ArizonA GAme And Fish depArtment 2013 Fishing Regulations www.azgfd.gov CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY Hello Fish, Invasives Goodbye! Invasive species replace native species and destroy habitat for native sport fish. s4HE ESTIMATED DAMAGE FROM INVASIVES WORLDWIDE TOTALS  TRILLIONˆ PERCENT OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY ANNUALLY s)NVASIVE SPECIES CAN BE TRANSPORTED BY BOATS VEHICLES AND 9/5 HOW YOU CAN HELP! George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department s,EARN TO IDENTIFY INVASIVE SPECIES IN YOUR AREA s#LEAN DRAIN AND DRY ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE LEAVING HOME s&ISH IN DESIGNATED WATERS AND TRAVEL ON ESTABLISHED ROADS AND TRAILS Apache trout REPORT IT! U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Arizona Game and Fish Department: www.azgfd.gov/ais s.EVER RELEASE PLANTS OR ANIMALS INCLUDING BAIT s4HOROUGHLY INSPECT ALL BOATS VEHICLES ANIMALS CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING WADERS BEFORE LEAVING YOUR lSHING LOCATION Troy Evans, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bugwood.org Bureau of Land Management Arizona State Office: www.az.blm.gov    www.blm.gov/weeds www.WildlifeForever.org Quagga mussels (top) Giant salvinia (bottom) AdPages2013.indd 3 11/27/2012 10:36:12 AM Getting started Janice K. Brewer Governor ArizonA GAme And Fish Commission NORMAN W. FREEMAN, Chair Chino Valley JACK F. HUSTED Springerville J.W. HARRIS Tucson ROBERT E. MANSELL Winslow KURT R. DAVIS Phoenix ArizonA GAme And Fish depArtment 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, Arizona 85086 (602) 942-3000 www.azgfd.gov LARRy D. VOyLES Director GARy R. HOVATTER Deputy Director BOB BROSCHEID Deputy Director reGionAL oFFiCes region i 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop 85935 (928) 367-4281 region ii 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff 86001 (928) 774-5045 region iii 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman 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 Director’s Office, 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 Director’s Office as listed above or by calling TTy at 1-800-367-8939. ©2012 Arizona Game and Fish Department Cover photograph by George Andrejko Regulation Changes ...........................................................2 Online Resources ...............................................................2 Fish&Boat Arizona..............................................................3 How to Use This Booklet ...................................................5 License Information ...........................................................5 License and Stamp Fees ....................................................6 Getting started Table of Contents General statewide Fishing regulations Bag and Possession Limits ................................................8 Statewide Fishing Regulations ..........................................9 Common Violations ......................................................... 11 Live Baitfish and Waterdogs ........................................... 12 special regulations and seasons: Commission order 40 White Mountains .............................................................. 14 North Central .................................................................... 16 Mogollon Rim ................................................................... 18 Colorado River Northwest ..............................................20 Colorado River Southwest ..............................................22 Central ...............................................................................24 Southeast...........................................................................26 Urban Fishing Program Waters ......................................28 special requirements Amphibians: Commission Order 41 ..............................30 Crustaceans and Mollusks: Commission Order 42 .....................................................30 Reptiles: Commission Order 43 ..................................... 31 Invasive Species — Quagga Mussels ..............................32 Watercraft Regulations ....................................................33 Fish identification, tips and resources Arizona Fish Identification ..............................................34 Basic Fishing Setups.........................................................38 Operation Game Thief .....................................................39 Sport Fishing Education Program ..................................40 Where to Fish by Species ................................................ 41 Arizona State Fish Records .............................................42 Arizona Fish Entry Form..................................................44 Fish Weighing Scales .......................................................45 Fish Consumption Advisories .........................................46 Angler Access ....................................................................48 Arizona revised statutes and Commission rules Title 17 (ARS) Game and Fish Laws ...............................52 Commission Rules............................................................55 index ......................................................................................... 61 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 1 Regulation Changes NEW note: All regulation changes take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Check regulation section for changes highlighted as “NEW.” to 4 catfish, 4 trout and 2 bass (minimum size 13-inches). Crappie harvest is encouraged and is unlimited. (page 16) Alamo Lake, the special regulation slot limit for bass has been removed. Bass regulations now become the same as statewide regulations: 6 bass daily bag and possession limit and no size restrictions on bass kept. (page 22) Lake powell, change walleye limits to unlimited to conform with Utah’s walleye regulations. (page 20) Archer Lake at Christopher Columbus Park, closed to fishing to conform with long-standing Tucson City Code. (page 26) Cataract Lake, daily bag and possession limits have been reduced to 4 catfish, 4 trout and 2 bass (minimum size 13-inches). Crappie harvest is encouraged and is unlimited. (page 16) Council park pond (Somerton), daily bag and possession limits have been reduced to 2 catfish, 2 trout, 1 bass (minimum size 13 inches) and 5 sunfish (effective as of January 1, 2012). (page 22) Frye mesa resevoir, limits have been established to allow 1 Gila trout daily (effective as of January 1, 2012). (page 26) Kaibab Lake, daily bag and possession limits have been reduced parker Canyon Lake, daily bag and possession limits have been reduced to 4 channel catfish. (page 26) pena Blanca Lake, the current catch-and-release only regulation for largemouth bass has been extended another two years through Dec. 31, 2014. Bass must be immediately released unharmed. (page 26) Live Baitfish, gizzard shad is now a legal live baitfish from the following legal areas ONLy: 1) the Colorado River south of Separation Canyon downstream to the Southern International boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs (e.g., Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu) and directly connected backwaters (e.g., Topock Marsh and Mittry Lake), 2) the Gila and Salt Rivers, including impounded reservoirs (e.g., Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake), 3) urban waters in Maricopa County, and 4) Lake Pleasant. Live gizzard shad may be collected and used onsite only; it is illegal to transport live gizzard shad to or from these waters. (page 13) Online Fishing Information www.azgfd.gov/fishing • Weekly Fishing reports What’s biting and where • Fish&Boat Arizona — interactive Fishing map (see page 3) • Fishing pictures Submit your photos for posting on our website • statewide trout stocking schedule Seasonal trout stocking schedules are posted showing the week of stocking for over 70 waters (see page 4) • 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 Guidebook Review or download current Urban Fishing Program regulations and lake information (see page 4) • Urban Fishing Lake maps • hot topics Quagga Mussels, Golden Alga • eneWs FREE online subscription to weekly Fishing Reports, Urban Fishing Bulletin, and more • Az sport Fish 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 Listing of current year’s biggest fish • Fishing Clinics Find out about nearby open clinics or sign up to have an instructor teach your group 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov r o f p u @ n g i S s w e N e Get the latest Arizona Game and Fish Department news and information delivered right to your computer. www.azgfd.gov/signup Getting started Fish&Boat Arizona NEW The Fish&Boat webmap theis Fish&Boat your guide toArizona 150 of webmap is your guide to 150 of Arizona’s best fishing lakes, rivers and Arizona’s best fishing urban waters. Built on a Google map platform, the site is interactive and fun to use and explore. lakes, rivers and urban waters. Learn about: • fishing holes close to home • places to fish at your favorite vacation spot • waters where your favorite sport fish await ebmap 150 of hing urban out: se Or just explore the map and click on a fishing spot to discover what’s there: fish species, facilities, concessions and special information such as sitespecific fishing regulations. your spot ur h await All at the click of a mouse, map it’s that easy. ing spot Good luck on your next there: fishing trip! ies, pecial s sitegulations. mouse, r next Learn about: • Fishing holes close to home; • Places to fish at your next vacation spot; • Waters where your favorite sport fish await; and • What the site looks like and how to get there. Just click on a fishing spot to discover what’s there: fish species, facilities, concessions, boat rentals, fees and special information, such as site-specific fishing regulations. For boaters, find out where the boat ramps, marinas or pumpouts are located across Arizona’s diverse reservior, lake and river systems. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 3 Fishing Resources Arizona’s Official Fishing NEW Guide — 181 Top Fishing Spots, Directions & Tips Published by Arizona Highways in conjunction with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, this new book is for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels, including Arizona residents and out-of-state visitors, who want to explore Arizona’s rivers, streams and lakes to catch fish and enjoy the outdoors. This 336-page book is filled with maps, photos, directions and tips. It is available for $29.95 at all Game and Fish Department offices or online at www.azgfd.gov/publications. Arizona Fishin’ Holes All anglers will want “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” book for this great fishing season. This indispensable angler’s companion has information about what species you’ll find where. It’s also a handy general camping and recreation guide, listing all the amenities at our state’s great fishing waters. New tables list GPS coordinates and give Web-friendly contact information. This informative booklet is just $8 and is your one-stop source for planning that next family fishing adventure. It’s available at all Game and Fish Department offices or online at www.azgfd.gov/publications. Urban Fishing Program Guidebook The Urban Fishing Program guidebooks are designed to make it easier for anglers of all ages and abilities to figure out what the regulations are, where to fish, when to fish, how to fish, what to fish with, and much more. Major features of the guidebook include: a fish stocking calendar; fishing regulations at a glance; lake and park maps; listings of family-friendly park amenities; a fishing tips section; and a fishing equipment checklist showing you what you need to get started. The free guidebooks are available at all Game and Fish Department offices or any of the 320 license dealers. So pick up a guidebook, grab an extra one to pass on to a friend, and go urban fishing! Fish Stocking Schedules New Fish Stocking Information Find out where and when fish stockings occur from the Game and Fish website. Click on Fish Stocking Schedule on the front page to pull up current stocking schedules. The statewide trout stocking schedule includes: • All statewide stockings of trout from Game and Fish hatcheries • Winter season schedule (October through March) • Summer season schedule (April through September) • The week of stocking is announced (trout are delivered from Mondays through Fridays) New online features: • “Hot links” by water (just click on the name) that automatically pulls up Google Maps showing the fishing location and providing you with driving directions. 4 • For larger creeks and rivers (e.g., Oak Creek, Tonto Creek, Lower Salt River), the Google Maps also show specific locations along the creek where the trout are put in. The Urban Fishing Program stocking schedule includes: Just click on the water name. Google Maps pops up and shows the fishing location and provides you with driving directions (see below). • All catfish, trout and bluegill stockings to the 21 designated Urban Fishing water locations. • Schedules are updated every 3 months • The week of stocking is announced (fish are delivered from Mondays through Saturdays) New online features: • “Hot links” by Urban Fishing water (just click on the name) that automatically pulls up Google Maps showing the fishing location and providing you with driving directions. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Lower Salt River License Information This booklet contains the information you need to legally fish in Arizona. Please consult regulations carefully before fishing. Regulations differ on many bodies of water, so be sure to follow the steps below before you go fishing: License Requirements 1. Make sure that you have read and are familiar with the information on General Statewide Regulations (pages 8–10) concerning the requirements for licenses, stamps, bag and possession limits, gear and bait restrictions, harvest methods and common violations. • Youth under the age of 14 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. 2. Review the General Sport Fish Regulations (page 8) 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 28–29. • A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 14 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Indian Reservation p.20 p.16 p.18 p.14 p.22 p.24 4. Locate your fishing area of interest in the Special Regulations — Fish: Indian Commission Order 40 Reservation (pages 14–29). Now look to see if the body of water you will be fishing is listed, then note any Special Regulations that apply to any fish species such as catch limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, bait and hook restrictions, closed areas, or other restrictions. you can also refer to the Special Regulation Waters Index on page 60. 5. If specific references to a body of water, fish species, catch limits, length limits, seasons, method of take, or other restrictions are not made in the Special Regulations, then General Statewide Regulations and General Sport Fishing Seasons apply. it is the angler’s responsibility to know what regulations apply to the body of water they are fishing. new or changed regulations for 2013 are summarized on page 2. Indian Reservation p.26 Getting started How To Use This Booklet • A member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty and stationed in: (a) This state for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the date of application; (b) Another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of application, may purchase a resident license. • All required licenses, permits and/or stamps must be in possession while engaging in fishing. • A valid fishing or combination license is required for take of frogs, waterdogs, crayfish and softshell turtles. See Commission Orders 41 (Amphibians), 42 (Crustaceans and Mollusks) and 43 (Reptiles) on pages 30–31 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 or refundable. Arizona Fishing Licenses Are Not Required When • Fishing any public water on free fishing days, Saturdays, June 1 and 8, 2013. • Registered and participating in a Department sponsored fishing clinic. • Fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission of the property owner. Where to Buy Licenses and Stamps • 320 license dealers statewide (includes many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores) • Arizona Game and Fish Department offices • Online at www.azgfd.gov, immediate print out of license. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 5 Fishing License and Stamp Fees Licenses and stamps available at all license dealers, Department offices and online All fishing and combo hunt and fish licenses listed are valid for all aquatic species, including trout, unless otherwise noted. FishinG LiCenses resident General Fishing, Class A (valid all species except trout) Urban Fishing, Class U (includes trout privilege) Super Conservation Fishing, Class L (Class A + Urban + Trout stamp) Combo Hunt and Fish, Class F (includes trout privilege) youth Combo Hunt and Fish3, Class F (includes trout privilege) youth Combo Hunt and Fish3, Class F (includes trout privilege) One Day Fishing, Class D (includes trout privilege) 5 Day Fishing, Class C (includes trout privilege) 4 Month Fishing9, Class B (includes trout privilege) Colorado River Only Fishing, Class E (includes trout privilege) 1 $ 23.50 $ 18.502 $ 53.00 $ 54.00 $ 26.50 $5.008 $ 16.25 not available not available not available FishinG stAmps 5 (see page 6) resident Trout Stamp (validates General Fish, Class A, for taking of trout) Two-Pole Stamp Additional Fishing Day Stamp4 Colorado River Stamp — California Colorado River Stamp — Nevada $15.75 $ 6.00 $ 8.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 non-resident not available7 $ 18.502 $ 63.00 $ 225.75 $ 26.50 $ 17.25 $ 32.00 $ 39.75 $ 48.75 non-resident not available7 $ 6.00 $ 9.00 $ 3.00 $ 3.00 6 $ 8.00 (UT Lake Powell Stamp) This stamp is available only from Utah license dealers and validates an Arizona resident license for Utah portions of Lake Powell. Lake Powell Stamps and Permits $ 3.00 (AZ Lake Powell Stamp) This stamp validates Utah licenses. 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 One Day and Five Day fishing licenses. The stamp (or stamps) must be purchased prior to the expiration of the One Day or Five Day license. 5. Includes actual stamps purchased from license dealers or computer-generated stamp privileges issued online or by Game and Fish Department offices. 6. To fish the Utah portion of Lake Powell: Arizona licensed anglers must purchase a UT Lake Powell stamp. To fish Arizona portions of Lake Powell: Utah licensed anglers must purchase an AZ Lake Powell stamp. Utah requires non-residents of Utah or Arizona to purchase a Utah non-resident fishing license to fish Utah portions of Lake Powell. 7. Purchase the Super Conservation Fishing license for $63.00 (Class L), which includes statewide trout and Urban fishing privileges. 