... 38 Weekly Fishing Report.................................................3 Where to Fish in Arizona...................................... 3, 33 Whirling Disease........................................................ 40 White Mountains Fishing Waters........................12–13 Y Youth Fishing.......................................................... 4, 43 Pages09.Trim.indd 3 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations 57 11/6/08 1:24:56 PM 58 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Pages09.Trim.indd 5 11/6/08 1:26:10 PM 2009 & 2010 Arizona Fishing Regulations Pages09.Trim.indd 2 59 11/6/08 1:24:16 PM 60 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Pages09.Trim.indd 4 11/6/08 1:25:30 PM Fishing guides TrouTback fly fishing trophy ApAche trout! 928-242-3931 www.troutback.com Stream And Lake Guided Trips & Learn To Fly Fish Fishing on the White Mountain Apache Reservation Diablo canyon ouTfiTTers l.l.c. Crappie 6 Bass 6 Flathead 6 Pike Crappie trips on Roosevelt ~ February to May 3/10/08. This Crappie went 5/1/08, A nice 14lb catfish 17.5” and just over 4lbs. Over 15 Years As A Professional Guide Robert A. Frost 810-6804 Mobile: (602) e-mail: diablocanyon@hotmail.com www.diablocanyonoutfitters.com Advertising That Really Adds Up! 2010 2009 2009-2010 Spring Hunting Elk & Antelope Early Draw Hunting & Trapping Regulations TOTAL: 160,000 200,000 400,000 750,000 For Advertising Information Call 800-564-6818 Pages09.Trim.indd 1 11/6/08 1:48:07 PM Pages09.Trim.indd 7 11/6/08 1:28:02 PM