8. The Department now offers a reduced fee Class F (Combination Hunt/Fish) Honorary Scout license to a resident (less than 21 years of age) who has either attained the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scout) or received a Gold Award (Girl Scout). 9. Valid for four consecutive months, including across calendar years. 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 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. • disABLed VeterAn 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 percent disabling. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. Getting started Family and Super Fishing and Combination Licenses FAMILY LICENSES These are great values for married couples and parent(s) with children under age 18. Here’s how it works: for the same license class, the first (primary) 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. These licenses may not be obtained through the big game draw. Family License Class Fishing (Class I) Combo hunt and Fish (Class K) What it includes Eligibility: Residents only. Licenses may be purchased at Game and Fish offices and online. Family licenses may be issued to members of an immediate family residing in the same household. Immediate family means one adult, or two adults who are married to each other, and their children under age 18, including adoptive children, stepchildren, foster children, and other children for whom they are legal guardians. primary Adult1 Legal spouse1 each Child1 General Fish license (A), and Trout Stamp Combo Hunt and Fish license (F) $ 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and online Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and online SUPER CONSERVATION LICENSES These super package deals combine multiple licenses, stamps and tags to create outstanding values for avid anglers and hunters. Eligibilty: Residents and non-residents may purchase Super Conservation Fishing licenses (Class L) at any statewide license dealer, any super Conservation License Class super Fishing (Class L) super Combination hunt and Fish (Class N) Game and Fish office or online. 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, nonpermittags for archery deer, archery turkey, bear and mountain lion tags. $ 53.00 $ 63.00 At Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, license dealers and online $163.00 not available Only at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices Notes: 1. A Primary Adult license must be purchased before a legal spouse or child license can be issued. 3. A Child, for hunting and/or combo licenses, is defined as at least age 10 but under 18 during the license year. 2. For family fishing licenses, a child is defined as at least age 14 and less than 18 years of age during the 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. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 7 Statewide Fishing Regulations Open Statewide, Jan. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2014 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 14–29 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 14–29) 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. If any of these protected native fish are incidentally caught, they must be immediately released unharmed. See fish identification section on pages 34–37. Beautiful Shiner Bluehead Sucker Bonytail Chub Colorado Pikeminnow Desert Pupfish Flannelmouth Sucker Gila Chub Gila Topminnow Gila Trout1 Headwater Chub2 Humpback Chub Little Colorado Sucker Little Colorado Spinedace Loach Minnow Mexican Stoneroller Quitobaquito Pupfish Razorback Sucker Sonora Chub Spikedace Virgin Spinedace Virgin Roundtail Chub 1. Except Frye Mesa Reservoir where the limit is 1 Gila trout, see page 26. 2. Except Fossil Creek where headwater chub may be caught and released, see page 16. 8 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Woundfin yaqui Catfish yaqui Chub yaqui Topminnow Zuni Bluehead Sucker License dealers sell stamps that must be affixed to the back of a valid fishing or combo license and signed. Stamps purchased from Game and Fish Department offices or online are computer-generated stamp privileges that are printed on the fishing license or are issued on a separate license form. trout stamp The Department stocks trout in many selected waters throughout the state. A trout stamp is required to validate the Class A, general fishing license or lifetime license for all persons who take or attempt to take trout. All other license categories (Class B through U) cover all fish species including trout. two pole stamp The $6 two-pole stamp is an optional stamp that validates a valid fishing license for simultaneous fishing that is the taking of fish by no more than two lines (poles) and not to exceed two hooks or two artificial lures or flies per line. Additional Fishing day stamp The resident and nonresident additional fishing day stamp(s) can be purchased to extend a Class D One Day or a Class C Five Day license to two or more consecutive fishing days. Colorado river special Use stamps and Utah Lake powell stamps Note: Fishing privileges on Colorado River boundary waters common to Arizona and an adjoining state are mutually agreed upon by the two states. It is your responsibility to know which state you are fishing in and the regulations that apply to the waters that you are fishing. These stamps are required to validate an Arizona fishing license when fishing from a boat on any waters that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada, or when fishing from the California, or Nevada, shorelines of these waters. A Utah Lake Powell stamp (reciprocal permit) validates only an Arizona fishing license to fish in the Utah portions of Lake Powell. An Arizona Lake Powell stamp validates only a Utah fishing license to fish in the Arizona portions of Lake Powell. Utah requires non-residents of Utah or Arizona to purchase a Utah nonresident fishing license to fish Utah portions of Lake Powell. Lost Your License? If you lose or damage your license, you can get a replacement at any license dealer, Department office or online. 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. General statewide Fishing regulations speCiAL LiCenses And stAmps stAteWide FishinG reGULAtions This synopsis of fishing regulations is prepared for convenience only. The regulations are valid for two years, 2013 and 2014. 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 52–59. Hook and Line Methods • Anglers may use only one line or pole with no more than two hooks. An artificial lure is considered one hook. • The exception to the use of one line or pole is when an angler purchases a two-pole stamp that allows the angler to fish with two poles or lines simultaneously. In no case are more than two lines allowed to be used simultaneously. • Fishing lines must be constantly attended and in immediate control. • The hook, fly or lure must be used in such a manner that the fish voluntarily attempts to take it in its mouth. • For artificial fly and lure waters, check the Special Regulations to determine if hooks must also be barbless or single barbless hook only. • A single barbless hook is a fish hook with a single point, without barbs on or which barbs have been removed or bent com- pletely 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. Other Fishing Methods • See R12-4-313D for other legal methods of take (bow and arrow, spear or spear gun, snagging, nets, traps, etc.) for specific fish species (page 56). Capturing Baitfish and Crayfish for Bait • Live baitfish may be used only in areas approved for certain species (see page 12). • Live bait may be taken by minnow trap, dip net, cast net, pole and line, handline, crayfish net or seine. • Cast nets shall not exceed a 4-foot radius (or an 8-foot diameter). • Seine nets shall not exceed 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width. • Landing nets or dip nets may be used for the capture of baitfish or crayfish or only to land a legally hooked fish. • Any unattended traps or devices used to catch or hold aquatic wildlife or fish must have attached water resistant identification legibly bearing the name, address, and fish- ing license number of the person using the device. • All aquatic wildlife taken incidentally while capturing live bait with nets or traps must be returned immediately and unharmed to the water after being caught. • All legal baitfish and crayfish caught must be for personal use only and are not to be sold or used for commercial purposes. Daily Bag and Possession Limit • The daily bag limit is the maximum number of fish that may be legally caught and reduced to possession in one day. Once you catch a fish and do not release it, it now counts toward your daily bag limit. This includes any fish you catch and give away to someone else. Daily limits are for 24-hour periods (midnight to midnight). Possession limits are the same as daily limits unless otherwise noted (including waters listed under the Special Regulations). • No person shall have in their possession (in the field, in camp, in transit, or at permanent residence) more than one daily limit of any fish species. Fish are in an angler’s possession whether on hand, in cold storage, in transport, at home, or elsewhere under their ownership. • An angler may take daily limits of several types of fish per day. Daily catch limits 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 9 stAteWide FishinG reGULAtions (continued) 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. Length Limits Closures to Fishing 1. Total length is the standard. 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 (see page 48), and some areas (streams) being actively restored for Apache and Gila trout recovery efforts may be temporarily closed to fishing. 2. Place the fish flat on its side with the jaw closed. 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 (e.g. Chevelon Lake) means that fish within a designated length range must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught. Fish that are shorter or longer than the protected length range may be kept. How to Measure the Length of a Fish Pinch mouth closed Pinch tail to point Total Length 3. Squeeze the tail fin lobes together to produce the maximum total length. LiCense reVoCAtion And CiViL LiABiLitY License Revocation you can have your fishing and hunting license privileges revoked by the Commission for up to five years or more 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. 10 you may also be civilly liable for the loss of wildlife to the state (see below). (A.R.S. 17-340) page 54 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. The civil damages may reach as much as $8,000 per incident. (A.R.S. 17-314) page 53 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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 that is transported from licensed bait dealers. See page 12 for Live Baitfish — Legal Species, Legal Areas 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. 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 1-800352-0700. short while, your line must be reeled in and removed from the water. (A.R.S. 17-301C) page 52 Fish or Take Aquatic Wildlife Without a License or With the Wrong License 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: 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. Urban Fishing Program guidebooks are available at all Game and Fish offices, license dealers or online at www.azgfd. gov. (A.R.S. 17-331) page 53 No Trout Stamp A trout stamp validates a general or lifetime Class A fishing 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 (classes B through U). (A.R.S. 17-331) page 53 Unlawful Angling or Fishing with Two Lines (or Poles) without a Two-Pole Stamp Angling is defined as “the taking of fish by one line and not to exceed two hooks, or by one line and one artificial lure which may have attached more than one hook, or by one line and not to exceed two artificial flies or lures.” In order to use two lines at once (i.e. simultaneous angling) you must have a current two-pole stamp affixed to the back of your valid fishing license. It is never allowable to fish with more than two lines at once. (A.R.S. 17-301C) page 52 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, even for a Exceed Bag and/or Possession Limit • Fish for that same species of fish and practice catch-and-release; • Fish for that same species of fish with the intent of replacing any fish in your bag with a “better fish;” this is also known as culling; • Fish for that same species of fish with the intent 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 53 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 53 Obtain License or Permit by Fraud Only persons who have been a domiciled resident (A.R.S. 17-101, page 52) of Arizona for the six months immediately preceding the date of application may obtain resident fishing licenses and permits. If the residency of the applicant is in question, the following factors will be considered: Does not claim residency for any purpose in any other state or jurisdiction; has been issued an Arizona driver’s license or an Arizona commercial driver’s license; is employed full-time in Arizona; files federal and/ or state income taxes as an Arizona resident; votes in Arizona; is enrolled in, or has minor children enrolled in an Arizona public school without payment of non-resident tuition. 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 53 and 57 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 53 General statewide Fishing regulations Common VioLAtions Unlawful Possession or Transportation of Live Crayfish Except for yuma County and a portion of La Paz County or under a live wildlife license authority, it is unlawful for a person to import, transport or possess live crayfish other than on or at the body of water where caught. (A.R.S. 17-309A1, R12-4-316) pages 53 and 57 Other Violations • Refuse to produce a license or fish for inspection upon request of an enforcement officer. • Snag or attempt to snag fish except as provided at Alamo Lake and Lake Havasu. • Attempt to take fish by hand, with or without a hook. • Use a landing net to capture fish, except to land a legally-hooked fish. Dip or seine nets are only legal for the capture of baitfish. • Waste game fish by intentionally leaving or abandoning any fillets or 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 baitfish is restricted (page 12). 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 11 Live Baitfish — Legal Species, Legal Areas and Regulations Live baitfish that are legal for use in Arizona include only those species identified on this page. No other fish species may be used as live bait. it is illegal • To release live baitfish or other live fish into any Arizona waters. • To use or possess any restricted live baitfish while fishing waters prohibiting use of that baitfish. • To sell live baitfish (or waterdogs) without a Live Baitfish Dealers License. • To keep or harm any game fish or aquatic wildlife incidentally taken while capturing live baitfish with seines, dip nets, traps or cast nets. Live baitfish may be obtained and used only in the legal areas identified below. No live baitfish may be used or possessed while on any waters in Coconino, Apache, Pima and Cochise Counties. All other counties have specific baitfish regulations by body of water or area. Please dispose of all unwanted baitfish by burying them on land far from the water. Legal Areas Allowing the Use of Live Baitfish Arizona Live Baitfish License Dealers may offer for sale any of the following: fathead minnows (most common), threadfin shad, red shiner, mosquitofish, golden shiner and goldfish. Any legal baitfish obtained from a licensed baitfish dealer may be transported for use only to the following legal areas. These six baitfish species may also be collected and used alive onsite only in the identified legal areas. It is illegal to transport any of these live baitfish from these waters. Legal Areas Allowed Fathead minnows, threadfin shad, red shiner and mosquitofish are permitted on all waters of the counties of La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal and yuma. These baitfish may be used in all waters of Mohave County except the Virgin river. 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 (most commonly used) Threadfin shad Red shiner Mosquitofish 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. Waterdogs Waterdogs are NOT considered baitfish, however they have specific regulations governing their use in Arizona. For regulations on live waterdog legal areas, capture, possession, and transportation see R124-313.C.4 (page 57) and R12-4-316.A & C (page 57). No live waterdogs or salamanders may be taken, used or possessed 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 (this includes Parker Canyon Lake). 12 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Golden Shiner Goldfish Legal live baitfish can be obtained from licensed bait dealers and from wild capture for personal use only. For regulations on legal capture methods, possession and transport of live baitfish, see: • Capturing baitfish and crayfish for bait, page 9 • Lawful methods R12-4-313.A thru E, pages 56–57 • Possession of live fish R12-4-315.A & B, page 57 • Possession and transportation of live baitfish R12-4-316.A & B , page 57 • Seasons for lawfully taking fish R12-4-317.A thru C, pages 57–58 The following live baitfish may be collected and used onsite only in the identified legal areas. It is illegal to transport any of these live baitfish to or from these waters. 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. General statewide Fishing regulations Live Baitfish — Legal Species, Legal Areas and Regulations Legal Areas Allowed Tilapia 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. Legal Areas Allowed Carp NEW Gizzard shad 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. Legal Areas Allowed Gizzard shad are permitted for use as live bait only from the following areas: 1) the Colorado River south of Separation Canyon downstream to the Southern International boundary with Mexico, including impounded reservoirs (e.g., Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu) and directly connected backwaters (e.g., Topock Marsh and Mittry Lake), 2) the Gila and Salt Rivers, including impounded reservoirs (e.g., Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake), 3) urban waters in Maricopa County, and 4) Lake Pleasant. 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; • Introducing invasive species such as quagga mussels, crayfish or others; • Introducing diseases, such as bass virus, hemorrhagic septicemia, or others; • 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! 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. Stop the theft of your angling 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. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 13 Special Regulations and Seasons — Fish: Commission Order 40 The following bodies of water identified under Special Regulations and Seasons (pages 14–29) have special fishing seasons (R12-4-317), bag and possession limits, size limits or closures that differ from General Statewide Regulations (pages 8–11) or Statewide Daily Bag and Possession Limits (page 8). 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 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. 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 14 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. West Fork of the Black river From the confluence of Hayground Creek upstream to the Fort Apache Indian Reservation including tributaries. Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Wildcat Creek Catch-and-release only for trout. Trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only; single barbless hooks only. 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 • 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 48 for information on Crescent Lake, Greer Lakes (tunnel, Bunch and river), Luna Lake and show Low 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 pages 12–13. 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 33. 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 special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — White Mountains 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 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters h W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting 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 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 15 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. NEW NEW 16 Beaver Creek (Wet and dry) Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Cataract Lake Daily bag limits have been reduced to 4 catfish, 4 trout and 2 bass (minimum size 13 inches). City reservoir The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; 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, 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 and headwater chub. Roundtail chub and headwater 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. Kaibab Lake Daily bag limits have been reduced to 4 catfish, 4 trout and 2 bass (minimum size 13 inches). 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. 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. • Grapevine Creek in yavapai County • 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 48 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 pages 12–13. 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 33. 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 30 31 Kinnikinick Lake Lake Mary, Lower Lake Mary, Upper Long Lake Lynx Lake Middle Tank Mingus Lake Oak Creek Supai Gran a d an Can any an nyon Oak Creek, West Fork Perkins Tank Santa Fe Reservoir Stone Dam Lake Verde River Watson and Willow lakes West Clear Creek Whitehorse Lake 00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting Desert r View rt Cam a ero am r n ro Gray a Mtn ay Mt . Val a le al special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — North Central Peach Spri r ngs ri Yaaam mpai mp Seligman a an Ash For Fork rk 15 1 3 4 28 3 26 22 6 5 Park Par rks W lliaaam Wi ms 27 Belllemont n 11 25 30 2 31 8 8 21 2114 12 Cam amp am mp Wood Wo 23 20 4 Cotttttonwoood 5 28 27 22 Sedon na Jero r me ro Hillside Kirrk kllan k and Kirk rkl rk klan a d Jct. Peeples Val a ley al Yaaarrrnnell 13 1 29Pre Prescott t Val tt a leey al 9 8 20 18 12 10 19 17 Hap a py Jack ap 2 2 Lak ake Montez ont uma ontez um McGuire reville re Dewey Humb m oldt mb Cam amp am mp Verde d de 30 25 10 10 Ma err May Wilhoit W nslow Wi 16 14 Mund undss und Park ar ark Morm ormon orm mon Lake Page ag Spri prings pri Cor ornvil ornvi nville Sku k ll ku Val a ley al 1 1 Clar ark ar rkd kdal ae Chino Val a ley al Bagdad a ad 17 1 18 18 24 26 Pa ld Pau deen d Winona Str t awberr tr rry rr ry Pine Cord rdes Jct. rd Cro r wn ro King 7 6 Bum mble mb Beee Blackk Can a yon an City t ty Rock Spri r ngs ri River 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 17 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. Green Valley park Lakes (town of payson) See Designated Urban Fishing Lake Regulations, pages 28–29. 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. Long tom Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. All waters within the city park systems of payson The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination. Willow springs Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Bear Canyon Lake Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Woods 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. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing 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. Catch-and-release only for trout; trout must be immediately released unharmed; no trout may be kept; artificial fly and lure only. Chevelon Creek In Coconino and Navajo counties downstream from Chevelon Crossing to the Little Colorado River. Unlimited rainbow and brown trout from Sept. 1 through March 31. Note: from April 1 through Aug. 31 the limit is 6 trout. Chevelon Lake Trout between 10 and 14 inches may not be possessed; the limit is 6 trout; artificial fly and lure only. Trout taken from Chevelon Lake shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released. 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. 18 east Verde river Unlimited smallmouth and largemouth bass; unlimited channel and flathead catfish. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov • 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 48 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 pages 12–13. 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 33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 00 Popular 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 special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — Mogollon Rim 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 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 19 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). Rainbow trout over 14 inches may not be possessed. The limit is 4 rainbow trout per day and 8 rainbow trout in possession; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only. Rainbow trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released; there is no limit on other sport fish species which includes all species of bass (including sunfish and stripers), all species of catfish, all species of trout other than rainbow trout, and walleye. • From the beginning of the Paria riffle to Navajo Bridge, including all tributaries. The limit is 6 rainbow trout per day and 8 rainbow trout in possession. Rainbow trout taken from this portion of the Colorado River shall be killed and retained as part of the bag limit or immediately released; there is no limit on other sport fish species which includes all species of bass (including sunfish and stripers), all species of catfish, all species of trout other than rainbow trout, and walleye. • From Navajo Bridge to Separation Canyon, including all tributaries within the Grand Canyon National Park. There is no limit on sport fish species which includes all species of bass (including sunfish and stripers), all species of catfish, all species of trout, and walleye. • 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. 20 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. Lake powell The limit is 20 for smallmouth bass and 5 for NEW largemouth bass; unlimited for striped bass; unlimited for walleye; the limit is 10 crappie. Carp may be taken by spearfishing and bow and arrow during daylight hours. Striped bass may also be taken by spearfishing during daylight hours. 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 pages 12–13. 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 33. 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. Utah requires non-residents of Utah or Arizona to purchase a Utah non-resident fishing license to fish Utah portions of Lake Powell. See pages 6 and 9. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R12-4-312 on pages 54 and 56.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bright Angel Creek Colorado River below Davis Dam Lake Havasu (see page 22) Lake Mead Lake Mohave Lake Powell 00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W National Park, Monument, or Memorial Closed to Hunting National Wildlife Refuge 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 Desert View iver Meadview R do Grand Canyon Temple Bar Littl l or a 1 e Co 4 special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — Colorado River Northwest 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 22. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 21 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. redondo 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. Notes: Canals in Yuma County Catch-and-release only for white amur. White amur must be immediately released unharmed; no white amur may be kept. Note: White amur are similar to, and can be mistaken for, common carp. Bow hunters should use caution and not shoot white amur. 1. General Statewide Regulations apply to all waters and fish species within the Colorado River Southwest area except as listed below. 2. For each water listed, the possession limit is the same as the daily limit, unless a different possession limit is specified. NEW Alamo Lake The limit is 6 bass of any size (the protected slot limit has been removed as of Jan. 1, 2013). Snagging of carp and tilapia allowed in January, February and December (see R12-3-313, page 54). 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. NEW Council park pond (Somerton) Daily bag limits have been reduced to 2 trout; 1 bass, minimum size 13 inches; 2 catfish; 5 sunfish. Fortuna pond The limit is 4 trout; the limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 4 catfish in any combination; the limit is 10 sunfish. Growler pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches. Lake havasu The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. Snagging for carp, tilapia, and shad is allowed from Jan. 1 through March 31, and from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. martinez Lake The limit is 10 trout; the limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 10 catfish in any combination; the limit is 25 crappie. mittry Lake The limit is 6 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 25 crappie. Quigley pond The limit is 2 bass, minimum size 13 inches. 22 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Yuma West Wetlands pond The limit is 2 trout; the limit is 1 bass, minimum size 13 inches; the limit is 2 catfish; the limit is 5 sunfish. Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing • Alamo Lake Posted area immediately above the dam. • Cibola Lake From the first Monday in Sept. (Labor Day) through March 15. • Lake havasu Posted portions. • martinez Lake Posted portions from Oct. 1 through March 1. • mittry Lake Posted portions Nov. 15 through Feb. 15. note: Other seasonal closures may be in effect within some areas due to bald eagle breeding closures and/or Wildlife Area closures. See page 48 for information on Alamo Lake. Live Baitfish Regulations See pages 12–13 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 33. 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 9. (See also A.R.S. 17-342 and R124-312 on pages 54 and 56.) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Alamo Lake Golden Shores Colorado River – Parker Strip Colorado River – yuma area Topock Council Park Pond Fortuna Pond Lake Havasu City Growler Pond 7 Lake Havasu Martinez Lake BILL WILLIAMS RIVER Maria 1 Mittry Lake 2 Quigley Pond Redondo Pond Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District Canal System Poston la Bouse 13 yuma County Water Users’ Association Canal System Salome 14 yuma West Wetlands Pond Wenden Vicksburg Quartzsite 00 Popular 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 special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — Colorado River Southwest Ehrenberg Cibola 8 3 12 13 4Somerton Morelos Dam Hyder Martinez Lake 9 11 Dome 4 12 14 5 11 Dateland Roll Wellton 6 5 10Tacna Gadsden San Luis 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 23 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 24 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov designated Urban Fishing program waters See designated urban fishing lake and pond regulations on pages 28–29. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park (city of Phoenix) 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) evelyn hallman pond (city of Tempe) 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) 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 (Roosevelt Lake). See page 48 for information on Lake pleasant, salt river, tonto Creek and Verde river. Live Baitfish Regulations See pages 12–13 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 33. 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 Urban Roosevelt Lake fishing license required. See pages 28–29.): Saguaro Lake Alvord Lake at Cesar Chavez Park Chaparral Park Lake Cortez Park Lake Desert Breeze Park Lake Desert West Park Lake Encanto Park Lake Evelyn Hallman Pond 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 Congress Crown King Yarnell Bumble Bee Black Canyon City Wickenburg Aguila Rye Rock Springs 5 5 Cave Creek Beardsley Sun City West Surprise Sun City El Mirage Youngtown Peoria Litchfield Park Wintersburg 4 4 Paradise Valley Glendale Tolleson Goodyear Buckeye Avondale 14 14 8 9 9 8 Scottsdale Arlington Mesa Chandler Punkin Center Roosevelt Ft. McDowell Fountain Hills 11 11 Tempe 12 12 Sunflower 2 2 13 13 Carefree Wittman Tonopah Young New River 6 6 Morristown n special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — Central 3 3 7 7 10 10 1 1 Tortilla Flat Claypool Apache Jct Miami Gilbert Superior Higley Sun Lakes Chandler Heights Florence Jct Queen Creek Kelvin Mobile Hyder Ak-Chin Maricopa Sacaton Kearney Coolidge Sentinel Gila Bend Stanfield Hayden Winkelman udleyvill Casa Grande Eleven Mile Corner Arizona City oy ho 00 Popular General Regulation Fishing Waters 00 Special Regulation Fishing Waters W Indian Reservation W Military Range or Proving Ground National Wildlife Refuge 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 25 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. 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. dankworth Lake The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. NEW NEW • Archer Lake at Christopher Columbus Park in Pima County • Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham Counties • Ash Creek and marijilda Creek and their tributaries in Graham County (Gila Trout recovery) • Bog hole Wildlife Area Posted portions • Bonita Creek in Graham County • Cienega Creek Posted portions in Pima County • Frye Creek in Graham 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 Frye mesa reservoir The limit is 1 Gila trout. For all other trout species, the limit is 6 in any combination. • o’donnell Canyon in Santa Cruz County 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. • West turkey Creek in Cochise County NEW parker Canyon Lake Daily bag limits have been reduced to 4 channel catfish. NEW pena Blanca Lake Catch-and-release only for largemouth bass. Bass must be immediately released unharmed through Dec. 31, 2014. The limit is 4 catfish in any combination. 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 Valid Urban fishing license required. See designated urban fishing lake and pond regulations on pages 28–29. • Kennedy park Lake (city of Tucson) • Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park (city of Tucson) • sahuarita Lake (town of Sahuarita) • silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park (city of Tucson) 26 Waters and Areas Closed to Fishing Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov • sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County Live Baitfish Regulations No live baitfish may be used or in possession on any waters in Pima or Cochise Counties, no exceptions. For waters in other counties within this fishing area, see pages 12–13. Waterdog Prohibitions No live waterdogs or salamanders may be taken, used or possessed 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 (this includes Parker Canyon Lake). See R12-4-313.C.4 (page 57) and R12-4-316.A & C (page 57). 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 33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3 7 Dankworth Lake 8 Frye Mesa Reservoir 9 Kearny Lake 10 Arivaca Lake special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Fishing Waters — Southeast 11 Rose Canyon Lake 12 Tucson Urban Fishing Lakes (Valid Urban fishing Parker Canyon Lake Patagonia Lake license required. See pages 28–29.): Pena Blanca Lake Kennedy Park Lake Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park Roper Lake Riggs Flat Lake 13 Sahuarita Lake (Urban Fishing Lake) 00 Popular 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 Kearny C 5 Morenci Fort Thomas Hayden Winkelman Casa Gran Eleven Mile Corner Arizona City Geronimo s Pima La Palma 2Thatcher Klondyke Eloy Red Rock Marana Summerhaven Oro Valley am Duncan Fort Grant Oracle San Manuel Oracle Jct. 8 9 3 94 10 Mammoth Picacho Bonita Redington 11 ta Rosa 12 Willcox Dos Cabezas South Tucson Cababi Cochise Three Points Comobabi Vail Dragoon 12 13 Sahuarita Sells owlic Kansas Settlement Benson Portal Sunsites Green Valley Artesa San Simon Bowie Tanque Verde n Curtis St. David Sunizona Topawa Arivaca Jct. ori Fairbank Madera Canyon Sonoita Elgin S Arivaca Sasabe Tubac Tumacacori 1 Rio Rico 8 Patagonia 7 7 Fort Huachuca Tombstone Huachuca City McNeal Sierra Vista 6 Lochiel Elfrida Naco Douglas 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 27 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 11 times, there are 9 deliveries of 11 inch and over rainbow trout, and two loads of catchable sunfish. Annual Fish Stocking Schedule Catfish Trout Sunfish Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 4 7 9 1 1 The 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 29 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 • 2013 Arizona Urban Fishing Program guidebook. Available at Department offices, license dealers or on the Web at www.azgfd.gov. (see page 4) • 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: weekly Fishing Reports, Stocking Schedules, Fishing Photos and more. DESIGNATED URBAN FISHING WATER REGULATIONS URBAN PONDS (LESS THAN 3 ACRES) Legal Fish Daily and Possession Bag Limits trout Unlicensed persons under the age of 14 and blind residents 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 All other species (including, but not limited to, crappie, yellow bass, carp and tilapia) 28 URBAN LAKES (3 ACRES OR MORE) Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov special regulations and seasons — Fish: Commssion order 40 Tucson Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes  Silverbell Lake at Christopher Columbus Park 2 Kennedy Park Lake 3 Lakeside Lake at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park 4 Sahuarita Park Lake Payson Green Valley Park Urban Fishing Program Lakes Phoenix Area Designated Urban Fishing Program Lakes ChAndLer  Desert Breeze 2 Veterans Oasis GiLBert 3 Water Ranch mesA 4 Red Mountain 5 Riverview sCottsdALe  Chaparral sUrprise  Surprise tempe  Hallman  Kiwanis peoriA 6 Rio Vista phoeniX 7 Alvord 8 Cortez 9 Desert West  Encanto  Papago Ponds  Steele Indian School Urban Lakes Urban Ponds (< 3 acres) 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 29 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 A.R.S. §17-303 and 17-304, or Commission Rules R12-4-301, R12-4-801, R12-4-802, and R12-4-803. open season dates notes open Areas Legal Amphibians Bag and possession Limit A. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 5, 6, and 7) Statewide, except areas closed in Note 5 and 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. B. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 (1, 2, 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) Ten (10) per day or in possession per species live or dead. C. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas Two (2) per year or in possession (1, 2, 6, and 7) Craugaster augusti (barking frog) Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Note 6 live or dead. D. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas All species in the genus Ambystoma (waterdog or tiger (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) Unlimited live or dead. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Notes 4 and 6 salamander) E. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas (1, 2, 6, 7, and 8) Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog) Unlimited dead. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Notes 6 and 8 F. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas All species in the genus Xenopus (clawed frogs) and (1, 2, 6, and 7) Unlimited dead. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Note 6 Bufo marinus (giant toad) G. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas (1, 2, 6, 7, and 9) Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frog) Unlimited dead. Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014 closed in Notes 6 and 9. H. There is no open season on Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi (Sonoran tiger salamander), 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). Amphibian notes: 1. A fishing or combination license is required for take of amphibians. Amphibians may be taken day or night per R12-4-313. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. The possession limit for (Craugaster augusti) barking frogs legally held prior to January 1, 2005 is 10 per person. 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. No Hyla wrightorum (Arizona treefrogs) may be taken in Cochise or Santa Cruz counties. Amphibians may not be taken at any time (or during periods specified) within the following areas: (1) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. (2) Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. (3) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and one-half mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. (4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) Grand Canyon National Park. Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forest Boundary. Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of yuma. The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. Posted portions of Alamo Lake. Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. Posted portions of Lake Mead. 7. 8. 9. (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. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria National Monuments are open to the take of wildlife. Havasu, Bill Williams River, Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges are open to the take of bullfrogs, as permitted by refuge regulations (posted areas are closed). Rana berlandieri (Rio Grande leopard frogs) may not be taken from the portion of the Hassayampa River between Wickenburg and Morristown. Crustaceans and mollusks: Commission Order 42 Requires a valid fishing or combination license Statewide — As defined in ARS§17-101, but does not include any area closed under ARS §17-303 and 17-304, or R12-4-801, R12-4-802 and R12-4-803. open season dates notes open Areas Legal Crustaceans and mollusks Bag and possession Limit A. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2013 Statewide, except areas in All crustaceans and mollusks, except All Unlimited dead, except that area in Note 3. Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2014 Notes below. those named in Subsection B 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), the Rosemont talussnail (Sonorella rosemontensis), and the California floater (Anodonta californiensis). Crustaceans and mollusks 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. 2. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 3. 4. 30 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. 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) (2) Posted boundaries of State or Federal hatcheries, except for Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsored fishing clinics. Posted boundary of the Region I regional headquarters in Pinetop. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) The Colorado River one-half mile upstream and onehalf mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Reservoir. Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Crustaceans and mollusks notes continued: (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of yuma. Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. Posted portions of Alamo Lake. Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. (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 GenerAL CONSULT THE 2013 & 2014 ARIZONA REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF COMMISSION ORDER 43 (includes terrestrial). * Open Areas do not include private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or 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. Other Notes may apply (see Open Areas information below). open season dates notes open Areas Legal reptiles Bag and possession Limit Statewide, except areas closed in Note 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 (1, 6, 9, 10, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species Unlimited dead. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 11, 12, 13) (also noted above*). of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) Limited WeApon reptile notes: 1. A hunting or combination license is required for take of reptiles. A fishing or combination license is required for take of softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R12-4-304(F) for restrictions on trapping and the use of artificial light and firearms. 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. 2. A hunting or combination license is required for take of reptiles. A fishing or combination license is required for take of softshell turtles. Reptiles may be taken day or night. See R12-4-304(F) for restrictions for trapping and 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 R12-4-318(C.6). 6. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation, the yuma Proving Ground, and Camp Navajo control access to hunting on their installations. 9. The Fort Huachuca Military Reservation controls access to the taking of aquatic wildlife on its installation. 10. 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 onehalf mile downstream from its confluence with the Little Colorado River. (4) That portion of the Little Colorado River lying within the Grand Canyon National Park. (5) Lee Valley Creek above Lee Valley Lake. (6) Gap Creek between Honeymoon Cabin and its confluence with the Verde River. (7) Mineral Creek in Apache County upstream of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary. (8) Posted areas immediately above the dams at Upper Lake Mary, Alamo Lake and Lake Mead. Posted areas immediately below Davis, Hoover, Glen Canyon, Waddell (Lake Pleasant), Roosevelt, Horse Mesa and Mormon Flat dams. (10) Posted, Spawning Pond Number 1 and Spawning Pond Number 2 located along the Salinity Canal north of yuma. (11) The Luna Lake Wildlife Area from April 1 through July 31. (12) Posted portions of Alamo Lake. (13) Posted portions of the Tonto Arm of Roosevelt Lake from January 1 through February 15 and from November 15 through December 31. (14) Posted portions of Mittry Lake from November 15 through February 15 annually. (15) Posted portions of Becker Lake are closed to all public entry from December 15 through June 15. (16) Posted portions of Lake Mead. (17) Posted portions of Powers Butte Wildlife Area are closed to entry for the purpose of taking wildlife. (18) Posted portions of Bog Hole Wildlife Area. (19) Posted portions of Lake Havasu. (20) Posted portions of Cienega Creek in Pima County. (21) Aravaipa Creek in Pinal and Graham counties. (22) Sycamore Creek in Santa Cruz County. (23) Cibola Lake from the first Monday in September (Labor Day) through March 15. (24) Posted portions of Martinez Lake from October 1 through March 1. (25) Posted in accordance with and pursuant to ARS 17-303 and 304. 11. The Grand Canyon-Parashant, Vermillion Cliffs, Sonoran Desert, Ironwood Forest, and Agua Fria national monuments are open to the take of wildlife as permitted by monument regulations. 12. Open Areas do not include private lands within city limits and areas within municipal parks, municipal preserves, county (9) parks, county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water treatment facilities (except as specifically opened in this Commission Order) or 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. 13. General Reptile seasons must comply with R12-4-304 - Lawful Methods for Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles. F. An individual may take reptiles by any method not prohibited in R12-4-303 or R12-4-318 under the following conditions. An individual: 1. Shall check pitfall traps of any size daily, release non-target species, remove pitfalls when no longer in use, and fill any holes; 2. Shall not use firearms at night; and 3. May use artificial light while taking reptiles, if the light is not attached to or operated from a motor vehicle, motorized watercraft, watercraft under sail, or floating object towed by a motorized watercraft or a watercraft under sail. 14. Limited Weapon Reptile seasons must comply with R12-4-318. Seasons for Lawfully Taking Wild Mammals, Birds, and Reptiles. C. When designated by Commission order, the following seasons have specific requirements and lawful methods of take more restrictive than those for general and special seasons, as prescribed in this Section. While taking the species authorized by the season: 6. An individual participating in a “limited weapon” season may only use or possess the following methods or devices for taking wildlife, when prescribed in R12-4-304 as lawful for the species hunted: bow and arrow; crossbow; pneumatic weapons; falconry; slingshots; any trap except foot-hold steel traps; nets; hand-propelled projectiles; or capture by hand. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations special requirements 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, R12-4802 and R12-4-803. open season dates notes open Areas Legal reptiles Bag and possession Limit Private lands within city limits and areas within Apalone spinifera (spiny softshell), Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2013 (2, 6, 9, 10, municipal parks, municipal preserves, county parks, Trachemys scripta (slider), and all species Unlimited dead. Jan 1, – Dec 31, 2014 11,14) county preserves, airports, golf courses, or posted water of the family Chelydridae (snapping turtles) treatment facilities. except areas closed in Note 10. 31 Don’t Move a Mussel — Now It’s the Law 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, Red Mountain Lake in Mesa, and are spreading through the Central Arizona Project canal, possibly into Salt River Project canals. Quagga and zebra mussels currently are the highest profile species on the department’s aquatic invasive species list (A.R.S. 17-255 — Director’s Order 1), which also includes: New Zealand mudsnail, rusty crayfish, giant salvinia, northern snakehead, didymo (rock snot), red claw crayfish, Asian carp and apple snail. What is a Quagga? (A.R.S. 17-255 — Director’s Order 3) dAY Users: Any watercraft, boats, vehicles, conveyances, or other equipment that have been in or on aquatic invasive species (AIS) listed waters for 5 days or less (Mead, Mohave, Havasu and Pleasant). day-use decontamination protocols: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Before leaving the vicinity of the AIS listed water, clean/remove any clinging material. remove the plug and drain the water. dry completely. 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 and occluding underwater objects, pipes and surfaces. LonG term Users And moored BoAts: Any watercraft, boats, vehicles, equipment, or conveyances that have been in or on aquatic invasive species (AIS) listed waters for more than 5 days. How do they spread? Mandatory decontamination protocols must include minimum dry times. These invasive mussels can live for two to four years and can release up to 1 million fertilized eggs in a year. A single cup of water left in a bait bucket or boat’s bilge can contain thousands of microscopic larvae called veligers. 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, through hull fittings, 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 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. 32 Arizona Game and Fish Department Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Protocols Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Long-term moored Boat decontamination protocols: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Clean/remove any clinging material. remove the plug and drain the water. Physically remove all visible attached mussels. Flush engine and cooling system with pressurized hot water. Keep the boat out of the water and dry (desiccation) for a minimum of 18 consecutive days during the months of November through April or 7 consecutive days from May through October. Completely fill out and file the required Aquatic Invasive Species Boating Inspection Report (AISBIR). This form can be downloaded at www.azgfd.gov/ais. For more information visit www.azgfd.gov/ais. Watercraft Regulations 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) What safety equipment is required to be on board a watercraft? Which watercraft are required to be registered and numbered? • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs or life jackets): you must carry at least one properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III life jacket for each person on board the watercraft. Life jackets should be properly sized and fitted to the intended wearer and worn to the design specifications of the manufacturer. 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) 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) What is the minimum age for a watercraft operator? • 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)) • 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 website at www.azgfd.gov/boating. 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 Pond Redondo Pond Riggs Flat Lake Roper Lake Santa Fe Lake Scott’s Reservoir Sierra Blanca Lake Soldier 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 C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Cataract Lake Chevelon Canyon Lake 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 special requirements 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: • Fire Extinguishers: All watercraft, unless exempt, must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved working and serviceable fire extinguisher. (A.R.S. 5-332) Motor Restrictions: no powerboats allowed on: Frye Mesa Reservoir Rose Canyon Lake Snow Flat Lake (AGFD R12-4-517 (A)(B)(C)) This list was effective May 24, 2011 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 33 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 8, 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 14–29) to find out if bag and size limits are different on the body of water you plan to fish. Fish art by Mary Hirsch and Randall D. Babb 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 28 inches. Weight: up to 15 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 20 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 18 inches. Weight: up to 4 pounds. Brown Trout Apache Trout (native) Grayling Description: Olive-brown with yellowish sides. Some orange or red spots on the sides, spots often encircled with light yellow or white Dark spots on back and sides. Tail fin usually unspotted or vaguely spotted. Adipose fin usually orange or reddish. Length: 6 to 30 inches. Weight: up to 20 pounds. Description: The Apache is one of Arizona’s two native trout species and is the Arizona state fish. Body color is yellowish-gold at the top of the head and the back is a dark olive. Dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are white tipped with dark, bold spots on dorsal and tail fin. Spotting on the body is sparse and irregular and may extend below the lateral line. Two small black spots on either side of pupil give appearance of black stripe through eye. Length: 6 to 20 inches. Weight: up to 5 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 14 inches. Weight: up to 1.5 pound. 34 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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 25 inches. Weight: up to 15 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 12 inches. Weight: up to 3 pounds. Description: Large mouth with blue-green striations on the cheeks. Opercle flap is black with reddish or orange border. Body olive-green in color, dark vertical bars on sides. Pectoral fin short and rounded. Caudal fin and lower fin margins are white or yellowish with dusky spots at rear of dorsal and anal fins. Length: 3 to 10 inches. Weight: up to 1.5 pounds. Smallmouth Bass 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 20 inches. Weight: up to 6 pounds. Redear Sunfish 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 4 pounds. Black Crappie 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 15 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 50 inches. Weight: up to 60 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 18 inches. Weight: up to 4 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 13 inches. Weight: up to 1.5 pounds. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Fish identification,tips and resources Temperate Bass Family 35 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 35 inches. Weight: up to 30 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 50 inches. Weight: up to 70 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 16 inches. Weight: up to 3 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 28 inches. Weight: up to 14 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 45 inches. Weight: up to 30 pounds. Description: Back olive-green; sides brassyyellow with 6 to 9 dark vertical bars; Belly is white. Anal fin, pectoral and pelvic fins are amber-orange tinted. Small teeth, not caninelike. 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 40 inches. Weight: up to 40 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 42 inches. Weight: up to 40 pounds. Pike and Perch Family Minnow Family 36 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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 28 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 38 inches. Weight: up to 35 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 6 pounds. Protected Native Fish: See page 8 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. 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: 12 to 36 inches. Weight: up to 20 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: 12 to 30 inches. Weight: up to 8 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: up to 3 pounds. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Fish identification,tips and resources Colorado River Pikeminnow 37 Basic Fishing Setups Proper rigging of your hooks, weights and baits is a fundamental part of your fishing success. The following methods have proven to work well for trout, catfish and bluegill in lakes and ponds. Use lighter line and smaller hooks and weights for trout and bluegill. Some baits such as worms are effective for all fish, however most other baits are species specific. Swivel Egg Sinker ¼– ½ oz. 8-18 inches Figure 1: egg sinker setup Catfish Line: 8 to 12 lb. test hook Size: 2 to 6 baitholder Bait: Worms, stink baits, hotdogs, liver, shrimp Catfish are best caught using a hook and sinker setup (fig. 1 and fig. 2). Catfish bite best in darker environments. Fish the deepest spots during the daytime and shallower areas after dark. Split Shot Sinker Figure 2: split shot sinker setup 8-18 inches trout Line: 4 to 6 lb. test hook Size: 8 to 12 baitholder Bait: Worms, salmon eggs, Power Bait When using prepared floating baits, the bottom fishing set up with an egg sinker is most effective (fig. 1). When fishing for trout, use the egg sinker set-up with 4or 6-pound line tied below the swivel to the hook. Fishing with a bobber (fig. 3) can work well for trout when using non-floating baits such as worms or salmon eggs. In addition to the baits suggested for trout, small in-line spinners such as Panther Martins or Mepps, or spoons such as KastMasters or Super Dupers, can be effective. Stick Bobber 2-4 feet Split Shot Sinker sunfish/Bluegill Line: 2 to 6 lb. test hook Size: 8 to 12 baitholder Bait: Worms, mealworms, corn Sunfish or bluegill can be caught using the bobber setup (fig. 3). Use a small stick or round bobber and fish along the lake edges in 4-8 feet of water. Use enough weight below the bobber so that it can be pulled underwater easily. Try to cover up the hook with the bait. 38 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 8-18 inches Figure 3: Bobber setup Simple Tips for Family Fun! Remembering these five simple kid-style tips will help make your next family fishing trip an enjoyable and memorable experience 1. Keep it simple and safe. Forget technique and tactics, kids just want to throw a line in the water and catch something. Choose simple equipment. A push button spincast reel and a 5-6 foot rod are best. Pack only the amount of tackle you need to keep everybody fishing (hooks, bobbers and weights). See inside back cover for lists and pictures of basic fishing supplies. Fish with easy-to-use bait secured under a small bobber or on the bottom. Provide your youngster with his or her own small tackle kit. Spend your time teaching and coaching the kids, don’t plan to do much fishing yourself. 2. Be prepared. Have all the things you need to fish beforehand, so when you go fishing there are no delays. Get lots of worms. They are great universal bait and kids will love the dirt, slime and squirm of worms. Bring drinks and snacks in a small tote — being in the outdoors makes kids hungry. Bring a camera to capture the memories. 3. Make it fun. Take kids to a place where they can catch a lot of fish such as bluegill. Help them identify their catch (see pages 34–37) and teach them how to properly handle the fish they catch. If fishing is slow, take a short break and walk the shoreline or play at the nearby playground. Relax and have patience. Seize opportunities to explore and discover, to make up games and to tell stories. Standard Fishing Knot trilene Knot (a strong all-purpose knot) 1. Run the ends of the line through the eye of the hook two times. 4. Involve the kids. Whenever you can, let kids do things themselves — bait the hook, cast their own rods, reel in the fish and remove the fish from the hook. Give kids a role for the day — choosing where to fish, what to bring for snacks, how long to fish each spot, netting the fish or counting the birds. 2. Loop the line around 4 or 5 times, then thread the loose end back between the two loops near the hook as shown. 5. Go where the fish are. Nearby Urban Fishing Program waters are excellent locations to catch all kinds of fish including bluegill, trout and catfish. Lakes are stocked every two weeks for 10 months of the year. 3. Pull tight. Trim the loose end. poaching is not fishing! poachers are not fishermen! Do the right thing. Report a violator. your tip can make the difference in apprehending a fish thief. A 24/7 hotline to report fish and wildlife violations Report a violation. Rewards of $50-$1,000 are offered for information leading to an arrest for fishing violations. Callers can remain anonymous. Call 1-800-352-0700. Bag and possession limits provide everyone with a chance at a quality fishing experience and protect the fishery. Any angler that keeps or gives away more than their limit is breaking the law—they are thieves stealing fish from you and other responsible anglers. your help is needed to catch these violators. If you witness an angler keeping more than the daily bag and possession limit, fishing without a license, fishing with more than two poles at the same time, or not complying with other fishing rules, contact the Game Thief Hotline to report the violation. Reported violations are prioritized based on the quality of the information provided. Because the Department has a limited number of Wildlife Officers statewide, it is not possible to have an immediate response to every call. That is why it is important that you be a good witness so that follow-up by an officer can be conducted. Be a good witness: • Recognize what specific activities are violations. • Do not put yourself in danger or confront the violator. • Write down the date, time and specific park and lake location. Fish identification,tips and resources Violators Steal Your Fish — Help Us Catch Game Thieves! • Write down a description of the person(s) (physical and clothing). • If possible, get the vehicle description and license plate number. • Try to take pictures or video of the violation and violator. • Call or go online to report the violation as soon as possible. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 39 Take Me Fishing! There are numerous helpful how-to fishing resources available both online and in book form for anglers of all skill levels. These information sources are great places to find answers to most questions a novice or new fisherman may have. and everything about fishing. It is a resource that will be a valuable asset to any angler. take me Fishing Website • How to Fish: Everything you need to know about technique, presentation, hook set, landing the fish, and preparing your catch. www.takemefishing.org is a website dedicated to getting people outside and fishing with friends and family. This site features many links to anything • Where to fish: An interactive map that pinpoints fishing hotspots and amenities all throughout the United States. Find a good spot near you. • Fishopedia: A listing of commonly sought after sport fish found throughout the 50 states, with tips on identification, where to find them, and how to fish for each of them. pictures, and stories to not only educate children about fishing, but to get them excited to go out with their family for a day of fun. • Community/Anglers Legacy: The community aspect of this site is geared to create an atmosphere where new anglers are being brought into the fishing community by friends and family. Taking others fishing with you is a great way to share the rich legacy of fishing. Passing on fishing skills, tips, and memories will ensure future generations can enjoy the fun sport of fishing. • Little Lunkers: Children have a section of the site which uses fish-related games, Sport Fishing Education Program What is it? The Arizona Game and Fish Department has a statewide Sport Fishing Education Program which teaches introductory fishing skills to people of all ages. Fishing clinics are led by Department sanctioned instructors. All educational materials, rods and reels, bait, and terminal tackle are provided at no charge. Topics of instruction include: where and when to fish; selecting tackle and bait; casting and rigging techniques; fishing safety and ethics; care of your catch; and much more. schedule a Fishing program for Your Group. Groups of 25 or more are eligible to submit an online application requesting a sport fishing education program for their group at no charge. The majority of participants must be 8 years or older. The Department will provide a fishing instructor, up to 100 rods and reels, bait, and educational handouts. We will meet your group at a fishing location of your choice. Scheduling of group fishing programs is on a first come, first serve basis and available dates fill up fast. open to the public Fishing programs. Individuals, families or groups are welcome to attend our “Open to the Public” fishing events conducted throughout the year. For a schedule of programs, visit our website at www.azgfd.gov and look under Education Programs, Sport Fishing Education, then to Schedule of Public Fishing Programs. rod Loaner program. The Department has fishing equipment available for loan to the public. Loaner sites include the 40 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Department’s Phoenix headquarters office and six regional offices. Up to 100 rods and reels with tackle are available to borrow for up to a week. Become a Fishing Volunteer! The Department is looking for qualified individuals who want to volunteer with the Sport Fishing Education Program. you don’t have to be an expert angler to help others learn basic fishing skills. Be an active participant in Arizona’s fishing legacy. For information on Sport Fishing Education programs, rod loaner programs or volunteer opportunities, call (623) 236-7219 or visit our website at www.azgfd.gov. Where to Fish by Species 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 website at www.azgfd.gov. Bluegill (sunfish): Canyon Lake, 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, Tempe Town Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake. Channel Catfish: Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Colorado River below Parker Dam, Saguaro Lake, Alamo Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Bartlett Lake, Lake Powell, Fool Hollow Lake, Lake Havasu, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake, Verde River, Topock Marsh, and designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Crappie: Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant, Kaibab Lake, and Alamo Lake. Flathead Catfish: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Lake Pleasant, Colorado River at yuma, Topock Marsh, 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. smallmouth Bass: Apache Lake, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Verde River, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Topock Gorge, 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, Deadhorse Ranch State Park, West and East Fork of the Black River, C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge), Canyon Creek, Chevelon Canyon Lake, West Clear Creek, Crescent Lake, Goldwater Lake, J.D. Lake, Knoll Lake, Lee Valley Lake, Lees Ferry on the Colorado River, Colorado River below Davis Dam, Little Colorado River, Luna Lake, Lynx Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Oak Creek, Parker Canyon Lake, River Reservoir, Salt River below Saguaro Lake, Show Low Lake, Tonto Creek, Verde River from Clarkdale to Camp Verde, Woods Canyon Lake, White Horse Lake, Willow Beach, and Willow Springs Lake. Winter-only trout stockings occur at: Canyon Lake, Cluff Pond, Fortuna Pond, Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake, Pena Blanca Lake, Redondo Pond, Roper Lake, Saguaro Lake, Tempe Town Lake, yuma West Wetlands, and all 21 designated Urban Fishing Program waters. Walleye: Apache Lake, Show Low Lake, Upper Lake Mary, Fool Hollow Lake, Lyman Reservoir and Lake Powell. White Bass: Lake Pleasant. Yellow Bass: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Tempe Town Lake, and Upper Lake Mary. 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 recipes. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Fish identification,tips and resources Largemouth Bass: Alamo Lake, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, Mittry Lake, Lake Mohave, Tempe Town Lake and Topock Marsh. northern pike: Upper Lake Mary, Long Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, and Rainbow Lake. 41 Arizona State Fish Records As reported to and verified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Updated Nov. 30, 2012. 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 2 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, Gila 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. 29 lb. 13.76 oz. 45.25 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. 3 lb. 5.6 oz. 19.25 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 Park Lake Parker Canyon Lake Patagonia Lake Goldwater Lake Saguaro Lake Hurricane Lake 4 Sunrise Lake 4 Reservation Lake 4 Luna Lake Frye Mesa Reservoir Willow Springs Lake Show Low Lake Encanto Park Lake Stoneman Lake Randall E. White, Mesa Eric Woolsey, Cottonwood Dennis K. Barnhill, Mesa Bob Liddington, Phoenix David Amburgey, Peoria Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff Christopher Ray Mapes, Prescott Valley Leon Stewart, Payson David Hoenshell, Mesa Mikki St. George, Sierra Vista Patricia Simmon, Phoenix Jonathan Gardner, Phoenix Chuck Berndt, Sierra Vista Adrian Manzanedo, Florence John Shadrick, Mammoth Robert Schnell, Glendale Glenn D. Davis III, Flagstaff 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 Robert Woods, Flagstaff 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 7/13/10 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 2/28/11 9/29/06 11/18/02 7/12/02 3/21/84 inLAnd WAters — CAtCh-And-reLeAse 1 42 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 Roundtail Chub Sucker, Sonora Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Tilapia Trout, Apache Trout, Brook Trout, Brown 28 in. 23 in. 29 in. 18 in. 13 in. 13 in. 41 in. 37 in. 32 in. 53 in. 16 in. 13 in. 34 in. 16 in. 22 in. 10 in. 11 in. 18 in. 27 in. 13 in. 23 in. Lake Pleasant Roosevelt Lake Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant Roosevelt Lake Mohawk Wellton Canal Apache Lake McKellips Lake Fool Hollow Lake Roosevelt Lake Apache Lake Lake Pleasant Long Lake Verde River Lower Salt River Papago Ponds #2 Papago Ponds #2 Tempe Town Lake Silver Creek Crescent Lake Black River Bill Wilson, Glendale Ginger Wright, Tonto Basin Bill Larson, Phoenix Bradley Garraway, Phoenix Tom Simpson, Pahrump, NV Bob Dippery Sr., Apache Junction Bill Groseclose, Apache Junction Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Justin William Glen Hulbert, Show Low Andrew Srejic, Avondale Ron Robinson, Alta Vista, IA Mary Moore, Glendale Mark A. Halter, Cottonwood Dave Wagner, Dewey Brian Weisheim, Scottsdale Mack Hollen Jr., Phoenix Warren Hollen, Phoenix Brandon Williams, Scottsdale Tim McGough, Scottsdale Brian Weisheim, Scottsdale Benjamin A. Payne, Tucson 3/12/05 6/18/06 11/9/06 3/24/05 12/10/08 4/15/11 4/23/03 5/6/06 4/10/09 9/23/06 4/6/98 01/31/06 6/27/09 9/13/11 12/18/09 6/19/04 7/3/04 4/29/09 10/2/09 5/19/09 6/23/07 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Gila Trout, Rainbow Walleye White Amur (triploid) 17 in. 15 in. 32 in. 33 in. 47 in. Big Lake Frye Mesa Reservoir Silver Creek Fool Hollow Lake Encanto Park Lake Brian Weisheim, Scottsdale David Griffith, Thatcher Ben Sandall, Flagstaff Gregg Munck, Show Low Denny Noel, Phoenix 4/28/09 3/14/11 1/30/10 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 size Location Angler date Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped 3 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 3 Tilapia Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Walleye Warmouth 16 lb. 14.0 oz. 28.25 in. 5 lb. 10.08 oz. 21.25 in. 67 lb. 1.0 oz. 47.5 in. 5 lb. 5.0 oz. 19.6 in. 3 lb. 10.4 oz. 15.25 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. 5 lb. 8.8 oz. 16.75 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 Lake Havasu Colorado River, Willow Beach Imperial Reservoir Colorado River, Laughlin Lake Colorado River near Bullhead City Lake Havasu Topock Marsh Colorado River - Laguna Dam Havasu Springs, Lake Havasu Near Pilot Knob Colorado River/Gila R. confluence Colorado 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 Justin Kerr, Lake Havasu City Jeff Smith, Henderson, NV Norman Mize, Chula Vista, CA Michael Tahash, Laughlin, NV Douglas R. Pinotti, Mesa Gary Ramsfield, Lake 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, Lake Havasu City Jose Orozco, Poston Rob Woodford, Bullhead City Robert Lawler, 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 R. Ferguson, yuma 3/8/96 11/8/11 8/15/97 3/72 9/14/10 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 5/2/11 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 Tilapia Trout, Rainbow Warmouth White Amur (triploid) 28 in. 22 in. 45 in. 48 in. 17 in. 22 in. 10 in. 44 in. Lower Colorado River Lake Havasu Colorado River, Bullhead City Lake Mohave Colorado River Colorado River, Bullhead City Colorado River, Imperial Dam Colorado River, yuma David Percell, Bullhead City Jeffrey Dean, Lake Havasu City Kenan Guleryuz, Bullhead City Gary Sweet, Bullhead City Barbara Harp, Mackay, ID Kenan Guleryuz, Bullhead City Barbara Harp, Mackay, ID Richard Halliwill, Nutrioso 2/17/04 2/12/05 10/4/10 10/20/07 2/10/12 11/5/10 3/26/06 4/9/09 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 Fish identification,tips and resources species name 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. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 43 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.)  yes, the Arizona Game and Fish Department may use my photo for promotional purposes. 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. A photo copy of the current valid license, or verification by a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, 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, totallength 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 total length in inches only (longest measurement from the snout or nose to the tip of the compressed tail). 44 • Total length of the fish must be measured. A clear photo verifying the species and length must be included with the entry form, include a tape measure, ruler or other measuring device next to the fish in the photograph. • 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. 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 at a Location Near You The Arizona Game and Fish Department has placed 23 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. phoenix Area Flagstaff Area pinetop Area Yuma 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 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 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 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 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 Alamo Lake State Park Store 38 miles north of Wenden at the lake Hours: Mon–Sun 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 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road Kingman, AZ 86409 (928) 692-7700 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale capacity: 60 pounds 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 prescott Walmart 3050 E. State Route 69 Prescott, AZ 86301 (928) 445-1113 Open 24 hours Scale capacity: 30 pounds Bullhead Riviera Marina 520 Riviera Blvd Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928)763-8550 Hours: Mon–Sun 7:30 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. Scale capacity: 60 pounds Lone Eagle Outdoors 2381 Highway 260 Overgaard, AZ 85933 (928) 535-4323 Summer hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Winter hours: Wed–Sun 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 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 Fisher’s Landing Martinez Lake Road yuma, AZ 11 miles W. on Martinez Lake Rd. from Hwy 95 (MP 46.9) Winter hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Summer hours: Mon–Thurs 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Fri–Sun 7:00 a.m. to dusk 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 patagonia Lake Marina Cove Store at Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-5545 Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 120 pounds Bass Tackle Master 362 London Bridge Rd., Suite 1 Lake Havasu, AZ Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–6:p.m., Sat 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 6:00 a.m.–noon Scale Capacity: 30 pounds 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Fish identification,tips and resources Saguaro Lake Marina Hours: Mon–Sun 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Scale Capacity: 30 pounds Kingman Area 45 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 website 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, the Arizona Game and Fish Department investigates 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, site-specific 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 from these locations. Please examine the Site Specific Fish Consumption Advisories table. 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. Lead and Fishing Some kinds of fishing equipment such as sinkers and jigs are made from lead, which can be dangerous to the health of humans and wildlife. you can reduce your exposure to lead from fishing equipment by following a few simple guidelines: • Never put lead in your mouth (use pliers to close sinkers around fishing line). you can help prevent the spread of whirling disease in the following ways: • Don’t touch or eat food after handling lead fishing equipment without washing your hands first. • Do not transport live fish or fish parts from one body of water to another. • Don’t let small children handle lead fishing equipment. • 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 Initiative’s website at www.whirlingdisease.montanta.edu. Some birds have been poisoned by eating lead fishing equipment because they mistake it for food. Although there is little evidence that this occurs often in Arizona, you can help to assure that this does not happen. To prevent wildlife exposure to lead: • Consider using alternatives to lead when you purchase fishing equipment (steel, bismuth, tungsten, resin, or glass weights). • Make reasonable attempts to recover any lost equipment made from lead. • Clean up any lead fishing tackle you find on shore or in the shallows. 46 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Site Specific Fish Consumption Advisories For the following waters, do not consume any fish or aquatic organisms: • Arivaca Lake (mercury) • Dysart Drain (pesticides) • Lower Salt and Gila rivers from 59th Avenue down to and including the Painted Rocks Reservoir, Painted Rocks Borrow Pit and the lower portion of the Hassayampa River (historic use of pesticides) For the following waters, it is oK to consume trout only, but do not consume any other fish or aquatic organisms: • Pena Blanca Lake (mercury) • Long Lake, Soldier Lake and Soldiers Annex Lake (mercury) WAterBodY nAme (ContAminAnt) AdVised ConsUmption rAtes (BAsed on UnCooKed portion) For the following waters, restrictions are placed on the consumption of one or more game fish species. Other fish species found in these waters (e.g., trout) do not have any consumption restrictions. Coors Lake (mercury) Largemouth bass • Pregnant women and children under the age of 16 – no consumption of largemouth bass. • Women of child-bearing age – one 8 ounce meal per month of largemouth bass. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 yrs – four 8 ounce meals per month of largemouth bass. Lake pleasant (mercury) Largemouth bass • Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 – no consumption of largemouth bass. • Women of child-bearing age and children between the ages of 6 and 16 – one 8 ounce meal per month of largemouth bass. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 yrs - five 8 ounce meals per month of largemouth bass. Lake powell southern portion of Lake Powell from Dangling Rope Marina to Glen Canyon Dam (mercury) striped bass • Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 – one 4 ounce meal per month of striped bass. • Women of child-bearing age and children between the ages of 6 and 16 - two 8 ounce meals per month of striped bass. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 - eight 8 ounce meals per month of striped bass. Lyman Lake (mercury) Walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish • Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 – no consumption of walleye, largemouth bass or channel catfish. • Children between the ages of 6 and 16 – no consumption of walleye or largemouth bass; one 8 ounce meal per month of channel catfish. • Women of child-bearing age – one 8 ounce meal per month of walleye, largemouth bass or channel catfish. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 - three 8 ounce meals per month of walleye or largemouth bass; or five 8 ounce meals per month of channel catfish. parker Canyon Lake (mercury) Largemouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike • Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 – no consumption of largemouth bass, bluegill or northern pike. • Children between the ages of 6 and 16 – no consumption of largemouth bass; one 8 ounce meal per month of bluegill or northern pike. • Women of child-bearing age – one 8 ounce meal per month of largemouth bass or bluegill; or two 8 ounce meals per month of northern pike. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 - three 8 ounce meals per month of largemouth bass; or five 8 ounce meals per month of bluegill; or six 8 ounce meals per month of northern pike. trout: No limits on consumption. roosevelt Lake (mercury) Largemouth bass and channel catfish • Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 – no consumption of largemouth bass or channel catfish. • Women of child-bearing age and children between the ages of 6 and 16 – one 8 ounce meal per month of largemouth bass or channel catfish. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 - five 8 ounce meals per month of largemouth bass or channel catfish. Lower tonto Creek from Hells Gate Wilderness (one mile below Bear Flat Campground) to Roosevelt Lake (mercury). This advisory does not apply to fish caught from upper Tonto Creek from the fish hatchery downstream to Bear Flat Campground. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, green sunfish, and black bullhead • No consumption. Carp • Children under the age of 6 – no consumption. • Children between the ages of 6 and 16 – one 8 ounce meal per month of carp. • Adults (16 yrs and older) – two 8 ounce meals per month of carp. trout: No limits on consumption. Upper and Lower Lake mary (mercury) Walleye • No consumption. All other fish species (except trout) • One 8 ounce meal per month. trout: No limits on consumption. Fish identification,tips and resources Alamo Lake (mercury) Largemouth bass, black crappie, and channel catfish • Pregnant women and children under the age of 16 — no consumption of largemouth bass, black crappie or channel catfish. • Women of child-bearing age — one 8 ounce meal per month of largemouth bass, black crappie or channel catfish. • Adult women past child-bearing age and men older than 16 yrs — four 8 ounce meals per month of largemouth bass or black crappie; or six 8 ounce meals per month of channel catfish. note: there are no fish consumption advisories anywhere statewide for trout (includes all trout species). 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 47 Angler Access Restrictions In addition to fishing area and season closures identified on pages 14-27, 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 five–eight 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. • Crescent Lake – A portion of the entrance road may be restricted to a “no stopping zone” and a portion of land near the parking area may be closed to foot entry from April 1 through July 30. Contact the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, (928) 339-4384. • 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 may be 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 – Portions of the lake’s east side may be closed to vehicle or foot traffic and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to watercraft from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000. • show Low 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. • 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 Cold Water Creek, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, (928) 567-4121. • Verde River near East Verde River, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (928) 595-3300. • 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) 402-6200. • 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) 610-3300. • Salt River near Goldfield-Kerr Fire Station is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, (480) 610-3300. 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: • Luna Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed 48 to public entry from Feb. 15 through July 31 annually. • mittry Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Nov 15 through Feb 15 annually. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov • roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area: Posted portions closed to public entry from Nov 15 through Feb 15 annually. Accessible Fishing Opportunities Bartlett Lake (21 miles east of Cave Creek) Rattlesnake Recreation Site • Parking, restrooms, fishing pier Becker Lake (2 miles west of Springerville) • Designated fishing pier, parking Lake mary, Upper (17 miles southeast of Flagstaff) Day Use Site #2 • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Big Lake ( 25 miles south of Eagar) • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Lake mohave (5 miles north of Bullhead City) Katherine Landing, • Restrooms, fishing pier Canyon Lake (18 miles north of Apache Junction) LaBarge Cove • Parking, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic facilities Lake pleasant (15 miles north of Peoria) 10 lane boat ramp • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms 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 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 Lake havasu (near Lake havasu City) Mesquite Cove • Parking, restrooms, fishing piers parker Canyon Lake (30 miles southwest of Sierra Vista) • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms, fishing piers Site Six • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms, fishing pier patagonia Lake (10 miles northeast of Nogales) • Parking, restrooms Bill Williams Refuge Headquarters • Parking, restrooms, fishing dock, lighted pathway redondo pond • Parking, fishing pier roosevelt Lake (26 miles northwest of Globe) Cholla Recreation Area • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, passenger loading platform, parking, restrooms 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 Keyhole • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, fishing piers topock marsh (4 miles north of Golden Shores) Catfish Paradise • Restrooms 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 2013 Urban Fishing Program guidebook for locations in the Phoenix and Tucson areas as well as Payson) • Parking, restrooms, shade, shoreline access, picnic facilities Take-Off Point • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms Fish identification,tips and resources Kaibab Lake (2 miles north of Williams) • Designated fishing pier Lake powell (5 miles north of Page) Wahweep • Developed fishing pier riggs Flat Lake (15 miles southwest of Safford) • Parking, trail access to shoreline Windsor Beach State Park • Boat ramp and courtesy dock, parking, restrooms 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 49 March 23-24, 2013 Ben Avery Shooting Facility 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd., Phoenix, AZ Visit www.azgfd.gov/expo for updates. Experience the great outdoors at the Arizona Game and Fish Department 2013 Outdoor Expo. Loads of exciting hands-on activities, educational presentations/demos, and the chance to meet with outdoor groups, agencies and vendors to learn about Arizona’s outdoor recreational opportunities. F r e e a d M i s s i o n a n d pa r k i n g 50 Hunting Camping Off-highway vehicle recreation Fishing Watercraft recreation Conservation and wildlife education Archery Shooting sports Visit with more than 150 exhibitors Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov AdPages2013.indd 2 11/27/2012 10:36:34 AM 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations AdPages2013.indd 4 51 11/27/2012 10:35:40 AM Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish) 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. 52 “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 that 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. “Domicile” means a person’s true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence. Proof of domicile in this state may be shown as prescribed by rule by the commission. “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 does any of the following: (a) Advertises for guiding services. (b) Holds himself out to the public for hire as a guide. (c) Is employed by a commercial enterprise as a guide. (d) Accepts compensation in any form commensurate with the market value in this state for guiding services in exchange for aiding, assisting, directing, leading or instructing a person in the field to locate and take wildlife. (e) Is not a landowner or lessee who, without full fair market compensation, allows access to the landowner’s or lessee’s property and directs and advises a person in taking wildlife. “License year” means the twelve month period between January 1 and december 31, inclusive. “nonresident”, for the purposes of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp, means a citizen of the United states or an alien who is not a resident. 14. “Open season” means the time during which wildlife may be lawfully taken. 15. “possession limit” means the maximum limit, in number or amount of wildlife, which may be possessed at one time by any one person. 16. “resident”, for the purposes of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp, means a person who is: (a) A member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty and stationed in: (i) This state for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp. (ii)Another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp. (b) domiciled in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of applying for a license, permit, tag or stamp and who does not claim residency privileges for any purpose in any other state or jurisdiction. 17. “Road” means any maintained right of way for public conveyance. 18. “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. 19. “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. 20. “Taxidermist” means any person who engages for hire in the mounting, refurbishing, maintaining, restoring or preserving of any display specimen. 21. “Traps” or “trapping” means taking wildlife in any manner except with a gun or other implement in hand. 22. “Wild” means, in reference to mammals and birds, those species that are normally found in a state of nature. 23. “Wildlife” means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and fish, including their eggs or spawn. 24. “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: 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. 1. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 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. (law not cited in entirety) 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. 2. 3. Be not less than eight inches by eleven inches with plainly legible wording in capital and bold-faced lettering at least one inch high. Contain the words “no hunting”, “no trapping” or “no fishing” either as a single phrase or in any combination. Be conspicuously placed on a structure or Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish) 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. 1. 2. The land has been posted pursuant to this section and the notices and signboards also contain the words “no trespassing”. The person knowingly remains unlawfully on any real property after a reasonable request to leave by the owner or any other person having lawful control over the property or the person knowingly disregards reasonable notice prohibiting trespass at the person’s entry to any real property. 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 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 crops, personal property, notices or signboards, or other improvements while hunting, trapping or fishing. 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. 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. Take big game, except bear or mountain lion, with the aid of dogs. Make more than one use of a shipping permit or coupon issued by the commission. 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. take wildlife during the closed season. 11. take wildlife in an area closed to the taking of that wildlife. 12. take wildlife with an unlawful device. 13. take wildlife by an unlawful method. 14. take wildlife in excess of the bag limit. 15. possess wildlife in excess of the possession limit. 16. Possess or transport any wildlife or parts of the wildlife which was unlawfully taken. 17. Possess or transport the carcass of big game without a valid tag being attached. 18. Use the edible parts of any game mammal or any part of any game bird or nongame bird as bait. 19. possess or transport the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife which cannot be identified as to species and legality. 20. take game animals, game birds and game fish with an explosive compound, poison or any other deleterious substances. 21. Import into this state or export from this state the carcass or parts of a carcass of any wildlife unlawfully taken or possessed. B. Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is specifically prescribed a person who violates any provision of this title, or who violates or fails to comply with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. C. A person who knowingly takes any big game during a closed season or who knowingly possesses, transports or buys any big game which was unlawfully taken during a closed season is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. D. A person is guilty of a class 6 felony who knowingly: 1. Barters, sells or offers for sale any big game or parts of big game taken unlawfully. 2. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife unlawfully taken during a closed season. 3. Barters, sells or offers for sale any wildlife or parts of wildlife imported or purchased in violation of this title or a lawful rule of the commission. 4. Assists another person for monetary gain with the unlawful taking of big game. 5. Takes or possesses wildlife while under permanent revocation under section 17-340, subsection B. E. A peace officer who knowingly fails to enforce a lawful rule of the commission or this title is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. A.R.S. 17-314 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. A.R.S. 17-331 License or proof of purchase required; violation of child support order A. except as provided by this title or commission order, a person shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid license or a commission approved proof of purchase. the person shall carry the license or proof of purchase and produce it upon request to any game ranger, wildlife manager or peace officer. B. A certificate of noncompliance with a child support order issued pursuant to section 25-518 invalidates any license or proof of purchase issued to the support obligor for taking wildlife in this state and prohibits the support obligor from applying for any additional licenses issued by an automated drawing system under this title. C. On receipt of a certificate of compliance with a child support order from the court pursuant to section 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Arizona revised statutes and Commission rules A. Unless otherwise prescribed by this title, it is unlawful for a person to: 8. 53 Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish) 25-518 and without further action: 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 and honorary licenses A. the commission may issue a complimentary license to: A pioneer seventy years of age or older who has been a resident of this state for twentyfive 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. B. The commission may issue a youth class F license for a reduced fee, as prescribed by the commission, to a resident of this state who is a member of the boy scouts of America who has attained the rank of eagle scout or a member of the girl scouts of the USA who has received the gold award. 1. A.R.S. 17-340 revocation, suspension and denial of privilege of taking wildlife; notice; violation; classification A. On 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. 54 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 17 341 or section 17 362, subsection A. 7. A violation of section 17-309, subsection A, paragraph 5 involving a waste of edible portions other than meat damaged due to the method of taking as follows: (a) Upland game birds, migratory game birds and wild turkey: breast. (b) Deer, elk, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, bison (buffalo) and peccary (javelina): hind quarters, front quarters and loins. (c) Game fish: fillets of the fish. 8. 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. A person who is assessed civil damages under section 17-314 shall not apply for or obtain a license during the pendency of an action for damages, while measures are pursued to collect damages or prior to the full payment of damages. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov licensing authority furnishes satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation. E. In carrying out 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. 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 Violation; classification A. it is unlawful for a person to knowingly purchase, apply for, accept, obtain or use, by fraud or misrepresentation a license, permit, tag or stamp 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 ArizonaColorado river special use permit, as provided by sections 17-343 and 17-344, which shall be obtained on payment of a fee to be fixed by the commission at not to exceed four dollars. such a permit shall not be required to take fish or amphibians from canals, drains or ditches used to carry water from the Colorado river for irrigation or domestic purposes. B. A person having in his possession a valid Arizona fishing license must have a California-Colorado river special use permit to legally fish the waters described in subsection A of this section. A person having in his possession a valid California angling license must have an Arizona-Colorado river special use permit to legally fish the waters Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 17 Laws (Game and Fish) 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. 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. 11. 12. 13. 18. 20. 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 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 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Arizona revised statutes and Commission rules 10. “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) 55 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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. §§ 17-211(D) and 17-331, or to establish voluntary wildlife survey stations to gather biological information. (rule not cited in entirety) R12-4-310 Fishing permits A. the department may issue a Fishing permit to state, county, or municipal agencies or departments and to nonprofit organizations licensed by or contracted with the department of economic security or department of health services, whose primary purpose is to provide physical or mental rehabilitation or training for individuals with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities. the permit will allow individuals with physical, developmental, or mental disabilities to fish without a fishing license. the permit will authorize this activity for up to 20 individuals for the two days specified on the permit upon any public waters except that fishing in the waters of the Colorado river is restricted to fishing from the Arizona shoreline only, unless the persons fishing under the authority of the permit also possess a valid Colorado river stamp from the adjacent state. the individuals fishing under the authority of the permit shall comply with other statutes, Commission orders, and rules not contained in this section. B. An applicant for a Fishing Permit shall provide the following to the Department: 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. 56 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. between Arizona and nevada, shall have in possession: 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. 1. 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. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov 2. 3. 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 r12-4101, only in areas designated by Commission order; and Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing shall not use waterdogs as live bait in that portion of santa Cruz County lying east and south of state highway 82 or that portion of Cochise County lying west of the san pedro river and south of state highway 82. D. in addition to angling, an individual may also take the following aquatic wildlife using the following methods, subject to the restrictions of r12-4-303, r12-4-317, and this section: 4. 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 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 A. Methods of lawfully taking aquatic wildlife during seasons designated by Commission order as “general” seasons are designated in R12-4-313. 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. 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. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D. An individual shall not import, transport, move between waters, or possess live crayfish for personal use as live bait except as allowed in 12 A.A.C. 4, Article 4, and except for the portion of La paz County west of highway 95 and south of interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado river from the palo Verde diversion dam downstream to the southern international boundary with mexico. E. An individual may trap or capture live crayfish as provided in r12-4-313. A person may use live crayfish as bait only in the body of water where trapped or captured, not in an adjacent body of water, except for the portion of La paz County west of highway 95 and south of interstate 10, Yuma County, and on the Colorado river from the palo Verde diversion dam downstream to the southern international boundary with mexico. F. An individual shall not transport crayfish alive seasons for Lawfully taking Fish, mollusks, Crustaceans, Amphibians, and Aquatic reptiles 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: 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 Commission order to allow fish to be taken by hand, or by any hand-held, non-motorized implement that does not discharge a projectile. The “special” season may apply to any waters where a fish die-off 1. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Arizona revised statutes and Commission rules 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 hand-held, 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. 1. prohibited by the provisions of r12-4-313 or r124-317, but the individual shall not transport the fish alive from the waters where taken except as allowed in r12-4-316. 57 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing 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 58 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 F. Closures of all or any part of a wildlife area to public entry, and any restriction to public use of a wildlife area, shall be listed in this Article or shall be clearly posted at each entrance to the wildlife area. No person shall conduct an activity restricted by this Article or by such posting. G. When a wildlife area is posted against travel except on existing roads, no person shall drive a motoroperated vehicle over the countryside except by road. H. The Department may take action to manage the access and use of any Commission real property or facilities. Such actions may include restrictions for the timing, type, or duration of certain activities, including the prohibition of access or type of use. I. No person shall access or use any Commission real property or facilities in violation of any Department actions authorized under subsection (H), if signs are posted providing notice of the restrictions. Wildlife Areas General provisions R12-4-1101 A. Wildlife areas shall be established to: Aquatic invasive species: definitions 1. Provide protective measures for wildlife, habitat, or both; 2. Allow for special management or research practices; and 3. Enhance wildlife and habitat conservation. B. Wildlife areas shall be: 1. Lands owned or leased by the Commission and managed by the Department; 2. Federally-owned lands of unique wildlife habitat where cooperative agreements provide wildlife management and research implementation; or 3. Any lands with property interest conveyed to the Commission by any entity, through approved land use agreement, including but not limited to deeds, patents, leases, conservation easements, special use permits, licenses, agreement, management agreement, inter-agency agreements, letter agreements, and right-of-entry, where said property interest is sufficient for management of the lands consistent with the objectives of the wildlife area. 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. Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov In addition to the definitions provided under A.R.S. §§ 5-301 and 17-255, the following definitions apply to this Article, unless otherwise specified: “Aquatic invasive species” means those species listed in director’s order 1. “Certified agent” means a person who meets Department standards to conduct inspections authorized under A.R.S. § 17-255.01(C)(1). “Conveyance” means a device designed to carry or transport water. Conveyance includes, but is not limited to, dip buckets, water hauling tanks, and water bladders. “equipment” means an item used either in or on water; or to carry water. equipment includes, but is not limited to, trailers used to launch or retrieve watercraft, rafts, inner tubes, kick boards, anchors and anchor lines, docks, dock cables and floats, buoys, beacons, wading boots, fishing tackle, bait buckets, skin diving and scuba diving equipment, submersibles, pumps, sea planes, and heavy construction equipment used in aquatic environments. “Operator” means a person who operates or is in actual physical control of a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance or equipment. “Owner” means a person who claims lawful possession of a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment. “Person” has the same meaning as defined under A.R.S. § 1-215. “Release” means to place, plant, or cause to be placed or planted in waters. “Transporter” means a person responsible for the overland movement of a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment. “Waters” means surface water of all sources, whether perennial or intermittent, in streams, canyons, ravines, drainage systems, canals, springs, lakes, marshes, Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules About Fishing reservoirs, ponds, and other bodies or accumulations of natural, artificial, public or private waters situated wholly or partly in or bordering this State. R12-4-1102 Aquatic invasive species; prohibitions; inspection, decontamination protocols A. A person shall not, unless authorized under Article 4: possess, import, ship, or transport into or within this state an aquatic invasive species, unless authorized by the director. 2. sell, purchase, barter, or exchange in this state an aquatic invasive species. 3. release an aquatic invasive species into waters or into any water treatment facility, water supply or water transportation facility, device or mechanism in this state. B. Upon removing a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment from any waters listed in director’s order 2 and before leaving that location, a person shall: 1. remove all clinging materials such as plants, animals, and mud. 2. remove any plug or other barrier that prevents water drainage or, where none exists, take reasonable measures to drain or dry all compartments or spaces that hold water. reasonable measures include, but are not limited to, emptying bilges, application of absorbents, or ventilation. C. Before transporting a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment to any waters located within or bordering this state from waters or locations where aquatic invasive species are suspected or known to be present, as listed in director’s order 2, a person shall comply with the mandatory conditions and protocols identified in director’s order 3 for decontamination of watercraft, vehicles, conveyances, and equipment. determining compliance with A.r.s. § title 17, Chapter 2, Article 3.1 and this section. 1. D. department employees, certified agents, and Arizona peace officers authorized under A.r.s. § 17-104 may inspect a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment for the purposes of Arizona’s list of aquatic invasive species: (A.r.s. 17-255 — director’s order 1) • quagga mussel zebra mussel rusty crayfish redclaw crayfish New Zealand mudsnail didymo, a.k.a rock snot giant salvinia Asian carp (silver, big head, black) apple snail northern snakehead F. the following director’s orders are available at any department office and online at azgfd.gov: director’s order 1 - Listing of Aquatic invasive species for Arizona, 2. director’s order 2 - designation of Waters or Locations Where Listed Aquatic invasive species are present, and 3. director’s order 3 - mandatory Conditions on the movement of Watercraft, Vehicles, Conveyances, or other equipment from Listed Waters Where Aquatic invasive species are present. G. This Section does not apply to owners and operators exempt under A.R.S. § 17-255.04. 1. Arizona’s list of aquatic invasive species affected waters: (A.r.s. 17-255 — director’s order 2) • • • • • • • Lake mead (quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail) Lake mohave (quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail) Lake havasu (quagga mussel, didymo) Lower Colorado river below Lake havasu to mexico (quagga mussel, giant salvinia, apple snail) Lake pleasant (quagga mussel) Lees Ferry (New Zealand mudsnail) Lower salt/Verde river (apple snail) 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations Arizona revised statutes and Commission rules • • • • • • • • • E. If the presence of an aquatic invasive species is documented or suspected on or in a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment, a Department employee or any Arizona peace officer may order the person to decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated such watercraft, vehicles, conveyances, and equipment using the mandatory protocols described in Director’s Order 3. 59 Special Regulation Waters Index A Ackre Lake .................................................................14 Alamo Lake ............................................................... 22 Alvord Lake .........................................................24, 29 Arivaca Lake ............................................................. 26 B Bear Canyon Lake.....................................................18 Beaver Creek, Wet and Dry .....................................16 Becker Lake ...............................................................14 Black Canyon Lake ...................................................18 Bright Angel Creek................................................... 20 Burro Creek ...............................................................14 G Granite Basin Lake....................................................16 Green Valley Park Lakes ................................... 18, 29 Growler Pond ........................................................... 22 h p Papago Park Ponds 1-3 .....................................24, 29 Parker Canyon Lake ................................................ 26 Pena Blanca Lake ..................................................... 26 Perkins Tank...............................................................16 Q Quigley Pond ............................................................ 22 r C J Canals in the yuma Area ........................................ 22 Canyon Creek ............................................................18 Carnero Lake .............................................................14 Cataract Lake .............................................................16 CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge Reservoir) .........18 Chaparral Park Lake ..........................................24, 29 Chevelon Creek .........................................................18 Chevelon Lake ...........................................................18 City Reservoir ............................................................16 Cluff Ranch Ponds 1 and 3 ..................................... 26 Colorado River ..................................................20, 22 Colorado River, Lees Ferry ..................................... 20 Colorado River, Parker Strip................................... 22 Colorado River, Willow Beach ............................... 20 Colorado River, yuma area .................................... 22 Cortez Park Lake ................................................24, 29 Council Park Pond, Somerton ................................ 22 Coyote Creek .............................................................14 Crystal Gardens Water Treatment Facility ............ 24 J.D. Dam Lake............................................................16 Red Mountain Park Lake...................................24, 29 Redondo Pond ......................................................... 22 Rio Vista Park Pond ...........................................24, 29 Riverview Park Lake ..........................................24, 29 Roper Lake ................................................................ 26 K s Kaibab Lake ...............................................................16 Kearny Lake .............................................................. 26 Kennedy Park Lake ............................................26, 29 Kiwanis Park Lake ..............................................24, 29 Knoll Lake ..................................................................18 Sahuarita Park Lake...........................................26, 29 Salt River (upper)..................................................... 24 Salt River Project Canal System ............................. 24 Santa Fe Reservoir ....................................................16 Silver Creek................................................................14 Silverbell Lake ....................................................26, 29 Steele Indian School Park Pond .......................24, 29 Stone Dam Lake ........................................................16 Surprise Park Lake .............................................24, 29 d m Dankworth Lake ....................................................... 26 Dead Horse State Park Lagoons .............................16 Desert Breeze Park Lake ...................................24, 29 Desert West Park Lake ......................................24, 29 Mamie Creek .............................................................14 Maricopa Lake.......................................................... 24 Martinez Lake ........................................................... 22 Middle Tank ...............................................................16 Mittry Lake ................................................................ 22 e East Clear Creek ........................................................18 East Verde River ..................................................16, 18 Elk Tank ......................................................................16 Encanto Park Lake .............................................24, 29 Evelyn Hallman Pond ........................................24, 29 F 60 Fain Lake ....................................................................16 Fortuna Pond ............................................................ 22 Fossil Creek, Middle Reach ....................................16 Francis Short Pond....................................................16 Frye Mesa Reservoir ................................................ 26 Home Creek...............................................................14 Horseshoe Lake ....................................................... 24 L Lake Havasu ............................................................. 22 Lake Mary, Lower .....................................................16 Lake Mead ................................................................ 20 Lake Mohave ............................................................ 20 Lake Pleasant............................................................ 24 Lake Powell............................................................... 20 Lakeside Lake .....................................................26, 29 Lee Valley Lake..........................................................14 Long Tom Lake ..........................................................18 n Nelson Reservoir.......................................................14 Nutrioso Creek ..........................................................14 o Oak Creek ..................................................................16 Oak Creek, West Fork...............................................16 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov t Tempe Town Lake .................................................... 24 The Pond at Town Hall ............................................ 24 Thompson Creek ......................................................14 Topock Marsh ........................................................... 20 V Verde River, and tributaries.....................................16 Veterans Oasis Park Lake..................................24, 29 Virgin River ............................................................... 20 W Water Ranch Park Lake .....................................24, 29 West Clear Creek ......................................................16 West Fork of the Black River ...................................14 Wildcat Creek ............................................................14 Willow Springs Lake .................................................18 Woodland Lake .........................................................14 Woods Canyon Lake ................................................18 Y yuma West Wetlands Pond .................................... 22 Index A e Accessible Fishing Opportunities........................... 49 Amphibian Regulations ........................................... 30 Angler Access Restrictions ...................................... 48 Angler’s Legacy ........................................................ 40 Apache Lake ............................................................. 25 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest ....................... 62 Aquatic Invasive Species ............................ 32, 58, 59 Aquatic Reptile Regulations .....................................31 Arizona Fish Records .........................................42, 43 “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” Book ....................................4 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules ...55–59 Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17 Laws ...........52–55 Arizona State Parks State Office ............................ 62 Ashurst Lake ..............................................................17 Egg Sinker Setup ...................................................... 38 F Baitfish Regulations ................................. 9, 10, 11, 57 Bald Eagle Closures ................................................. 48 Bartlett Lake.............................................................. 25 Big Lake ......................................................................15 Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge ........ 62 Black River .................................................................15 Boating and Watercraft Information ..................... 33 Bobber Setup............................................................ 38 Fish&Boat Arizona ......................................................3 Fish Consumption Advisory ............................. 46, 47 Fire Restrictions/and or Closures .......................... 62 Fish Identification ..............................................34–37 Fish Stocking................................................................4 Fish Weighing Scale Locations ............................... 45 Fishing Clinics ....................................................... 5, 40 Fishing Setups .......................................................... 38 Fishing Tips ............................................................... 39 Fishing Waters Central Arizona ...............................................24–25 Colorado River Northwest ............................. 20–21 Colorado River Southwest .............................22–23 Mogollon Rim.................................................. 18–19 North Central ...................................................16–17 Southeast Arizona ..........................................26–27 Urban Fishing Program..................................28–29 White Mountains ............................................ 14–15 Fool Hollow Lake ......................................................15 Free Fishing Days ........................................................5 C G Canyon Lake ............................................................. 25 Capturing Live Baitfish ............................ 9, 10, 11, 57 Catch and Release Record Program...................... 44 Central Arizona Fishing Waters .......................24–25 Christopher Creek.....................................................19 Civil Liability ..............................................................10 Closures to Fishing .........................10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 48 Coconino National Forest ....................................... 62 Colorado River Northwest Fishing Waters ..... 20–21 Colorado River Southwest Fishing Waters .....22–23 Commission Order 40: Fish .........................8, 14–29 Commission Order 41: Amphibians ...................... 30 Commission Order 42: Crustaceans and Mollusks................................... 30 Commission Order 43: Reptiles (aquatic only) ....31 Common Violations ..................................................11 Complimentary Licenses ...........................................6 Coronado National Forest ...................................... 62 Crayfish ......................................................9, 11, 41, 57 Crescent Lake ............................................................15 Crustaceans and Mollusks Regulations ................ 30 General Limits and Seasons ......................................8 General Statewide Regulations .......................... 8–13 Glen Canyon NRA.................................................... 62 Goldwater Lake .........................................................17 Greer Lakes................................................................15 B d Daily Bag and Possession Limits.................... 8, 9, 10 Definitions...........................................................52, 55 Department Offices ....................................................1 Dogtown Reservoir ...................................................17 h Havasu National Wildlife Refuge ........................... 62 Hook and Line Methods ............................................9 i Illegal Fish Stocking ............................................12, 41 Imperial National Wildlife Refuge ......................... 62 Interactive Fishing Map ..............................................3 Licenses ...............................................................5, 6, 7 Complimentary .....................................................6 Disabled Veteran ............................................6, 54 Family Fishing License .........................................7 Fees ....................................................................6, 7 Lifetime Fishing License ......................................6 Lost and Duplicate ...............................................9 Pioneer.............................................................6, 54 Requirements ....................................................5, 9 Revocation ........................................................... 10 Super Conservation..............................................7 Where to Buy ............................................... 5, 6, 7 Limits ...........................................................8, 9, 10, 52 Littering ......................................................................11 Little Colorado River .................................................15 Live Bait, Capturing ...........................9, 10, 11, 12, 57 Live Baitfish........................................................ 12 , 13 Long Lake...................................................................17 Luna Lake...................................................................15 Lynx Lake ...................................................................17 m Measuring Fish ..........................................................10 Mercury ............................................................... 46, 47 Mogollon Rim Fishing Waters .......................... 18–19 Motor Restrictions.................................................... 33 n Nonresident .................................................... 5, 11, 52 North Central Fishing Waters ............................16–17 o Online Resources ........................................................2 Operation Game Thief ...................................... 10, 39 p Patagonia Lake ........................................................ 27 Pioneer Fishing License ...................................... 6, 54 Prescott National Forest.......................................... 62 Protected Native Fish .......................................... 8, 37 Q K Quagga Mussels ....................................................... 32 Kaibab National Forest ........................................... 62 Kinnikinick Lake ........................................................17 r L Lake Mead National Recreation Area ................... 62 Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County Parks ................ 62 Lead and Fishing ...................................................... 46 Length Limits .............................................................10 Rainbow Lake ............................................................15 Record Fish Entry Form .......................................... 44 Regulation Changes....................................................2 Reptile Regulations (aquatic only) .........................31 Residency ........................................................ 5, 11, 52 Resource Agency Directory .................................... 62 Riggs Flat Lake.......................................................... 27 Roosevelt Lake ......................................................... 25 Rose Canyon Lake ................................................... 27 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 61 Index (continued) s Saguaro Lake ............................................................ 25 Salt River (lower) ..................................................... 25 Show Low Lake .........................................................15 Southeast Arizona Fishing Waters ...................26–27 Special Regulations............................................ 14–29 Split Shot Sinker Setup ............................................ 38 Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs ..... 63 Stamps Colorado River Special Use ................6, 9, 20, 22 Fees ....................................................................6, 7 Lifetime Trout Stamp............................................6 Trout Stamp .................................................6, 9, 11 Two Pole Stamp ..........................................6, 9, 11 Utah Lake Powell Stamp .......................... 6, 9, 20 Where to Buy ........................................................5 Resource Agency Directory For the Weekly Fishing report on the Web .............................................................................. www.azgfd.gov 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 t prescott national Forest .................................................................... (928) 443-8000 Table of Contents ........................................................1 Take Me Fishing ....................................................... 40 Tonto Creek ...............................................................19 Tonto National Forest .............................................. 62 Transportation and Storage of Fish ..................10, 11 Trilene Knot .............................................................. 39 tonto national Forest ..........................................................................(602) 225-5200 U Upper Lake Mary ......................................................17 Urban Fishing Program Waters .......................28–29 U.S. Bureau of Land Management State Office ... 62 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service................................. 62 V Verde River................................................................ 25 Violations ...................................................................11 W Watercraft and Motor Restrictions ........................ 33 Waterdogs........................................................... 12, 57 Watson and Willow lakes ........................................17 Weekly Fishing Report ...............................................2 Where to Fish in Arizona .........................................41 Whirling Disease ...................................................... 46 White Mountains Fishing Waters..................... 14–15 Whitehorse Lake .......................................................17 Wildlife Area Restrictions ........................................ 48 Y youth Fishing ........................................................ 5, 40 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 • 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) 338-4288 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/lake/ or call .......................................................................................(702) 293-8990 Glen Canyon (Lake powell, Lees Ferry) on the Web ....................................................................... www.nps.gov/glca/ or call .......................................................................................(928) 608-6200 Lake pleasant — maricopa County parks......................................... (928) 501-1710 62 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov Fishing produces $1.3 billion in economic impact to the state of Arizona annually. 2013 Arizona Fishing Regulations 63 Outdoor Products & Services Alpine Arizona Fishing Tackle Luna Lake Big Fish Contest Gunsmithing Taxidermy Fishing Guide / Outfitter 64 Arizona Game and Fish Department • www.azgfd.gov AdPages2013.indd 1 11/27/2012 10:40:44 AM AdPages2013.indd 5 11/27/2012 10:35:15 AM AdPages2013.indd 6 11/27/2012 10:34:34 AM